Q: I have a question as it relates to my small business public relations efforts. I received a media kit from a leading magazine and it contained something called an editorial calendar. Can you explain what that is and how I can use it to help get some publicity for my company? Dianne in Tampa, Fla. A: Hi Dylan, thanks for the question. And it’s a good one since we’ve received comments and que...

By now everyone reading this blog has either seen or read about Tiger Woods’ press conference where for the first time he publicly apologized for his actions during and leading up to Thanksgiving weekend. If you haven’t watch you can view Tiger’s public statement here. I’ve touched on crisis PR in the past (even on the Tiger Woods issue) and I’ll say it again for the small business and ...

Check out Sarah Talalay’s sports business story in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that profiles a few small businesses and entrepreneurs who’ve answered the call to be a part of Super Bowl festivities. The story talks about Steven Moseley, executive chef of S&J Catering, who also provided mango bourbon barbecue ribs during the 2007 Super Bowl (the last time the big game was also held in So...

Have you ever watched a favorite television show and wondered how a particular small business got the production company to make the show about them? You know the question you ask yourself – how do I get my business on TV? I’m sure you’ve seen at least one of these shows, especially if you’re a regular viewer of TLC or The Food Network. The Wall Street Journal recently reported on the succ...

One of the greatest opportunities to get media coverage - for any size company - is when a national story occurs. When that national story is a tragedy or disaster, however, companies must walk a fine line with their publicity-grabbing intentions so as to not be seen taking advantage or profiting off the disaster. HoundDogs, a Tennessee-based clothing retailer that sells a variety of licensed gear...

Here’s an example of a company creating a completely out-of-the-box idea by mixing in a little creativity, a little timeliness and a whole lotta controversy resulting in some incredible publicity. Too bad some thought the ingredients proved only to result in bad taste rather than a successful publicity stunt for small business. A Georgia funeral home received a lot of publicity this week wit...