|
Article Directory
|
+ Authors
+ Articles
|
|
|
|
How Can I Take Advantage of Breaking News? Publicity Dilemma 9
Copyright (c) 2009-2012 Marcia Yudkin
If a news story breaks that relates to the services or products you sell, become alert, find an interesting way to make the connection, and take action as soon as possible. This is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to earn media coverage that captures attention in the marketplace.
The news you use as a hook might be front-page stuff or much more obscure. It could be national, international or local.
Let's say you're a plumber and you learn that the price of copper, which has been sky-high for the last year, suddenly dropped. The connection is that homeowners will soon have an opportunity to undertake kitchen or bath renovations for less because the price of copper pipes will be lower.
Or an earthquake occurs halfway around the world, killing thousands, in a city thought to have a low risk of quakes. You own an insurance company. You now have an opening to offer advice on whether or not those living in your locale should have earthquake coverage.
Or a celebrity's young daughter gets kidnapped, ransomed and returned home unharmed. Your firm manufactures bracelets that also secretly function as location devices. Had the daughter been wearing one of your bracelets, the police would have been able to find her within an hour.
Got the idea?
In the first two of these situations, the business seeking publicity serves local customers only, so they should direct their publicity tie-in efforts to local newspapers, TV and radio. In the third situation, the company should aim at national publicity first, since their customers live anywhere.
The simplest way to jump into action with your breaking news connection is to call a media outlet you have reason to believe would consider your story relevant and track down the reporter or editor who handles the subject matter. This is much easier than it sounds. You see, tips are the lifeblood of news organizations, so that unlike companies that shield employees from the public, they have to have a system of channeling story suggestions to the proper person.
All you have to do is call the main telephone number of the media outlet, ask for the "news desk" and then ask who you should contact about a real estate (for our first example), business (for the second) or child safety (for the third) story. When you reach the person covering your topic, explain your news connection in four sentences or less. If you're leaving a voice mail message, end with your call-back number. If you're talking to someone live, finish your pitch, shut up and wait for their response.
You can make this sort of pitch by email also, if you have a reliable email address for a reporter, tip line or topical editor. Keep it brief and to the point and include a phone number as well as your email address for a reply.
When you're trying to interest national media in your story, pitching media outlets one by one takes too much time. If you have a particular media outlet you think would be a likely match for your publicity angle, contact them as described above. For example, the child safety bracelet story would be perfect for morning TV news shows like "Today" or "CBS This Morning." Otherwise, writing and distributing a press release is the way to go.
A press release presents your news tie-in in a specific journalistic-style format. (Google "sample press release" to find models to follow.) Normally these are 400 words or less - a page or so - in length. Use a press release distribution service such as PR Newswire, PRWeb or Emailwire to get your release in front or media people and the public.
Above all, do not delay. What's hot and exciting today may evoke no interest at all tomorrow or next week. Inform yourself now about all the steps described here so that when news breaks that can launch you into the public eye, you're prepared to jump right into action.
|
Publicity expert Marcia Yudkin is the author of 6 Steps to Free Publicity, Persuading on Paper, Web Site Marketing Makeover and eight other books. She has engineered coverage for herself or her company in the Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, Success, Women in Business and dozens of newspapers around the world. Get free access to a one-hour audio recording in which she answers the most common questions about getting media coverage at http://www.yudkin.com/publicityideas.htm
|
Follow "The Phantom Writers" on Twitter
(@phantomwriters)
to be notified when new articles are made available.
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Business Offline Articles || Related Categories: Business Online Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Marcia Yudkin
The Top Four Introvert Marketing Strengths, As Rated by Introverts Themselves and the Public
Written by: Marcia Yudkin |
Distributed: 2010-12-23 |
Word Count: 529 |
Page Views: 880
It's true that introverts will never grab center stage at a
party, and they are not masterful at small talk. However,
introverts have many other abilities that take them far in
business, and it can make a huge difference to potential
clients when those qualities are spotlighted in their
marketing.
Introverted Business Owners: Don't Believe These Three Myths About Introverts' Marketing Abilities
Written by: Marcia Yudkin |
Distributed: 2010-12-21 |
Word Count: 697 |
Page Views: 772
If you know you're an introvert, you may believe you're at
a huge disadvantage when it comes to marketing. Watch out
for three myths that are harmful to a lot of introverts when
it comes to marketing.
How to Work Well With Introverted Clients: Four Guidelines
Written by: Marcia Yudkin |
Distributed: 2010-12-16 |
Word Count: 595 |
Page Views: 699
Introverts are reserved people who treasure their privacy,
work most productively one-on-one and may need time and
space for making decisions. Discover how to create the
conditions for a great long-term relationship with
introverted clients.
