Articles by Lee Lazarus on ArticleSnatch.com

Making the most of PR in the food and drink sector

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:00:46 -0400

The food and drink sector is especially competitive, and an effective PR strategy can give you and your product the edge. Below are some tips on getting started. Before you begin... In order for your consumer PR to have any effect at all, you first need to ensure that your product is in the stores and available for customers to buy – consumer titles won't even consider promoting your product if it isn't widely available. Likewise, the more stores you can get your product in to, the more likely you are to get press coverage. Trade titles If you have a new product that you want to shout about, this is the place to do it. When your press release is ready, call your chosen magazine. Explain briefly who you are, why you're calling and what the press release is about, then ask who the best person to send it through to via email would be. Once you've established these contacts, by sure to check in with the journalists regularly – building a relationship can be extremely beneficial as it is more likely to lead to repeat coverage. **End Summary** Topics: public relations]]> food and drink PR]]> PR manchester]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Find out more about food and drink PR from a PR Manchester agency.

Using video content to support PR activity

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:50:28 -0400

The incorporation of video content is becoming an increasingly important factor in the success of PR strategies. Video content is one of the most engaging forms of media available, as can be seen by the ever increasing popularity of online communities such as YouTube. There are several areas where you can use video content to bolster your PR work. To strengthen your press releases Adding video to your press release creates impact and widens opportunities for exposure. Videos that are clearly aligned to the story of the press release can reinforce you core message in an engaging way. There’s also the added bonus that video is easy to share, meaning you could create a buzz about a story through people reposting your video on social media sites. It’s also worth noting that video attracts attention from search engines, especially when supported by a keyword-rich title and a paragraph about its content. To promote the success of client events If your clients are putting on a special event, consider filming it and editing together a slick video. **End Summary** Topics: public relations]]> video content]]> video marketing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Use a reputable PR agency to support your video content production .

Correct procedure for finding the right PR agency

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:39:25 -0400

Public relations can provide a real boost to your business, increasing awareness and raising the profile of your company considerably. You should choose your PR agency carefully, always bearing in mind that they will be representing you and your company and that the wrong fit could have a negative impact on your business. For many clients, the decision to take on a new PR agency can be somewhat of a 'panic purchase', either because their relationship with their current agency has broken down or because of a negative turning point in customer perception. The important thing is to take a measured approach to finding an agency, whatever the circumstances; making the right decision will stand you and your company in good stead for years to come. Research Think carefully about the type of agency you want (do they need to be based near your offices? Would you prefer to have a specialist team working on your account? etc.) and do your research to find some that you think might be suitable. Talk to colleagues in other companies about their agency experiences and ask if they have any recommendations. **End Summary** Topics: PR agency]]> public relations]]> finding pr agency]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Find out more about a PR agency with offices based in Manchester and London.

Top tips for finance sector PR

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:24:05 -0400

Finance sector PR can be a very competitive environment, with a large number of players competing for limited space. The key players in the sector are high street banks (both domestic and foreign), building societies, money aggregator sites, consumer groups as well as other specialist providers. As such, it pays to know your competition and apply a carefully considered PR strategy to ensure your voice is heard. Before you begin It's important to understand the number of different routes to market your finance business before selecting the best type of media to target. Obviously, people 'buy' personal finance products through a large number of sources (eg. high street branch, online, telephone, money aggregator sites, financial advisor, direct sales stands, supermarket checkouts etc.); often, where the product is sold is reflective of the complexity of their need and the product. This route to market will almost always also influence the media choice of potential customers (e.g. if your customer is buying via a money aggregator site (e.g. moneysupermarket), they might read other online reviews/stories), and you should bare this in mind when deciding what type of media to approach. **End Summary** Topics: finance PR]]> public relations]]> finance sector PR]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Find out more about what PR agencies have to offer in sectors including finance PR .

