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...tomers are asking. As a medium, newspapers still convey a strong sense of cre... sending a press release to local newspapers. Idea # 10: Write press releas...

... and editors who work for local newspapers, magazines, and radio and televisio... some big cities have neighborhood newspapers, so there may be possibilities e...

... your Web workshops. Even if attendance is light, the fact that you're advertising this creative idea sets you apart from your competition. Idea # 7: Put a TV in your reception area. Not all agencies have or encourage walk-in prospects and customers. If you do, make the most of a perfect opportunity to communicate the value of doing business with your agency by investing in a new flat screen TV for your reception area. For content, create PowerPoint presentations that show how clients and prospect can benefit from doing business with you. Add to the impact by including testimonies from your clients. Take this great idea to the next level by offering to let Commercial Lines clients purchase "spots" on your private TV marketing network. Idea # 8: Write a regular column in a local newspaper. Mark Von Moss of the Bomford, Couch & Wilson agency takes full advantage of the agency's relationship with the local newspaper by writing a regular column about various types of protection needs. If your community has a local newspaper, talk with them about the possibility of you writing a regular column. For example, you might use a question and answer format, offering solutions to questions you know customers are asking. As a medium, newspapers still convey a strong sense of credibility; your exposure as a featured columnist takes full advantage of this image to strengthen your agency branding. Idea # 9: Create and publicize an annual "business person of the year" award. Everyone enjoys recognition and appreciation. Publicizing the accomplishments of your Commercial clients offers an excellent way of boosting your ...

... less likely to be printed (because of the industry-intensive nature of trade releases) . After all, you never know when an editor or a newscaster will need to fill some space and your release just happens to be handy. The best approach to the general public is to supply items of general interest to your community. Topics such as home safety, personal safety, fire prevention, insurance savings, insuring the teenage driver, and senior citizen driving tips are just a few of many, many topics that can be addressed in a press release. The trick is to get it printed! That takes us back to the basics: 1. Start a database with the address, phone, fax, editor, and writer listings for all news media in your community. Start with your daily newspapers, expanding to local radio and television stations (and don't forget cable TV operators) . Then expand the list to include weekly newspapers, local or regional magazines, even newsletters put out by area merchants. (For instance, many real estate companies publish monthly newsletters of general interest.) Be sure to separate this list from your trade media listings. 2. As with the trade media, contact each of these sources to begin developing a relationship and positioning yourself as an expert to whom they can look for help. Again, pencil in your calendar a year's worth of follow-up calls and at least one personal visit. A side benefit: Each of these contacts can also be a Commercial and Personal business prospect, too! The smaller the town, the easier this is to accomplish ...

... : Are you sure you want to deactivate your CompleteMarkets Company Profile Deactivate Cancel Loading.. About Us Services Jobs PR Newsletters Employees Articles Blog Photos Group Connections Reviews IMMS Library Immerse yourself in our stacks. Take some time and browse through our library. We have thousands of articles, checklists, tip sheets, sales letters, and more! Communications Marketing Customer Service Planning Finance/Accounting Risk Management Human Resources Selling Legal and E&O Technology Life/Financial Services Glossaries Management Resources & Links Categories Popular Recent All Back Basic Steps For Publicity 4/30/2013 10:38:09 PM by CompleteMarkets Editor This content has not been rated yet. BASIC STEPS FOR PUBLICITY  1. Choose only one person from your agency or organization to contact news media. Two persons contacting the same newspaper editor or program director will create conflict and confusion. However, if your media person is not available, do not hesitate to call the news media yourself. Getting the information out on schedule is the most important goal. 2. Be prompt in establishing personal contact with the right persons at each newspaper, radio, and television station in your area. 3. Write everything down! Train your memory, but don't trust it. 4. Be prompt in meeting every news deadline. 5. Be accurate. Double check names, dates, and places before submitting your copy. 6. Be legible. Erase and correct errors. Type news releases double-spaced. 7. Be brief, concise. Newspaper space and air time are limited. 8. Be honest and impartial. Give credit ...

... &O Technology Life/Financial Services Glossaries Management Resources & Links Categories Popular Recent All Back Using The News Media As A Communications Tool 4/30/2013 12:00:00 AM by CompleteMarkets Editor , Henry Stimpson This content has not been rated yet. Do you think reporters are human sharks who want to misquote, distort, and sensationalize? When you hear the word reporter, ' does your instinct tell you to utter no comment'? Or instruct your secretary to tell the reporter you won't be in your office for, say, the next 11 years? The kind of reporters who should be avoided are few and far between. The 60 Minutes' approach is a rarity, and it's usually reserved for big business and big government. Reporters and editors who work for local newspapers, magazines, and radio and television stations may not be knowledgeable about insurance, but they're not out to make anyone look bad, other than outright frauds and crooks. However, the media is always on the lookout for credible sources of information, businesspeople who can explain an issue and provide a lively quote. Instead of being afraid of or ignoring the news media, consider cultivating a relationship. Why? When they're doing a story about insurance, you'll be on their list of experts to call. When you're quoted from time to time in the paper or on the radio as an insurance expert, people take notice. They begin to think of you as the town expert on insurance. GET TO KNOW YOUR LOCAL REPORTER A good starting point is to simply get to know local reporters ...

...r. In dealing with small weekly newspapers, however, this question is not unre...

...ommunity. Start with your daily newspapers, expanding to local radio and telev...the information for local business newspapers, business editors of regular newspapers, and trade publications that cat...

... Required) Please consider the following: 1. Would you recommend this company? 2. What about this company do you like/dislike? 3. Why did you choose this rating? Submit This Anonymously Submit Cancel Contact Us contact_phone Click to call Unfollow First name: Last name: Email: Are you sure you want to deactivate your CompleteMarkets Company Profile Deactivate Cancel Loading.. About Us Services Jobs PR Newsletters Employees Articles Blog Photos Group Connections Reviews IMMS Library Immerse yourself in our stacks. Take some time and browse through our library. We have thousands of articles, checklists, tip sheets, sales letters, and more! Communications Marketing Customer Service Planning Finance/Accounting Risk Management Human Resources Selling Legal and E&O Technology Life/Financial Services Glossaries Management Resources & Links Categories Popular Recent All newspaper ads Articles tagged with newspaper ads Back Attracting And Retaining Employees In A Competitive World This content has not been rated yet. CompleteMarkets Editor , Sharon Cunningham 4/30/2013 12:00:00 AM ATTRACTING AND RETAINING EMPLOYEES IN A COMPETITIVE WORLD by Sharon Cunningham To hire, and keep, quality workers, follow these guidelines. A consistent trend nationwide is the .. All Articles by CompleteMarkets Editor Comments (0 ) Corporate Branding: How To Stay Original This content has not been rated yet. CompleteMarkets Editor , Varnell Del Vecchio 4/30/2013 12:00:00 AM CORPORATE BRANDING: HOW TO STAY ORIGINAL WITHOUT LOSING YOUR IDENTITY by Varnell Del Vecchio Unfortunately, no matter where you look, there's an abundance of communication vehicles suffe.. All Articles by CompleteMarkets Editor Comments ...

...ge weekday, compared to 36% for newspapers and 29% for television. From noon t...