Be Your Own PR Rep

Over the past couple of years I've managed to receive great PR (My Media Kit). I've had several IBN members inquire about how this was accomplished. I have not hired a PR firm. I take care of all PR on my own. I've combined some of my responses to these inquiries into this blog post and I hope that it helps others as well.

Find mentors. They don't have to be formal mentors, just people and companies who are doing what you want to do or folks that you admire. Pay attention to what they are doing that works and emulate. It's also very helpful to pay attention to people who are unsuccessful (in your opinion) so that you learn what to avoid.

Utilize local resources like newspapers, local television stations, radio, cable access TV (Public Access), experts and local events where you can publicly show/demonstrate your products while local media is present to promote the event. Local newspapers are always sending journalists to health fairs, multicultural festivals and such. You can contact journalists directly and let them know you will be there. When you are at events, pay attention to people walking around with big cameras and/or a press pass. When you see them, approach them and let them know who you are and introduce your "service" (service not product). Always ask for a business card or some contact information and follow up.

Get customer testimonials. Nobody wants something that no one else wants and that includes journalists. If your customers are 'all a buzz' about your products, journalists want to know what it's all about. They will come to you to find out if it's 'for real.' If the buzz comes from you, it sounds like an ad but when it comes from your customers it adds legitimacy to your claims.

There are several online resources that are free to help in the process. Subscribe to Margie's newsletter . She also sells 'kits' and such but they are really affordable.

Check out Jamila. Her e-commerce workshops are affordable (CDs) and in following her suggestions it will help prepare your site for PR people who may be checking you out for a potential interview.

I would also suggest the IBN Radio Archive. There are numerous interviews with sales and PR experts with great tips, lessons and pointers. The archives go back to 2005 and even if you listened to some of the interviews more than once you still learn something new.

Viva Visibility is a great blog as well offering tips that you can incorporate into your PR work for little or no cost.

Register for Peter's announcements at HARO. There are tons of leads every day. I've responded to a few with no luck but I haven't given up yet. I don't check every day because there are too many leads for me to keep up with. Finding leads can't get any easier than this!

I suggest paying attention to the sales experts as well because what a journalist looks for in a potential interview is almost exactly what customers are looking for in a supplier.

If you find that something isn't working, move on to something else and 'cut your losses' quickly. Give yourself a "stop loss" timeframe and dollar amount. When something seems to be working repeat it but always be ready to adapt so that what you are doing doesn't get boring to you, your customers or the journalists looking for an interview.

Well, I hope this helps on your PR journey and please feel free to add suggestions to the comments section.