News

How to Write a Press Release

Key Elements of a Public Awareness Program – Part 4

Once you have determined the most newsworthy aspect of your story, you must summarize that information at the beginning of the release and then quickly back up the lead statement with facts. Save the less important details for last to fit the inverted-pyramid style of news writing.

Put the most comprehensive information in the lead, so that the reader gets the point of the story even if he reads only the first sentence or paragraph. All the essential information summarizing the whole story should be contained in the first paragraph if at all possible.

If you are announcing an event or meeting, make sure your first paragraph answers the basic questions: Who, What, When, Why, Where, and How.

A press release must be a complete story because some publications will run a release verbatim. This is usually more likely with trade publications. Read more…

How to Build Media Relationships

Key Elements of a Public Awareness Program – Part 3

Create trust and respect

The first step to securing some good free publicity is hooking up with the right people. Sending information to a generic address at every major media outlet in your area is almost always a waste of time. You need to find someone who is ready, willing, and able to get your story covered.

If your business or organization is in a metropolitan area, invest in a “Media Guide” from local PR firm, preferably a large one with a good reputation. This will provide you with the names and addresses of editors, staff writers, producers, and other key contacts for print, radio, and TV.

Once you have the names, Read more…

Tips on Getting News Coverage

Key Elements of a Public Awareness Program – Part 2

Are there other ways of getting news coverage besides news releases and press conferences?

News releases on run-of-the-mill activities are unlikely to generate much interest, but unique projects generate attention. Get creative in your projects and tell the world.

If your event isn’t much out of the ordinary, you can generate attention by hiring a local news anchor to serve as emcee. People love the opportunity to meet celebrities and news anchors are local celebrities.

Invite local dignitaries or other celebrities to events. Both are likely to bring along an entourage. If you invite political figures, you tap into a different source of interest from community members. Read more…

What Makes a Story Newsworthy?

Key Elements of a Public Awareness Program – Part 1

Good public relations creates good public awareness.

Public relations results from deliberate, intentional, conscious effort that is planned, organized, and systematic. It involves two-way interaction that disseminates information and obtains feedback. But most importantly, it serves the public interest.

Developing a solid public awareness effort is dependent upon understanding what is considered news, how to get coverage, and how to build relationships with the media.

Let’s take a look at defining “newsworthy” this time. Read more…

Welcome!

Welcome to Enabled4Success.com.

I realized recently that with 20+ years of experience working virtually that I have information that I can share with those interested in doing the same. So, I started this blog.

Why Enabled4Success? I work virtually because of various disabilities I have which prevent me for being able to work in a public office. But, as my mother taught me, if life serves you lemons, make lemonade!

The result? What I initially perceived as “disabilities” have become the impetus behind leading me into work that I love. I feel that I have been “enabled” by these issues to look at life differently. Now while I may carry the label of being “a person with disabilities” for medical purposes, I see myself as “differently”-abled. Read more…