LBPR

Been awhile but I'm back

2010-10-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

So...life happened, as it will and does, but now I'm back. Where did we leave off? I believe when last we spoke, the theme of the moment was branding. What is your brand strategy? Do you have one? And most of all does it include twitter? You should have these thoughts in mind when you embark on your journey for free or nearly free publicity.

Everyone (whether a company, small business, or online personality) needs a brand strategy. While initially the name of the game is to maximize your potential for exposure, you should also be thinking about how to turn your product, service, or even yourself into a brand. How can you do this, you ask. Well it takes one part time and one part consistency. If you invest both you will be well on your way to creating a brand. Now, building that brand into a household name is a component of your brand strategy that you will need to flush out in the future. In the meantime you should have a broad understanding of which audience it is that youu are trying to reach, for it is through them that you will be able to create the brand.

LOW BUDGET PR: Making it Mobile

2009-06-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

By: A.G. Fielder

Did you know that you can literally put your publicity campaign on autopilot by making it mobile? In this sense, mobile refers to using your cell phone as a low budget publicity tool to reach your niche audience.
I was perusing the web and came across an excellent site, (for those of you in the District) called DCMOMO (www.dcmomo.com). It stands for DC’s Mobile Mondays and while it’s a non-profit company, it still provides a vehicle for entrepreneurs to have a voice that is heard loud and clear. One of the ways that you can use DCMOMO to your advantage is to simply become a sponsor for $25. This meager donation will get your company’s logo featured on their site which boasts near millions of hits per week.
Additionally, (for those of you outside of the District), the “DMV” (DC, Maryland and Virginia area) is a popular test market. On the making it mobile tip, DC has been selected as the test market for mobile tv – where you can watch television anytime for free on your cell phone. So, why wouldn’t you consider riding the wave and testing your publicity campaign in the District as well?
Another great way to make your publicity campaign mobile is via a site called Mofuse (www.mofuse.mobi). It is free to register and it basically makes your blog or website accessible from any cell phone. This is great because as soon as you either write an article on your blog, or update your website, it automatically hits your mobile mofuse site for your subscribers to see.
One of the most hip and happening ways of taking your publicity campaign to a mobile domain is via Twitter (www.twitter.com). It’s as easy as text messaging and your followers will be able to tag-a-long with you on your mobile publicity campaign.
As always, I’ve hoped these quick tips have helped you along on your journey towards low budget pr. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at lowbudgetprinfo@gmail.com. Cheers and good luck!

LBPR is officially syndicated in the DC Examiner

2009-06-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

Well folks, LBPR tips and techniques are now available online in the DC Examiner. Click here to check it out.

Check out LBPR in action!

2009-05-14T12:58:00.000-07:00

check this out...

LOW BUDGET PR: The Fundamental Elements of Distraction and Reaction in Your Publicity Campaign

2009-05-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

By: A.G. Fielder

Martial Arts author extraordinaire, Dr. Haha Lung mentions constantly that “well mastered tricks are techniques and half mastered techniques are called tricks.”
Aligned with this notion are the elements of distraction and reaction. While Dr. Lung equates both distraction and reaction as mental ploys or tactics used as subterfuge mechanisms in mental warfare you are going to apply distraction and reaction to your publicity campaign.
“How?” you ask. No worries because I am going to show you how to do so in such a way that will prove more than beneficial. It’s quite simple actually - that is - when you get right down to it.
There are several layers of distraction available to you within your publicity campaign. Your product is, of course, the main distraction but is it enough to get a solid reaction from your niche consumer? Probabely not, because if it was you wouldn’t be reading this article.
So, in comes the hype. That hype consists of any and all articles, interviews and press releases you can muster. It’s the buzz factor that serves as the element of distraction and causes the desired reaction from your niche consumer. And just what is that reaction? Sales, of course.
The distraction is what urges your niche consumer to buy your product - always reminding them of how your product fulfills an existing need that they have. I am willing to bet that you have been distracted by the hype of many products. A solid example of this would be an infomercial. That’s right - those scripted vignettes that tv watchers are constantly bombarded nightly. The next time that you see one study the hype that is used because it is the hype that distracts the consumer and triggers the need (or reaction) to buy the product. Studying this technique will bring you a plethora of niche rich publicity.

LOW BUDGET PR: How to Write a Pitch Perfect Press Release

2009-05-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

Just want to let you know that I'm a PR Expert on AllExperts.com. Below I've included an answer that is sure to help any entreprenuer when it comes to writing a press release.

