Yes, believe it or not, there are many business owners, advocacy gurus and event planners who, when they think about PR, run off and hide in the woods.  Or, a more frightening thought, decide to do the public relations work themselves.  SCREAM!

In the long run it's cost effective to have a professional public relations consultant navigate through the cobwebs and darkness that often surround public relations.  Public Relations won't be scary if you are mindful of the following potential horrors and take steps to avoid them:

1.  You want to run your own business: Not your publicity campaign.  You really do not have the time or expertise to put your product or service into the appropriate target audience(s).  You really can not do it all when it comes to developing a public relations strategy followed up with effective tools.

2.   There are many ins and outs to pitching the media: You can hurt your business, your reputation or issue support by using a haphazard approach. So, let someone who has built relationships with the media take this work on.

3.  What you really need is a new perspective: A consultant who lives and breathes public relations can see your business, event or issue in a new light. Too be honest you really don't have a "fence" around all ideas.  Let a new set of eyes help you work smart.

4.  Need to save money? Most small to midized businesses find that having an outside public relations consultant is far less of an investment than hiring in house.  You simply pay to enact a program and thus you save those employee costs.  Now, I bet your accountant will like those pumpkins!!   Read more

I often am asked, "How do I provide information to the press?"  One of the most used methods in public relations communications is to send out a media (press) release.  The objective is for the information to be published; to increase visibility for the organization, event or issue. Press releases can be mailed, faxed or called in.  The most preferred method by editors today to receive releases is the electronic press release, i.e. email, web, text messaging, etc.

Here are 10 reasons to send out a press release.

1. Accomplishments (company, event, individual or group)
2. Anniversary (company or event)
3. Employee achievements (awards, or other recognition)
4. Contributions to charities
5. Expanded hours, services, products, features
6. Free classes being offered
7. Fund-raising event
8. Open house
9. Special events
10. Annual Report

I would like for you to share with me other reasons to tell your story.  There are countless reasons. So, let's hear from you. 

We take the time to find information that will support you

Computer and cell phone usage is up around the world. Germans and the Japanese stand out among highly connected public. Lots more interesting results. Read more  

The biggest online trend becoming popular, regardless of age group: email, search engine use, seeking heath information, getting news.... Read more from the research

The price is right at public libraries 

If the local library seems busier, it's not just perception.  Here's a factoid.  More people go to libraries than atten all major sporting events in the USA!

Use at libraries statewide in Colorado, for example, has jumped in recent years, and the Pikes Peak Library District in Colorado  is finding even more ways for patrons to access information and services so is the Rampart Range Library District.

Visits, circulation and program attendance all increased during the recession, from 2007 to 2009, by at least 11 percent for libraries serving communities with populations of 25,000 or more.  Read more