Today in 2008, arguably the biggest story in the headlines is the crisis facing Detroit's "Big Three" auto makers, General Motors, Chrysler and Ford. Each and every day, there are many stories being released about the specific situation facing all the companies - which may have now banded together to test and get public funds as a bailout to the industry.
Although we could spend hours speaking about this matter, we shall instead turn our focus how you, as a small business owner, can get in the headlines and join the conversation to get your company some publicity. First, you've to figure out how you squeeze into this picture. Are you currently an automobile dealer? A parts supplier? A second company that relies on the healthiness of the vehicle companies and/or car workers? Where can you easily fit in? This really is critical to then developing your "angle."
Next, simply put together a media release speaking about how this matter affects you. Here's the important part, though. You have to look for a newsworthy angle, otherwise your opinion is merely an opinion - and not necessarily news. So do a poll, discuss some actual trends you're seeing, or include some stats about your historical sales compared to your projected sales given the results of the bailout trend press wire. Reporters want to generally share stats with their readers or viewers. Look at your company's stats to see if any coincide with trends being discussed by the media.
If you have your release drafted, you will want to do some research where reporters are doing stories with this topic. Do a simple Google search to locate these stories. On Google, click news towards the top to filter companies. Get the contact information for these reporters and send them your release while letting them know you are a lot more than happy to become a quotable resource for his or her future stories. Reporters are always buying a good quote.
John Sternal is a veteran public relations professional with an increase of than 15 years experience serving clients in a number of industries on the agency and corporate sides. John has worked with members of the national media to produce stories that serve their readers/viewers in an effort to educate on topics that benefit his clients/employers.
John has already established the great chance to focus on sets from sports marketing to natural gas pipelines, and high technology to the planet of automotive.
His experiences in PR span a wide range, including media relations, spokesperson duties, media training, corporate communications, event management, and strategic thought leadership. John has written many articles that have been published in magazines and newspapers in the united states, and he in addition has served as editor of two media publications for a national sports team.
John says his favorite PR moment was when he helped the NHL's communications department throughout the 1997 Stanley Cup Finals. He was on the ice working together with photo journalists throughout the Cup presentation before a packed Joe Louis Arena.
Originally from Connecticut, John spent my youth in Tampa, Fla., and currently lives in South Florida. He enjoys golf and bicycling, and although he lives in Florida, John still considers hockey his favorite sport to watch. He's also started to use up sailing as a hobby, and enjoys studying fine wines from different elements of the world.