Top tips for finding a job in PR

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:11:54 -0400

Finding the right job in PR, a competitive job sector, can be difficult; here are some tips to give you the edge. Are you qualified? While a PR degree isn't a necessary qualification to work in the sector, you might want to consider this area of study if you're fully committed to working in public relations. Work experience will strengthen your CV considerably and also give you a taster of how PR agencies operate on a day to day basis. Put some thought into where your skills lie. You need to be interested in the news agenda and the world around you, have good communication skills, be creative, work well under pressure and be a good multi-tasker to succeed in the public relations sector. Applying for PR jobs Search online and in newspapers for jobs in the sector, and upload your CV to as many hosting sites as you can so that employers can find you. Your CV should be tailored to highlight relevant previous experience and background; writing pages and pages of info that won't be of any interest to employers could count against you. Bering pro-active can also pay off. **End Summary** Topics: Travel PR]]> PR degree]]> PR job]]> PR employment]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Find out more about what PR agencies have to offer in areas including Travel PR .

DIY PR tips for the technology sector

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:43:04 -0400

Technology firms have set the agenda for PR in recent years; technology PR blazed the trail for blogging, SEO and social media and, over recent years, other sectors have started to catch on. That being said, as technology becomes more and more instrumental in our daily lives, these organisations are coming up against increasing competition for our attention. Therefore, standing out in a crowded marketplace is becoming difficult, and this is where PR comes in. It doesn't matter if you are an IT vendor, channel partner, e-commerce developer or VoIP organisation, each specialism needs public relations in some capacity. Here are some basic tips on how to get started on your PR. Product PR You'll find that product PR will be the focus of most of your activity – getting your products reviewed and featured is the best way to spread the word. Identify what publications/ pages you want to target and then put in a few calls to the correct contacts. Once you've established these contacts, by sure to regularly check in with these journalists – building a relationship can be extremely beneficial and is more likely to lead to repeat coverage. **End Summary** Topics: PR]]> diy PR tips]]> technology PR tips]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Use a PR agency in Manchester to find out about technology PR .

The changing face of PR

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:17:41 -0400

We should stop talking about what's 'dying' in the world of media and start looking at the great signs of life - running a campaign has never offered more opportunities to the PR company planning it. Traditional techniques are still there – we still write press releases and they still get printed in actual newspapers - but media relations is now so much more. The pace at which agencies catch up to social media and the digital revolution is not always their fault – consumer and branding agencies were always going to latch on to blogging, Twitter and the power of Facebook before financial corporations or traditional businesses. But in five years or less, direct consumer/customer engagement via such platforms will be as familiar as having a company website is today. In much the same way that organisations slowly turned towards the power of Corporate Social Responsibility and the reputational benefits it could bring, businesses in every sector are realising that these conversations are already taking place about them in this very public space. To paraphrase, it's better to be on that page taking part rather than watching your reputation be re-written by others. **End Summary** Topics: press release]]> PR]]> press release service]]> pr agency]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Read more about public relations from an independent Manchester PR agency .

Using Social Media To Support Public Relations Activity

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:08:37 -0400

Like it or not, using social media is now something that's become part of many people's every day lives. If social media is not a platform where a company is already engaged, it's easy to dismiss it as a place where people simply tell each other about what they had for lunch or share photos of their latest night out. But the fact is that platforms such as twitter, Facebook, Posterous, Tumblr and social news sharing sites such as Digg and Reddit can simultaneously benefit and harm your business. As such, it's an arena that all savvy businesses need to be exploring to some extent. Below, you'll find a brief outline of how social media can be used to support your other PR activity. Speaking to your audience By creating a twitter or Facebook account, you can reach your audience instantly – any news or interesting developments can be ‘tweeted' immediately, allowing you to speak directly to your customers and business associates. Creating Facebook groups or similar is also a good idea to create a buzz around your business. **End Summary** Topics: press release]]> PR]]> press release service]]> pr agency]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Read more about PR from a UK Public Relations Agency .

