New Website First to Offer Small Business Owners Step-by-Step, Guided Approach to Generating Public Relations

SmallBizPRMadeEasy.com First Site to Innovate DIY Public Relations for Small Businesses During Challenging Economic Times End Quote

PR is the most affordable way to market a small business, but most don't understand it and just give up. SmallBizPRMadeEasy.com guides you step-by-ste

(1888PressRelease) March 16, 2009 - Chicago, Ill For years experts have poured their expertise into books and most recently e-books for small business owners looking to DIY PR. SmallBizPRMadeEasy.com offers a new approach to those 200+ page books, which become overwhelming and cumbersome for individuals. The new, first-of-its-kind website provides members an affordable alternative of weekly, easy to follow lessons that, in the end, will make them PR experts and grow their business.

“All it really takes is one targeted media story to grow your business”, said Jennifer Fortney, Publisher of Small Biz PR Made Easy. “Public relations is one of the most affordable marketing tactics that small businesses can engage in when economic times are tough. It’s during times like this when a small business can leap frog over competitors.” She adds that unfortunately most people don’t understand what PR is or how it works, so ultimately they give it up altogether.

Small Biz PR Made Easy takes members from PR 101 through 620 in 52 weeks. Each weekly lesson is very easy to understand, providing assignments that slowly get individuals into the process of thinking like a journalist and educating them on the strategies of PR and how it fits in with the rest of their marketing. “It’s not about bombarding journalists but learning to work with them that will make you successful.”

Fortney, a 15-year marketing veteran and President of the eight-year old Chicago-based boutique public relations firm Cascade Communications specializing in small businesses, says that few in the industry are willing to offer the kind of full disclosure on public relations that SmallBizPRMadeEasy.com does because they’re more concerned about obtaining paying clients.

“I totally get it! Things are rough on everyone right now and businesses that once could afford my services as a private client are looking for ways to save, yet grow. I created this site and each lesson to show small businesses that they can conduct PR and grow business with the guidance of an angel on their shoulder.”

The 52-week, $37 a month subscription-based program offers members everything from a brief history on public relations to writing a press release, Fortney’s personal approach to developing relationships with media, how to think like a journalist, how to pitch your story so it gets traction and how to achieve ongoing, long-term PR through a variety of strategies.

Fortney says the program is one-of-a-kind in every way and that she also plans to offer members exclusive interviews with media, clients and other small business experts, giving them the opportunity to ask their own questions and more. “The entire feel is different than anything out there and no one can replicate the information or the passion I have.”

“I am a small business owner and on top of it I’m a journalist and publicist who has achieved major media placements for Fortune 500 clients and entrepreneurs,” says Fortney. “I am committed to helping businesses experience real growth through DIY PR. SmallBizPRMadeEasy.com allows me to educate business owners affordably and show them what PR can really do for their business even in times like we’re in now.”

What makes SmallBizPRMadeEasy.com unique is Fortney’s passion for small business and willingness to offer subscribers everything they need to use PR to grow their business. And she’s seen it done time and again. “PR is the most effective ways to market a business and promote growth by building credibility with media and customers. I’ve seen its power for small businesses first hand.”

Not only does Fortney offer every ounce of her knowledge and expertise through SmallBizPRMadeEasy.com but also templates she uses herself, customized media planning, media and interview training, inexpensive ways to deliver news and real stories, tips and advice to excite small business owners.

She also adds that she has established a special Premier Press Club for those members who need a little extra hand holding while building their PR campaign. “SmallBizPRMadeEasy.com is such a unique program between the knowledge sharing, price and members-only consulting program,” said Fortney. “Maybe you can’t afford a professional right now, but that doesn’t mean a professional can’t guide you to success. More importantly no small business can afford to not actively promote itself during these times.”

About SmallBizPRMadeEasy.com
SmallBizPRMadeEasy.com launched in March 2009 with the goal of providing an alternative for small businesses during challenging economic times. The site offers a 52-week, $37 a month weekly subscription service for small business owners looking to learn how to affordably produce public relations that can grow their business. Small business PR expert Jennifer Fortney offers a wealth of knowledge, full disclosure, through this unique, one-of-a-kind website and DIY program. To learn more, please visit www.SmallBizPRMadeEasy.com.

About Jennifer Fortney
A 15-year marketing veteran and owner of the nine-year old Chicago-based boutique public relations firm Cascade Communications, Fortney has achieved thousands of media placements for clients from Fortune 500s to entrepreneurs. Her firm specializes in consulting and showing small to medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurs and startups how public relations can grow their business, almost overnight. Over the last nine years Fortney has seen clients nearly quadruple business in just under two years through public relations and positive branding. She is a graduate of the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas and worked as a marketing professional in radio, sports and music. Fortney was also a radio news writer and helped initiate PR campaigns for “Got Milk?” and companies like Motorola, Jim Beam Brands and SCJ Johnson along with a large number of small businesses across the country.

http://www.cascadecomms.com

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Visit Jennifer Fortney, Cascade Communications For Be.olgoy Website

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