Focused Press Release Ideas For You and Your Business To Net Results

Integrating a public relations strategy into your media mix is one of the most cost-effective components in a plan. Having focused releases can net you results in multiple ways. Not only do you get the honor of being included in a media outlet, you can gain clients, subscribers, and fans.

Some folks don’t like the idea of press releases because they feel it’s ‘ego-centric.’ This is your challenge to think of it in a different way and start ‘releasing.’ Think of it as sharing your talents and knowledge with the world. There is undoubtedly someone out there that needs what you offer. To reach them, you need publicity to increase your exposure.

The definition of news is very broad: information about recent events or developments. When keeping this definition in mind, it’s easier to decide what you are doing that is newsworthy.

Following is a list of ideas for press releases. Once you sit down and think about your business and all you do, some of these should trigger ideas for releases that you can do on a regular basis as a part of your marketing plan. Resist the temptation to do one release that covers everything that’s happening. Plan focused releases timed to keep your company in the public eye.

- Product introductions
- New service offerings
- Free tips and advice
- Whitepaper acceptance for trade show
- Research you’ve done (interesting stats/results)
- Endorsement by industry dignitary
- Being featured as a speaker at a conference
- Open house/special event/seminar
- Being featured in book
- Promotions or hiring of employees
- Strategic partnerships
- Employee of the month
- Participation in non-profit events
- Donations to charities
- Awards won by the company or employees

Even if you don’t get published in a media outlet, it’s good to have the news releases on your website. Potential clients and media visiting your site at a later date will feel the energy and buzz around your company when they visit this section of your website.

Take the time to think about your newsworthy activities and create a plan for writing press releases on a regular basis.

Create An Outstanding Elevator Pitch

Everyone has been told that they need to have a great elevator pitch, but how many of us really do? It is worth the time to sit down and develop one- and practice it. You never know when that once in a lifetime opportunity will happen so you want to be ready to knock someone’s socks off.

To create a great elevator pitch, ask yourself the following questions.

− What affect do you have on those that you have relationships with?
This is not about offering a product or a service. It’s about how you really have impact for those that you serve. Be honest. And, don’t be too modest. You bring a lot to the table. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be successful. Create a list and figure out the top things that make you outstanding.

− How do you accomplish goals for those that you serve?
List the unique attributes for yourself or your organization that make clients want to do business with you over and over again. Put yourself in your customer’s shoes and figure out the most important reasons why they choose you over someone else.

− In what way does that change the life of the person or company that you serve?
Clients need to feel appreciated, confident, and secure in their business decisions. Decide what you or your company does that helps them feel this way.

Take all this information and create an elevator pitch. Make it short so that you can say it within thirty to sixty seconds. And, write it in a way that makes them want more. Following is an example elevator pitch created for LOI International.

We are the ultimate marketing “relationshippers” for visionary companies that love to play “what if” while maintaining a laser-focus on maximizing their potential. We do that not only by planning and implementing traditional communications efforts, but by also creating original ways of connecting clients with the different personalities and resources they need to reach. What that means for you is an assurance that your marketing is aligned with your revenue potential in a way that spurs contagious success. I would love the opportunity to provide you with more information. Would you prefer a phone call or email?

Design Considerations For a Logo

Many entrepreneurs jump right into wanting a logo as soon as the ink has dried on the company legal paperwork. Without realizing what goes into making a logo good and timeless, they hire a designer or start creating one on their own. Much time, money, and hassle can be saved if they take a step back and make some considerations when creating a logo.

Versatility
A good logo is one that can be used for multiple applications. This means that it can be used on your website, letterhead, and business cards. Even if right now the only thing you think you’ll use your logo on is business cards, plan for the long term where you’ll need it for multiple pieces of collateral.

Color
As much as we love all the colors of the rainbow, make careful consideration to the number of colors used. When you print materials, it an be quite a bit more expensive to reproduce a logo that is in full color vs. a logo that is only one or two colors. Also, make sure that your logo will always reproduce well in black and white. There may be times (on the back of a post card or in an ad, for example) that you may need to have it in black and white. Also, to make sure the logo is timeless, use colors that are going to be popular long-term– not just today’s trendy, hot colors.

Size
Logos also need to be legible at multiple sizes. It will be much smaller on a business card than it will be on some ads, brochures, or web pages. Fine lines and details will disappear on smaller versions. Be sure to print out your logo in multiple sizes for peace of mind before giving final approval.

File format
Your logo preferably will be created in an drawing program such as Illustrator or Creative Suite. It will need to be created so that it is high resolution (this means at least 300 dpi or dots per inch). A logo created this way will also convert well to other formats.

A website will need a jpg, gif, or png format. A jpg leaves white around image and gif files can some times appear jagged or pixelized. Ask your designer to see the logo in these different formats so you can make sure they convert well.

Following these basic guidelines when having a logo developed will save you money and headaches in the design process.

Note: Illustrator and Creative Suite are registered trademarks of Adobe.

Your Database Is Your Goldmine— Take Care Of It!

A lot of people go to a networking meeting, trade show, or conference only to return with a big stack of business cards that they either throw away, put in a drawer, or keep as a ever-growing pile on their desk. What they don’t realize is that there’s gold in those cards. One of the most important things you can do for yourself and/or your business is to create and maintain a database. Contacts are one of your most important assets because they can become clients or can recommend products or services, as you need them. Take easy steps toward mining the gold that is your database.

Categorize
Think about your business and contacts. Decide what categories you should establish. This will help when you do a marketing campaign that is suited for one specific part of your business. For example, a pet retailer may categorize by pet clothing, bedding, or accessories.

Software
Choose software that’s best for where you are with your business. For some, a simple spreadsheet will do while others will require ACT or other specific software.

Add to it- often
As tempting as it may be to pile those business cards up in a stack on your desk, resist. Within a week or two of making new contacts, make sure they are entered into the contact database.

Keep it maintained
Your database is seriously compromised the more out-of-date that it becomes. Make sure you schedule a regular time to do or have all your database updates done. This process can be made simple by keeping a file folder marked “Database Updates” handy. As mail, emails, or remove requests are made, put them in the file to be handled all at once.

Back it up
At least once a month back up your contact database. This can be done with a back-up drive or by using an online back up service like www.mozy.com.

Following these recommendations will ensure you are creating and maintaining a solid database— a smart investment of your time and resources.