Public relations guru Peter Shankman has a great story and piece of advice on his blog today. The advice is similar to some I give clients as well, which is to build relationships with reporters and editors BEFORE you need them to do a story about your product/company/service etc. How do you do this? In Shankman’s words:

“Try doing something different. Pitch a reporter with a story that doesn’t involve your client, but would be a great story for them. Offer a source just because you can. Not only does it build your karma, but it really, really makes people remember you in a really good way.”

While you are on his website, sign up for “Help A Reporter Out“, his daily service that sends reporter inquiries to your email box. This is a great service and a way for you to find opportunities to use your expertise to help reporters.

Need any further evidence that the internet is changing political campaigns? Barack Obama’s campaign has set up a “war room” specifically to track and snuff out online rumors.

Keeping an eye on what people are saying about you online is important whether you are a presidential candidate or small business owner. An easy way to start is by signing up for Google Alerts based on your name and your company’s name. When a blogger or newspaper article mentions you an email alert is sent to you with a link to the article. Of course, this is also a great way to keep track of your competition as well!

Regular Google searches should also be done. And if your company is one that customers might regularly “review” online – say a restaurant – check out local review sites like those hosted by newspapers.

What are people saying about you?