Golden Rules Of Crisis PR

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:54:26 -0400

There has always been golden rules for crisis management, but an up to date plan cannot ignore the growing impact of social media. "Be honest, be quick" has always been the experts' mantra for a full blown crisis. Get the facts to media before they start making assumptions and you gain control of the issue affecting your reputation. The media side of any crisis has always been relatively straightforward. Hit the titles – offline, online, broadcast and trade – which speak directly to your key stakeholders, those that currently trust your organisation and your brand. Got a popular product on shelf that threatens consumer safety? You have to hit the national media, even if this means buying your way in via adverts. Trade focused issue relating to your finances or rumoured redundancies? Keep it to your sector media if possible but don't forget to ensure that employees are fully briefed on the facts. No organisation is entirely leak-proof so make sure that this doesn't become industry Chinese whispers by playing the facts too close to your chest. But social media has opened up a whole new channel. **End Summary** Topics: press release]]> PR]]> press release service]]> pr agency]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Read more about crisis PR from a Manchester PR agency .

Top Tips For Travel Sector PR

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:36:29 -0400

Travel PR is a competitive marketplace with travel agencies, hotels, tour operators, airlines and even governments trying to promote what they have on offer, so you need to have a measured approach when it comes to publicising your holiday offerings and latest news. Here are some DIY tips on handling PR for your travel business. National newspaper travel supplements Almost all of the national newspapers carry a travel supplement. These supplements will mainly focus on holiday breaks, and are a great place to showcase your range of holiday offerings. It's a good idea to put a call into the editors of each page to introduce yourself and your company and ensure you have the right contact email address for any press release you wish to send through in the future. Consider offering press trip places to journalists; a positive review of one of your breaks can work wonders for your sales figures. Journalists are more likely to be interested in breaks with a unique selling point or which tie in with the current news agenda or holiday trends of the moment, so think carefully about the best breaks to offer out to them. **End Summary** Topics: press release]]> PR]]> press release service]]> pr agency]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Read more about travel PR from a Manchester PR Agency .

What To Look For In A PR Agency

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:20:43 -0400

Public relations can provide a real boost to your business, increasing awareness and raising the profile of your company considerably. You should choose your PR agency carefully, always bearing in mind that they will be representing you and your company and that the wrong fit could have a negative impact on your business. Firstly, you'll need to define what your PR objectives are. Do you want your PR to be based around products that your business produces or the company as a whole? How many press releases would you expect the agency to issue on a monthly basis? Would you like them to take on any digital PR work for you? Is it possible you'll need your PR agency to handle crisis control? Once you've decided what you're looking for in a PR agency and start your search, you'll need to consider the other key factors that should influence your final decision: Cost Set a budget for how much you're willing to spend on PR. PR agencies will expect to be paid for a pre-agreed, allotted amount of hours of work per month, and you need to balance how much you're willing to spend with your PR needs. **End Summary** Topics: press release]]> PR]]> press release service]]> pr agency]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Read more about public relations from a PR Agency based in Manchester.

DIY PR Tips For The Retail Industry

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:04:08 -0400

Want to PR your business but don’t want to shell out for an outside agency to handle it for you? It’s always possible to handle some PR activity yourself. There is a wealth of opportunities to gain coverage for your retail business in your local press and online. There are three main areas you should consider covering: press releases, products and digital. Press releases If there’s been an exciting new development in your business that you want to tell everyone about, then you should draft a press release to send to your local newspapers. Keep your release simple and to the point, try and include a quote from someone in the business and always get someone else to proof read it for you. If you think a good photo would strengthen your story, it’s worth considering paying a professional photographer to take some shots for you. When your press release is ready, call your local newspaper (avoid calling on the newspapers’ deadline day if possible). Explain briefly who you are, why you’re calling and what the press release is about, then ask who the best person to send it through to via email would be. **End Summary** Topics: press release]]> PR]]> press release service]]> pr agency]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Read more about retail PR from a PR Agency based in Manchester.

