Greetings! It’s the Monday following a very inspirational and motivational meeting of business people, organizations, social marketers and NC media personalities at the 10th anniversary celebration of Meet the Media. With over 200 in attendance, we had a great turnout. For those of you (like me) who may have missed a gem of an idea, we’ve posted this video for you!
My advice for maximizing your attendance? Write a thank you note to the media, the sponsors and those you met face-to-face. Include your business card and a special offer that gets them motivated to meet with you again in a more subdued setting.
Here is my “Positive Press Relations TO DO List,” to help you keep moving forward in your publicity efforts until the next Meet the New Media.
Daily
· Read local and national newspapers
If there is an issue being addressed that involves you personally or professionally, craft a paragraph or two to send to the media. Write it as if you were speaking directly to the reporter. Be sure to explain your position on the topic, provide some facts and figures that are helpful and let the reporter know you are happy to elaborate further.
Weekly
· Meet with your staff for story/release ideas
You must create a forum for the exchange of information with each of your employees. The people on the front lines usually provide the best information about what’s going on in your industry, with clientele – plus they read trade journals, watch TV and know what’s going on in the world, too.
Monthly
· Read your industry trade journals, cover to cover
Trade journals will give you industry forecasts, trends and statistics. Take that information, source it, and retell it to the local media – remember, you’re the expert. Pay special attention to numbers -- $ or % are meaningful to the press. Trade Journals will also give you ideas that companies like yours have tried. Perhaps you’ll find the publicity opportunity you’ve been looking for. Watch and learn from what other companies are doing.
· Write and send a news release
See the 88 Reasons to Send a News Release I handed out at the Meet the Media for ideas. You can also find it at www.MeetTheNewMedia.com/about/88reasons. There is always something you are doing that is of value.
Quarterly
· Phone the journalists who cover your industry
Ask if they’re working on a story you may be able to provide information for – they love help and you probably know research sources they are unaware of. Offer them a tidbit or two about the goings on of companies you have knowledge of. The more information you can provide to journalists, the more important you will become to them.
Yearly
· Meet, face-to-face with the journalists who cover your industry
Have you signed up for the next Meet the New Media yet? If not, go to: www.MeetTheNewMedia.com/register and sign up today.
You must log in to post a comment.