Catapult Public Relations

PR tip: Share Your Successes!

Tue, 07 May 2013 09:30:39 +0000

It’s important to share your successes with others within your organization to help educate them on what you do and how you are helping make a difference in “moving the needle” the right way. “Out of sight, out of mind” is even more true in today’s fast-paced world where we are barraged with communications in every facet of our lives. Tell ‘em what you are going to do; do it; tell ‘em what you did. Then explain how it helped your organization “move the needle!”

PR Tip: Clear, Concise Messaging = Correct Positioning

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:30:06 +0000

Determining your target market position is key in how an organization presents itself and, more importantly, in how it is perceived. Perception is reality, and companies large and small need to remember that. Aligning your organization’s key strengths, areas of differentiation and assets can create a unique market position of strength. Emphasize those key elements throughout all your marketing and PR materials (repetition, repetition, repetition!).

PR tip: Culture Counts!

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:30:02 +0000

Even the best PR pros can create THE best PR campaign ever and still not receive the kind of kudos they deserve. Rather than looking at the process, strategy and execution, look at your organization and how it operates and views “results.” That could be the difference between what constitutes a successful campaign or PR program versus what is perceived as “lacking.” Every organization is different. Engaging with the key stakeholders who influence the overall impression of the organization, between “good and bad” results, needs to be an important part of the development of any PR campaign. Align your program by understanding your company’s culture and how it operates. Then educate these internal influencers ahead of time regarding how PR works and involve them. You will find that over time, they will help support and shape internal perceptions of the success of your PR efforts.

PR tip: Extend Your Communications Reach

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 09:30:14 +0000

We live in a flat world. Companies of all sizes are interacting not only with employees, but partners, customers, shareholders and stakeholders of all kinds. How can you extend the reach of your communications to most effectively communicate with these constituents? Rich media webcasting is an effective tool for many organizations, because it offers a way to communicate in real-time with an interactive approach in a way that makes it easy to demonstrate a true Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Check out service providers that offer turnkey services – from all the A/V needs to IT to live streaming. It can lower your company’s travel costs and increase the amount of information you share with your key stakeholders on a more consistent basis.

PR tip: Plans and Measurement “go together like a horse and carriage”

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:30:40 +0000

More than ever, PR pros are being asked to measure and justify the investments companies are making in their marketing and sales results. Starting any PR process by developing a plan with clear objectives that the client or senior management is not only involved with but approves, gives PR pros a leg up on demonstrating proven results. Always start with a roadmap and involve the key influencers who matter. Then report on your progress along the way. That is the best way to show how you are contributing success to your organization.

PR tip: Keep Your Eyes on the Prize!

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 09:30:28 +0000

The media get so many people directly reaching out to them on a daily basis and even more messages to sift through in their inbox. So how do you differentiate yourself? By following up and being persistent in your approach. This doesn’t mean you should go bug people until you get what you want, but instead it means asking questions, requesting feedback and determining the best way to get a hold of someone you are desperately trying to reach. People (in the media especially) are connected through many different modes of conversation, including social media. If you aren’t having any luck via phone calls or email messages, sometimes Twitter or Facebook can provide you with the best avenue for starting a conversation. Get creative, but don’t become overbearing. Sometimes people are just less responsive to certain forms of communication than others, and it’s your job to find the channel that best suits them.

PR tip: Keep a Pulse on the Industry!

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:30:23 +0000

This goes back to doing your research. By keeping yourself and those around you abreast of breaking news, business trends and hot topics, the more in-depth conversations and better timing you will have during your press outreach. Additionally, if you can pinpoint a topic that your clients could comment on, the press might be more likely to set a meeting and even write a story about your client’s perspective. Issues response programs are a great way to not only position your client as a thought leader, but it also shows initiative in wanting to solve a problem in society – overall a great PR tool!

PR tip: Network Like Crazy!

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 09:30:13 +0000

In business and PR, it’s often who you know rather than what you know that gets you ahead of the game. If you have developed a relationship with an editor or reporter of a magazine or newspaper, make good use of your time and ask for feedback on who the best person is to contact for your future announcements – and not just for one particular client, but for all your clients. Ask the person to be a reference for you and if you can reach out to their colleague(s) down the road when the time comes. This is especially helpful when targeting large publishers, metropolitan newspapers and the national press.

PR tip: Build Relationships for the Long Run!

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:30:11 +0000

When trying to start a new relationship with a reporter or editor, commit to the long-haul and not just the short-term outcome. Timing is everything when trying to secure a story. Even though the person in question may be a perfect fit for a story idea, they may not have the resources available to pursue it. On the flip-side, some people may not be a good fit for your story topic, but if you develop a relationship and come to a mutual understanding with them, down the road they may surprise you and want to write about the company or product you are promoting. The key takeaway here is to always treat people with respect and courtesy and be helpful in your approach – no matter what the short-term outcome is for your pitch. If you can get to a point where you spend more time getting to know someone rather than actually pitching them a story, chances are good they will want to work with you in the future. People want to help other people; you just have to know how to help them first.

PR tip: Do Your Research!

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:30:55 +0000

When planning to pitch to a reporter or an editor for a story, take time to explore what it is they write about and how they like to work. Devote 15-20 minutes to explore everything from their LinkedIn profile and Twitter account to their past magazine articles and blog posts. The more you know about the person you are pitching to, the more likely you can strike up a casual conversation and have a lasting impact on that person.