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"89 Ways to Write Powerful Press Releases"
Lesson #37: Use bulleted lists
Bulleted lists aren't appropriate for
every press release. But when you have information that can be
presented as a bulleted list, adopt that format.
These lists are easy to read because
they break up big blocks of gray type. Sometimes, you can present
"how to" information as a bulleted list within your press release,
and a media outlet might decide to use just the list.
The press release below was written by
Stephanie Calahan, another professional organizer, just after
Hurricane Katrina hit last year. Notice the bulleted list. A media
outlet could cut and paste just the list and run it as a stand-alone
piece or as a sidebar to one of the hurricane stories. Also, see how
she included a call to action at the end. I've highlighted it for
you in yellow.
"The release was timely and we were featured on a morning TV
newscast, in the local newspaper, and on a talk radio show in the
county," Stephanie says.
Here's the release:
Contact Information:
Stephanie L. H. Calahan
Phone: 309.825.7833
Fax: 309.422.7665
Email
www.calahansolutions.com
Could You Be Ready to Evacuate Your
Home
at a Moment's Notice?
Tips to Prepare an Emergency
Grab-and-Go File
BLOOMINGTON, IL – August 31, 2005 – As
we have witnessed the devastation Katrina has caused, many of us
have wondered what we would do if we were faced with the same
situation.
What would we take with us if our
mayor ordered a full community evacuation? Would you be able to make
decisions as quickly as necessary? Would you know where important
papers or documents were located in your home? New Orleans residents
were faced with these questions and many more.
“Families should prepare for the worst and pray for the best,” says
professional organizer Stephanie Calahan of Calahan Solutions, Inc.
She suggests that creating an “Emergency Grab-and-Go File” is one of
the most important things you can do to ensure that in times of
stress, emergency or grief, you are not compounding the situation by
not knowing where important documents and contact information are.
In the event of a death, to ensure that you and yours avoid the
stress created by an estate that is left disorganized, with little
instruction, below are some guidelines to help put affairs in order.
To tailor the list to your specific situation, double-check with
personal professionals to ensure all bases are covered for you or
yours.
In case you, one, or both of your parents are physically,
emotionally or mentally incapacitated, it's vital for at least one
other person, be it friend or family member, to be knowledgeable
about how to step in and run the household and business matters. Try
to be matter-of-fact about this. It seems awful to even consider it,
but having the systems and plans in place well ahead of a tragedy
such as a serious illness or death will dramatically reduce the
stress at an already very stressful time.
Items to Include in Your Grab-and-Go File
Creating an emergency file can be a valuable source of information
for family or friends, in need of information on your behalf. Store
the contents in an area that has easy access. Some of this
information can be in the form of business cards. Once you create
it, let someone know it is there.
Legal Information
Copy of Living Will and location of
original version
Copy of Will and location of original
version
Power of Attorney Health Care
Power of Attorney Property
Details of Trusts/Judgments for and
against You
Estate Arrangements
Identification Information
Social Security Card and Related
Information
Birth and Death Certificates
Marriage and Divorce Documents
Education certificates, degrees, etc.
Copies of the front and back of all
cards in family members' wallets
Important Names and Contact
Information:
Name, Address, and Phone number of
Your Nearest Relative or Friend
Doctors: Medical Doctor, Dentist,
Chiropractor, etc.
Insurance Agency/Agent
Accountant or Bookkeeper
Investment Broker and Files Location
Insurance Details
Personal Information & Photos
Wedding or baby photos
Current photos of all family members
Important medical information such as
allergies
Prescription medication you are on
Location of Important Documents not in
the file
Location of Valuables
Employment and Benefit Information
Banking account numbers and contact
information
Safe Deposit Box Location, Contents
and Signers with Access Authority
Any Documents that would be difficult to replace
Tell a Friend or Family Member Where the Information is Located
Ensuring that you know where all of your important documents are
in the event of an emergency will allow you to be in control of the
situation and recover from the emergency that much faster.
If you would like more free
ideas for how to make your home, work and life run with less stress,
visit the Calahan Solutions, Inc. Web site at
www.calahansolutions.com.
For information:
http://www.calahansolutions.com or
Contact:
Email
Phone: 309.825.7833
Fax: 309.422.7665
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Opportunity #37:
Industry groups you are joining
Joining a trade association
or a professional group for your industry? It's worth a short press
release. Don't forget to send your photo. But don't stop there. If
you're sending the press release to the media, include a short note
inviting the editor to call on you when the publication needs
background, commentary or story ideas. That's one of my tips in
"Special Report #49: 17 Ways to Build Valuable Relationships with
Media People."
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