Taking Full Advantage of Business Broadband Services

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 14:03:00 -0400

The internet is a powerful tool and if companies are not making the most out of it then they are missing out on a considerable amount of research and development opportunities. This is why if your company does not have a suitable business broadband deal set up you really need to start searching for one to ensure you do not fall too much behind your competitors who are probably making full use of the services available. The internet has been around for many years but the importance of it has only really been brought home in the past 5 years when it comes to businesses. If anything, marketing your company online is considerably cheaper than the traditional forms of marketing and can be a good way to supplement your existing marketing strategies. The internet is the best place to market your company and its products as the whole world can access your site at any time and you can not say the same about a highstreet store. Business broadband was introduced to further a companies business and help them grow or stabilise within their market depending on the situation of the business. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> There is a range of business broadband and phone packages online as well as business broadband services that offer more robust support and service than consumer equivalents.

Stolen handset owners fight back with latest mobile phone security

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 13:48:53 -0400

A new mobile phone security suite is promising to offer users the ability to remotely lock down their stolen handset and wipe all the data contained on it, thereby rendering it virtually useless to a thief. The latest version of San Francisco-based software company Kaspersky’s Mobile Security package will also let users find their phone via GPS, send an alert to its owner if its SiM card is removed or changed, and even send a text advising anyone else using the phone that a reward is available for its safe return. There is also a raft of new measures aimed at safeguarding smartphone owners’ privacy, including the ability to hide information about any sensitive or confidential contacts. This allows a user to not only wipe their details from the phone’s address books, but also to remove all traces of them from call logs and SMS records. Concealed contacts can be revealed by entering a password, and details of incoming calls and messages can be accepted while their details are kept hidden, or added later when the user returns the phone to normal mode. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Make sure you find the best deals on mobile phones for businesses on the market. You can also find business phone line deals online as well.

Small businesses not getting the business broadband and phone packages they deserve or need

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:23:46 -0400

Business broadband and phone packages do not deliver what they promise, because the quality and speed of connections available from service providers are slower and less reliable than those advertised. That's according to the Federation of Small Businesses' annual 'Voice of Small Business' survey, which found that nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of those who took part in the survey were dissatisfied with the speed and reliability of their business broadband connection. It even found that as many as one business in eight would consider relocating to another area which benefited from faster broadband speeds. The FSB has called on the UK Government to intensify its efforts to provide a top-quality broadband infrastructure across the country, and to ensure that small firms and individuals have access to a level of broadband service which was appropriate for their needs. The government’s current commitment, outlined in the Digital Britain report of early 2010, is to have high-speed broadband connections available to 80 per cent of the UK population by 2017. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Home broadband is different than broadband for businesses as the service is more complete for company requirements. Find the best deals on a business broadband and phone line packages online.

Is Your Business Broadband Fast Enough

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:19:47 -0400

Businesses need the internet, no matter what line of business you are in and market you are operating from you can make use of the services the internet provides. Whether your company is a small, not for profit company or a large, multinational country you can benefit from the internet and it is important that you make the most of it by choosing the best business broadband services. Each business broadband deal differs from the next depending on who the provider is, some providers offer you some features up front but lack in after sales service and vice versa. You need to find a supplier that will be able to offer a great deal and after service which will allow you to take your business in the right direction whether you are trying to consolidate your position in the market or expand. A company should always make the most out of the resources that are available to them and as business broadband is widely available if your company does not have it already, you really need to start looking for the best deals. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Find the best deals on cheap broadband for business deals as well finding offers on business phone line and broadband packages too.

Handle More Business with Multi Analogue Lines

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 09:46:59 -0400

In your business you may have a large number of employees who each need a desk phone, this could be a call centre or an IT support department. Whatever industry you work in there are business phone line solutions that can help not only your service stay at a high level of standards as well as being more effective when you do business. Sometimes your workers will need more than one line, they may have to put an important contact on hold whilst they get a hold of the person or information that they are asking after. With a regular phone you may have to either put them on hold or at the very least cover the receiver whilst you frantically search for what they want. With multi analogue lines you will be able to place the person on hold and calmly dial the person who they were after on a second line and connect the two calls. In business time is money, time spent waiting on the phone for someone is obviously annoying so being able to quickly deal with these calls is important to maintain a high level of customer service and satisfaction. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To make the most of deals available search for a multi analogue business line for your company and make sure that your business telephone line is suitably supported.

