Meet MassageMag.com's Newest Blogger
I am so excited! Massage Magazine has asked me to be their newest expert blogger on www.MassageMag.com! (Blogs are found under the heading Expert Insights.) I'll be doing Q&A on business and marketing issues faced by MTs in a similar way that I've done them on this blog over the last few years.
I'd really love to get some good ideas for the first few columns, so please submit your massage business and marketing questions to me ASAP. I am ready to get this puppy started
One thing I want to reinforce here is the idea of getting opportunities like this by asking for them. A few months ago I was on either www.MassageMag.com or the Massage Magazine group on www.LinkedIn.com when I saw a post by one of their editors looking for contributors for the online magazine and site. Although I already talk with a couple of the folks at the publication regularly, I didn't know this editor and decided to take a stab at getting her attention. After a few emails back and forth about the ideas I had for the site and a review of my current blogs by the editor, I was offered the chance to write a blog for them. Pretty cool, huh?
But the point is, I saw the opportunity to speak up and get noticed. I didn't wait for them to call me but rather let them know I had something to say that might be of value to their readers. And I proved myself by having examples of what I wanted to do for them at the ready.
You can do this too - for local publications, radio/tv shows, civic group newsletters and websites or even trade magazines. The key is to know the publication or media outlet AND to understand what their readers, listeners or viewers want to see, hear or read. Look for opportunities that fit your level of expertise or business. Then be willing to blow your own horn or at least reach out to let these organizations know how you can help them help their audience.
In turn your own business will most likely benefit whether from other media opportunities, increased visibility and reach or more sales. You'll gain credibility, respect and knowledge as well as another feather in your marketing and PR cap.
To get started, catch up on your reading. Check out your local newspaper and other various publications for articles and topics that can be related to your business (hospitality, business incentives, the effect on the cost of gas, back to school, sun damage, etc). Then take a few minutes to write a short letter to the editor stating your views or thoughts. Be as positive as possible and mention your views in a way that can tie the editorial back to your business. For example, "As a spa owner, I find that many of my clients are able to make time for themselves more often when their kids go back to school..."
I'd really love to get some good ideas for the first few columns, so please submit your massage business and marketing questions to me ASAP. I am ready to get this puppy started
One thing I want to reinforce here is the idea of getting opportunities like this by asking for them. A few months ago I was on either www.MassageMag.com or the Massage Magazine group on www.LinkedIn.com when I saw a post by one of their editors looking for contributors for the online magazine and site. Although I already talk with a couple of the folks at the publication regularly, I didn't know this editor and decided to take a stab at getting her attention. After a few emails back and forth about the ideas I had for the site and a review of my current blogs by the editor, I was offered the chance to write a blog for them. Pretty cool, huh?
But the point is, I saw the opportunity to speak up and get noticed. I didn't wait for them to call me but rather let them know I had something to say that might be of value to their readers. And I proved myself by having examples of what I wanted to do for them at the ready.
You can do this too - for local publications, radio/tv shows, civic group newsletters and websites or even trade magazines. The key is to know the publication or media outlet AND to understand what their readers, listeners or viewers want to see, hear or read. Look for opportunities that fit your level of expertise or business. Then be willing to blow your own horn or at least reach out to let these organizations know how you can help them help their audience.
In turn your own business will most likely benefit whether from other media opportunities, increased visibility and reach or more sales. You'll gain credibility, respect and knowledge as well as another feather in your marketing and PR cap.
To get started, catch up on your reading. Check out your local newspaper and other various publications for articles and topics that can be related to your business (hospitality, business incentives, the effect on the cost of gas, back to school, sun damage, etc). Then take a few minutes to write a short letter to the editor stating your views or thoughts. Be as positive as possible and mention your views in a way that can tie the editorial back to your business. For example, "As a spa owner, I find that many of my clients are able to make time for themselves more often when their kids go back to school..."
Remember, no controversial or derogatory remarks or language and no sales pitches. Sign your name, business title, and company name and include all of your contact information and a business card with your letter. This can be done with print and online national and trade publications as well and can often bring much credibility and visibility to your business. You'll be surprised how many of your clients notice this type of thing and how can give them one more reason to feel good about choosing your business.
If you need some direction on how to improve your marketing and/or get PR opportunities for your business, email me at Felicia@spalutions.com. 
Posted by Felicia Brown LMBT at 2/7/2010 2:35 PM 
Categories: Events and Publicity,Marketing Ideas and Opportunities
Tags: business tips
Categories: Events and Publicity,Marketing Ideas and Opportunities
Tags: business tips
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