|
Proactively pitching the media with interesting company news is an integral part of any organization’s communications plan and necessary in the quest to raise company visibility. However, simply distributing a press release does not guarantee coverage, and the first step in getting an organization in the news is understanding the nuances of the media.
For instance, timeliness is essential in getting a reporter interested in a story, and with the 24-hour news cycle, distributing information as it happens is imperative to securing interest. Reporters want to know what sets a company, product or service apart from the rest, so make sure the information is new and relevant. Equally important is researching the journalist’s writing style and past articles to get a good sense about the topics he or she tends to cover.
For more tips on working with the media, check out this Washington Business Journal article or call or e-mail us at 301.581.7298 or laurav@vepublicrelations.com to learn how the VE PR team uses its media relations skills to raise an organization’s visibility.
- Laura Van Eperen
Jen Strohm and Laura Van Eperen joined Margery Zylich of MedStar Health, Holly Phipps-Adams and Melanie Saiedy of Union Memorial Hospital for a celebration event in Baltimore’s Inner-Harbor to recognize MedStar Health employees and its partners for their help to successfully plan and execute several recent system initiatives. MedStar Health is the region’s largest healthcare system and is known for advancing health as the trusted leader in healthcare.
VE PR is helping to educate Maryland small business owners about a new subsidy program that will make health care insurance for employees of small businesses more affordable. With registration for the program beginning in September, VE PR is branding the program and is using media and community relations tactics to spread the word about the program to reach small business owners and licensed insurance producers statewide. For more information on the program for small businesses, go to http://mhcc.maryland.gov/partnership.
 Reaching millions of people with the message that rocket science is cool and fun, VE PR helped promote the 2008 Team America Rocketry Challenge with impressive media results at the community and national levels last spring. A highlight of the outreach, which reached millions of people across the country, included a piece on the CBS Weekend News. At the May 17 Team America Rocketry Challenge Final “Flyoffs,” an enthusiastic team of future rocket scientists from North Carolina was named contest champions, winning scholarship money and a trip to the Farnborough International Airshow.
Photo at right: The winning team from Enloe High School in Raleigh, N.C. watches its victorious launch at the 2008 Team America Rocketry Challenge, beating out 99 other teams from across the country.
As an active member of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, Board Member and VE PR CEO, Laura Van Eperen, was honored to be a silver sponsor of the organization’s 49th Annual Dinner on June 5. VE PR is proud to support the Chamber’s work in strengthening the County’s business community. Joining VE PR for dinner was Laura Lloyd-Henry of Design 25 Graphics, Jim Van Eperen and Bill Frazier of The Washington Group- Mass Mutual, Lee Whitney and John Strohm of Lockheed Martin, Hope Lane of Aronson & Co., Bonnie Lewin of Evers & Co. Residential Real Estate, and Ron Feuerstein of Bean Kinney & Korman.
Laura Van Eperen also shared tips on successful marketing and public relations techniques with more than 30 members of the Germantown Gaithersburg Chamber of Commerce in a special presentation called “How to Grow Your Business” on May 1. Allison Gebhardt also discussed strategies one on one with attendees at a VE PR exhibit booth.
Through her work with Women in Defense, Laura Van Eperen helped coordinate a round-table seminar for army spouses to learn basic career networking skills and tactics. The “Career Networking 101” seminar attracted Walter Reed Army Medical Center spouses, teaching them how to use networking to their professional advantage.
After recently being approved for the GSA schedule, VE PR’s informational catalogue and qualifications are now posted on the GSA Web site and can be accessed by searching for “Van Eperen.”
Amanda Hoffstetter, an Annapolis native and University of Maryland graduate, has joined the VE PR team. She brings a unique understanding of broadcast media, having previously worked with WUSA-TV, as well as marketing experience. An active member of several professional organizations, including the Association for Women in Communications, the American Marketing Association, and the American Business Women’s Association, Amanda brings enthusiasm and creativity to VE PR.
July 9 – Writing a Business Plan with Luis Diaz-Colorado, Business Development Manager, Sandy Spring Bank. 9 a.m.-12 noon. Rockville Regional Library, 21 Maryland Ave, Rockville. FREE
Animation is key in verbal communication! When conversing with colleagues, clients, the media—whoever—substitute a monotone voice with a more dynamic and animated approach. By fluctuating pitch and volume accordingly, you will seem more sincere and enthusiastic about the conversation. Still unsure? Imitate a favorite news anchor!
For more communications tips, contact Laura Van Eperen at 301.581.7298 or laurav@vepublicrelations.com.
“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” - Carl W. Buechner
|
VE PR Celebrates MedStar Health’s Success
VE PR To Roll Out Maryland’s New Small Business Health Insurance Program
VE PR Helps Army Spouses Gain Important Networking Skills
VE PR Expands Presence on GSA Web Site
