***A New Way Of Public Relations: The Pre-Launch Checklist

It’s said that an aircraft uses the majority of its fuel upon takeoff. The business of getting known is no different. The attention you invest in your public relations strategies will set the course for increased business and free publicity down the road. Without a clear understanding of where you’re headed, how will you know when you’ve arrived?

The following checklist is designed to help you launch your visibility to the next level. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced media star, there is something for you here. Successful public relations isn’t only about getting in the media- it’s about your ongoing presence in all areas of business and life.

Read each statement aloud (it’s important that you read it aloud) and honestly answer yes or no. For each “NO” statement, turn it into a goal and start taking the needed steps to turn that NO into a YES. With all of these in place, you will be ready to accept the steady flow of free publicity and attention that is headed your way!

1. I am crystal clear on the beliefs and core values that underlie my business.

2. I can quickly articulate what my business is all about and how it helps others.

3. I can quickly articulate my expertise and how it helps others.

4. I am clear on why I want increased visibility.

5. I understand that as a public spokesperson, my first job is to be of service -NOT as a sales person for my business.

6. I understand who my ideal audience is.

7. My message is needed and wanted by my ideal audience.

8. I know how my ideal audience gets information, in particular, the publications and other media they rely on for information.

9. I know how to create relationships and understand that some won’t “pay off” for many months or even years to come.

10. I know how to maintain professional relationships even when nothing is pending between me and another person.

11. I am emotionally mature enough to understand that someone saying “No” to me isn’t about me; I refrain from taking other people’s decisions personally.

12. I always keep my focus on the win-win-win: my media partner wins by providing great information from me, I win by getting free publicity, and the audience wins by receiving this information and putting it to use.

13. I consistently find ways to grow my visibility through new opportunities and relationships, always remembering to be of service first.

14. I challenge myself to step into new arenas, explore new markets, and check out new forms of media.

15. I consider myself to be a lifelong learner and I am always finding ways to improve myself both personally and professionally.

By holding yourself accountable to these 15 points, you set the stage for long-lasting visibility. You will come to know that publicity and public relations aren’t such a struggle, especially when you begin to attract high profile attention to your business. Focus on these points for the next 90 days and watch your visibility grow!