HOLIDAY PUBLICITY OPPORTUNITIES If your product/business lends itself to increased holiday sales, next several weeks are a perfect time to get a product publicity campaign launched - given right media targets. Although many holiday issues have already been laid out for magazines, many other media outlets are feverishly seeking information/pitches on innovative stories for holidays. Some media outlets even reorganize or beef up staff toward end of year to allow for an increase in stories on products. Have your publicist help you take advantage of this increased media opportunity.

I have in fact had media outlets respond to our media release literally minutes after pitching it. Conversely, one media outlet responded to one of our releases 17 months after a pitch. (I had to ask reporter what YEAR was on release!) You can definitely increase odds with some hard work and effective media relations. That's why timing of your publicity pitch is so critical. Have your publicist get your pitch to media, allow editorial staff to digest it a bit, and strategically and professionally "rattle cage" over next several weeks to generate as many placements as possible.

What we are trying to do is plant seeds in media outlets' editorial garden so they will bear fruit -- in form of articles/show placements -- continuously over next several weeks and months. Like plant that comes from a seed, publicity placements can also grow roots and lead to other arterial media placements in other media outlets. Given right tending, publicity seeds you plant over next few weeks will indeed germinate and you'll reap a wonderful harvest for your business now and into first quarter of next year.

7. Have some jackets printed with your web site address and other business information. Give them away to family and friends. When it's too cold for t-shirts, you can wear jackets.

8. Have some duffle bags made with your web site address and other business information. Give them to family and friends as gifts or use them when you travel.

9. Have some pens imprinted with your web site address and other business information. When you are done filling out your check or signing receipts leave it there for next person to use or keep.

10. Have some mugs imprinted with your web site address and other business information. Use them when you have company or give them away to friends and family as gifts.