Selling to Introverts: 10 Ways to Appeal to Introverts' Marketing Preferences
Written by: Marcia Yudkin |
Distributed: 2010-12-14 |
Word Count: 789 |
Page Views: 894
Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, you probably
have an unthinking tendency to market to people the way you
yourself prefer to be communicated with and treated. If your
target audience resembles you, that approach succeeds. But
if your target audience differs greatly from you, you're
shooting yourself in the foot when you do that. Learn how
this applies to selling to introverts.
Marketing to Introverts: Seven Marketing Pitches That Leave Introverts Cold
Written by: Marcia Yudkin |
Distributed: 2010-12-09 |
Word Count: 822 |
Page Views: 662
Unlike extroverts, who thrive on social interaction,
introverts recharge their batteries by being alone. They
tend to be more private, quiet and to-the-point than
extroverts. Here are seven types of marketing pitches that
are common in Internet marketing - and elsewhere - that
leave introverts cold.
Marketing for Introverts: Is an Online Business the Cure-All?
Written by: Marcia Yudkin |
Distributed: 2010-12-07 |
Word Count: 412 |
Page Views: 662
Is an online business is the most suitable earning situation
for introverts? Not necessarily. Find out why it may be a
poor idea for an introvert to use their computer as a shield
against face-to-face interaction.
Introvert Marketing: Success Models May Help You Attract Business Your Own Way
Written by: Marcia Yudkin |
Distributed: 2010-11-18 |
Word Count: 350 |
Page Views: 875
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 2.00
Many people assume that successful people are by definition
extroverts. That's untrue. When you look more closely and
carefully, you can see many introverts succeeding in public
life and in business. To join their ranks, find a success
model or two and learn from them.
Introvert Marketing: How Reserved Can Also Mean Revered
Written by: Marcia Yudkin |
Distributed: 2010-11-16 |
Word Count: 404 |
Page Views: 610
Many people believe introverts are wallflowers who have no
power to attract people to them. In fact, there are numerous
ways that introverted business owners can have magnetism.
The two keys are knowing yourself and building an authentic
reputation upon that foundation.
Marketing for Introverts: Ignore the Shoulds and Blaze Your Own Trail
Written by: Marcia Yudkin |
Distributed: 2010-11-04 |
Word Count: 405 |
Page Views: 910
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 5.00
If you're an introvert in business, should you force
yourself to market in a way that doesn't match who you are?
No! Find out why.
Marketing for Introverts: Must We Impersonate Extroverts?
Written by: Marcia Yudkin |
Distributed: 2010-11-02 |
Word Count: 414 |
Page Views: 711
Introverts need not pretend to be extroverts to succeed in
business. Reclaiming your personality and building a
marketing infrastructure that respects your personal
strengths requires knowing yourself and trusting that people
are out there who will appreciate you as you are at your
best.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Marcia Yudkin Articles
Most Recent "Business Offline" Articles
How To Build a Strong and Powerful Business During a Recession
Written by: Trey McMartin |
Distributed: 2011-11-10 |
Word Count: 987 |
Page Views: 259
During a recession, most business owners pull the reins on
advertising budgets, fearful of what tomorrow might bring...
Those who remain fearful have forgotten what made them the
success they are today... They have forgotten that they have
a God-given talent to overcome the incredible obstacles in
their paths.
SEO Lessons from Local Businesses
Written by: Trey McMartin |
Distributed: 2011-11-09 |
Word Count: 945 |
Page Views: 723
More than once in the six years that I have been providing
SEO services for websites, I have had the opportunity to
discuss with individual business owners their search engine
optimization needs. Now and again, I run across an
individual business owner who is quick to say that SEO is
absolutely worthless. When confronted with such an absolute
statement, I like to press for details. It has been my
experience that people who speak in negative absolutes will
have a horror story to share.
Where Will FDA Target Next? What IVD Manufacturers Should Know Before Their Next FDA Audit
Written by: Norm Howe |
Distributed: 2011-09-12 |
Word Count: 706 |
Page Views: 206
Medical device manufacturers are always interested in knowing
what FDA's next area of focus will be. Well, if you're an In
Vitro Diagnostic manufacturer you might review your measurement
systems.
Online Fax - 10 Reasons To Get An Online Fax Service
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2011-09-12 |
Word Count: 560 |
Page Views: 199
Online faxing is the new more modern way to fax. If you or your
company is not using an online fax service, here are 10 good
reasons why you should get it.
Best Effort Essential for the Job Interview
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-30 |
Word Count: 676 |
Page Views: 320
Interviewing will determine if you are the right person for the
job. These tips will help you make the job interview a success.
