Business owners learn how to grab media spotlight

Meriden – Thirty business owners and employees gathered July 25 at the Community Economic Development Fund, 965 East Main St. to attend a seminar on “How to Grab the Media Spotlight for Your Business.”  It was the third of six Thursday evening presentations in CEDF’s “Summer of Learning,” featuring free food and evening seminars for business owners.

 Maura Casey and Kate Robins, public relations professionals and former journalists with the New York Times and Newsweek, respectively, told the audience points to remember about capturing the media’s attention:

-- Establish relationships with editors and reporters;

-- Become familiar about the specific stories reporters write;

-- Be tough on your own ideas about what news is. Answer the question, “So what, who cares?” when you believe you have a good news story;

-- Write press releases on your story using the five W’s: Who, what, where, when, why.

-- Don’t be afraid to contact reporters with your story, but if they aren’t interested, don’t push.

Seats are still available for the fourth in the series of evening seminars this week Thursday, Aug.1. “Free and Practically-Free Marketing,” will be a presentation by Ellen Ornato, of Solutions PR & Marketing, LLC. The seminar will focus on social media, conventional marketing and referrals for future sales and repeat business. Reservations are a must as seminars fill up quickly.  Call Nancy Gray at 203-235-2333 to hold your seat.