CASE STUDY: HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD

13 Dec CASE STUDY: HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD

By Jenny Fujita and Joy K. Miura, Fujita & Miura Public Relations, LLC.

In this season of awards and events – the Emmy’s, the Grammy’s, the Oscars – we can take a public relations technique clue from designers in the fashion world. When those famous celebrities come strolling down the red carpet, the media always asks, “Who are you wearing?” “My dress is a so and so, my shoes are done by X, and my jewelry is custom-made by blah blah.” comes the reply.

What can we learn from this? We might not have such high profile events to attend here on Kauai, but the idea is the same. If there’s a local event, especially one in which some of your constituencies might attend, consider not only attending but donating your products or services to the affair. Your donation need not be a $200,000 yellow diamond necklace or a sequined gown. Paper to print the dinner programs, sashes for the chairs, door prize bumper stickers — almost anything will do.

As a “mahalo” to those who provide these gifts in kind, event planners will often give donors credit in the program, on the invitations, or by announcing their business names at the event. Even better, if your donated item is especially unique or useful, you might be able to start a word-of-mouth buzz about your product and provoke the question, “Who made this?” or “What is this?” or “Where can I get more of these?” This buzz could increase your profile and income at the same time.