Entrepreneurs can use the media to their advantage
June 21, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- Frustrated that your media relations efforts don't seem to be working? Wondering how to "get your name out"? Confused by advertising options? A local marketing and news expert will reveal the secrets of working with the media at a Western Michigan University presentation Thursday, July 5.
Rod Kackley, managing editor of MiBizSouthwest (EM-eye-biz), will present "Making the Media Work for You" from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Kalamazoo County Chamber of Commerce building, 346 W. Michigan Ave. The program, part of a monthly series of workshops offered by WMU's Women's Business Development Center, is free and open to the public.
In his talk, Kackley will tell entrepreneurs how to use their local newspaper, radio and television stations for market research. He'll also discuss the intelligent purchase of electronic and print advertising, and tell business people how to get their names used in the media.
"Newspapers, radio stations and television stations are starving for local news and experts," