What do we love most about PR at Inkandescent Public Relations?
1. Telling great stories.
At the core of all great PR is a great story. When we meet a potential client, the first thing we ask is, “what’s your story?” If they have one worth telling, then we know we can take the first step in representing them. The ability to tell that story well, however, is partly our skill — and mostly their willingness to share what it that makes them stand apart; what makes them special. Those are the stories that will engage reporters, and customers.
Before embarking on a PR campaign, ask yourself:
- What story do you want to tell?
- What sets you apart from your competitors?
- Why should a reporter want to interview you, and keep the story going?
2. Helping entrepreneurs help themselves.
As much as we would like to help everyone that we meet make their entrepreneurial dreams come true, it’s just not possible. And it’s not because we don’t have the skills and tools. It’s because — in all honesty — no one can truly help anyone else get to the place they aim to go. That’s an inside job. One that each entrepreneur, each person, is responsible for.
What we can do it give small business owners the guidance they need to hit the mark:
- Ask yourself, “what do I truly want from my business?” Money, fame, travel, a legacy? Or is it something less grandiose? Do you simply want to pen a book that you can share with family and friends? Do you want enough money to buy a new car? Get clear with yourself first.
- Once you are clear about your goals, make a plan to help get yourself there. This requires more soul searching, and skill in creating a realistic business plan.
- Finally, create a timeline about how you can turn your goals into reality. We are fans of using life coach Martha Beck’s vision board.
3. Spreading the love.
Yes, it sounds trite, but as big time Beatles fans we truly believe is Love is all there is. The older we get, the more it’s clear. This is especially true when it comes to building a successful business. There are too many SBOs out there who think that competing — and winning at all costs — is the key to success. Hogwash. That only leads to tears, fear, and isolation.
So get with the program:
- Get a giant piece of paper draw a line down the middle and on the left side make a list of all the things you love about your business. On the right, list of all the things you don’t.
- With your favorite color marker, strike out what you can get rid of — including staff, vendors, tasks, overhead, or maybe the entire shebang.
- Now step back and see if those things on the left truly resonate with you. If not, keep crossing things out until you are fully happy with what you see on the page.
Now the real work begins. Find the love in your business. Find the love in your heart. And make your life reflect the things that make you shine.
Here’s to your incredible, indelible, Inkandescent success! — from the authors Hope Katz Gibbs and Kathleen McCarthy, and illustrator Michael Gibbs
Learn more in PR Rules: The Playbook.
