EVENT PLANNING MADE EASY

By Tianna Faulkner

               Planning an event, but not certain that you will get the results you want? Do you have a new business with no event planning or promotions experience? Has your boss assigned you to plan and organize the next company event? Get out a pencil and pad. These simple steps will help you achieve your event planning goals.

                First things first, the date of the event needs to be set before anything else is planned. The further out the date, the more time there will be to plan. Ideally, you will need six months to a year to plan larger scale events. For smaller events you may need three to six months planning.

After you set the date, it is also equally important to know the time of the event. Is the event going to be in the morning, afternoon, or evening or is the event going to be a full day? Once this is determined, decisions about registration, catering and meals, pricing of the event, and lodging, for example can be made.

How many people will be attending the event? This can be tricky, but is also very important to know when planning an event. Is the event for a small business or national organization’s membership? Do not guess the number of guests you want to attend, but rather make a list of the number of people you plan to invite to the event to give you a more realistic projection of attendees.

                Where will the event take place? Is the event for a local company or national organization? Choose a venue that will accommodate the number of attendees and one that is most cost effective. You do not want to go over budget when selecting a venue.

                Know what kind of budget you will have to work with when planning the event. Again, the cost of the venue is a huge factor. For example, will the event take place at a hotel or convention center? How many sponsors do you have lined up to support the event? Also, consider the cost of having guest speakers and vendors at the event. The cost to attend the event itself should also be determined here too. The more money you have, the more money you can spend.

Event planning and promotions go hand in hand. In order to get the maximum amount of attendees to attend your event, you need to promote it. Execute a marketing plan to reach and engage your targeted audience and potential attendees utilizing media relations, digital media, marketing, and advertising.

Follow these simple steps and you are on your way to a great event!

For more information visit http://faulknercommunicationsllc.com/.

BUZZ: THAT’S THE WORD! Tips on How to Get People Talking About Your New Business

By Tianna Faulkner

 

People are going into business for themselves daily. Whether it is public relations, home health, finance, or auto repair, entrepreneurship has expanded throughout the United States. In Georgia alone, statistics show that in 2013 for companies with zero to four employees, there were reportedly over 100,000 small businesses created.

With so many businesses and diverse markets, how does one get his or her business to stand out? It can seem impossible in such competitive markets as New York City, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Atlanta, Georgia.

Marketing and public relations is key in getting your company noticed and getting attention in the public eye. Below are some tips to help you create buzz for your new business. First, be an ambassador for your company. You know everything about your company or you should. You are the representative and the face of your organization. Get out and start talking about your company through networking events, business meetings, industry related events, and even social occasions. With every opportunity that you have, talk about your company. Communication is key. Many of your clients can come through word of mouth so get talking.

Second, distinguish your business from others by making your clients your number one priority. By providing quality service and by making your customers feel like a high priority, this too can get people talking about your business for a job well done. For example, if you are working on a project for a client, follow up and follow through. You are more likely to get referrals as a result of doing good business and treating your customers well. Again, communication is key. Your work is never done when servicing clients. Don’t slack, but be proactive. Always be open and honest with your clients and do what you say you are going to do. Be accountable for your services too.

Another tip to utilize when trying to create buzz for your new business is to talk to people of influence. Find out who the movers and shakers of your community are and connect with them or at least connect with their groups. Also build relationships with the media (radio, TV, newspapers, magazines, bloggers), who make a living out of telling stories. Reporters are always looking for the best new story. Building relationships with significant people can also be strategic in getting your business or service noticed through word of mouth. Get moving and build relationships.

Finally, do something that will get your company noticed. Host or sponsor an event, do a fundraiser, provide a discount or special offer on services provided. For example, if you are the business owner of a retail store, have a campaign, where the first person to tweet your store while shopping, gets ten percent off of their purchase. It is all about being creative. Knowing what everyone else is doing, but being able to come up with ideas and tools that make you stand out from the rest. It is understood that you should already be on social media, marketing your business as is. Additionally, using these tips can too help create buzz. For more information on how to create buzz for your organization, read “PR for Anyone, Affordable ways to Easily Create Buzz for Your Business,” By Christina Daves. Happy Marketing!

For more information on how to market or promote your business, contact 770-726-1717 or email faulknercommunicationsllc@gmail.com.

 

 

  

LIVE YOUR PASSION TODAY: CAU Alum Launches PR Agency to Promote Small Businesses

By Tianna Faulkner

Clark Atlanta University graduate Tianna Faulkner launched her public relations and marketing  
company, Faulkner Communications, LLC, last week in an effort to live her dream and passion. Her immediate goal is to promote and provide services for non-profits and small businesses throughout metro Atlanta. The freelance writer and editor specializes in event planning, promotions, and media relations, providing customized and personalized service, with a corporate flare.

“My business will provide personal and innovative services and resources, with a competitive edge,” said Faulkner who has been writing over 15 years.

 She obtained her Bachelor of Mass Media Arts Degree from Clark Atlanta University, with a concentration in public relations several years ago and has decided now to pursue her dream. Her work includes administering media relations, event planning and promotions for non-profits and agencies in metro Atlanta. She even did consulting for a firm in Cleveland, Ohio. Her work is not going to be limited to just Atlanta. She will also have a national presence.

“I just want to do PR,” said Faulkner. “It’s not just about the numbers, but it’s about providing quality service and know how.”

Faulkner is the former PR Chair for the Urban League Young Professionals in Cleveland Ohio, the former Ms. Black Atlanta, Georgia, and the former Board Secretary for the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists (AABJ).  In the future, she also plans on getting into entertainment, as well as leverage corporate contracts.

“I’m not worried about other PR agencies in Atlanta, because I know what I can do. My work will stand.”

Faulkner Communications, LLC is a public relations and marketing company based in metro Atlanta. Established in 2016, Faulkner Communications, LLC specializes in event planning, promotions, media relations, and social media marketing. Its mission is to provide creative and innovative public relations, marketing, communications, and business development services to enhance the position of businesses and individuals, within any given industry, in order to improve their awareness.

For more information on how to market or promote your business, contact 770-726-1717 or email faulknercommunicationsllc@gmail.com.