Media buddies

I have worked for years planning dance events for local dance organizations Savoy Swing Club and Burn Blue. I had written press release that had very little yield in the general press...usually a small blurb in the events section....Date, time, place; not enough information to entice anyone who wasn't coming to attend unless boredom and drive wanted to act on this piddly pubic relations blurb. I could spend hours on a press release or just jot down the facts in a matter of minuets yielding the same results.

Until I got to know the media.

Getting settled in Seattle and joining events targeted at Public Relations and marketing networks changed all of that.  Engaging with people whose job it is to let people know about what's happening, enjoy finding out what is happening...Establishing relationships is key. If they feel like your ideas fit their demographics and assignment; they are usually more then happy to interview with you and share your story with their audience.  Since then I can call or email my friends at Seattle Met Magazine and other sources and at least get a response...Sometimes I will get an interview or review of my event.

Relationships make PR less of a beggars game and more of a way to get the word out to the community.