by Guest Blogger, Shannon Cherry
Is getting publicity difficult?
It’s hard work… But not difficult.
After all, publicity is the act of relaying crafted messages to target markets with the aim of influencing them. It happens to you each day. And you do it each day, too, whether you realize it or not.
In my world, it’s simple to catch a glimpse of how publicity and public relations operate.
No, it’s not because I’m already in the PR business. My twin daughters, who are just four years old this month, are great examples of how PR and publicity work every day.
“Mommy, look at my drawing!” And of course, not only do I look at it, but sing its praises it and tell her dad about it too. Get it? Publicity in action.
If you don’t think you’re prepared for publicity, how about taking a few instructions from my girls:
1. Toot your own horn. If you want visibility, you’ve got to tell your prospects. Good deeds (and good work) often go unobserved otherwise. When Lyra finished her stuffed toy arrangement, she needed to let us know, otherwise it would have just been a heap of stuffed animals to us.
2. Dress your part. Playing dress up is a fun game that boosts energy and creativity. Sometimes dressing up is sufficient enough to get you going and feeling like you really ARE someone!
3. Reach out to others. Sasha always says hi and hugs people she meets. (I wonder where she gets that from?!?) Good PR is all in the relationships, so pick up the phone and connect. (Hugging isn’t always necessary, but also nice once in a while!)
4. Silence is not golden. In our home, silence often means something big is brewing and disruption is near. So don’t be quiet; speak your mind, as it often gets people talking more – which adds to your visibility.
5. Sharing is not optional. We all know someone who just takes and takes and takes. And no one wants to play with a taker, right? Share your know-how and ideas, and you will become known credible and someone people want to do business with.
About the Author:
Shannon Cherry is known as The Power Publicist. She helps small business owners, coaches, consultants and entrepreneurs create a powerful presence using low-cost, high impact publicity methods. Learn more about how to write press releases and get publicity with the Be Heard! free publicity power pack at http://www.beheardsolutions.com
