interest in information about these needs, so staff should regularly offer articles (of about 200 to 900 words) for publication. Press kits- this kit is handy when working with the media or training employees about working with the media. The kit usually includes information about your business, pictures, information about your products, commentary from happy customers, etc. Press releases or news alerts- they alert the press to a major event or accomplishment and requesting, e.g., it get included in the newspaper; they explain who, what, where, why and when; some include pictures, quotes, etc. to make it easier for the reporter to develop an announcement or story. Public service announcements (PSA)s -- Many radio and some television stations will provide public service announcements for nonprofit efforts. Usually, these Public Service Announcements are free. Other Promotional Activities and Events Annual reports- disseminate these to key stakeholders; they're ripe with information if they include an overview of your year's activities, accomplishments, challenges and financial status. Collaboration or strategic restructuring- if you're organization is undertaking these activities, celebrate it publicly. Networking- spread the word to peers, professional organizations and those with whom you interact outside the organizations, e.g., educators, consultants, suppliers, clients, etc. Novelties- it seems more common to find ads placed on pens and pencils, coffee cups, T-shirts, etc. These can be powerful means of advertising if indeed current and potential customers see the novelties. This condition often implies additional costs to mail novelties, print T-shirts, etc. Presentations- you're probably an expert at something. Find ways to give even short presentations, for example, at local seminars, Chamber of Commerce meetings, trade shows, conventions, seminars, etc. It's amazing that one can send out 500 brochures and be lucky to get ...
