Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

A maqazine requested samples from our company, for a possble inclusion in their holiday gift edition, So, I`m wondering, what exactly, we should send. What would you send?  Samples, (of ,..all your product?) a letter, a business card? A brochure, literature etc.?   What would your package be like?  Does it need a letter, or just information?

 We were featured in People Magazine once, it was a a total suprise to us.  You have  be ready for that type of thing! It worked out very well, but knowing ahead would have made things less hectic!

Any suggestons would be great, to give them every reason to include us!

Thanks, Janie

Hi Janie,

That`s fantastic news for your business!

I have a few suggestions for you. First, I would contact the appropriate writer who is writing the piece and ask what he or she would like to receive. This way, you can avoid a lot of added expense and wasted time sending the wrong samples. Plus, you`ll start to establish a working relationship with that media member. 

Second, I would get a copy of an archived holiday issue. What is listed in that issue and how can your product(s) fit into the next holiday issue?

And with whatever samples you send, be sure to include a cover letter with all of your contact information and your website address. I would also suggest sending your media kit with a photo. This way, the writer will have everything necessary to write about your business and know how to contact you quickly and easily.

Think about how you want your company image to appear in the magazine and send the appropriate information to promote that image. Once you read the magazine, talk to the writer and review your products, you`ll have a much better understanding of what to send.

Hope this helps!

Melanie

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Melanie Rembrandt
CEO, Rembrandt Communications®, LLC
Visit www.rembrandtwrites.com for valuable PR tips and SEO copywriting help!
Twitter: @RembrandtWrites

Thanks Melanie,

I guess that`s part of the problem, we`ve never put together a complete media kit. But searching online, I found this simple media kit info, that might be helpful for others to get started on, so they won`t be caught off gaurd. 

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/publisher/HA010563171033.a spx

I`m going to return their call now.

Janie

 

 

Hi Janie,

Thanks for sharing the information. There are also some articles about creating media kits and press releases here at StartupNation, http://www.startupnation.com/articles/1242/media-kit-small-b usiness.asp.

I wish you all the best,

Melanie

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Melanie Rembrandt
CEO, Rembrandt Communications®, LLC
Visit www.rembrandtwrites.com for valuable PR tips and SEO copywriting help!
Twitter: @RembrandtWrites

Thank you! This is something I`ve meant to put together for quite some time.  The pressures on now!

I`ll let you know when the magazine issue, hits the stores! I hope we make it. 

"If you see it, you will believe it" Maybe I`ll tape our info into their magazine and view it everyday!

This is good advice, the media kit and stuff.

And hey ... good luck! You`ll win `em over in taste.