A press or media kit is an organized collection of materials about you and your company.  It goes beyond the simple press release by providing more information.  You can use it for a specific event or you can simply send it to your media contacts as an introduction.  Use a presentation folder to hold your kit.  It doesn't have to be fancy -- buy a pack of folders in your company color and print labels with your company name and logo.  Things to put in the folder include your company brochure or flyer; your company profile (usually one page); bio's of key staff; previous publicity; one-page fact sheet about the specific event; and a glossy photo of you.  If you are considered an expert about a particular topic, make sure to include that information in the press kit.

1.  Be flexible.  If plan A doesn't work, try plan B or C and always be open for new opportunities.

2.  Don't be afraid to ask for help.  Whether it's for your business or yourself, forget the Superwoman thing -- even super heroes have sidekicks to help them.

3.  Make sure you're having fun.  If you're not enjoying what you're doing, then don't do it.  Isn't that one of the reasons you started your own business?

4.  Don't forget your values.  At the end of the day, you are all you have, so don't compromise yourself just for the sake of a job.

5.  Don't forget to breathe!  Make sure to take care of yourself.

"I'm late, I'm late . . . for a very important date!" cried the White Rabbit as he ran along glancing anxiously at his pocket watch.  Why do I always feel like that?  I know when I'm supposed to be somewhere, but there's always one last thing to do before I head out the door.  And then, whammy!  All of the traffic lights are red, or there's an accident on the highway, or something else happens.  And, just like the White Rabbit, I become anxious and stressed.

Well, I've found a solution -- not something that keeps me from being late, but something that keeps me calm.  My favorite vacation place is Long Beach Island, NJ, where the speed limit on the main road averages 35 mph.  When I first arrive, it's a major adjustment to slow down, but I remind myself I'm on "island time".  And I find that not only am I driving slower, but I'm breathing slower (and relaxing!)  So now when I'm running late or in a traffic jam, I say to myself "island time" and I start breathing slower and start calming down.  Try it -- next time you're in a traffic jam, pick your favorite "quiet" place and send your mind there.

Nancy has been appointed an adjunct Professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University (Metropolitan Campus).  She's teaching "Technical Communications" to the engineering and technology students.

Check out the updated Write for You in NJ web site.  There are new Portfolio samples and you can view Nancy speaking about e-letters (like this one!) and the importance of good business communication.