Today in 2008, arguably the biggest story in the news is the crisis facing Detroit's "Big Three" auto makers, General Motors, Chrysler and Ford. Every single day, there are many stories being released about the specific situation facing all the companies - which have now banded together to try and get public funds as a bailout to the industry.
Although we could spend hours discussing this dilemma, we shall instead turn our focus on how you, as a small business owner, can be in the news and join the conversation to really get your company some publicity. First, you have to work out how you match this picture. Are you currently an auto dealer? A parts supplier? A second company that depends on the health of the automobile companies and/or car workers? Where can you easily fit into? That is critical to then developing your "angle."
Next, in other words together a media release discussing how this dilemma affects you. Here's the important part, though. You should find a newsworthy angle, otherwise your opinion is just an opinion - and certainly not news. So perform a poll, discuss some actual trends you're seeing, or include some stats about your historical sales compared to your projected sales given the outcome of the bailout trend press wire. Reporters want to 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.
When you have your release drafted, you will want to do some research on which reporters are doing stories on this topic. Perform a simple Google search to get these stories. On Google, click news towards the top to filter out companies. Get the contact information for these reporters and send them your release while letting them know you're more than happy to become a quotable resource for their future stories. Reporters are usually buying good quote.
John Sternal is an expert public relations professional with increased than 15 years experience serving clients in many different industries on both agency and corporate sides. John has caused members of the national media to produce stories that serve their readers/viewers in an endeavor to educate on topics that benefit his clients/employers.
John has already established the great chance to work on sets from sports marketing to natural gas pipelines, and high technology to the entire world of automotive.
His experiences in PR span a wide variety, 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 has additionally 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 dealing with photo journalists throughout the Cup presentation before a packed Joe Louis Arena.
Originally from Connecticut, John grew up 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 spare time activity, and enjoys learning about fine wines from different parts of the world.
