When and why to approach the media.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, businesses within this country that deserve the attention. However, not all of them will achieve coverage. Why is this? Well, I am going to use tonight's blog to provide some pointers on achieving media coverage using the right approach.

The first step you want to take it familiarizing yourself with the standards implemented and utilized today via the Associated Press. The Associated Press, otherwise known as AP, offer several interactive online tools that can help you write in the style preferred by many reporters and journalists. Learning how to format your approach will help you remain competitive when seeking media coverage.

The second step is to understand how relevant your company is in direct relation to media value. I suggest visiting Google News and type in a keyword directly related to your industry. The first page of Google News will reflect what is trending irrelevant within your industry and help you decide what slant to use when approaching media or writing a press release.

Finally, you want to make sure you are reaching the right reporter for editor. For example, if you offer a product that is related to the technology industry – contacting the general editor of the New York Times is a mistake. It is a mistake because the general editor is not in charge of assigning technology and computer pieces to the covering reporters. You should spend time researching which reporters and editors write for your industry – related news before you approach any newspaper or news outlet. Until next time,

Twyla Garrett

The best business domains!

If you have or haven't started a business website yet, chances are that you're curious if you have the best deal on a domain. There are many popular providers, such as GoDaddy and Yahoo! Business. But, is ten dollars really the average for business domains?

As a business owner, I know every single penny of your budget counts. Below is a list of the top and cheapest business domain providers. I am not endorsing any of these websites but simply passing on the information.

#1. Register.com - starting at fifty cents per domain.
#2.NetworkSolutions.com - starting at seventy five cents per domain
#3. GoDaddy.com - there is a ninety-nine cent promotion but strings are attached.
#4. SuperCheapDomainNames.com

Buy and selling domains to other businesses can be a lucrative business, too. I recently had a friend offered over four thousand dollars for a domain she paid less than a dollar for! Sure, this type of money-maker use to be more prevalent, but there are still opportunities out there!

Have a great business domain provider? Please share it with me!

Twyla