Enhance Your Reputation and Grow Your Business

By TINA L. PUGLIESE, APR, Pugliese Public Relations

Here are some creative ideas to get the quality of publicity that can enhance your reputation and grow your business. These creative ways to get publicity will work for just about any type of business. Implementing any one (or more) of these ideas will get you great exposure, and it will take you to the level of success you and your business deserve.

Create a Holiday — Chase's Calendar of Events is the most comprehensive and authoritative reference available on special events, holidays, federal and state observances, historic anniversaries and more. Each spring, thousands of new entries are submitted to join the more than 12,000 items that make up each year's book. Each event listing (where applicable) contains contact and mailing information. There is no charge to be listed in Chase's. Each new edition appears in late September preceding the year in question.  You can apply for a holiday submission online at www.chases.com.

Write a Book — Prospective customers are impressed with authors, even if your book is self-published. The fact that you have written a book says you are knowledgeable and credible. Plus, you can sell your book or use it as a giveaway, which constantly promotes your name and ideas. Best of all, an author is the media's preferred source for interviews.

Win a Business Award — If you think it is too much work and not enough payoff to submit yourself for a business award, think again. Many business awards are sponsored by publications that will announce winners' names and print their stories—a terrific public relations opportunity. And you, in turn, can announce the award to your current and prospective customers on your Website and in your sales materials—positioning yourself as a leader in your field.

Put on a Free Educational Workshop — No matter what business or service you provide, you can offer a workshop on some aspect of your business.  An accountant can put on a workshop about the ramifications of new tax laws.  This gives you an opportunity to generate publicity and possibly get new clients as well as recognition in the community.

Produce an Electronic Newsletter — An e-newsletter can become a highly successful public relations tool, keeping your name in front of current and potential clients. In addition, promoting your services in your newsletter can lead to additional revenue.

Co-locate with Another Business — Sharing retail space with another business is a winning proposition. Each business benefits by being exposed to the other business' customers because customers of the business you co-locate with can learn about you just by seeing you there.

Do Pro-bono Work — Think of pro-bono work as an investment that will showcase your talents to prospective paying clients.