Visitors will find previous editions of ePerini Newsletter in this archive.

Perini & Associates is a full-service public relations and marketing firm.  Review ePerini for ideas, tips and research relating to all aspects of PR and marketing.  When ready, give us a call and we can guide you.

Remember, we are taking public relations to new levels!

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I am always asked from nonprofits,”Is there any promotional tools that I can use that are FREE!”  Nonprofits traditionally do not have  PR or marketing budgets.  Unfortunately, many see building relationships as a “cost” vs. an investment.  See this blog post on ways that your nonprofit can be successful.

Below is a list of 12 tips.  By free, i mean you don’t need to write a check to pay for these services.  However, yes, you will have to take time to research and provide materials.  So, there is a people cost that I think most of you understand, right?

You will find that these are Colorado-based, but there are similar resources in most communities, if you just take the time to look.

1. Send a Drumbeat to your network.  By this I mean, talk your nonprofit up!  At personal socials, networking events, and the like.  Have a separate business card just for your nonprofit.

2.   www.your non-profit name.com.  If you don’t have a website, have a professional design one.  Some web designers will even offer their services as a “in-kind” donation.  The challenge for you is to keep the website current.

3.    http://www.facebook.com.  Facebook allows for nonprofits to set up their own page where you can tell potentially millions about your organization and managing donations.

4.-8. Use local resources.  The links below all offer an event or activity calendar.  All are free.  You can pay for some extra features but pricing is low and not necessary until you have that PR/marketing budget approved.  Search for like items in your community.

4.  http://www.csindy.com/colorado/calendar/Section?oid=1064334

5.   http://events.gazette.com/

6.    http://www.peakradar.com/event/

7.   http://www.rockymountainnews.com/events/

8.    http://www.zvents.com/z/colorado_springs_co

9.     http://www.findwoodlandpark.com

10.  Use your local newspaper.  Many allow nonprofits to list events in organizational calendars Yes, put together a news release and forward it to the media in the local community.

11.  Use city banners and business marquees.  Many offer these services free. You need to schedule in advance and have a banner ready.  A local sign shop may be willing to donate the banner as a donation.

12.  http://www.youtube.com/.  More than 80% of those who search on the internet are looking to find a video that relates.  So, if you don’t have a video for your nonprofit produce one.  Again, ask a PR or video production firm to assist.  Many offer a % of their services pro-bono.  You won’t know until you ask.

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Yes, it’s 2012 already.

More than 75 percent of people who make resolutions abandon them within months.

So, let’s try a new tack. Let’s agree to make and stick to our second list of New Year’s resolutions by focusing on ideas that will help all of our public relations/marketing skills and interests. What’s good for each of us will also be good for our business, activity or issue. I would like to hear from you but try these on for size during this new year:

1. Hit the slopes! Or, the surf, or the trail or the fitness center. It’s a long year and now is the time to get yourself ready for a busy time. Being in physical shape enhances what we bring to the mental game with the client, the media or having the energy to work a community event for 12 hours — you name it!

2. Start a new hobby. It isn’t always about business. I find that I need something totally unrelated to my normal routine. What’s it for me? Skiing down a blue/black diamond slope. The planning, pace and skill are also tools I use to be successful in public relations. So, go back to #1!

3. Actually use a slide rule. Ok maybe not, unless you are an engineer! My point is to stretch yourself; get outside your comfort zone. Learn something new. Taking this step will also help you maintain the creative energy that you’ll need when working in business, or on an issue or activity.

4. Buy something. New or used. We all know where the economy is. So get out there and help your fellow businessperson. I need a new coffee pot for the office. See you at the store!

5. Go to a movie. Watching an action thriller on a big (really big) screen with speakers above and surround sound is almost an unearthly experience anymore. Yes, you can get that movie on DVD or downloaded to your computer or phone, but seeing the film in a large format is something that will make your day and should bring back to the office some really BIG ideas!

6. Take a break. Now. 15 minutes. Relax.

7. Get organized. I just love the “Container Store”. A tantalizing array of boxes, baskets, cabinets, files, hooks, for just about everything. A cluttered desk could end up being a cluttered office over time. You know where this leads!

8. Go on a real vacation. Remember, resolution #6? Try a long weekend, or more like a week or 10 days. I know this is tough. And, you have to leave or set aside your cell and computer. No calls to clients! Only in an emergency can you use these two hi-tech devices.

9.  Build your network.  I am not talking about adding an upgrade to your home or office wifi network.  Rather, let’s work on your professional network by  passing the perks (offering tickets or information to a close contact) or noticing publicity (send a copy to your contact).

10.  Take an active role.  Volunteer to serve on a community board.  Pick a board that showcases your experience and passion.  Be a doer when you make this resolution.  It isn’t about filling your resumé.

11.  Make regular appointments with your PR counselor. This one is for all you clients. Many times these meetings only occur during a crisis or in the “8th inning.” When the problem, program or issue is so far along that you think only a public relations expert can possibly figure a way out. That means an emergency timeline and much more $$.

12. Take on a cause you care about. The list is endless. What meets your soul? Here’s one we like, Wild Blue Animal Rescue and Sanctuary.  You will feel good about helping. Your attitude will remain positive and you are very likely to keep the other 11 resolutions — all new ideas — throughout the year because of the smile and sense of accomplishment!

Have a great 2012!

For our supportive readers and those of you who summit comments to this blog — WOW! When I started blogging two years ago I could not have imagined that I would have grown such a super group of followers.  We have nearly 1000 of  you who follow us monthly and I have posted nearly 1,500 comments.  Again, thanks for your time and commitment.

As a result of the interest to our posts, we have started posting videos and other articles by industry experts.  You will find these items in pclips and ePeriniReadview.

I am very interested in hearing from you as to what you would like for me to discuss during 2012.  So, please share.  Tell others about the value of the blog(s) to your business, special event or issue.

For prospective clients, we ask that you check us out.  We are a full service public

relations firm ready to help business owners — small or large; event organizers; non-profits; local, state and federal agencies.  We have the experience. We are creative.  I promise that we will listen to you!

I believe that 2012 will continue a growing trend for faster and more value-added communications.  As a result, more specialized public relations and marketing methods are required to be successful in maintaining andenhancing relationships.  Public relations needs to be more personal.  Focused.  Cross integrated with traditional approaches.  We can successfully chart a course for you during this difficult time.

Let us take public relations to new levels in the New Year!

Sincerely,

Michael Perini, ABC
Perini & Associates