I really want to write a press release. I think reading this forum has made me somewhat obsessed. But.. I don't know what to write about. I have passed the "we just opened stage" at least I think (been up and running for 4 months).

Reading the interview made me want to share something that is really going to add value to my target audience. I guess I need help brainstorming ideas. I'm thinking of whats new and exciting in my business? I recently joined a new networking group, got Linked In by updating my profile and started social networking.

When you get new clients, do you announce this and the value that you are adding to their businesses (I've done this in my newsletter but didn't think to do a press release about it).

Any thoughts would be great. I'm very eager to write my first one.

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Tamika R. Johnson, MBA, Principal
administrative partners, llc
www.administrativepartners.net | http://adminpartners.blogspot.com

Tamika,
While introducing your business in the press release, you could then narrow it to focus on what your niche market is, or a specialty service that you offer that may be less common. And then to flesh out what that specialty service means for your clients, i.e. what specific tasks that might include that would be beneficial to your client.

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Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!

I agree with Kim, try to find an angle about your business or services that is totally unique to your practice and expand on why that's valuable to your clients and potential clients. It could be anything from switching to recycled paper (and you could continue on about how Virtual Assistance is generally more environmentally friendly, etc. etc.) or your ability to speak six languages (obviously I'm just making these up as an example )
A few other ideas - have you added any fabulous new skills/services/partners to your practice? Have you acquired any certifications, do you have an ebook for small business owners (or any other kind of resource you can brag up), have you celebrated a milestone in your practice?

Brainstorm what's exceptional about what you do and how you do it and start there!

I haven't ever announced a new client relationship via PR but have seen it done...I prefer to keep those kinds of details more private and don't necessarily think it would be considered wholly newsworthy unless the company or entrepreneur I'm contracting with has an exceptional angle of their own (and approved of my using their company name in my own promotions...)

What kinds of things have you thought might work for your press release?

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I agree with Tess and Kimberly.

Offering a new service or forming an alliance with another VA or anything that will be of interest and/or benefit to your target market are all good things to write a news release about.

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Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

Originally Posted by Tess

I agree with Kim, try to find an angle about your business or services that is totally unique to your practice and expand on why that's valuable to your clients and potential clients. It could be anything from switching to recycled paper (and you could continue on about how Virtual Assistance is generally more environmentally friendly, etc. etc.) or your ability to speak six languages (obviously I'm just making these up as an example ) A few other ideas - have you added any fabulous new skills/services/partners to your practice? Have you acquired any certifications, do you have an ebook for small business owners (or any other kind of resource you can brag up), have you celebrated a milestone in your practice? Brainstorm what's exceptional about what you do and how you do it and start there! I haven't ever announced a new client relationship via PR but have seen it done...I prefer to keep those kinds of details more private and don't necessarily think it would be considered wholly newsworthy unless the company or entrepreneur I'm contracting with has an exceptional angle of their own (and approved of my using their company name in my own promotions...) What kinds of things have you thought might work for your press release?

Thanks to everyone for their comments. I was thinking that things related to my business that would add addition value to my target market of course would be newsworthy. I thought of advertising when I got a new client as a way to showcase HOW or in what ways I'll be assisting them in growing their business, but perhaps that should come later after I have proof. For instance, my life coach whom I assist has now filled up her practice and can not take anymore one on one clients at this time. This has caused her to seek a new avenue in her business.. that of group coaching. Of course I would get her permission if ever speaking about her business as I did when I featured it in my newsletter.

I've joined a great new networking group (and actually have gotten two prospective clients out of it within the week).

I am working on my IVAA Certified Virtual Assistant certificate.. those things are obvious.. But what about if those things are happening regularly... I guess the goal is to keep them happening.

I'm going to draft one this weekend as I finish my certification and maybe start with that one.

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Tamika R. Johnson, MBA, Principal
administrative partners, llc
www.administrativepartners.net | http://adminpartners.blogspot.com

Since press releases should be newsworthy, think about what's on people's minds. Obviously the economy. Your press release can include how your services can actually help businesses save money. Instead of paying for office space, employee taxes, benefits, they can outsource to a VA and save time and money.

Sue Canfield
Awesome Assistant

Hi

Great advice offered! I so agree on thinking on what's in the media now, because it's newsworthy. Gas prices, housing market (if you target on the real estate industry), layoffs, etc. With layoffs, so many companies are having to do with less employees now and that's where we come in. I've also done some on the benefit of working at home when your children are sick, etc. I think that followed a report last year that the flu was going to be worst than ever. That one did result in a local TV spot, so that was nice. It sure helps wihen it works, because then it builds the confidence up.

Thanks!

Diana Ennen

I totally agree with Sue. People want to know what you can do for them. I think the current economy - sad as it is - is a great opportunity for VAs. We need to let companies know who we are and how we can help them.