Go Green With Your Career Search
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-28 |
Word Count: 636 |
Page Views: 232
Many of the qualities of green living, like recycling and
sustainability, can apply to a career search, even if the
career is not directly associated with green industries.
ReCareer in the Second-half of Life
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-26 |
Word Count: 525 |
Page Views: 280
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 3.00
Many of us worked the first half of our life to "fit" the
job description. ReCareering is about finding the right fit,
being selective, being creative, being fulfilled and being
intentional about how you spend your time.
Up in the Air
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-24 |
Word Count: 678 |
Page Views: 279
When looking for work or changing careers, go beyond researching
on the internet and reading articles. Find out how you can learn
from the art of listening and having a conversation.
Salon and Spa Owners: Which Monk Are You?
Written by: Dan Lok |
Distributed: 2011-07-05 |
Word Count: 477 |
Page Views: 295
Too many salon and spa owners are carrying around a lot
hurts, regrets, guilt, past failures and fears about the
future. But no one is forcing you to carry these emotional
rocks, so put that sack down!
The Single Most Profitable Day You Spend on Your Spa or Salon!
Written by: Dan Lok |
Distributed: 2011-06-30 |
Word Count: 470 |
Page Views: 388
Salon and spa owners need to combine their marketing plan
with marketing systems. A marketing calendar plans out
strategies for a year, and is instrumental to the success of
your spa or salon.
Most Viewed "Business Offline" Articles
How To Write A 300 Page Book In Four Months
Written by: Mark Silver |
Distributed: 2008-07-15 |
Word Count: 821 |
Page Views: 36600
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 1.83
There's a lot of hoopla about becoming an author of your very
own business book. The promise of fame and fortune is very
alluring. Yet your book remains perpetually 'about to be'
written. Meanwhile your business has ground to a halt. Hmmm...
might there be a better way to get a book written?
The Best Marketing Book I've Ever Read (You'll Be Surprised)
Written by: Judy Murdoch |
Distributed: 2007-05-09 |
Word Count: 1522 |
Page Views: 33774
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 3.60
From time to time someone asks me to recommend marketing books.
Here's one of my favorite marketing books that always surprises
people. Curious? Read on.
The Bizarre History Of The HOLLYWOOD Sign
Written by: Morris Timlen |
Distributed: 2008-11-05 |
Word Count: 1211 |
Page Views: 28057
| Votes: 22 |
Rating: 3.32
The most famous sign in the history of mankind is the one that
graces the side of the hill above Hollywood, California. As
famous a landmark as the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio De
Janeiro, the Eiffel Tower in Paris France, the Great Pyramid of
Giza in Egypt, The Church of the Savior on Blood in Saint
Petersburg Russia, and the Statue Of Liberty in New York City,
the Hollywood sign is known around the world as the symbol of the
American movie industry.
What Does It Take To Be A Successful Salesman?
Written by: Casey Moher |
Distributed: 2008-08-05 |
Word Count: 930 |
Page Views: 13915
| Votes: 56 |
Rating: 3.11
In the course of my average workweek, I meet people who tell me
that they have no sales experience, and very literally, many
will tell me that they could not sell if their lives depended on
it. Do you fit into this mold? Do you seriously believe that you
can sell me on the idea that you cannot sell things?
Selecting Between a 401(k) And 403(b) For a Nonprofit
Written by: Daniel Lamaute |
Distributed: 2007-10-11 |
Word Count: 333 |
Page Views: 6236
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.65
Newly released IRS regulations impose several new requirements
and fiduciary responsibilities on employers with 403(b) plans.
While the regulations generally don't take effect until January
1, 2009, there are some provisions that apply sooner.
Pitch A No-Hitter With Baseball-Themed Flower Gifts
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2007-12-25 |
Word Count: 413 |
Page Views: 5644
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 1.94
Want to send a gift to the baseball fan in your life that's sure
to knock one out of the park? Send flowers with a baseball
theme! Everyone loves flowers and when you personalize them to
include the recipient's favorite hobbies, like baseball,
they're sure to make an even greater impression.
Never Write A 'Thank You' Letter Again
Written by: Perry Maisin |
Distributed: 2008-08-12 |
Word Count: 971 |
Page Views: 5223
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.29
When I was in graduate school, I had a friend who interviewed at
fortune 500 companies and succeeded at landing a great job. One
day, I saw him sitting in the student union with a stack of
cards. The cards said 'thank you'. He opened each card and
signed his name. The inside of the card was blank. I asked him
what he was doing and he told me that it was important to send a
'thank you' to every person you interviewed with. He believed
that that was the difference between getting the job and being
passed over.
