Business and professional organizations,

Do you ever struggle to find informative topics to benefit your small business members? I have a solution to that challenge. I have created four different presentations that help small business-owners promote their businesses without breaking the bank accounts.

There is no such thing as free advertising, but there are ways to maximize publicity with small efforts. Every business planner tells entrepreneurs to spend 20 percent of their time marketing their businesses. By making and keeping contacts with the media, business leaders can get their name out to the public in a number of ways from serving as an expert in their fields to helping reporters spot trends in various industries.

My most recently featured seminar, “Promoting Your Business on a Shoestring Budget,” has received positive feedback from both the participants and the organization that hosted me.

On May 31, 2002, about 40 business leaders attended Promoting Your Business on a Shoestring Budget, a seminar presented by the Small Business Resource Council for the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

Seminar evaluations filled out by the participants showed a favorable rating of Penguin Media Consultants’ President Tonie Auer and the seminar material. The average score on a five-point scale was 4.43 with five being the best and one the worst.

Here are a few topics I am eager to share with your organization:

• *Marketing your business on a shoestring budget – learn how to maximize your efforts while minimizing your financial burdens through media relations
• *How to write a successful press release – know what the PR professionals know to get notice for your news release and learn how to get a reporter’s attention.
• *How to make the most of your time and talents to market your business – working with non-profits and volunteering your time and talents can get your name out to the public in a very positive way. Sarah Minshall-Zink, director of Resource Generation for Junior Achievement of the Chisholm Trail, uses her marketing and non-profit experience to lead this workshop.
• *Crisis communication – what do you do if disaster strikes your company? Knowing how to handle the media calls.

Three of the four workshops are led by Tonie Auer, president of Penguin Media Consultants.  With more than 11 years of experience working as a news writer and public information officer, Auer brings clients a realistic vision of what to expect in generating publicity. Auer's inside knowledge of what reporters look for and use contributes to her expertise with the media. Her experience ranges from health care to law and business-to-business.

Presentations can be tailored for any size group at any time limit – I suggest about 45 to 60 minutes – and I provide handouts for your group for more information. I am anxious to meet with you about the opportunity. To schedule a speaker, please call or email me.

Sincerely,

Tonie Auer

Penguin Media Consultants

Auer is available for group and one-on-one consultations, call or email for more information.