Best Practices
Are you an Expert?
You probably are, but don’t realize it. And if you are, you can leverage the expertise you have acquired over the years in your business or industry to get positive media coverage. How do you do that? One way is to make yourself available as a source to reporters. Reporters are always on the lookout…
Read MoreHow to build trust with members of the media
Late last year, Sports Illustrated’s reputation took a hit when it published AI-generated content and presented it as if it were written by a human. When asked about it, Sports Illustrated at first said nothing. Next it deleted the content and issued a statement, blaming a contractor for stating that its content was made by…
Read MoreHow to use social media for your business
Are you using social media for your business? If you’re not, you should be. Businesses ranging from Fortune 500s to solo-entrepreneurs are utilizing social media to engage with customers and prospects. It’s not enough to just promote your business through social media. Social media posts need to be informative, educational and helpful. Occasional social media…
Read MoreHow can you get a reporter’s attention?
When it comes to PR, many people don’t realize how difficult it can be to get the attention of reporters. They get hundreds of emails a day, and of that only a small number get read, and of that, an even smaller number become news stories. So, how can you get them to read your…
Read MoreStriking a Balance Between Wit and Professionalism
Humor is both personal and generational. What I may find amusing, my kids may find boring or irrelevant. While jokes can add levity to the workday and bring some fun to the family dinner table, what might be funny to your family or coworkers, might get “Huh?” from others. For example, someone commented on social…
Read MoreHow and when should you reach out to the media?
Have you seen your competitors or community organizations mentioned in the media? Maybe it was a blurb in a local weekly or a mention on broadcast news. Either way, if you are wondering how to get media attention for your organization or business, there are some basic rules to keep in mind. Provide Quality Content…
Read MorePublicity Stunts—Are They Truly Effective?
Hey, let’s do a publicity stunt! We’ll get lots of press, the coverage will go viral on social media and we’ll get tons of business. Of course, the reality can be very different. Case in point, in 1982 a radio station in Allentown, Pennsylvania, changed its format from country to nostalgia hits and the station…
Read MoreGot confidence?
Have you ever done the following? One reason why someone would do one or both of these things is due to a lack of confidence. Situations at work or in our personal life can cause us to doubt ourselves and our abilities. Going through a difficult situation or dealing with a difficult boss doesn’t mean…
Read MoreHow is PR like cooking?
As a mom, the one question I have heard from the time my kids could speak until they left home, was “What’s for dinner?” Sometimes they were happy with my culinary creations and sometimes they weren’t. Being that I’ve done more than my share of both cooking and public relations work, it got me thinking…
Read MoreAI Isn’t Taking Over
With all the news coverage of Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT, one would think that the predictions from numerous science fiction writers have come true and computers are taking over. But before you hide under the covers, know that ChatGPT and other AI programs can write well, but that is only part of the story. For…
Read MoreCommunication Lessons from Barbie
As I am writing this, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie has grossed $775 million worldwide. Just think of all the townhouses, pink motor home and pink Corvettes that kind of money can buy! I’m sure you’ve noticed since the film’s launch all the tie-ins from Burger King Brazil’s “Barbie Burger” to the Progressive Insurance commercial set…
Read MoreHow to get your press release noticed
Business owners like positive media coverage. One way to get positive media coverage is to send a press release. Thanks to the Internet, it is very easy to email a press release to numerous reporters all at once. However, a mass emailing of a press release isn’t the best way to reach out to reporters. …
Read MoreFirst do your work, then take time to play
Surfing the web. Scrolling through your social media news feed. Watching television. Going to the kitchen for a snack. What do these things have in common? They are all things we have done when we are supposed to be working. Since the pandemic started, many of us are working from home, so it is easy…
Read MoreBe wary of what you read on the Internet
Recently Justin Bieber disclosed that he has Ramsey Hunt Syndrome. This condition is a form of shingles, which is caused by the varicella virus, which in turn causes chickenpox. The condition leads to reduced facial expression, muscle weakness, difficulty eating and drinking and a rash that affects the ear. As for Justin Bieber’s diagnosis, many…
Read MoreStick to accepted and ethical practices
In public relations you can’t stray from accepted and ethical practices. If you do, you will lose the respect of reporters and editors, incite the ire of your boss and possibly lose your job. What are the some of the things to think about before reaching out to the media? Details Check the spelling in…
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