Check it out!!

____________________________________________________

Questioner: Cath
Category: Public Relations
Private: No

Subject: PR Visit
Question: I would be grateful if you could let me have a few tips about writing a press release to invite editorial staff along on a holiday in order that they will write a review in their magazine/newspaper. Many thanks

Answer: Hi Cath!

Whenever you write a press release you need to concentrate on the 5 Ws (who, what, where, when, and why would they be interested).

Your press release should be quick and easy, let's say 3-5 short paragraphs max! Make sure that your header line or subject is catchy. Also understand that editorial staff will only write something if it benefits their publication/readers in some way. What kind of holiday? Why would they want to write about it? Step outside of your head when you write up your press release. Ask yourself if it's newsworthy? Then go into your 5 Ws.

Let's say, for the sake of illustration that you own a travel agency, and your goal is, of course to get a review in magazines/newspapers about your company, BUT to get new clients as well. (I'm not sure if this is what you're trying to do). Furthermore, let's say that your travel agency just made a partnership with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and you have a new package (3 days/2 nights etc, etc) to offer your clients that is not selling like it should. So you work out a deal (barter) with the editorial staff of a small travel publication whereby they write a review of their overall experience working with your company in booking this trip.

Now you have something that is of interest to any editorial staff. So your press release would look something like this....

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Your Name
Main Street Travel Agency
2000 Park Avenue
Washington, DC 20020
Phone: (202)555-2020
Fax: (202)555-2021
cath@mainstreet.com
http://www.mainstreet.com

Main Street Travel Partners Up With Royal Caribbean (this should be bold and centered)
The Weekend Sizzles with the sass of the Bahamas (this should be italicized and centered)

WASHINGTON, DC --April 30, 2009 - This is the most crucial paragraph Cath, because you are going to need to catch your reader's attention by introducing the who of your press release - this is a teaser paragraph. The who would be your company and this paragraph should be no more than three sentences. This paragraph can make or break you when it comes to the press because your reader needs to know why they should be interested.

Let your second paragraph feed off the first - the difference is that you should be writing in a funnel style, meaning that as your press release progresses, it gets more specific. Talk about your company a little more and introduce "the holiday" package let's call it the Weekend Sizzler.

This paragraph entices your reader. So it's more about the Weekend Sizzler, the 3 days and 2 nights at the such and such five star hotel in the Bahamas, the breathtaking views, and relaxing break from the monotony courtesy of Main Street Travel and Royal Caribbean. You need to put a quote in this paragraph discussing how incredible the package and the partnership are, i.e. "We at Main Street Travel are simply ecstatic about our new partnership with Royal Caribbean Cruise lines," said Director of Sales Cath Lastname in a recent interview.

This is a good wrap up paragraph where you summarize your main points and wrap it up. You can stick another quote in here as well. "Bringing a little slice of paradise to every customer, that's what Main Street Travel is all about," further added Cath Lastname.

If you have any credentials, or memberships you can list them here. If not leave this part out and end it.

For more information on Main Street Travel contact Cath Lastname at (202)555-2020 or go to http://www.mainstreet.com
###
(The number signs should also be centered and tell you that the press release is complete.)

I hope this helps. You can always look on the web for other templates or you can visit http://www.lowbudgetpr.org for more tips.

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2009-04-18T09:56:00.001-07:00

For more hip tips, trends, and industry secrets visit us at http://www.lowbudgetpr.org/

2009-04-11T06:25:00.001-07:00

LBPR is on Twitter

2009-04-10T21:23:00.000-07:00

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2009-04-08T20:41:00.000-07:00

Well if you don't, you'd better get some! Get it here and now at Low Budget PR!

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LOW BUDGET PR: The SECRETS OF THE NINJA 忍者 (Part 2)

