1
Get a trusted friend or family member to sit down (zoom potentially but in-person better) with you and ask you why you started your business, what you want to achieve.
This is a good exercise. Speaking it out loud can bring more passion forward than writing it down on paper or in an email or word document. I’d get them to ask you about your early life, your family, growing up, your education, your career before the business if you have been an employee.
This brings it – the story – out so to speak. Get them to record it on voice notes on a phone. Then transcribe it or get them to. You’ll find your story and other stories within it that will become PR tools when and if you need them. It also helps build confidence and you will likely find yourself saying things that you maybe didn’t expect. It is your business, your story. And it – the story – will grow as your business evolves.
2
Get good at identifying genuine opportunities that can raise your profile.
A lot of things happen frequently when you run a business, no matter how small or big it is.
There’s so much to juggle. When something happens; stop and think ‘is this an opportunity to gain some exposure for my efforts’. This might be an award you have been nominated for, a new client you have won. A new employee has joined. A turnover milestone achieved. Any charitable work you may be part of.
All of the above and more is ‘media friendly’, whether that be an opportunity to; place fresh content on your website, post genuine comments on your company’s social media platforms; create a press release.
The press release part is a little more difficult as it’s likely a professional with relevant nous is better placed to do this aspect. I’d encourage it though, should you have a budget.
3
Get comfortable with talking about yourself and your company.
Whether that is during a meeting with that potential new client or just talking to friends down the pub. It’s good to talk so long as it feels genuine to you.
Every conversation you have is an opportunity. Even if nothing directly comes from it in monetary terms, you learn new ways of telling your story and what is happening / has happened so far / what is coming up in the future.
You just never know what will come from conversations. It’s all part of your story and a crucial skill I’ve learnt during 15 years work in journalism and public relations.
BellPress’ 3 PR tips for startups
1
Get a trusted friend or family member to sit down (zoom potentially but in-person better) with you and ask you why you started your business, what you want to achieve.
This is a good exercise. Speaking it out loud can bring more passion forward than writing it down on paper or in an email or word document. I’d get them to ask you about your early life, your family, growing up, your education, your career before the business if you have been an employee.
This brings it – the story – out so to speak. Get them to record it on voice notes on a phone. Then transcribe it or get them to. You’ll find your story and other stories within it that will become PR tools when and if you need them. It also helps build confidence and you will likely find yourself saying things that you maybe didn’t expect. It is your business, your story. And it – the story – will grow as your business evolves.
2
Get good at identifying genuine opportunities that can raise your profile.
A lot of things happen frequently when you run a business, no matter how small or big it is.
There’s so much to juggle. When something happens; stop and think ‘is this an opportunity to gain some exposure for my efforts’. This might be an award you have been nominated for, a new client you have won. A new employee has joined. A turnover milestone achieved. Any charitable work you may be part of.
All of the above and more is ‘media friendly’, whether that be an opportunity to; place fresh content on your website, post genuine comments on your company’s social media platforms; create a press release.
The press release part is a little more difficult as it’s likely a professional with relevant nous is better placed to do this aspect. I’d encourage it though, should you have a budget.
3
Get comfortable with talking about yourself and your company.
Whether that is during a meeting with that potential new client or just talking to friends down the pub. It’s good to talk so long as it feels genuine to you.
Every conversation you have is an opportunity. Even if nothing directly comes from it in monetary terms, you learn new ways of telling your story and what is happening / has happened so far / what is coming up in the future.
You just never know what will come from conversations. It’s all part of your story and a crucial skill I’ve learnt during 15 years work in journalism and public relations.
BellPress’ 3 PR tips for startups
Share this post