PR, the common term for Public Relations is usually referring to the efforts of a company to obtain a favorable or increasingly positive view in the public's eye. It normally applies to big business but as a small business owner, I think it concerns small businesses too. I want my customers to have a good feeling about my company and me. This obviously could result in more business and more profits.

I have put together some ideas of which many may be considered "free" or "low cost" types of marketing to gain good PR. Most are not anything new; some are as old as the hills, just based on good principles and real concern for other people. I am not an expert at these, but it's a goal. I see them as obvious time-tested principles that are just no-brainers. High cost conventional marketing and advertising does not take the place of most of these concepts and ideas. They are compatible. There may be sweat and effort involved, but that's business if it makes you a better business. Maybe one or more of these ideas will put you and your business on the map?

1. Contribute to the community. It could be something you do or produce already

in your business and for little or no charge. Do some volunteer work.

2. Give a little extra when doing business; make sure they remember you in a good

way. "Go the extra mile," they say. People will remember if they think they got charged too

much. They will also remember if they think they got a great deal!

3. Be friendly (and smile once in a while). It makes a difference even when

you're on the phone!

4. Have great service.

5. Have a great product.

6. Be honest, even when no one is looking.

7. Be a part of a group or organization or two so people can get to shake your

hand, see your great smile, and know you exist! It may be around town or it may be on the

Web.

8. Make some calls, or send out some nice letters or emails to your current

customers. Thank them for their business. Ask if there is anything they might need and to

give you a call if so. (They might be flattered!) One business sent me what looked like the

nicest greeting card I had ever seen! I was impressed! (Even though it was an

advertisement.)

When you look at a lot of these you may think, "Oh yeah, I should've thought of that!" (That is if you don't use them already!) That is because they are simple, honest and basic ideas that can naturally be a part of everyone's business with a little practice and implementation. So, good luck on your success!

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Randall Street is a multi-talented artist working in fine and graphic arts. He has worked in the design and production of digital and web graphics, printing and sign media for over 25 years. Get 5000 business cards free with your order of 5000 brochures! Visit this site.

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Tags: study, public relations, press release, strategy, press