Being up-to-date both locally and nationally can work to your advantage when seeking media attention. If there’s a story that ties in specifically to your product or business, then you should be faxing, emailing, sending out press releases or calling an assignment editor and offering yourself as a guest or expert to discuss the topic.

The job and housing markets have been in the news constantly so if your business ties into either of stories, and you can offer value to the latest news story, you would be the kind of expert a reporter is looking for.

Remember when Sarah Palin was all over the news? One story criticized the amount of money she spent on her wardrobe and it stayed in the news for weeks. Well, one of my clients was able to capitalize on the story by sending Sarah one of her “gizmo bags” and we sent press releases everywhere announcing this fact. As a result, Jean got tons of press.

Another thing, if you’re going to be a part of an upcoming event that offers news value to the community, make the news stations aware. There is no guarantee they will cover it but if it’s a slow news day—you never know. I would also recommend you take photos of the event and offer them to your local newspapers.

Knowing what’s going on in your community can result in your time to shine in the media. One of the sessions in my media workshop series will be learning how to find your own news value. You can register for the workshops at http://yourtimetoshine.eventbrite.com.

Everyone’s Articles – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals