Not ready for the full-fledged how-to business book? There are other ways to see your name and website address in print. These were suggested by Martin Hill, former editor of the San Diego Business Journal.
There are other ways to get your name in print other than writing a book. Here are four to try.
- Write a letter to the editor. According to Hill, these are among the most well-read items in a newspaper or trade journal, but editors don’t receive as many letters as they would like. “Write a letter commenting on a particular business issue, a news event or a story that appeared in the publication,” advises Hill. Letters should be brief and include your name, address and daytime phone number (in case they need to check a fact).
- Write an opinion column. Hill recommends you choose a topic you feel strongly about and argue your case in less than 800 words. But be careful. Columns that promote a specific company or product will not be used. Sometimes it is a good idea to send the editor a brief e-mail with a thumbnail of what you intend to write.
- Suggest a story about a business trend you’ve spotted recently. Send a brief e-mail to the editor and they will consider it when they make story assignments. Give your credentials on why you would be a good resource to be interviewed for the article.
- Suggest a story idea to one of the columnists in the publication. Typically columnists won’t promote a specific product or service. But they do need spokespeople to round out a story. Always ask if they would publish your website address, but if they can’t you understand. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.