Guest Author - Meg Meyer

Think about your business. Go ahead. I'll wait.

Then, think about all the possible ways that your business could tie-in to a holiday story.

Have a cleaning service? Is December your slow month? What about pitching your services to journalists who write about overwhelmed housewives who want to entertain during the holidays? You could clean their home while they get themselves ready.

Have a touching story? Perhaps an employee has started a charity drive, or your business is donating to the Salvation Army. Now is the time to get the word out.

Consultants, accountants, counselors, mentors, and therapists all have skills and time to give to those that could benefit from their services, but probably can't afford them. Do you help single moms learn how to make extra money during the season of giving? Or help people learn how to interview for a position in the retail rat race?

Babysitting, errand-running, and "handyman" services all can tie in to helping get things done before Christmas.

Personal trainers, gyms and nutritionists can do a press release about how they help people get a jump on "New Year's Resolutions." Is it better to start now, rather than wait? How about some tips on keeping off extra holiday pounds or making healthy get-together treats?

Retail stores with special hours, sales on menorahs, candles, Christmas lights, and wrapping services would do well to let the media know about their seasonal benefits.

If you're doing something special for overseas members of our military, make sure that local and national publications are made aware. Especially if you welcome contributions from the public, it's important that you get the word out.

By now, you probably have ideas about how you can pair up what you do with the current holiday season.

Your job, now - is to collect information. Call your local newspaper, radio, and television outlets and get contact information on who to send your holiday-themed press release to. Get that list together, complete with names, and preferred means of receiving releases and feel free to ask me for help when you write a press release.