Sonya Lowery on Networking - PR as an Empowerment TOOL! (Karen Taylor Bass)

Here are 10 tips to implement as you create awareness and grow your business, right now:

1) Define Your Mission.
What is your company about? What are your objectives? Who is your target audience?

2) Be a Student of the Media.
Learn how the media works. For instance, be aware of who your desired outlet serves, what their deadlines are, when they publish or broadcast as well as their current trend for stories. Ask yourself what makes your story different. Not all media outlets are appropriate for every type of business.

3) Be Prepared for the Opportunity.
Create a media kit, which consists of a press release announcing your company/product to seduce the media and entice clients to patronize your business, a biography (your life story, 1-2 pages with interesting information), a headshot for the media to run your photo and of course, a professional business card and website.

4) Think Linearly.
Act with a plan. Identify what you want to promote, the audience you want to reach, the tools you’ll need (press release, etc), and media vehicles through which to accomplish your goal.

5) Promote yourself.
Brand you. Remember, you are an authority in your field, so begin to visualize, and execute your plan via public speaking engagements at schools, colleges, organizations, etc. Write an editorial or op-ed column, blog, appearance as a guest on local TV, public access, and/or talk radio. Network and work your magic every time.

6) Polish your image (outward and inward).
Are you sending out the message that you want? If so, what is that perception? Ask your friends and family members what impression they have of you.

7) Secure a Committed Mentor.
Make certain that the mentor you choose has time to be a mentor. Be clear with expectations and time and make it a two-way street. What do you have to offer? Also, be sure to give back to someone else who might be in need a mentor.

8) Create and Maintain Key Relationships.
Identify folks with common interests and different skills. Be a good friend and stand by your word.

9) Empower Your Life.
Give back. A great deal of business is done while volunteering, which can provide you a legitimate aura of leadership, dedication and commitment. Expand your base of key contacts. Become a board member and create a positive perception of who you are.

10) Honor Your Process, Believe Your Hype.
Remember, you are the best person for the job and you are entitled to success. PR is about knowing your worth and not underselling yourself to secure and/or maintain business.

The time to position yourself for an opportunity is now. Editors, TV bookers, publishers, online outlets are looking for original, inspiring and creative stories to capture each hour, day, week and month. Get started and be your own publicist.

Karen Taylor Bass, owner of Taylor Made Media LLC and strategic partner to Pam Perry of Ministry Marketing Solutions Inc., is a PR Expert and coach located in New York. Visit her at www.taylormademediapr.com