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15 SIMPLE & PROVEN STRATEGIES TO “GET PUBLICITY NOW” FOR BUSINESS OWNERS, START-UPS AND NONPROFITS

Insights | Ideas | Inspiration

To Help You Share Your Story

© Copyright 2015 Blue Cube Marketing Solutions. All Rights Reserved. www.1bluecube.com | tami@1bluecube.com

15 Simple & Proven Strategies to “Get Publicity Now”

WARNING

This report is for your personal use only.

You may not Give Away, Share or Resell this Intellectual Property in any way.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Copyright 2015 © - Blue Cube Marketing Solutions. All rights are reserved.

You may not distribute this report in any way. You may not sell it or reprint any part without written consent from the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.

DISCLAIMER The information, insight and ideas included in this report provide an outline of the necessary strategies needed to successfully implement a Public Relations campaign. They do not represent an all-inclusive plan of the exact steps needed. Every business, start-up and nonprofit is unique and needs to customize processes according to their specific situation, market and level of expertise. Every plan is a work in progress and will need monitoring, evaluation and revisions, when necessary.

15 Simple & Proven Strategies to “Get Publicity Now”

WHY YOU WANT TO READ THIS REPORT This free report provides 15 easy to implement ideas, insights and inspirations to help you share your story. This is your Blueprint for getting noticed in the media, online and in the minds of your customers, donors and volunteers.

These 15 Get Publicity Now strategies quickly and effectively answer the most frequently asked questions I’ve encountered during my 26 years as a PR professional.

These strategies are the basic building blocks that will get your company or nonprofit in the press, on the map and talked about in your circle of influence.

COMMUNICATING WITH A PLAN IS RISKY BUSINESS.

WHY YOU WANT TO LISTEN TO ME If you’re tired of reading about your competition, give the media something to write about. These 15 Get Publicity Now strategies lay the foundation for a successful communication strategy. From companies to nonprofits to CEOs, plug these ideas into your publicity plan to share stories that get covered, create conversations and build lucrative relationships.

WHAT’S MY STORY?

“I wanted to be a rock star when I grew up but couldn’t sing on key so I sing the praises of others.”- Tami Belt Tami Belt founded Blue Cube Marketing Solutions in 2002 to transform the way companies approach community engagement and communication strategy. Tami places clients in the spotlight by equipping them with communication tools to build relationships, create conversations and share their stories.

She understands each organization is unique and has its own story. And it’s that well crafted story and authentic passion that builds lasting bonds between businesses, nonprofits and their community.

An award winning Public Relations professional with an electric smile and undeniable compassion for people, Tami has built a network of relationships with colleagues who enjoy working with her as much as they respect her talent, work ethic and integrity. The business community has recognized Tami’s dedication and achievements with numerous local, national and international awards. © Copyright 2015 Blue Cube Marketing Solutions. All Rights Reserved. www.1bluecube.com | tami@1bluecube.com

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15 Simple & Proven Strategies to “Get Publicity Now”

STRATEGY #1: WHAT IS PR? EVERYONE HAS A STORY. Public Relations is the strategic crafting of your story, your message. Publicity is the result of your story being placed in front of your target audience through social, print and electronic media. Public Relations goes beyond telling your story to engaging your public in conversations.

It’s about connecting and building relationships.

Relationships can be built in many ways including on Social Media or through Community Engagement. Connecting with your customers by sharing a passion is the deepest connection you can foster.

STRATEGY #2: COMMUNICATION STRATEGY You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint, so why communicate without a plan?

Communicating without a plan is risky business. Clear, consistent and strategically planned communication is key to realizing your company’s goals.

A well-designed communication plan can help you: • • • •

Build your brand Create customer evangelists Provide clear direction in a crisis Position yourself a leader in your industry and community • Connect with clients, community and employees • Communicate effectively through targeted media channels • Establish you as a valuable and reliable resource © Copyright 2015 Blue Cube Marketing Solutions. All Rights Reserved. www.1bluecube.com | tami@1bluecube.com

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15 Simple & Proven Strategies to “Get Publicity Now”

STRATEGY #3: SOCIAL MEDIA BASICS Social Media is comprised of communities.

Knowing how to communicate in each one is part of a strategic communication plan.

This is the place to engage in conversations, listen and build relationships. It’s a community, not a commercial.

Listen: Seek first to understand, then be understood.

Share: People want to know what you’re working on.

They don’t want to be sold or told.

