Home > > Home

ForumsHome

Up to All Forums
This thread is locked

This Question is Answered

1 2 3 Previous Next
Post a new topic
Click to view PR_Boston's profile EXPERT PR_Boston 27 posts since
Jul 9, 2008
15. Re: Event: How can I get the media to feature my business? Jul 11, 2008 9:30 AM
in response to: NatOnline
Have you considered trying to partner with a hotel, travel or beauty spa in Hawaii? Often times a co-branded sponsorship is more affordable and can help you get the same results. Additionally, it puts you and your partner into places you might not be able to get into on your own.
Once you have a little momentum , the magazines may want to write a story about your collaboration.
Report as inappropriate
Click to view PR_Boston's profile EXPERT PR_Boston 27 posts since
Jul 9, 2008
16. Re: Event: How can I get the media to feature my business? Jul 11, 2008 9:33 AM
in response to: MetroGal
It's likely the bakery either reached out directly to the newspaper, or indirectly (by sending them baked goods). Journalists love to eat so be congnizant of that.
Pitching your story first requires you think about what your story is. It's not enough that you exist; what makes you different? What makes you interesting? Is there a good back story involving your parents or how you fell into the sub shop business. Reporters want good stories--and free food
Report as inappropriate
Click to view PR_Boston's profile EXPERT PR_Boston 27 posts since
Jul 9, 2008
17. Re: Event: How can I get the media to feature my business? Jul 11, 2008 9:35 AM
in response to: SB.i2i
Draft a press release (1 page) which gives an overview of your product and establishes its value proposition to the market in general or the specific end user. Then send the release to appropriate trade publications in your particular field. You can also consider sending something to the editor at Mass High Tech (if you are a MA, RI or CT company). If you really want to get fancy, send the release over businesswire (www.businesswire.com)
Report as inappropriate
Click to view PR_Boston's profile EXPERT PR_Boston 27 posts since
Jul 9, 2008
18. Re: Event: How can I get the media to feature my business? Jul 11, 2008 9:38 AM
in response to: FCPainter
Celebrities tend to be private and cautious about lending their name or likeness to a commercial enterprise. But, you could try and make contact with magazines and TV programs which feature makeovers and celebrity news. They may be working on a feature about a certain celebrity's home and your painting could be mentioned as part of the overall story
Report as inappropriate
Click to view PR_Boston's profile EXPERT PR_Boston 27 posts since
Jul 9, 2008
19. Re: July 11: Working with the media to feature your business Jul 11, 2008 9:42 AM
in response to: djwst26
There are a number of ways you could approach a local paper or TV station:
1-How are gas prices affecting your business?
2-What, if any, changes do you observe in the neighborhoods you visit?
3-Are kids more or less concerned about obesity (can you tell by what they order)?
4-What are the 3 most popular items on the ice cream truck? Has that changed over the years?
5-How has your business changed?

Reporters like to report on trends or find examples of cultural occurrences which are shifting. You have a unique vision on things and could offer an interesting perspective.
Report as inappropriate
Click to view PR_Boston's profile EXPERT PR_Boston 27 posts since
Jul 9, 2008
20. Re: Event: How can I get the media to feature my business? Jul 11, 2008 9:46 AM
in response to: HumanArrow
Identify what it is that makes your approach different and offer that to reporters who cover business for the main papers in Chicago and Milwaukee. you don't have to know these people ahead of time but you do have to present them something that will make a good story to peak their interest. Reporters "sell" their story ideas to their editors (or producers in TV) to get the green light. Think of it this way: reporters are constantly on the lookout for stories that will entice readers/viewers to consume their story. Things that have a pop culture appeal or connection to something in the news cycle (gas prices) are always welcome.
Report as inappropriate
Click to view PR_Boston's profile EXPERT PR_Boston 27 posts since
Jul 9, 2008
21. Re: July 11: Working with the media to feature your business Jul 11, 2008 9:51 AM
in response to: mominbiz
Advertising and PR are very different in one way: 1 is free; the other is costly. If you are going to advertise be sure you simply state why customers should consider your service (is it cost, convenience, service?). If you are going to go the PR route you need to entice the media with something about you or the business that is newsworthy.
What might be fun is to create some videos from the dog's perspective (and in the dog's voice) which explain why you are the best dog walking service. Then post them on YouTube, then let the local media know how the effort is helping grow your business.
Report as inappropriate
Click to view SBOCTeam's profile sboc SBOCTeam 328 posts since
Jul 27, 2007
22. Re: Live Now: Leverage the local media to feature your business Jul 11, 2008 1:01 PM
Welcome Matt,

Let's get started ok?

