Today’s guest post is written by the lovely Caroline, Owner and Designer of Paloma’s Nest,
home to the original Ring Bearer Bowl™. First of all I can not say enough kind words about
Caroline and obviously her talent and heart shows in her work.
I just know you will love this post on obtaining press for your business as much as I do!
Thank you so much Caroline for this wonderful post!
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There is no secret to getting great press for your business, or to landing a product placement or blog feature. You never know when an opportunity will knock, or which great image will climb its way to the top of the “blogsphere.” Marketing and branding are important, but can vary so much from one business to another.
So when asked to write a few “pointers” about obtaining press, I have to admit- I was stumped. It took me several days to think about the question at hand. Was there really some code or some magic trick? Is it all luck? Nah.
In my experience, as with most things in life, it all comes down to the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you would want to be treated. Whether in email or social media exchanges, customer service, or in performing the service you provide, being nice and doing your best goes far. Really far.
Be gracious and show your gratitude: In a virtual world, manners are just as important as when you are face to face with someone. Always say thank you. Sometimes an email is appropriate, but other times a handwritten note is in order.In social media, be yourself. Let your personality shine through. You ARE your brand. However, always remember- everything you write is out there forever. Don’t say something you will regret, or something that may tarnish the brand you have worked so hard to create. Share bits and pieces of your real life, and engage in conversation with others; but just like you wouldn’t air your dirty laundry openly in a coffee shop, don’t do it on Twitter, either.
Be respectful of people’s time, knowledge, and interest in your work:
Whether it is a receptionist or an assistant, a beginning blogger or a newcomer to the industry, I personally consider everyone to be my colleague. And I treat all colleagues with dignity and kindness.
You never know who will have the next great idea, become the next famous stylist, or run the most popular blog or magazine. Nurturing and respecting all relationships, from the ground up, is not only the right thing to do, but is smart for your business.
For example, a woman I met several years ago used to be a photo shoot assistant at a big-name wedding magazine. Today, she is one of the editors at that same magazine. I remember her, and she remembers me. Our relationship began at our first encounter, not just when my business needed her.
Don’t brush off the little guy- instead, build bridges that benefit everyone.
Always put your best product or service out there:
You never know who is attending a event you are coordinating; who is reading your blog; who is ordering your product.
You never know who is watching.
Consistency is key- your marketing materials, the images of your work, even your Twitter feed- they all speak volumes about your business.
Treat every situation, every client, and every potential client with excellence, no matter what.
One of my first experiences with press coverage was with Better Homes and Gardens Magazine. They called to discuss featuring my product in their Holiday Gift guide. When I asked if they needed for me to send them samples, they replied : “Nope, thanks, but we already have several. Our editor has been a fan of your work for quite a while.”
I nearly fell to the floor. I never knew that one of my clients was a magazine editor; but I must have sent her a high quality, memorable product every time she ordered.
Ever since that day, I vowed that my company would process and package every single order as if it were being sent to an editor- and not just for good PR, but because every client deserves your best work. You wouldn’t have a business without them.
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Thank you again Caroline!
