SparksFly Public Relations

2009-11-09T11:09:00.001-08:00

"The public is the only critic whose opinion is
worth anything at all." - Mark Twain

Surf’s Up, Dude!

2009-11-06T11:13:00.001-08:00

Surf’s Up, Dude!

I’ve lived in Southern California for almost 20 years. And in all that time I’ve never learned how to surf. In a strange way, I’m like an Eskimo who never learned how to hunt seal. Or like a Republican who never learned how to favor the rich. Or like a Democrat who never learned how to exploit the poor. Or like…well, you get the point.

For 20 years I have neglected to ride the waves that are right in front of me (surfcam).

Trends in the market place are like ocean waves; you can either surf them or sit on the beach and passively watch as others enjoy the ride.

If you’re thinking about starting a public relations campaign to promote your business, begin by taking a look around you. What are the trends in your industry? What current events are affecting you and your business? What innovations, inventions, gadgets or gizmos are going to have an impact on your business and your industry?

Learn how to identify important trends and ride the wave, dude!

I’ve spent a lot of time working in the video game industry. Recently, Sony® launched a new handheld portable platform called the PSP®go. This is an amazing handheld video game console. The only problem with the new system is that it is not “backwards compatible.” This means that none of the old games made for the original PSP system can be used on the new system.

This fact has caused a great deal of controversy in the video game industry and the debate rages about whether or not the new PSP®go is worth buying since you have to buy all new games.

Now there are a lot of companies that manufacture accessories for the video game market. And many of them have developed accessories designed specifically for the original PSP. Right now would be the perfect time to ride the wave of interest/controversy surrounding the new PSP go in order to promote their PSP accessories.

This is an example of what I mean when I emphasize the importance of identifying trends and riding the wave.

Keep your eyes open. Catch the wave. Surf’s up, dude!

2009-10-29T12:12:00.001-07:00

"Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over
if you just sit there." - Will Rogers

6 Simple Tips to Help You Promote Your Business

2009-10-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

The economy’s in the tank. The days of spending bucket loads of cash on print ads, web banners, TV spots and other forms of advertising are no longer affordable or justifiable. Most companies simply don’t have the marketing funds to dump into traditional marketing vehicles.

Now more than ever small to medium sized companies are seeking alternative methods to communicate their message. For many, public relations has become the most important means of “spreading the gospel” to a target audience. What follows are a few simple rules to follow when implementing an effective PR campaign.

6 Simple PR Tips:

-Create a Press Kit

A press kit is simply a compilation of materials that includes any relevant press releases, facts about your company, executive biographies, product specs and any other information you wish to provide to journalists or business associates. These days, press kits are often shared via email, so make sure to have both a hard copy version as well as a digital version that you can email.

-Write a Press Release

A press release is to a press kit what a heart is to a human body; without it, it’s just a lifeless shell. Writing an effective press release can be difficult for many people, because it requires the ability to provide maximum information within a finite space. Most importantly, it must be written in such a way that is not only informative but…INTERESTING! I feel sorry for journalist who have to sort through endless PR pitches and press releases written by people who don’t take the time to consider how boring most press releases often are. Learn how to write an effective, interesting press release and you’ll find the media will be much more responsive.

-Identify Your Target

This seems like a no-brainer but I’m often amazed by how many companies neglect to accurately identify their target market. Many simply attempt a shotgun approach to sales and marketing and hope that they hit something with the spray. It’s imperative to identify your core demographic so that you can focus your efforts in order to communicate with them effectively.

-B2C or B2B or Both?

Do you want to reach Business-to-Consumer media or the Business-to-Business community? B2C and B2B communications is a sub-category of Target Identification. Some companies need to reach consumers directly while others need to only reach the decision makers within their industry. Still others need to reach both. I often work with companies that develop products for the video game industry http://www.realview.ie/. When I’m developing a PR campaign for such companies I normally plan for a two-tiered approach that targets the video game consumers as well as retail buyers and distributors within the video game industry.

-Build a Media List

In order to reach the media you have to build a list of media contacts and develop a professional relationship with each journalist. This is a long-term task. Building a media list is similar to building and maintaining a sales list. Each person on the list should be viewed and treated as an individual, with respect and consideration for their professional needs and expectations. Most journalists are extremely busy so it is your responsibility to adhere to their schedules and provide them with as much information and assistance as you possibly can. Don’t just fire off a quick press kit and expect them to write a glorious article about your company extolling the virtues of your existence on earth. Work with them, be respectful, and be aware of the tremendous work load most of them deal with daily.

-Follow Up then Follow Up

“Follow Up” should be the mantra of every PR campaign. Again, journalists are some of the busiest people in the world, so it’s your obligation to follow up on all your PR communications with the media. Don’t be obnoxious about it; just maintain a regular follow up schedule. Again, always remain polite and respectful when following up.

These are just a few simple tips that can help you jump start your PR campaign.

For more ideas or a free consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us dirkfoster@sparksflypr.com

2009-10-13T16:21:00.001-07:00

"There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about,
and that is not being talked about." -Oscar Wilde

About SparksFly Public Relations

2009-10-10T10:21:00.000-07:00

Founded in 2005 SparksFly PR is a full service public relations firm specializing in video game products and accessories, consumer electronics, product launches, and start ups. We are a small, aggressive company that tailors a focused communications campaign for each client. SparksFly PR remains focused on providing intimate, individual attention to every campaign in order to secure maximum media exposure, ultimately resulting in success for our clients. From our media strategy to our reasonable fee structure, we tailor each public relations program to meet the needs of each individual client.