“In Business” by Roland Millward

All of us find ourselves having an idea. These can happen at any moment. There is a danger that just as soon as we have thought of it we get busy and the thought disappears.

Great entrepreneurs, writers, scientists and inventors make sure that they always carry a notebook and pen. Once that idea comes they write it down so that as soon as possible they can look at it more carefully and then if its good – act on it.

Get in the habit of carrying that little notebook and make sure that you write everything down that can help you in your business. It’s a great shame to have an idea and then forget it. Don’t become a victim of lost opportunity for the sake of a pen and paper!

When people read newspapers and magazines they often are influenced when articles are written about businesses and the people in those businesses.

You can get free publicity much easier than perhaps you realize, particularly in newspapers and magazines that are locally based to your business. If you are launching a new product or service or perhaps employing a new manager oo key worker let the press know. The press are always looking for articles to write and your details could be a real bonus to a writer that week who may be short on ideas to write about.

Make a phone call and send a letter detailing the basics of your story. You could do this in the form of a press release with  a cover letter to the editor. Make sure that you give your contact details and state that you are available to answer questions and give for more details if required.

You may well end up with a photograph or two as well as the article. If you do any charity work you can use that as an opportunity to let the press know and it will give you great PR cover.

Also don’t forget local radio stations. If you an an expert in a particular field you could end up with a slot on the radio answering listeners questions. For example if you are a lawyer, finance expert, or gardener that would be a great asset to have you as a resident expert. The list of occupations that could do this is very long! You just need to be able to speak clearly on the radio.

Try it out. Look up the contact details of all your local press including any specialist magazines or trade papers where you may feature well. It is free and worth a small fortune if you were to pay for all the free publicity that you could have over the years to come.