There's a lot of talk out there among 'experts' - about how to get rich, how to become successful, how to do this or how to do that. It's very easy to get distracted, and even easier to become overwhelmed. "Information Overload", they call it.

The truth is, there are A LOT of viable business ideas out there. There are MANY ways to become successful - or wealthy. There is TONS of potential in online marketing. And there's still PLENTY of room for you to step in and claim your fortune.

The question is: What are you going to do?

You could:

- write a book or an ebook - promote affiliate programs via PPC - sell products on eBay - create & optimize content-rich sites in niche markets - build an empire of mini-sites - become a public speaker - be a web designer, copywriter or VA

That list could go on and on... and on. What I see all too often is that many people try to do 'the whole list'. Or at least several at once. And that can be okay if your focus is one and same in all things that you are doing. Or it can be disastrous. A recipe for failure.

Maybe you can relate to this scenario: You set out to do something, and it takes longer to earn amount you had hoped for... and then you see another option. You try it out, it does pretty well, so you put some time and energy into it. Something happens - rules change, markets fluctuate, algorithms change - and you're moved two steps back. You're introduced with something new, more stable, and you focus on that instead.

FORMAT

Call it a 'News Release', 'News Bulletin' or 'Announcement'. 'Press Release' sounds like propaganda.

Add, 'For immediate use'. This implies urgency. It also allows them some choice on when to run it. If news is date sensitive state 'for use before' or 'for use after'.

Fax or mail? If urgent - fax. But to get noticed mail it. They get a lot of junk mail and junk fax. The fax junk looks too much alike. If you mail it you have a chance to get attention with colour and feel of paper. Send it on good quality paper with your logo. That could be your letterhead.

Don't address it to 'newsroom' or 'editor'. That's same as 'occupant'. Instead address it to a person. Get their name.

Make it easy to read. Maximum one page. Use easy to read font. Twelve point size Times Roman works well. Add a little spice by bolding key names - but sprinkle lightly. Italics draws attention but is hard to read. Use capitals and small letters - don't print whole thing in capital letters. That is extremely difficult to read. Keep paragraphs and sentences short. Double spacing is best.

Make it clear whom release is from. Lead with city and date of release. This gives perspective. At bottom of page state, 'The end' or '- 30-' Show contact name(s) and phone number(s) clearly at bottom or top of page.

Make sure those contacts receive a copy of release and that they will be available and prepared to talk to press when called. Impress on those contacts that press need speedy responses to make their deadlines.

CONTENT

Start with a strong title. A subtitle is not necessary if title is strong. Study newspaper headings for ideas. Examine style of target media you are trying to reach to get ideas.

You have only one chance to hook them with title. If you do not, they will not read any further. One glance at headline is how they preview release. There must be words, themes, companies, personalities or issues in title that slows their glance enough to invite them to read first paragraph.

The first sentence must grab them. Rework that first sentence until first few words or even first word pulls reader in.

The first paragraph is important. It should contain your most important message. If they read that far - it is what draws them into story. Write that first paragraph as if that might be only paragraph they print.