Friday, April 4, 2008

PR Strategies Before Groundbreaking

Marketers and public relations professionals need long-term communication programs that facilitate the public's acceptance of a project and lay the groundwork for future sales. So, what do you do during the months and possibly years between Project Announcement and Final Approval?

Here are 6 Ideas on how to Stay Connected While Moving Your Project Forward

1) Create and launch a three page website the day the project is announced. Include Home, FAQ, and Contact Us. Respond to every incoming inquiry.

2) Before entering the public approval process, identify stakeholders including neighborhood organizations, local business or merchants associations, universities, schools, and non-profits who will have an opinion about your project.

3) Make personal contact with each stakeholder group. Meet to discuss how your project may assist the organization achieve their goals. With some, you will agree to disagree. With others, you will discover powerful alliances, and opportunities for support.

4) During project approvals, create a blog where neighbors, business owners, citizens and stakeholders can express their opinions. Cross link to website. Add the blog address on all correspondence.

5) Stay connected. Read the local newspaper--both printed and online versions, and associated blogs, if any. Respond to any inaccuracies by writing a factual letter to the editor.

6) Would the perfect project please stand up? Admit the shortcomings of your project, while emphasizing the strengths. Explain how your project will benefit the community as a whole, even if it displeases a select few.

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