2009-03-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

PART 2

Just like the ninja refined the art of psychological warfare, you will borrow from those techniques forming a strategy of your own, but it won’t take you 100 years to do it. Keep in mind the following: for every one marketing method that you use to reach your consumer there are at least ten subliminal ways to real them in. Are you still with me? Psychological triggers are one such subliminal method used today by businesses worldwide. A psychological trigger is a form of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) that uses an image, symbol or word causing the mind of the consumer to subconsciously trigger responses in favor of a product, company or service. The mind becomes a playing field for the business owner and a sponge for the consumer soaking in every psychological trigger thrown their way. Psychological triggers used constantly generates a sense of familiarity, trust and eventually comfort within the target consumer, so much so that whenever they think of comfort they will instantly think of your company, because whatever the eye sees, the mind believes. If you do not believe it – check this out. You are bombarded by a series of psychological triggers several times per day on a subliminal level.
Whether through advertisements on television or on the radio, these messages invade your subconscious mind often inspiring you to buy certain items that you may or may not need. If you pack your publicity campaign with a series of psychological triggers, your target niche group will be more receptive to what you are selling and less resistant to your propaganda. The psychological trigger becomes a tool of brand loyalty and word of mouth publicity. This is not only an important component of publicity but of mind mastery as well. You have to become a master of your own mind before you can begin to influence the minds of consumers. But once you do, believe me the sky’s the limit.
A relative of the psychological trigger is the second tactic of embedded suggestions. The clever entrepreneur realizes that it is through use of embedded language that he or she can influence their target niche. Let’s say you’re selling a product on stress relief called Peaceful Aromas Fragrance Oil ( this is corny – I know, but work with me).
The intent is to get the consumer to associate relaxation and stress relief (something that they absolutely need) with your product. The words that you choose to embed in your press release /promotional material will have a powerful effect and can easily lead your reader to a particular state of mind and/or series of experiences by triggering images produced by the subconscious mind. Let me further illustrate this point by using embedded commands.
If you know anything about commands, then you already know that they are delivered quite differently than a question. Most people think that a command is delivered with force. That is not necessarily true. A command is delivered with emphasis on certain words and when using your speaking voice use of a descending pitch or tone will be delivered and processed as a command. With writing it is slightly different. The more invisible it is to your reader the better – keep this in mind when you write your press materials. In general embedded suggestions are powerful phrases that are undetectable.
Here are a few examples to better illustrate how they are used. These commands will correspond with the product on stress relief that we referred to earlier. So here we go!
- “You will feel better if you use Peaceful Aromas.”
- “If you’d like me to help you, send me an email first.”

Can you see where the embedded commands are? In the first statement the command is “use peaceful aromas.” In the second statement, the command is “send me an email first.” So, if your reader is looking for ways to deal with stress, the embedded commands have instructed him or her to use your product but to send you an email for help first. That is how the human brain interprets embedded information. The good thing about embedded suggestions is that they always work because they are embedded on a subconscious level in such a way that no one can resist. The effect that the embedded suggestion has on your consumer is always positive. The consumer acts on the suggestion that you’ve implanted completely buying into your product as if they are acting on instinct.
Yet another way of psychologically targeting your niche is via therapeutic metaphor. A therapeutic metaphor story has the capability to completely shift the perception of your consumer – swaying him or her in the direction that you lead them. In a nutshell, it encompasses the art of suggestive storytelling as a means of influence. Indeed, embedded suggestions can be strategically layered throughout the story because people always see themselves in a story. When you go to the movies you might see part of your personality in one or more of the characters. That would explain part of the attraction to the movie in the first place. A metaphor is no different. Just like in any story, your target consumer can and will see themselves somewhere in the story. Scroll up and re-read the one I just wrote on how using the psychological tactics of the ninja can give you a much need edge in your publicity campaign.
Buddha said it best when he said “your greatest weapon is in your enemy’s mind.” When applied to publicity we can take this a step further by saying your strongest tool is your consumer’s mind. “Eyes given to see are not always open” (Voltaire). Your task as an entrepreneur is to tap into the minds of your consumer and make them see that you’ve got the product or service that they need.
As always, I hope these tidbits of information help you on your journey to success as an entrepreneur.
Cheers and good luck!

LOW BUDGET PR: The SECRETS OF THE NINJA 忍者

2009-03-13T13:09:00.000-07:00

LOW BUDGET PR: The SECRETS OF THE NINJA 忍者
and Your Publicity Strategy
By: A.G. Fielder

