Speaker - May 2009

You may be thinking that you can’t afford a big advertising campaign. But even if your wallet is a bit thin and advertising isn’t possible, you can get great results with some carefully planned publicity. In a recession, competition between speakers is greater than ever. Publicity helps you get that extra celebrity and credibility so you can stand out and get hired.

Keep your Ball Rolling

Maintain the momentum of your current publicity efforts. If you stop marketing yourself and try to resume when the recession ends, you’ll be starting over from scratch. Here are some sure-fire ways to keep your publicity efforts going strong, even during difficult economic times.

1Write articles for trade and association magazines to keep your name circulating within your niche areas. Aim to write one article every two months. You can submit the same article to multiple publications if you offer it non-exclusively.

2If you have a strong opinion about something in the news, write an article about it and submit it to newspapers. Even if you hold an unpopular view, put it out there. Controversy sells.

3Become an expert source for newspaper and magazine writers in your area. E-mail or call editors to find out what stories they’re working on. If you can provide information or insights on any of their hot topics, offer it freely so you can get quoted.

4Update your Web site and blog with new information and articles. Also, post updates on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

5Publicity is an inexpensive way to stay in front of your clients. Many of your competitors will cut back on marketing now, so by staying strong and true to your course, you will stand out when the competition thins out.

6Show clients why you are the best speaker for your topic. Credibility does that for you, and promoting yourself with public relations builds that credibility. You never want people to wonder, “What ever happened to (your name)?” By staying front and center and top of mind with your clients, you’ll position yourself for success.

Pam Lontos, MA, CSP, is president of PR/PR, a public relations firm that works with speakers, authors and experts. She is the author of I See Your Name Everywhere. PR/PR works with established speakers, as well as those who are just launching their career.

For more information, contact Lontos at Pam@prpr.net or call (407) 299-6128. To receive free publicity tips, go to www.PRPR. net and register for the monthly e-newsletter, PR/PR Pulse!

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