Guest Post by Small Biz Diamond Contributor Suzanne Forte

Visions boards are popular for imagining personal goals but did you know that vision boards can also be an effective public relations tool? An excellent resource for brainstorming, vision boards can help small business owners focus on attracting the desired media coverage while reaching new customers.

Start by creating a list of five publications that your customers are most likely to read. Digest these publications daily for at least two weeks. In addition to reading the print version, be sure to sign up for the digital version of the publications and e-newsletters. Additionally research their social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Pay close attention to the name of the writer and frequently used keywords. You should also pay attention to the average word count, sources quoted and media used to support the article including hyperlinks, videos, images, etc. Note and collect articles that include the writer’s email address and telephone number.

Next, cut out desired articles and highlight the information that captured your attention. Be sure to write down how a similar article about your business would attract new customers. For example, an executive profile in a weekly business publication might highlight your unusual hobbies. Readers that share the same hobby might be interested in learning more about you and buying your product or service.

Continue to use articles for inspiration and create a new headline mentioning your company with three relevant facts about your business that would support the headline. Paste your “dream” articles on a large surface and place the board in a highly visible area such as an office or bedroom wall. Review the dream articles daily and use the information when networking and prospecting. 

Have you considered using a vision board as a vehicle to get in front of your customers? What publications does your target audience read? How will you stand out? Leave your small biz diamonds in the comments section below.

Suzanne Forte is a public relations professional with more than ten years of experience. As a senior public relations specialist at the American College of Rheumatology, she manages all media relations efforts and accomplishments include responding to more than 500 media requests, proactively pitching national media outlets and creating a social media tip sheet to help promote advocacy efforts.Suzanne is also a public relations consultant that helps business owners attract the media attention they deserve. In just two years as an independent practitioner, she has garnered nearly 50 media placements for her clients. She has held communications roles at the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, San Diego Convention Center Corporation, the City of San Diego and the Metropolitan Transit Development Board. Suzanne is a native of Southern California and enjoys reading, mentoring, walking and sunshine. Connect with Suzanne on Facebook and Linkedin. Contact Suzanne directly for all of your small business public relations efforts suzannefortepr@gmail.com or 678-744-4104.

Have a successful day!

Image provided by Suzanne Forte