Water Technology - Jan 2012

BUSINESS a source for many new contacts Remember to use new media as it has evolved dont put a square plug into a round hole write for your audience and tailor your messages accordingly This will help your organization be successful in using new media WT Thomas A Burke is associated with Americas Boil Water Alert Expert Facebook page This page was created to be a friendly simple and helpful resource that dealers distributors and consumers can use for information related to this issue which will continue to grow in importance based on aging infrastructure increased regulatory requirements and improved contamination detection methods Often information on this topic is not provided or is inconsistent with other sources and may lead to confusion Average consumers may not be able to find or understand information provided through government agencies or associations Consumers need this information and dealers and distributors should be well equipped to provide it for them www watertechonline com 29 information allows you to become an expert on the topic the media contact may use it further in their publishing surrounding that event and you have made the contacts job easier by providing something they can use Although traditional media has been changing for quite some time and there is little agreement as to what the future holds for traditional and new media all outlets that are still in operation can be utilized to your organizations advantage Preparing your press and news releases by answering the 5 Ws of journalism see sidebar is the first step to effective public relations You can take the next steps yourself by developing relationships with traditional media and familiarizing yourself with new media Even for new media relationships are of great importance the editor of your local Patch page for instance can be of great assistance to you and the relationships you foster at your organizations Facebook and Twitter sites can provide information and be Write for your audience Write your item specifically toward the audience you are trying to reach Articles and press releases should reflect the tone of the media If you are submitting an article to the local newspaper it should reflect a broad array of news that will resonate with the local community Dont forget to consider a press release to be read on the radio as several local radio stations often announce upcoming public events look online for lists of local radio networks and contacts Circle 206