No.1 Marketing Strategy: Joint ventures

Most Prized Possession: ideas

Indoor Hobbies/Interests/Activities: Ice Hockey

Outdoor Hobbies/Interests/Activities: Beach volleyball and skiing

Favorite Software/Video Game: Tiger Woods Golf

Favorite TV Show(s): Who's Line is it Anyway?

Favorite Movie(s): Gladiator

Favorite Book(s): Influence: The psychology of persuasion by Robert Cialdini

Favorite Food(s): Pizza

Favorite Beverage(s): Bourbon

Favorite Actor(s)/Actress(s): Nicholas Cage

Favorite Music Artist(s)/Group(s): The Smiths

Favorite Sport Athlete(s)/Team(s): Washington Caps

Favorite Color(s): Lime Green

Favorite Place(s) To Visit: Greek Islands

Your Dream Possession/Vacation: 1 month vacation to Australia/New Zealand

Finding Media Who Will Cover You

I have found best way to get covered by newspapers is to first find reporter who handles stories like yours. Read through paper's web site. It usually tells which reporters are assigned to particular topics (like business editors or technology reporter). Many papers give reporters wide leeway in what stories they cover. Call reporter and deliver a short, too-the-point message on why you have a story THEIR AUDIENCE would find interesting. Get to juicy, memorable part first.

Follow up quickly with a press release, question and answer page, and a bio about your business history (sometimes called a backgrounder).

This same strategy works well for getting covered in magazines, industry journals, and on major web sites. Use search engines to find articles on topics that match your business. Look up article, find author's email address, and suggest another related story that, of course, includes your business or expert information. This often works surprisingly well to generate PR for you.

ProfNet.com has a service where journalists and writers can post topics they are trying to get information on. As a business or non-profit, you pay $50 to $100 per year to see these posts. Your multiply your chances of getting covered by ten when you respond to a reporter with good usable info.

Magazines often post a list of subjects they will be covering from one issue to next throughout year. This is particularly true of industry publications.

Expanding To Radio

While you have your media materials in hand, call local talk and news radio shows. Speak with host or producer. Explain what is interesting about your information and, again, follow up with your release, Q&A, and bio.

The same strategy can work for getting you on top radio morning shows. Radio comprises well over half of all media outlets in US and many other countries. Don't over look it.

As you get media coverage, collect quotes from media folks who have worked with you.

"Jean kept phones lit up for an hour" KXXX San Diego, CA

"Interesting information every home owner should know." The Daily News Canton, OH

Build your list of stations and publications your business has been featured in. Include reprints when possible. Media folks love to cover stories and feature experts who have already been successful elsewhere.

Stay in touch with media who cover you. Send a handwritten thank you note to editors, reporters, and on-air personalities. Make sure YOU are expert they think of when your topic comes up in news throughout year.