First question:

What makes a story "newsworthy?" Why do some stories get featured and others don't?
Report as inappropriate
Click to view PR_Boston's profile EXPERT PR_Boston 27 posts since
Jul 9, 2008
23. Re: Live Now: Leverage the local media to feature your business Jul 11, 2008 1:04 PM
in response to: SBOCTeam
Sometimes a story gets featured because it--or the business--is so interesting that it can't be ignored. but, often times it is because the individual or company has made an effort to entice the media to tell their story. Being successful at that requires giving some real thought to your business and what maeks it stand out.
Report as inappropriate
Click to view SBOCTeam's profile sboc SBOCTeam 328 posts since
Jul 27, 2007
24. Re: Live Now: Leverage the local media to feature your business Jul 11, 2008 1:07 PM
Great answer Matt!

Next question:

Once you identify a story that you want to tell the media, how do you reach out to the media and get in touch with the right person?
Report as inappropriate
Click to view PR_Boston's profile EXPERT PR_Boston 27 posts since
Jul 9, 2008
25. Re: Live Now: Leverage the local media to feature your business Jul 11, 2008 1:11 PM
in response to: SBOCTeam
If you have noticed that a particular reporter covers news related to your business I would try getting in touch with them first. The email subject line should say "story idea" and the email should be short and to the point. Major daily newspapers have people who cover specialy beats: business, retail, food etc; smaller weeklies have smaller staffs and in that case get in touch with any reporter or the editor.
Stories for TV typically go through the assignment desk. Find the name of an assignment editor and send them a short email.
Report as inappropriate
Click to view SBOCTeam's profile sboc SBOCTeam 328 posts since
Jul 27, 2007
26. Re: Live Now: Leverage the local media to feature your business Jul 11, 2008 1:16 PM

Community, keep those questions coming!

Matt, next question is...

Now that you have the media's attention, now what? How do you prepare to make sure that you and your business is portrayed in the best possible light?
Report as inappropriate
Click to view PR_Boston's profile EXPERT PR_Boston 27 posts since
Jul 9, 2008
27. Re: Live Now: Leverage the local media to feature your business Jul 11, 2008 1:20 PM
in response to: SBOCTeam
The preparation is key. You should already have talking points which explain your value proposition and what sets you apart from your competition. Don't wing it. These should be well thought out so when you have the opportunity to talk with a reporter you are emphasizing the main points.
Sometimes a reporter will try to divert the conversation so your answers fit his/her story. Remember to stay true to your talking points or else you may not be portrayed exactly as you hope.
Report as inappropriate
Click to view SBOCTeam's profile sboc SBOCTeam 328 posts since
Jul 27, 2007
28. Re: Live Now: Leverage the local media to feature your business Jul 11, 2008 1:24 PM
Perfect!

Our next question seems simple but important nonetheless

Will they just show up, or is this usually carefully planned/scheduled days in advance?
Report as inappropriate
Click to view PR_Boston's profile EXPERT PR_Boston 27 posts since
Jul 9, 2008
29. Re: Live Now: Leverage the local media to feature your business Jul 11, 2008 1:26 PM
in response to: SBOCTeam
That's a good question. It really depends on the nature of the story. If it's a feature, chances are it's been planned at least that day, though sometimes they are planned a week in advance (if a newsroom is really well organized).
But if, say, a truck plows into the front of your building--chances are news crews will just show up.
Report as inappropriate
1 2 3 Previous Next

More Like This

Most Recent Forum Posts

Need a custom software or a dynamic web application?
28 minutes ago

Inventing a product - where to start?
2 hours ago

NEW CAR SECURITY PRODUCT
2 hours ago

Home Based Jobs
2 hours ago

Legend

  • Open Question
  • Answered Question
  • New content since your last visit
  • Updated content since your last visit
  • Content you have read