Hey folks, I was speaking at an event for entrepreneurs recently and was asked for some quick tips about how to get some ink. These same rules apply to nonprofit organizations. Definitely helpful if you're just starting your PR journey. For those that have mastered these tips, we'll post some advanced tips in a future post.

1. Do your research. Before you contact any media outlets, spend some time getting to know which outlets are likely to cover non-profits, and familiarize yourself with the style of the reporters that cover your beat and/or the format of the radio and television show hosts.

2. Trends and Forecasting. Look at current events -- is anything happening now that relates to your business? Are there any trends that you can share with the media? If you are unsure as to what specific aspects of your charity will be newsworthy look at trends in your sector and help the media to spotlight your predictions based on your expertise.

3. Share the spotlight. If you offer yourself as an expert as part of a story and can suggest to the media other sources that can also provide useful information on the topic, you will not only increase your chances of getting some ink, you will also be seen as a valuable resource to the media and they will call upon you time and time again.

4. Training required. No matter how savvy the spokespeople for you organization are, it is important that proper time is given to craft the message. Rarely will you have the luxury of knowing before the interview the exact questions that the reporter will ask you. Instead of focusing on this, think about the three key messages you would like to share and spend some time crafting them so that they fit well with the interview. You will reiterate these throughout the interview changing the actual words but the message stays the same. If this sounds impossible, think back to the Presidential debates. No matter what they are asked they will always find a way to bridge it back to their key messages.

5. Quote me. A reporter can interview many sources for a story and not everyone will always make the final cut. Make sure that you do get included by offering a few sound bites; energy charged quotes that help to bring life to the story that the reporter simply can’t live without.