Government confident no extra funding needed to bring superfast broadband to 70 percent of UK

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:50:51 -0400

More than two-thirds of Britain could easily get the ability to use 8mb or 24mb business broadband network speeds or higher without any extra government funding, a report compiled by the Business Innovation and Skills Committee believes. The Committee goes as far as to call the possibility of the Government intervening to ensure that its target of having high-speed broadband available to 70 per cent of the country by 2017 “unwise”. Its reasons for reaching this conclusion were that it could lead to a distortion in the business phone and broadband market, and not allow time for any technological solutions devised in the meantime to be tested sufficiently to allow them to play a part in extending the reach of high-speed broadband services across the country. The committee has also voiced the opinion that there is little evidence of pent-up demand for this enhanced service, and that customers are currently unwilling to pay a price premium to access such high-speed services. Instead, it believes that the UK government should switch its attention to encouraging outside bodies and commercial interests to invest in next-generation access (NGA) capability. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Broadband for businesses is a great idea for all companies as it will provide you with the necessary speeds. There is also a range of business broadband and phone packages available for a complete deal.

Get the pick of the latest crop of business BlackBerry phones

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:25:10 -0400

Carrying a smartphone is the smartest way to stay in touch while on the move for business. And for many users, RiM (Research in Motion)’s BlackBerry is the preferred choice for putting all the latest communication tools right at their fingertips. The BlackBerry was designed with compactness in mind, being little bigger than many far less sophisticated mobile phones on the market, yet packing so many more functions into a form which is still ideal for slipping into a jacket or trouser pocket. For keeping in touch, a BlackBerry gives easy access to email and instant messaging functions, while users can also stay in touch with their favourite social networking sites, with Facebook and MySpace both having created apps which make all their top features available on the BlackBerry platform. But a BlackBerry is far more than just a handy way of letting a user access the internet and all their favourite places on it – emails, maps, important appointments and a range of games are all easily to hand. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With a range of business blackberry tariffs on the market you have plenty to choose from. You can also find some great deals on mobile broadband for businesses too.

Free conference calls on offer as part of business telecoms software upgrade

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:08:42 -0400

People who make business phone calls can now take advantage of a free conference call service, and online call handling tools offered as part of the latest upgrade of the VOIP call-handling software devised by British company VOIspeed. Its version 4.4.12 enables users to set up a conference call from their VOIspeed server, and then invite an unlimited number of participants to join it. In addition to the existing conference call facility, which allows a user to start a conference call from a third-party client – for example through an instant messaging service - by inviting other users, version 4.4.12 lets them also set up a conference bridge. This feature gives the user the capability to set up a virtual meeting room at a pre-determined date and time. During the allotted time slot, anyone accessing the meeting room can obtain an automatically generated code from the system, will allow them to participate in the conference call. Non-VOIspeed users can also get access to the meeting room, by entering an access code via the software’s existing interactive voice response facility. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For a more complete deal find the best business broadband and phone packages online as well as some great deals on multi analogue business lines .

Feature Rich Business Mobile Phones to Give You the Edge over the Competition

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:55:44 -0400

It’s quite impressive how technology has moved along in the past twenty or so years, back then mobile phones were not nearly as a common as they are now and it tended to only be businessmen and women who carried one around. Even this was a chore as early mobile phones were as large as a house brick and many had to have a battery the size of a telephone book carried around too. As time has gone by our technology has gotten faster and smaller, a more convenient sized mobile phone can now be put in our pockets along with other regular items such as house keys and wallet. Even more recently business use mobile phones used to be fairly basic with regards to features and abilities. As long as they could make calls and send the occasional text massage many businesses were content with the lower end models as they were cheap to replace and buy en masse. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Check online for the best business mobile phone tariffs that can help your business become up to date and contactable. There are also deals on business BlackBerry tariffs available to help accomplish work on the go.

