Every business and people in business including authors, spokesman, artists, and photographers should have a press kit. This is the packet you send to journalists when they request additional information. You should have a hard copy to snail-mail, a digital copy to share online. These will all be composed of basically the same things. The press kit is designed to give quick information to a journalist, blogger, radio host, television producer, or anyone else who might profile you. Because it serves an important task, you'll want to put the time into it now before a reporter asks for it. The following items should be in your press kit:



A Portrait.

Your photo is a professional photograph of you that the media can use. Get a good photographer for this. Some people use color and black-and-white versions at hand. If you are only providing one, go with color. For your online kit, a high-quality .JPG will do the trick.

Your Mission Statement.

This should be no more than a page, and should clarify who you are and what you do . Practically every bio begins with "Dr Anybody received his doctorate from Some University in 1994." As you see this is quite boring, instead focus on real achievements and personality. You should try to be bold and different.

Current and Recent Press Releases.

The media needs to know why you are news. So let them know what your company or you have been doing. So if you've been doing something newsworthy, here's the place to let them know.

A List of Upcoming Events.

Whether it's a public event you have planned or a convention you are speaking at, you should include a calendar of events in case the reporter wants to mention or come to the events.

Other things you should include in you press kit, if appropriate, are:

• Product samples



• Product Information



• Copies of Promotional Materials



• A List of Media Appearances



• Customer Testimonials



• A List of Industry or Celebrity Endorsements



• A List of Commonly Asked Questions and Answers

Put your materials in a nice presentation folder. Many companies use customized portfolios that showcase their brand. Your contact information should appear on every item in your media kit. Once you've done this you're done. You are ready to showcase yourself to the media.