At this time in 2008, arguably the largest story in the news headlines could be the crisis facing Detroit's "Big Three" auto makers, General Motors, Chrysler and Ford. Every day, there are more stories being released about the situation facing all the companies - which have now banded together to try and get public funds as a bailout to the industry.
Although we will spend hours speaking about this dilemma, we shall instead turn our focus on what you, as a small business owner, can be in the news headlines and join the conversation to truly get your company some publicity. First, you have to figure out how you fit into this picture. Are you currently a car dealer? A parts supplier? A second company that depends on the healthiness of the vehicle companies and/or car workers? Where do you easily fit into? This really is critical to then developing your "angle."
Next, simply put together a media release speaking about how this dilemma affects you. Here's the important part, though. You should look for a newsworthy angle, otherwise your opinion is just an opinion - and definitely not news. So perform a poll, speak about some actual trends you're seeing, or include some stats about your historical sales in comparison 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 which reporters are doing stories with this topic. Execute a simple Google search to locate these stories. On Google, click news at the very top to filter companies. Get the contact information for these reporters and send them your release while letting them know you're a lot more than happy to become a quotable resource because of their future stories. Reporters are always buying a good quote.
John Sternal is an expert public relations professional with an increase of than 15 years experience serving clients in a number of 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 attempt to educate on topics that benefit his clients/employers.
John has already established the great possibility to work with 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 which were published in magazines and newspapers around the world, and he has also 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 through the 1997 Stanley Cup Finals. He was on the ice dealing with photo journalists through 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 began to occupy sailing as a hobby, and enjoys studying fine wines from different elements of the world.
