Right now in 2008, arguably the largest story in the news could be the crisis facing Detroit's "Big Three" auto makers, General Motors, Chrysler and Ford. Everyday, there are more stories coming out about the problem facing each of the companies - which have now banded together to try and get public funds as a bailout to the industry.
Although we could spend hours speaking about this matter, we will instead turn our focus on how you, as a small company owner, can be in the news and join the conversation to really get your company some publicity. First, you've to work out how you squeeze into this picture. Have you been a car dealer? A parts supplier? A secondary company that relies on the healthiness of the car companies and/or car workers? Where would you easily fit into? This is critical to then developing your "angle."
Next, to put it simply together a media release speaking about how this matter affects you. Here's the important part, though. You must find a newsworthy angle, otherwise your opinion is merely an opinion - and not necessarily news. So do a poll, talk about some actual trends you're seeing, or include some stats about your historical sales compared to your projected sales given the results of the bailout trend press wire. Reporters want to talk about stats using 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 on which reporters are doing stories with this topic. Do a simple Google search to get 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 more than happy to become a quotable resource for his or her future stories. Reporters are usually looking for a good quote.
John Sternal is a veteran public relations professional with an increase of than 15 years experience serving clients in many different industries on the agency and corporate sides. John has caused members of the national media to develop stories that serve their readers/viewers in an effort to educate on topics that benefit his clients/employers.
John has received the truly amazing opportunity 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 range, including media relations, spokesperson duties, media training, corporate communications, event management, and strategic thought leadership. John has written many articles which have been published in magazines and newspapers in the united states, and he in addition has 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 working together with photo journalists throughout the Cup presentation facing a packed Joe Louis Arena.
Originally from Connecticut, John spent my youth 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 initially to occupy sailing as an interest, and enjoys researching fine wines from different parts of the world.
