PR Strategies My Grandma Taught Me
By Caliber Creative
This past week, I’ve been thinking a lot about my grandma. She turned 90 last Wednesday and is fabulously living on her own, driving to all of her weekly activities, and is still sharp as a tack.
As she ages, she continues to remember and show interest in stories about everyone (in the family and in her rural North Dakota town) and she never forgets to send anyone in her life a birthday or anniversary card. Honestly, she has had these dates memorized for decades (no need for Facebook or Google Cal reminders).
She also hasn’t given up making people their favorite dessert before they come for a visit or afternoon coffee. Just ask my brother about her homemade butterhorns or my aunt about her famous lemon lush bars that are always waiting to greet them.
What does this mean in today’s world related PR and marketing? Everything.
Businesses today are looking to stand out from the crowd. They’re turning to digital channels or email to spread good news, share stories and earn good PR via follows or Likes. These strategies are necessary; however, what’s missing in the world today is personal touch.
Personal touch is what Grandma taught me about public relations. And ultimately it’s the best (and most budget friendly) PR you can do to promote your business, or yourself.
PR Strategies My Grandma Taught Me
- Remember People’s Stories
Ask your clients, in person, how they are or what they’re doing over the long weekend; show genuine care by listening and remembering these small details. Business is just as much, if not more so, about relationships as it is about the work itself.
- Recognize Important Dates
In addition, remember important dates in your clients’ lives and send them more than a quick ‘congrats’ email. Do something special for them. Handwrite a card. Deliver flowers or think of a unique gift to give them that will remind them of you and your business. You don’t have to wait for big events like a 25th work anniversary or wedding to buy a gift – surprise them one day with a token of appreciation.
- Be A Welcoming Host
Being a gracious host is becoming a lost art. Prepare for meetings and personalize each one for the client you’re seeing. Have their favorite coffee, or sweet treat, waiting for them at the table. Greet them warmly at the door with news, a story or something that made you think about them over the past couple weeks. Welcome them, so they feel a strong sense of unity with you and your team.
These strategies sound easy, but can easily be forgotten until the last minute when it’s too late. Integrate thoughtfulness, and personal touch like Grandma does, into your daily life and workflow, and don’t be afraid to show people that you truly care.
This conscious PR effort won’t go unnoticed. I promise.