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Health & Fitness

Preparing the Press Kit Part Two

Continuing from where I left off:

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 Include letters that you received from past customers that praised your work.  Send the latest letters, unless  one of them comes from a past customer whose name is big enough that it will impress people that your group worked for them no matter how long ago.  Of course if you’re targeting a specific organization send letters that were sent from similar companies.

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 Include clippings from newspapers, flyers and other ad materials that feature your group’s name.  Take pictures of any large signs at a festival that had your name on it and include it.  Also include a list of radio and tv appearances and links if available.

 If possible have a DVD made of your group performing, or at least provide a link to your webpage or your You Tube channel where they can be viewed.

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 A group picture is a must.  Let’s make it easy for them to hire you by giving them a picture they can use in their ads.  After that add pictures like a cannon being fired, a sword fight or a person in a spectacular costume.  Go through your pictures and see if there’s something that you think  is unique and will catch the eye.

 Don’t forget your business card and a list of the social media you’re using.

 Should you include a price list?  Probably not.  You want to have the organization contact you.  If they’re interested they’ll ask for a price.  Even if they don’t engage your services you would have had the opportunity to talk up your group.  You also don’t want to find out that an organization would have paid more than what you’re asking or miss out on an opportunity to work for a an organization that your group really wanted to work for (to the point of taking a price cut) because your price was too high.  But you should have an idea of the price range you want to charge and be prepared to negotiate, not only price but other benefits like free food, free tickets, etc.

 Website and Social Media

It’s a given that just about every organization has some sort of internet presence.  Most will take advantage of freebies like Facebook and Twitter.  Some will go through the expense of getting a website.

 You will probably use pictures on any social media, including your website.  When posting pictures please be considerate of your fellow group members.  We all have that one person we would love to post in an unflattering picture.  Resist.

 I usually post different pictures on the website, Twitter and Facebook page of my pirate group.  I believe it encourages people to check out all three of the sites.

 No matter where you post, remember what you write is assumed to be the group’s official statement.  Keep to the facts, keep it professional, avoid bashing fellow group members, other reenactment groups or the organization that didn’t pay you.  You don’t want what you post to get your group sued or haunt your group forever.

 Keep in mind that no matter how good your press kit is, your behavior can erase all your good PR work.  Answer inquiries in a timely manner.  Answer them honestly and professionally.  Respect deadlines for submitting materials.  Continue to act professionally during your engagement.

 A thank you letter for being allowed to participate and acknowledgment of a check being received couldn’t hurt.





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