Just because your company has nothing big or newsworthy to announce, doesn’t mean that you have to fall under the radar. There’s a lot of things you can to do make sure you stay front of mind and visible with the media and stakeholders.

Op-Ed: A number of media outlets offer opportunities for people to have their say. If you're an expert in your field or have something interesting or relevant to say, then drafting an editorial piece and submitting it can help reinforce your positioning as a credible spokesperson in your field. It may also ensure that next time a journalist is looking for an expert to comment on a story they are writing, they will contact you.

Soap Box: Prepare a list of three or four hot topics that you can provide expert commentary on and send these out to journalists and producers. Keep the topics updated on a regular basis and make sure your media contacts know you are available to provide comment.

Read and React: Make sure you know what is happening in your sector on a daily basis, and be prepared to offer timely, rapid commentary in response to stories as they are released.

Speaking Opportunities: Seminars, conferences and exhibitions attended by your target market are all good opportunties to raise the profile of your company. Prepare a list of three or four different topics of interest and submit your ideas to the conference organisers.

Meet and Greet: Although it's always best to have a news story when you meet with a journalist, there are still a lot of younger, new  journalists looking for more information and education on companies and the industry on which they are reporting. Set up site visits, meetings with key management and one on one Q&A opportunities with journalists.

To discuss your media communications strategy further, contact jackie@spice.co.nz or call us on 09 360 8500.