When I first began this blog, I decided that I was going to write a free e-book about effective PR.
There is a friend of mine who is very diligent about asking me how my ebook is going and the truth is, although I started it, it's not "going" at all. So last night I asked myself why.
Bottom line: I don't want to put myself out of business. You see, if I tell you how I am so successful at it, then you will do it for yourself and not need me. At least, that is the irrational reason behind my reluctance.
Over the years, I have been very successful in training many people in the art of media relations and PR account management (2 very different sets of job duties by the way); and, have proudly watched them work their way from green media relations specialists to very effective managers and directors of PR. Of course, I've seen a great many more bomb at it, because just as in any profession, it's not for everyone.
Media relations and marketing publicity management is a skill that is developed over time and is 100% a full time job. So, for those who are determined to do it for themselves anyway, why not give them hints on how to be successful. I have become quite a regular at different sales and marketing blogs, like Copyblogger, to get better at the "sales" and blogging side of business, why not give back to those who need some guidance in PR?
With that said, I will twist my own arm and get "going" by starting with this blog—giving tips on how to determine what type of story to write that will get meaningful coverage, how to get in contact with editors and get them what they need to publish a story and how to straddle the line between promotional and editorial copy.
See you next week.