This newsletter is intended to provide timely, practical advice and information to help you build a name for your business.  Please let us know if there are specific topics you would like us to discuss in future editions.

- Frank Williams, President

In This Issue

1.  February 16 Small Business PR Workshop a success; two additional dates scheduled

2.  PR Principle:  Two-Way Communication

3.  Pioneer Strategies' president facilitates workshop for Morrisville Chamber of Commerce

4.  Leadership Corner

5.  Guest Column:  Transitioning Your Business -- How To Take It To The Next Stage

6.  Are you missing opportunities?

7.  Small Business PR Packages make Public Relations affordable

8.  How to subscribe to this newsletter

Click here to read previous editions of our newsletter

"Good listeners generally make more sales than good talkers."

- B. C. Holwick -

February 16 Small Business PR Workshop a Success; two upcoming dates scheduled

"Practical PR Strategies for Small Businesses"

Pioneer Strategies' February 16 workshop, entitled "Practical PR Strategies for Small Businesses," was a tremendous success.  Additional workshops are scheduled for Wednesday, March 16 and Tuesday, April 19.  All workshops are conducted by Pioneer President Frank Williams.  

What will you gain from attending one of our workshops?

- Learn how an effective Public Relations campaign can help build your business and boost your sales;

- Develop an understanding of the principles you must follow in order to implement an effective Public Relations campaign; and

- Learn practical, cost-effective tactics and strategies you can put to work to promote your small business.

Reserve your seat!  Our workshops are interactive, therefore seating is limited.  Click here to register today.

PR Principle:  Two-Way Communication

The January 2004 edition of our newsletter provided an overview of the Principles of Effective Public Relations.  These principles are the fundamentals; they are as important to your Public Relations effort as dribbling, passing, free throw shooting and defense are to a good basketball team.  In this issue, we will discuss the principle of Two-Way Communication.

Two-Way Communication

It has been said that "often we don't communicate; we just take turns talking."  Nearly everyone I know is naturally predisposed to talk more than they listen; this is especially true of Public Relations professionals, marketing professionals and salespeople.  Our instincts say that we must "tell our story."

Listening is important in virtually every area of life.  Listening matters in friendships, marriages, dating relationships and business.

The challenge facing busy entrepreneurs and small business owners is this:  take the time to listen to your clients, prospects and employees.  Conduct research that enables clients to provide you with genuine, constructive feedback.  When meeting with clients, ask them for suggestions.  

This kind of proactive, two-way communication serves several purposes.  First, you will establish a stronger connection with the people who have the greatest impact on your ability to succeed.  Second, you will obtain valuable insight into potential changes that could determine whether you stay ahead of the competition.  

Take the time to listen to your clients and prospects.  They will appreciate the fact that you sought their advice and input, and they may provide the very idea that enables you to take your business to the next level.

- Frank Williams

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Workshop:  Practical PR Strategies for Small Businesses

Attend this three-hour interactive training class and begin the process of developing a strategic plan to build a name for your small business.  Click here to reserve your seat in one of our upcoming workshops (March 16 or April 19).    

Pioneer Strategies' president facilitates workshop for Morrisville Chamber of Commerce

Pioneer Strategies President Frank Williams recently facilitated a workshop for the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce.  The workshop, held on February 23, was entitled "Marketing & PR:  What's the Difference?"  Frank discussed the differences between Marketing, Public Relations and Advertising and provided attendees with insight into how they can use Public Relations to build their business.  

If you wish to invite Frank Williams to speak to your group, please send an e-mail to info@pioneerstrategies.com or call 919-833-4345. 

Leadership Corner

"There are many ways to measure a follower's respect for his leader, but perhaps the greatest test of respect comes when a leader creates major change in an organization.."

- John C. Maxwell, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

Transitioning Your Business: How To Take It To The Next Stage

By Lea Strickland, CMA CFM CBM
President - F.O.C.U.S. Resources

A business undergoes numerous changes throughout its lifetime. In its earliest stages, a business will be searching for a clear identity, a viable business model, and a paying audience for its products or services.  

As the business grows and matures, it finds a need for more formal structures, processes, and control systems. This is one of the most challenging transitions for the founders and stakeholders.  

Transitioning from a primarily entrepreneurial perspective to professional management, as it is often called, can be an extremely painful phase.

Click here for the full article

About Lea Strickland
Lea Strickland is the president of F.O.C.U.S. Resources and has over 17 years experience in developing financial models, budgets and forecast tools for companies large and small. She has developed complex forecasting models for companies that include Ford Motor Company and several early stage technology companies. One of the largest modeling projects resulted in a budget and forecast model of 26 manufacturing facilities totaling over $13.2 billion with a forecast accuracy of 99.9 percent.  Click here for more information on F.O.C.U.S. Resources.

Are you missing opportunities?

The press release is the public relations tool used to communicate your organization's accomplishments and activities to the media.  The purpose of a press release is to generate positive news coverage for your organization -- coverage which builds your name and enhances your credibility far more than a paid advertisement or company brochure.

Below are a few newsworthy opportunities for your company to distribute a press release:

-  Hiring a new employee;

-  Opening a new location;

-  Completing a major project;

-  Signing a new client;

-  Your company or a key employee wins an award;

-  A company representative gives a speech or teaches a class;

-  Hosting a seminar or other special event;

-  Launching a new product line; or

-  An employee receives a promotion.

Are you missing out?  If your company has done any of these things and has not sent out a press release, you've missed opportunities!

Small Business PR Packages make

Public Relations affordable

Stop missing opportunities!  Pioneer's Small Business PR Packages provide companies like yours with an affordable way to distribute press releases to appropriate media outlets in your community.  

Get started today -- contact us by responding to this e-mail, call 919-833-4345, or click here and fill out our online form.

How to subscribe to this newsletter

If you are receiving a forwarded copy of this newsletter and would like to subscribe, click here.

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