Public Relations Is More Than Just Publicity

Writen by Sue Currie

So you've hung up your shingle and customers aren't exactly beating a path to your door. What can you do? Well you might think standing out on the street with a megaphone will do the trick. And it may be one way to gain attention for your business, but an overall public relations plan incorporating a number of promotional ideas could be just what your business needs.

Public relations is communicating who you are, what you do and how you make a difference. It's about having successful "relationships" with your "public". They could be friends, clients, potential customers, competitors or the media who can all help spread the word about your business.

One way of communicating your message is through publicity or media relations. Sending out media releases to create awareness of your product or service is great publicity but is just one tactic of an overall PR plan that you could incorporate in to your business.

Lets look at a few other ideas:

1. Special events such as an open day, a fund raising event, trade show or award night

2. Product launches and product giveaways to the media

3. Newsletters email or hard copy – direct communication with your public, clients and customers

4. Write articles about your area of expertise and submit them to business or consumer publications

5. Fact sheets or tip sheets– written information about your product or service that you can include with any mail outs or have in your reception area

6. Create a website. This is your online PR brochure but you need to keep telling people about it

7. Public speaking – free speeches to Rotary clubs or other organisations is a good way of letting people know about your business and area of expertise

8. Networking – join organisations of like minded people such as Business Women's Networks, the National Speakers Association or your local Chamber of Commerce

9. Sponsorships – if you don't want to organise an event sponsor one that somebody else is doing. Make sure your sponsorship is acknowledged on any advertising and other communication collateral

10. Something as simple as sending thank you notes and letters is good personal PR

Sue Currie is a professional speaker and the director of Shine Communications Consultancy an executive development company. Sue's strategies help boost your public profile and increase profits by enhancing your professional image and building brand visibility.

Through her training and speaking programs on image and media, she helps you to grow your company's major asset – You! Sue enjoys helping others to bring out their personal best and Shine. To find out more or subscribe to Sue's ezine visit http://www.shinecomms.com.au