If you do PR for your company or organization, one of the best things you can do to get in the media’s good graces is to encourage media people to contact your CEO or other sources directly, without demanding that they go through you. Also, don't act like a bodyguard, shielding Mr. or Ms. Important from difficult interviews or tough … [Read more...]
How quickly could you set up an emergency hotline?
The story about the woman who claims she found a finger in Wendy's chili begs the questions, if a crisis hit your company or organization tomorrow--like a product recall, for example--and you needed a way for customers to quickly contact you for help, how long would it take to get a toll-free hotline installed? How much longer would it take to … [Read more...]
Celebrity endorsements
OK, so it isn't exactly free publicity. But I think its intriguing that an entire industry is being built around getting people's product in front of celebrities like Oprah and Paris Hilton.
In an article titled "Oprah's Golden Gut," Fortune Small Business explains how you, too, can … [Read more...]
Children’s troupe takes its act to trade shows
Publicity Hounds have tips for Melissa Pagan of Tequesta, Florida. She works for a performing arts troupe that specializes in children's entertainment. Their live shows have an education component that focuses on literacy, and some of their school programs address test-taking tips and techniques for relieving the anxiety of the high-stakes … [Read more...]
Mustard museum fights Reader’s Digest
What do you do when you’ve been hammered by the almighty Reader's Digest?
That’s what happened to the Mount Horeb Mustard Museum in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin when an article in the December issue placed the Mustard Museum on its list of "5 Museums Not to Plan Christmas Around."
"Want a fun vacation?" the article asked. … [Read more...]
Videographer can search his own community for business
Anne Wear of Greensboro, North Carolina says her friend, a videographer, needs ideas on how to market his business. He has almost 20 years of experience behind the camera and also works as an audio person, grip and teleprompter operator.
From Jan Cannon of Boston, Massachusetts:
Some lawyers videotape depositions. They might be an … [Read more...]
Authors rent a mall storefront for grassroots selling
Thanks to Publicity Hound Paul Rhetts of Albuquerque, New Mexico for telling us about the 200 New Mexico authors and publishers who banded together during the holidays to sell local books in a storefront at a local mall.
Frustrated by the difficulties getting their books stocked in local and regional bookstores, the New Mexico Book … [Read more...]
Machine shop can use trade shows, clever mailings
Tom Monroe, Jr. of Detroit, Michigan wants ideas on how to promote his production machine shop, which services the manufacturing industry. Its niche market is providing production tapping and drilling of metal parts.
From Toni Graeme of Victoria, BC, Canada:
"How about a brainstorming group with someone from the advertising … [Read more...]
How to find PR clients
Pitching business journals is one of the most effective ways to tell your story to the local business community.
Publicity Hound Jim Nugent shares his own idea: scan the "Help Wanted" classified ads. "Knowing what companies are hiring points to likely prospects. And ads seeking public relations or publicity staffers or part-timers also … [Read more...]
Unitarian Church should target its marketing message
Bernadine Whedon Smith of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, does volunteer PR for her Episcopal church and wants to know how to measure the effectiveness of a 2 by 3 ad in local newspapers. She also needs creative ideas on how to promote the church and its new, young, dynamic minister.
From Lois Carter Fay of Marketingwomen.com and Massanutten, … [Read more...]