Part 1

What is your modus operandi when it comes to publicity? Are you a student of antiquity pledging your allegiance to old tried and true methods - or have you contemplated doing the unspeakable – tossing caution to the wind and winging it? Well, if you do not have a publicity strategy you should come up with one soon.
Perhaps – being the savvy entrepreneur that you are – you should consider incorporating the secrets of the ninja. With growing interest in ancient Asian war strategy (i.e. ancient Indian strategist Kautilya, Sun Tzu’s Ping Fa or the Art of War, and the work of, Wu Ch’i, Tu Mu and Cao Cao) applied to business, you would think that more entrepreneurs would apply those same principles to the whimsical world of publicity.
Truth is, a few people in your shoes have considered integrating the dark arts of the ninja into their current publicity campaign. The best part of doing so (aside from it being absolutely free) is that those who have done such have seen a significant boost in their publicity productivity. So…let me ask you something – are you ready for a publicity lesson that will inevitably change your life? Good, because you’re about to get one.
History has attributed the legacy of the Japanese ninja to the teachings of ancient Chinese strategists like Sun Tzu, notable poet/strategist Tu Mu for his insight on mind control and of course the unknown author of the Thirty-Six Strategems.
While each touched on the advantages of psychological warfare, Tu Mu hid his ideas on strategy in his poetry. His work discussed how you could figuratively turn a person out and persuade them to go against the grain bending them to your will. The ninja took the ideas of Tu Mu among other strategists and expanded upon them. The end result was the perfection of their strategy on the insights into the human mind and how to manipulate, distort or influence it. Take the history of the ninja for example.
7th century Japan, Prince Shotoku Taishi (also known as Prince Umayato) was contestant to the throne, with a bloodline linked directly to the empress, this was his destiny. However his success was solely dependent on him receiving information of which he had no knowledge of how to acquire. The greatest challenge stemmed from the dissension within the royal court over how Japan should be governed. With time running out, and hardly any allies, Shotoku’s succession to the throne was at stake. His nemesis, the traitor, Moriya managed to single-handedly manipulate the royal court, swaying them in opposition of Shotoku. Knowledge of Moriya’s exploits was essential. After spinning his wheels and getting absolutely nowhere, Shotoku sought the guidance of a mountain warrior monk named Otomo-No-Saijin. With a plethora of tricks up his sleeve, Otomo used the Chinese warfare techniques of stealth, subterfuge intelligence gathering, and mind manipulation to form a strategy with Shotoku while simultaneously spying on Moriya.
A mind master, Otomo took the unprepared Moriya on a psychological journey that led to his death while Shotoku walked down the yellow brick road of success, becoming the Crown Prince of Japan forever making his indelible mark on Japanese history. For this, Otomo was honored by Shotoku and given a new name as a gift. From that point on he was called shinobi (志能備) which means, “one who sneaks in”- a pioneer of the ninja sennin.
By the 14th century the word shinobi referred to warriors who used unorthodox tactics - completely opposite the ruling samurai who followed a code of honor. The shinobi (ninja) were rogue mountain warriors of feudal Japan – the ever ready hired hands of the ruling daimyo who would carry out tasks such as intelligence gathering, mind trickery, espionage, and assassination; of which the samurai would not do.
The legacy of Otomo-no-Saijin made possible the way of the ninja, for it was he who was the first of his kind in Japan to employ the mind bending techniques of the Chinese masters. Like their Chinese predecessors (i.e. the Shaolin monks), employed psychological warfare on their enemies at all times, hitting them where they were the most vulnerable and the least able to defend themselves – through those human insecurities that we all have (fear, lust, anger, greed, sympathy and superstition). It took the ninja 100 years to develop and refine the ways of eradicating an enemy through the exploitation of psychological weakness. At the end of it all they realized for every one way to physically attack a target, there were ten ways to attack his mind, which is why psychological warfare was preferred over assassination.
So what does this history lesson have to do with your publicity campaign? Hold on…let me break it down for you. A ninja entrepreneur (or entrepreneurial ninja) would employ psychological tactics that targeted their niche consumer base (this includes but is not limited to marketing, promotions, and publicity – the components of public relations). The entrepreneur would focus on providing the consumer a solution that they seek and need – hence your product (because your product not only fulfills a need to your consumer but it also solves a nagging problem.)

LOW BUDGET PR: Why Pay Them When You Can Do It Yourself (DIY)

2008-12-14T06:52:00.000-08:00

By: A.G. Fielder

Time and again I’ve run into entrepreneurs who are avidly seeking representation for publicity. These savvy entrepreneurs realize that exposure to the masses is a necessity for success in business but have convinced themselves that they require the services of a skilled professional -ergo a publicist, to get the job done effectively. Two publicity campaigns and thousands of dollars later a little light bulb goes off in their head bringing them to the realization, with all things considered (regarding the unsavory results of their pr campaigns), that they could’ve done the pr strong-arming on their own. And you know what -- they are absolutely right!
Which brings me to the question at hand - why pay someone to get publicity for you when you can get it on your own? Let me further add to the question, the following phrase : yielding similar or better results. So the publicity issue on the table now reads as follows - why should you hire a publicist when you can get similar or better results by putting together your own publicity campaign?

