| In the PR world, it is a well-kept secret that some | | | | Local community colleges and universities often seek |
| business owners and professionals are often the best | | | | guest speakers for their students. Another excellent |
| people to conduct their own PR. Why? It's not | | | | opportunity is found in the written word: guest editorials |
| surprising that many PR agencies would like to have | | | | in the local newspaper or an industry trade journal can |
| this business. Yet sometimes, the best service a PR | | | | establish the author as an expert in their field. Local |
| agency can provide a new client is to help them do | | | | radio and television news provide another outlet for |
| their own PR. | | | | expert commentary. In the electronic media, don't |
| A good example is the role of spokesperson. | | | | overlook the power of web-based PR services. A |
| Every business, profession or non-profit benefits from | | | | well-written press release provides a voice for an |
| having a spokesperson. The right person brings | | | | organization and, for as little as $30, will be picked up |
| credibility to the organization's mission. And often, the | | | | and distributed by search services such as Google |
| best spokesperson is the individual who started the | | | | and Yahoo - Internet powerhouses that feed news |
| business and continually invests their own sweat-equity | | | | companies and freelancers around-the-world. |
| into the organization's success. They have experience | | | | All well and good you may say, but how do you get |
| putting their best foot forward before lenders, | | | | started? Seek out the services of a PR professional |
| community leaders, clients and customers. Most | | | | and ask them to help you craft a practical strategy |
| founders also have a keen sense of where the | | | | with logical steps that will take you from novice to PR |
| market is moving with respect to their products or | | | | spokesperson in a manner that best suits your talents. |
| services. With a little coaching, it only stands to reason | | | | Maybe you're not a good writer; no worries, a good |
| that they can speak most effectively for their cause. | | | | PR pro can ghost-write for you, or take up the slack in |
| What forms can do-it-yourself PR take? Many civic | | | | another area. |
| organizations, professional groups and trade | | | | With time and a little effort, you will soon see success |
| associations seek weekly or monthly speakers who | | | | -- perhaps enough to engage your trusted PR |
| can plainly discuss their business, trade, or profession. | | | | company on a full-time basis. |