Participate: Join groups, comment, offer insight.

Be a good neighbor: Don’t show up empty-handed. Share meaningful insights and information.

Don’t be a homebody: Visit and interact with followers on their pages.

STRATEGY #4: THE TRUTH ABOUT BRANDING I WANT TO SHARE A LITTLE SECRET ABOUT BRANDING...

You don’t own your Brand.

It’s not your logo or your tagline or who you say you are. Your Brand is a perception in your customer’s mind. The good news is you can help shape their perception through stories.

Scott Bedbury said: ‘A great brand is a story that’s never completely told.’

You can tell your story through your:

Website | Testimonials | Bio | Social Media | Blogs Press Coverage | Community Engagement

PEOPLE REMEMBER AND RELATE TO STORIES, NOT STATISTICS. © Copyright 2015 Blue Cube Marketing Solutions. All Rights Reserved. www.1bluecube.com | tami@1bluecube.com

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15 Simple & Proven Strategies to “Get Publicity Now”

STRATEGY #5: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The answer to the age-old question is YES, it pays to be good.

Translating the mission, vision and values of your company into a customized community engagement strategy is the key to building lasting relationships.

Capitalizing on them through a well-crafted communication strategy connects you with your clients, community and employees.

Research shows that companies who are involved in their communities: • • • • •

Enjoy higher employee satisfaction and retention rates Earn a more favorable view in their customers’ minds Increase market share from customers who switch brands to support a cause in which they believe Help strengthen the community in which they serve, creating a better place to live, work & do business Get more press coverage from what they do in the community than what they do as a company

STRATEGY #6: TESTIMONIALS ARE GOOD NEWS Testimonials are good news...in other words...let your customer’s speak for you!

Good testimonials communicate: • • • •

How you make them feel Specific solutions Why you’re different Employee stories • Why do they like to work for you?

• Let them share their favorite customer service stories.

• Personal emotions • If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth multiple views.

• Video testimonials convey feelings mere words can’t express and put a face to the feedback.

© Copyright 2015 Blue Cube Marketing Solutions. All Rights Reserved. www.1bluecube.com | tami@1bluecube.com

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15 Simple & Proven Strategies to “Get Publicity Now”

STRATEGY #7: WHAT’S YOUR STORY? People do business with people. Your clients want to hear your story. Your story is your bio, not your resume.

Our lives are seemingly serendipitous collisions of people, places and passions. Take a step back and look at the path you’ve traveled. Connect the dots.

• What did you want to be when you grew up?

• Who do you admire most?

• What is the best advice you have given and received?

• How will you change the world?

• What’s your super power?

• What would you do for free?

• If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

• What are your true loves?

• Not your family or pets

What’s your story?

STRATEGY #8: MEDIA RELATIONS Media Relations serves two important functions in Public Relations.

1

Establishing your credibility as a reliable a source for the media builds your reputation as an expert in your industry or community.

2

Building a good rapport with the media is crucial to ensure journalists will consider the information you or your PR professional sends.

This trust takes time to build and increases your chances of getting noticed and your stories selected for publication. © Copyright 2015 Blue Cube Marketing Solutions. All Rights Reserved. www.1bluecube.com | tami@1bluecube.com

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15 Simple & Proven Strategies to “Get Publicity Now”

STRATEGY #9: CRISIS COMMUNICATION Bad things can happen to good companies.

When they do, how you respond determines how well you weather the storm. Here are a few tips to guide you in a crisis.

• Always tell the truth • Respond promptly, the media have deadlines

• Offer a sincere apology, when necessary

• Focus on Solutions

• Explain what you are

doing to correct the

situation now and the

measures you’re implementing to prevent another situation in the future.

• Have core messages that clearly communicate your company’s mission and vision

STRATEGY #10: WORD OF MOUTH Word of Mouth is the best form of advertising.

People trust people, not ads. Give your customers something to talk about.The book ‘Creating Customer Evangelists’ outlines a strategy to help create word of mouth.

• • • •

Continuously gather customer feedback Make it a point to share knowledge freely Expertly build word-of-mouth networks Encourage communities of customers to meet and share • Offer samples and showcase smaller offerings to whet customers’ appetites • Focus on making the world, or your industry, better

© Copyright 2015 Blue Cube Marketing Solutions. All Rights Reserved. www.1bluecube.com | tami@1bluecube.com

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15 Simple & Proven Strategies to “Get Publicity Now”

STRATEGY #11: WEB SITE Your web site is a dynamic, living story.