A publicist is a well paid middleman. I call ‘em as I see ‘em! Honestly speaking, I can make this assessment because I am a former publicist. Every client that I’d ever worked for in the past wanted the same thing - instant notoriety in the public eye. That kind of overnight, any-publicity-is-good-publicity crackerjack-fame-in-a-box campaign should be avoided at all costs because the first rule of thumb in publicity is that nothing is guaranteed. Additionally, the end result of a crackerjack pr campaign is damaged credibility for the publicity seeker. Ethically a publicist should never condone such a service but you’d be surprised what people will say or do when money is involved.

In a nutshell, the job of a publicist is to get you (the entrepreneur) exposure in the right places so that you can reach your niche consumer. They do this by going through their handy dandy rolodex of editors, journalists, photographers and ghost writers and draft up an enticing press kit in which they use to sell you, your product, service or company to editors of publications that reach your desired audience. You are charged a sizable fee up front to retain publicity services which never guarantee mass exposure to your niche. Throughout the pr campaign a la carte publicity services may be offered to you such as writing or editing (tweaking) your press materials. Your company profile, one page personal biography, and fact sheet will be refurbished, and you will be charged for that service. Additionally, as the client you will be highly encouraged to partake in media training (which is when your publicist preps you on how to present and handle yourself while being interviewed - this training also shows you how to maintain control over the scope of the interview.) You will be charged for this service as well. Mailing press kits, phone calls with editors, lunch meetings with journalists, sending emails and faxes, yes you will be charged for all of this as well - it comes out of your retainer and it’s done to ensure that a few articles - notice the word few - will be written about you, your product, company and/or service.

The volume of publicity is dependent upon two things: first, are you sellable. This simply means can the publicist pitch you effectively to the media and will they be interested in what you have to offer. Second is the network of editors, and journalists (which includes print, online, TV and radio mediums) that the publicist has access to. You can sell just about anything to anyone, the same goes with pitching a story idea, which is why you can do your own publicity. Additionally, your publicist may be able to get you into certain publications because of the relationship that they’ve built with an editor, but you can build your own relationships with the media based on your expertise in your field. If you decide to save a little money and do your own publicity, you could probably make more noise than a publicist because the passion that you have for your endeavors will shine through in your press materials and pitch letters/phone calls. As long as you handle your publicity campaign with tact and integrity everything will fall into place. So do yourself a favor and save your money because with all things considered initially you can handle publicity effectively on your own.

LOW BUDGET PR: TEAMING TO WIN AT THE PUBLICITY GAME

2008-12-12T08:49:00.000-08:00

You are a marketing diplomat, problem-solver and die-hard detail person. You are a living, breathing publicity whiz kid and a nouveau dynamo at the PR game. So, why don’t you have any hip and happening articles floating around about your service or business yet? It may have a lot to do with your mindset about publicity and how to WORK IT and WIN at it!
To WORK IT and WIN at the publicity game requires all of the three Ps put into action: planning, persistence, and a positive attitude. Take a look at the four steps to winning active publicity.
1. Have a strategic publicity plan for every campaign: At the most basic level, you need to know who you are targeting (audience/consumer as well as publications). Are you going to target internet publications only, or are you going for community newspapers? Have you restricted yourself to domestic press or have you included international press as well (**Tip** International Press are also online so reach out to the editors).

2. Develop rapport with editors: This step is self explanatory. Publicity is like anything else, you’ll never know the outcome unless you try. This means you will have to be proactive and seek out editors of publications that reach your niche demographic consumer. It’s much easier than you think, and email can be a sure bet when it comes to securing a positive response from an editor. You will definitely need to write a query or pitch letter – which should be no more than three paragraphs. Get in there with the introduction about you, your company and/or service, and sell the editor on how interviewing you will benefit the readers of the publication. Keep it brief, yet witty and entertaining. Always thank the editor for their time and consideration when closing the letter and leave your contact information. This is where persistence kicks in, because you will definitely need to follow-up with the editor. Remember, you are not the only one out there pitching an editor!

3. Learn how to power talk and power write (speaking and writing with confidence): Whether you know it or not there is a writer and public speaker inside of everyone. It is your job to build the confidence in your writing and speaking skills needed to ensure a solid publicity campaign. After all, publicity includes persuading the masses that you are an expert at what you do. Take time out each day to write something positive about your company or service. Yes, you may want to consider purchasing a journal. If you jot down a paragraph a day, and follow-up by recording yourself reading each paragraph, you will notice a definite boost in your level of confidence within as little as 30 days. Publicity relies more on the art of persuasion than the art of manipulation.

