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Crash Course in PR 101 (no helmet needed!). Marketing Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners March 13, 2010. Public Relations 101. PR = management function that builds beneficial relationships between a company and its publics. Julie’s Definition =
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Crash Course in PR 101 (no helmet needed!) Marketing Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners March 13, 2010
Public Relations 101 • PR = management function that builds beneficial relationships between a company and its publics. • Julie’s Definition = Gentle pressure relentlessly applied.
Why I Love PR! • PR gets people clamoring for your product/service – BUZZ Factor! • Tells a story. • Differentiates you from the competition. • Generates/increases & sustains awareness. • Manages company reputation.
PR Tools to Build BUZZ • Media Relations • Events • Community Outreach • Web & Social Marketing
First Things First Know Thy Brand • What distinguishes your business? • Who is your audience? • What’s the best way to reach them? • Build your business story & tell everyone!
Tool #1: Media Relations Establishing a working relationship between your company and journalists to obtain favorable publicity for your company.
Tool #1: Media Relations • Know what’s “news” at your company. • Be informed. • Know your audience and where they get their news. • Target those media outlets.
Tool # 1: Media Relations Now What? • Email the reporter. • Offer yourself as an industry expert. • Invite them to your office or event. • Reply to a story (unrelated to you). • Limit self promotion or hype.
Tool #1: Media Relations What to Do and NOT Do! • Tailor your email to specific reporters. • Keep your email short/sweet. • Use a catching Subject Line. • Bullets are good! • Avoid attachments at first.
Tool #2: Events Put each event to work for you • Leverage a company event for publicity. • Sponsor a booth at a trade show. • Attend industry events & network.
MSLI Open House Party RGJ (Dec. 3,2009)
Tool #3: Community Outreach It’s Who You Know and Who KNOWS You • Join an organization that your target audiences attend (e.g. WIN, Rotary). • Join an industry association to position you as an expert and for referral business. • Consider joining a local or national board.
Tool #4: The Web & Social Marketing Touch your target audience directly • Have an online presence. • Company Web site/blog=increase findability. • Post relevant news/information and be a thought-leader. • Blogs, micro blogs, social networks expand your audience reach = screams your story!