Conducting Effective Career Aspiration Discussions with Employees
Written by: Andria L. Corso |
Distributed: 2010-03-10 |
Word Count: 690 |
Page Views: 4439
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 2.00
Enhance your talent management and development programs
through conducting career aspiration discussions with your
employees. Find out where they want to grow their career to
determine if it matches your business needs. This will
enable you to differentiate your employee development to
grow the future leaders of your company.
The Pros And Cons Of Postcard Marketing-direct marketing offline
Written by: Cheryl Miller |
Distributed: 2006-11-29 |
Word Count: 675 |
Page Views: 3726
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 2.60
Postcard marketing is one of the oldest methods of marketing. Its
concept is simple but can be quite effective. It is just sending
out your message to your mailing list on a postcard. Postcard
marketing is a powerful and cost effective way to advertise and
will keep building in momentum when done correctly.
You Can Turn Complaints into Cash!
Written by: Judy Murdoch |
Distributed: 2006-08-08 |
Word Count: 795 |
Page Views: 3548
| Votes: 24 |
Rating: 3.54
Most of us don't like listening to complaints. We can't imagine
the value in listening to someone rant and rage about something
they're dissatisfied with. But here 's a secret: There's gold
in those complaints—-if—-you know what to listen for.
Highest Ranked "Business Offline" Articles
Why Businesses Need Receivable Factoring In Cash Flow Management
Written by: Toby Seibert |
Distributed: 2007-08-08 |
Word Count: 866 |
Page Views: 1760
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.60
In today's business environment, many businesses need to
fine-tune the process of getting paid on invoices, in order to
improve their cash on hand. Improving cash flow can be an ongoing
challenge for businesses of all sizes, and it is an issue that
must be addressed to ensure the long-term viability of the
business.
Whose Restaurant Can You Find Online?
Written by: Rudy Vener |
Distributed: 2007-07-09 |
Word Count: 640 |
Page Views: 1438
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
What is so significant about Pizza Hut's latest TV commercial?
Business School for Non-Business Minds: Got a NAICS Number?
Written by: Melissa Mashtonio |
Distributed: 2008-04-15 |
Word Count: 423 |
Page Views: 1449
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
I’m a journalist. I spent a lot of my career in the news
business. As my career has progressed, I’ve spent time at small
and large companies, and I have sat through dozens of business
meetings wondering what the heck the “money” people are talking
about. They used acronyms as if they were a foreign language.
The Problem With Swiping Sales Copy
Written by: Scott Bywater |
Distributed: 2009-12-03 |
Word Count: 480 |
Page Views: 937
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
This is what people miss when they try to simply "swipe"
sales copy from another advertisement.
Equal Opportunity Pizza Ordering
Written by: Rudy Vener |
Distributed: 2007-10-19 |
Word Count: 629 |
Page Views: 1428
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 4.38
With online ordering, your menu and restaurant suddenly become
accessible to both the deaf and blind customers in your
community.
The Secret To Making Successful Business Connections
Written by: Kate Smalley |
Distributed: 2006-10-11 |
Word Count: 672 |
Page Views: 1485
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 4.00
If you have a hard time making successful business connections,
don't despair. Anyone can be good at meeting people-if they use
the right technique. The whole secret to making a positive
connection is knowing how to attract people and inspire them to
want to give you a chance.
How to Build a Really Great Business? (Super Success Secrets from a Legendary Business Master)
Written by: Chet Holmes |
Distributed: 2007-01-15 |
Word Count: 1523 |
Page Views: 1522
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 4.00
Times are tough. The economy is in a constant state of upheaval.
Is your company doing better than most? Are you placing greater
emphasis on pure performance?
Get the Balance Right
Written by: Rich Thawley |
Distributed: 2009-01-28 |
Word Count: 638 |
Page Views: 1367
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 3.91
Do you build your business around your family or your family
around your business? The choice is yours.
Online Copywriting Makes Content as the King
Written by: Steven Gerber |
Distributed: 2006-12-11 |
Word Count: 560 |
Page Views: 1543
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
The inverted pyramid is basically the placing of 4 W's in the
primary sentences of the articles, supported by the other W and H
on the following discussions. Four W's consist of what, when,
where, and who. The other W which stands for why on the other
hand, follows on the succeeding paragraphs, including the
elaboration for the H which also stands for how, if necessary.
Interview Coaching: A Home-Based Business on the Cutting Edge
Written by: Carole Martin |
Distributed: 2007-08-24 |
Word Count: 1400 |
Page Views: 1252
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
You name it - Blackberry, Skype Connection, Cell Phone, iPhone -
these are the tools of this trade. Who would believe that someone
with a home-based business could reach out to someone in a far
away country and work with a client via a Blackberry and a cell
phone?
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|

This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|