Luck & PR Follows Non-Stop Networking - 6 Public Relations Tips
By Barb Girson, My Sales Tactics
 
Published On:  1/27/2010

In the last 4 months I have benefited from various public relations (PR) opportunities and here is how you can, too!

Exposure snowballs and opens doors for more PR. One question people often ask...is "How did you get this opportunity?" I am always eager to find ways to build public relations. However, I have not set out specifically to seek it out. It found me from the non-stop networking I have done. The key to successful networking is genuinely to connect with people and build a relationship.

Read on for 6 quick tips to help you get lucky from your non-stop networking and possibly lead to some fantastic press releases or public relations opportunities…

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In the last 4 months I have benefited from various public relations (PR) opportunities and here is how you can, too! The exposure helps to grow sales.

The recent PR includes:

1. THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH, Sunday Business Section "Laid off and loving it" Sunday By Steve Wartenberg (August 9, 2009).

2. Fox 28 News Appearance/Columbus: "5 Challenges Women Entrepreneurs Typically Experience"

3. Business First interview: "Male Dominated Sales Jobs Not A Difficult Sell For All Women" by Katy Waters (May 1, 2009)

4. Blog Talk Radio Interview by Renee Belbeck, Co-founder, Like-Minded Moms

5. Constant Contact Hints & Tips: Online Survey Success Story by Martin Lieberman, Managing Editor (May 2009)

Converse with no agenda and no business obligation, unless there is a logical match with what you provide and what they need. Non-stop networking is an exploratory action. Each situation is unique. There is an element of luck and timing involved. However, I have always professed that 'luck follows hard work'. I am now amending that adage to "luck follows non-stop networking".

Here are 6 quick tips to help you get lucky from your non-stop networking and possibly lead you to some fantastic press releases or public relations opportunities:

1. Position yourself as an expert. Define your line of expertise. The combination of a clear definition and experience plus taking the time to identify your skills equals a credible authority. This equation gives you substance.

2. Clarify how you describe your product and services. Describe your work succinctly and distinctly so that your contacts remember your specialty. Avoid focus on what you have done (which is retrospective) or on what you could do (which is hypothetical); this language is forgettable. Focus on how you help others. Use benefit rich content and outcomes to describe your business.

3. Create a timely press release. Tie what you do to what is topical. Relay your story to your network in terms of what is happening now. The fact that I was 'downsized' and am now 'loving it' became newsworthy as the unemployment rate climbed. Swim against the current to get noticed.

4. Develop strong relationships and foster connections. Take the time not just to meet with others but to learn how you can help them. Assist in connecting people who can potentially benefit from a meeting. Trust the fact that when the opportunity presents itself, they will pass your name along, too.

5. Participate in a few carefully chosen committees. Contribute your time to meet outside organizational goals that align with your business goals. Each project that you engage is an opportunity to meet others, highlight your skills and build new relationships.

(Speaking of fostering relationships... I have just returned from having lunch with an amazing, creative client attraction marketer, Meredith Liepelt, owner of Rich Life Marketing and I asked her for a PR tip. - She provided fantastic methodology for enhancing public relations.) Meredith adds:

6. Publicize your Publicity. Let others know about the publicity you received and leverage each exposure.

All of these recent PR opportunities are a result of reaching out, getting involved in organizations, developing new relationships, strengthening old ones, and staying committed to building and valuing my network. So remember, "Luck follows non-stop networking!"

©2009 Barb Girson Original Work.

 
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