Business phone calls and broadband expected to drive growth in VoiP service

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:50:13 -0400

The number of VoIP users in the UK has reached nearly three million, according to new research. Subscriptions rose by 15 per cent in the first three quarters of 2009, and stood at 2.95million by the end of that period, the research by In-Stat found. And worldwide, the number of subscribers is estimated to reach 288 million in the next three years. Mobile VoiP applications are expected to generate revenues of US$35.2million (GBP 23.4million) in the same period, the team behind the findings estimates. The near-term opportunity for mobile VoIP is closely linked with the growing success of dual-mode phones and other Wi-Fi connected devices, according to Frank Dickson, In-Stat analyst. But he also believes that its development could be held back if operators see it as a direct threat to their revenue from voice services. The number of Wi-Fi and dual-mode handsets in use throughout the world by 2013 is expected to reach 400 million, the technology-focused market research company believes. As a result, some industry observers believe that VoiP will eventually become the standard means of transmitting voice calls. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Business mobile phones are very popular and can help improve communication with all clients, make sure you find the best deals on these plus a range of other deals such as business phone line deals .

Mobile Phones Improving Client Communication

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:28:48 -0400

There are a considerable amount of businesspeople out there that are constantly on the go and rarely in the office as they go from one meeting to another. Because these people are out of the office they need to have an alternative form of contact and this comes in the shape of business mobile phones. Obviously mobile phones have been around for many years and helping everyone keep in touch and they remain the best way to stay connected with clients and customers. Mobile phones have come on leaps and bounds since they were first released on the market and most mobile phones have internet capabilities so you can still access your emails and the web. Having the internet, your emails and other information all available on your handset makes things considerably easier for all businesspeople that are rarely at their desks in the office. Whether your company is a large, multinational company or a small to medium company there will be deals that the provider will be able to tailor to your specific needs whatever they may be. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For business mobile phones search online where there are great deals available. For in the office make sure you have the best business phone line package around.

Business Broadband and Phone Packages

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:13:32 -0400

All businesses need to ensure their internal and external communication is perfect and that whenever a customer needs to get in contact they can do without any problems. Communication with clients and customers is vital to the success of the company but internal communication is just as important. Although each department may have their own personal targets, they all should be aiming for the same overall objective. In order to get the communication levels right each business needs to ensure they are making the most of the resources they have available to them. On the market there are now packages available to businesses that allow them to combine business broadband and phone lines allowing them to keep in touch with client needs and requirements as well as being able to dip in to the wealth of information that is available on the internet. The internet is something that all businesses should have and most do have. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Find the best business broadband and phone packages online and ensure you have the latest deals on business phone line options as well.

Business Broadband and Foreign Markets

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 08:51:13 -0400

Companies are forever looking for ways to further and improve their business and one way of doing this is to move into foreign markets. This is a huge step to make however and requires a considerable amount of planning and researching before making the final decision to expanding into foreign markets. The research part takes time and care and in order to make the most out of your research you need to have business broadband and the right speeds to go with it. Business broadband is something that all companies should have and for those looking to diversify their product offering or move into unknown markets it is vital. Moving into unknown markets is a high risk but potentially lucrative strategy for a company and getting the timing is right is imperative. You need to do your research about whether the products you are selling will be profitable in the new market as well as looking at competitors that you will have to compete with for sales. Business broadband allows the use of VoIP services that are cheaper than using phones in the office (of course you still need a good phone line deal as well). **End Summary** Topics: Internet]]> Broadband]]> Business Mobile Broadband]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Search for 8mb business broadband as well as business mobile broadband to make sure you get the most comprehensive deal for your business.