Each link is a chapter in the story that shapes your brand including:

Bios | About Us | Testimonials Blogs | Photos | Press Articles

STRATEGY #12: STORIES People remember stories, not statistics.

There are many ways Public Relations helps build relationships through stories.

Who are you? Purpose | Passion | Mission How did you get to where you are? Failures | Successes | Lessons | Pivots Why do you do what you do the way you do? Philosophy of service Your customers and your employees are part of your story, too. Capture their testimonials and reviews.

STRATEGY #13: ANATOMY OF A PRESS RELEASE Public Relations is so much more than a press release.

However, one of the most common questions I get asked is: ‘How do I write a press release?’ So here you go the who, what, when, where, why and how of a press release: WHO WHAT WHERE WHEN WHY HOW

| | | | |

It’s not about you. It’s about news.

It’s about what’s news to the audience, not you.

Make the message fit the medium (print, tv, radio, social media) Now, not yesterday’s news but what is new and news now Your intention: share news; establish credibility; highlight community engagement; announce a new hire, location, initiative or award | Know the media, know who to send it to and how to write for the medium

© Copyright 2015 Blue Cube Marketing Solutions. All Rights Reserved. www.1bluecube.com | tami@1bluecube.com

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15 Simple & Proven Strategies to “Get Publicity Now”

STRATEGY #14: HOW TO SELECT A GOOD PR PERSON Business is personal. It’s about relationships.

Like any partnership, make sure you share the same business philosophy.

Be honest about your expectations and make sure you are in alignment.

Ask for testimonials from past clients.

For tips on how to work with a Public Relations Firm visit:

http://www.1bluecube.com/blog/how-to-work-with-a-public-relations-firm

STRATEGY #15: HOW DO YOU BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE MEDIA? 1. GET TO KNOW THEM.

• Read their articles and blogs.

• Listen to their radio show.

• Watch their TV shows.

• Study their podcats and webinars.

2. KNOW THE MEDIUM WHERE YOU’RE PLACING YOUR MESSAGE. 3. LEARN WHO WRITES ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY, COMMUNITY AND THEIR AREA OF EXPERTISE. 4. HELP THEM DO THEIR JOB.

• Honor their deadlines.

• Provide relevant, accurate information their audience will find useful.

• Thank them, everyone wants to be appreciated.

© Copyright 2015 Blue Cube Marketing Solutions. All Rights Reserved. www.1bluecube.com | tami@1bluecube.com

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15 Simple & Proven Strategies to “Get Publicity Now” While these PR Tips sound easy, correctly implementing them is a different story. It takes time, experience and a strategy to learn and perfect the techniques necessary to deliver a successful PR campaign.

Learn more about how I can help put these practical strategies to work for you, schedule a complimentary brand and strategy session today.

SIGN UP NOW www.1bluecube.com/blog/discovery-session Listen to what clients have to say about working with Tami at Blue Cube Marketing Solutions: “Tami was an integral member of the PR team that made 7-Eleven’s Simpsons promotion a phenomenal success. Thanks to her relationship with the local media, Tami consistently secures valuable radio promotions each month.” - Margaret Chabris, 7-Eleven, Inc. “When news of our Bakeshop appeared in the local press, we were amazed at the positive response. Tami’s experience and relationships with the local media are priceless.”- Samantha, Owner/Chief Branding Wizard, Bakeshop “Tami really knows her stuff when it comes to PR or writing your bio. She took the time to go over everything with me and made sure it was to my liking. With a few tweaks she was able to put the polishing touch on my bio.” - Patrick Becker, Allstate “Tami Belt and Blue Cube Marketing Solutions were instrumental when we launched our nonprofit. She helped us grow our brand and correctly convey our message through multiple media channels. Tami is a well-respected Las Vegas native with deep roots in our community. We trust Tami and value our relationship with Blue Cube Marketing Solutions immensely.”- Patrick Spargur, Co-Founder Project 150 “Tami’s experience and expertise in public relations and strategic communications are only outshone by her integrity and the quality of her relationships and reputation in the community. Tami’s passion for bridging non-profits and corporations with their consumers based on shared interests upgrades their engagement from passive client to the level of loyal brand enthusiasts. “- Sara Gabriella, Caramel Creative, LLC

© Copyright 2015 Blue Cube Marketing Solutions. All Rights Reserved. www.1bluecube.com | tami@1bluecube.com

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