4. “Know when to hold ‘em and know when to fold ‘em”: When it comes to editors of newspapers or magazines you are dealing with the dealer. Just like in poker where the dealer decides the rules of the hand being played, when it comes to the wonderful world of publicity, the editor decides the rules of play at his or her publication. So, play your cards right! Know when to compromise and when to hold your ground. Negotiation is key so you’ll definitely need to be open to it.

I hope these steps have helped you jumpstart your publicity campaign and team up to work it and win at the PR game. For more Low Budget PR tips and pointers stop by http://myhotprofits.com/ or check me out on the Low Budget PR Blog at http://www.lowbudgetpr.blogspot.com/. Until next time, cheers and here’s to your success!

Low Budget PR (Intro Article to the Low Budget Column)

2008-12-12T07:18:00.000-08:00

Low Budget PR, that's what I call making marketing work for you. Many people don't have a clue as to what public relations (PR) stands for. In any business, whether internet based or otherwise, public relations (PR) encompasses three basic components: marketing, promotions, publicity. For the sake of illustration, marketing is the planning, advertising and branding of a product, business or service. Promotion includes the active distribution information about a product, company or service (sales falls under this component). Publicity, is how you sway (and i use the term sway broadly) the public's perception of your product, company or service. Publicity is most often associated with the press that you generate for your product, etc.
So when you have all three mechanisms (that is - marketing, promotions, and publicity) working together, then you have a public relations machine that is consistently working for you. However, the newbie entreprenuer does not always have everything running that smoothly. Not too mention that aggressive marketing and promotions takes a bit of time. What you can do if you're new to the eMarketing game is to generate your own publicity. In doing this you maximize your exposure (or the exposure of your product, company or service) while reaching your niche and developing instant credibililty. With the advent of ezines and blogtalk radio, the sky is the limit when it comes to publicity. Let's take something simple for the sake of illustration. In a country obsessed with beauty and youth preservation (i.e. USA) getting publicity for a beauty-based product or service is a cinch. You can easily assess who you're target audience is, and pitch your way to an interview on blogtalk radio. This interview alone will generate millions of hits to your website, and instant credibility for you. Having an audio interview from a radio station immediately tells your niche consumer that you are an expert.

For more tips on creating Low Budget Publicity stop by A. Fielder's website at http://www.myhotprofits.com.

The Functionality of Publicity When Funds are Tight

2008-12-08T08:15:00.000-08:00

If your money is running low - and in this economy, who doesn't have a tight budget? - then Low Budget PR is always the way to go.

Picture this, you're sitting alone at your desk, reviewing the media kits of various publications all the while wondering if it's even worth your time to buy an over priced ad that you really don't have the money to support anyway. So what should you do? You should take the time out to do the three Ps: plan, position, positive thinking. With all of the hype surrounding the nouveau positive outlook movement, why not infuse your shoestring publicity plan with a positive outlook.

The three Ps work for virtually any business - from entertainment to entreprenuership, home-based, or e-commerce, you really can't go wrong. So let's start with a plan. Your problem is that you need to maximize your exposure but you do not have the budget to promote. If you plan out your publicity campaign effectively, you will reach your target goal of maximizing exposure while saving a ton of money. If your first instinct tells you that you need to hire a publicist to help you out, then you have another thought coming! The average 4-6 week publicity campaign can cost anywhere between $2000 - $5000 (at least that's what the rate was when I was a publicist in the entertainment industry not too long ago). Why spend that amount of money when you can do the legwork yourself - unless, of course, you have that kind of money to spend.

When you get into planning mode, you definitely need to assemble a media kit (which basically contains your biography - keep it brief though - and the basic products or services that your company offers.) Once you have your media kit on deck, then you can easily sift through the myraid of ezines, blogs and local press. There is always an eager-beaver journalist looking for great tips that you may have to offer. For the sake of illustration, let's say that you have a service that specializes in home improvements yet has a focal point of winter time pest control. You know first hand how vermon searches for a warm place to call home during the winter season. If you did a google search on home improvement/pest control ezines, you will find suitable publications that reach your niche consumer. From that point, all you have to do is contact the editor of the publication and send them your media kit. It's a cinch!

As a result of your planning efforts, you've managed to position yourself in the marketplace - which instantly boosts your credibility - and gets you a sizable amount of low budget publicity. If you think positively while continuing your publicity efforts, the sky is the limit!

Until next time...Here's to your success!