‘Tis the season to be going to an awards ceremony, but what else can 
make a good story? Well actually almost anything that’s news to do with your business. So yes it could be a one-off like being an awards finalist, or it could be that you are taking on more staff, or introducing a new product or service, or having a celebrity visitor, or launching a newsletter … the list goes on. And it can even be the seemingly mundane, like moving premises, attending a trade show etc.
But if you send it to the local paper will they print it? No guarantees but you will certainly have a better chance by following these tips :
- remember it’s a story first, and plug for your business second
- don’t just say what but tell why ie rather than saying ‘we are moving offices …’ could say ‘we will have more space in our new office …’
- use ‘quality’ quotes to support & enhance the story ie avoid just saying ‘it’s brilliant …’ but give a reason eg ‘it will be a real improvement to the service we offer our customers as it will reduce the time it takes to do each job …’
- give the full gist of the story in the first paragraph – most people reading newspaper articles rarely read more than that, and in any case the paper may well cut out some of it
- provide a good photo – even if they are not able to use it, it still may help get your press release in print
- and finally this might sound obvious but where possible take advantage of seasonal timing eg introducing a new gardening service in the spring, or a range of Christmas Cards in the Autumn, or coming full circle ‘tis the season to be going to an awards ceremony and doing a press release about that award you have just won!
Les
www.lorienhouse.co.uk
PS Don’t forget to make yourself available when you send it off – you’ll be kicking yourself if they tried to get hold of you to clarify a point and didn’t use the press release because you weren’t around!
I went to the luncheon awards ceremony on Thursday with Jeff, my husband, and was really pleased to have the additional support of members from the local FSB committee.
Whilst I didn’t win my Go Green category, being both nominated & shortlisted has still brought business benefits as I have had quite a bit of free publicity with my name being mentioned in the Evening Post, and both article & picture – see here – in Swansea Bay Business Life Magazine. Plus I have gained a Highly Recommended plaque which now has pride of place in my office at home.
Leswww.lorienhouse.co.uk
Having been nominated for the Go Green Environment Award this year I’m very pleased to be chosen as one of the three finalists. A change from previous years the main sponsor is now South Wales Evening Post, and all the winners will be announced at a luncheon ceremony on 30th September.Since being told I have had some still photos taken for the Post and Swansea Business Life magazine, plus a short video recording which will be shown on the day. So it's just wait & see and fingers crossed!LesPS For information about my business please go to www.lorienhouse.co.uk
Hi AllMy name is Lesley Walton and I run my own home based print & design business, which has two main strandsBusiness Services & Stationery- for individuals & other small business like myself
- specialise in doing small quantities, say 100 not 1000s, no amount too small!
- doing print jobs that are out of the ordinary such as labels for Lovespoons for last year's FSB National Conference
- including promotional personalised plastic keyfobs
- provide a professional CV preparation & consultancy service
Wedding & Civil Ceremony Stationery- bespoke based on a theme chosen by the couple
- printed using quality materials with handcraft included on request
- will just do the items the couple want and no minimum quantity
- open to unusual ideas - within reason!
If any of the above is what you are looking for just send a comment on this article, or give me a call on 468971 or e-mail me at lvwalton@yahoo.co.uk.Les
make a good story? Well actually almost anything that’s news to do with your business. So yes it could be a one-off like being an awards finalist, or it could be that you are taking on more staff, or introducing a new product or service, or having a celebrity visitor, or launching a newsletter … the list goes on. And it can even be the seemingly mundane, like moving premises, attending a trade show etc. 
