Did you know you’re reading one of the top 30 PR blogs according to Matthew Watson (with some help from Ad Age)?
I’m very honored. Thanks to all who help make Common Sense PR a success.

Just a brief note wishing you everything your heart desires, especially great Public Relations and Publicity!
From
Shannon Cherry, APR, MA
Image Credit: Christmas Before the Chaos by Shannon Cherry

It’s the time of year when calendars start to crowd out the books and magazines in bookstores. But there’s a special kind of calendar that all good public relations professionals use – the editorial calendar.

Except for the year and the names of the months, these calendars bear little resemblance to the glossy hang-up calendars in the stores. No swimsuit-clad models, lush scenery, puppies, kittens or cartoons of Dilbert. Editorial calendars are usually bare-bones lists of upcoming issue topics and major features—or at least the cover stories or special sections. Not much to look at—unless you’re a PR pro trying to …read more

The winter season is upon on. Instead of dreaming of a thaw, you should be already working on warmer publicity.
Most magazines are already thinking of stories with a spring/summer angle. So you should be thinking that way, too – if you want to beat the competition and get some coveted coverage. That means start focusing on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and graduations.
Why so early? Because of many media outlets’ production schedules – most notably magazines – reporters often start working on seasonal stories 4-6 months in advance.
Many late April, May & June magazines are chock full of holiday gift …read more

Lets face it; many of us have no idea what to do when the economy takes a downfall.When a recession hits you subconsciously make changes in the way you spend your hard earned money whether it’s at the gas station or grocery store. And so do you as a business owner.
With the threat of a recession at hand, many may feel necessary to focus on cash flow rather than creating media buzz. Luckily there are certain public relations and marketing methods out there that are inexpensive and with a little knowledge can be taken advantage of during times of downturn.
PR …read more

The difference between a good pitch and a bad pitch is all in the execution.
The pitches that are used are the ones that are newsworthy, media-friendly and arrive at opportune times. All three working together gives a PR person the best chance of media coverage and publicity.
Other tips for creating a good pitch and avoiding bad pitches include:
* Forming lasting relationships with the media can be more effective than sending a non-targeted email pitch to an editor or reporter who has never heard of you. These emails are often treated as spam and discarded by the media. It’s not enough …read more

Common Sense PR is back.
After a hiatus, I have been asked to take the ‘reigns’ of Common Sense PR.
Who am I?
Glad you asked.
I’m Shannon Cherry, APR, MA and I’m known as The Power Publicist. I’ve been in the PR and marketing business for more than 15 years… ok, closer to 20, but I didn’t want to reveal my age :).
I did start my career while in college, however, as a reporter and anchor for a small television station. I learned the ins and outs of the media business first hand. So when I decided to change careers, public relations was …read more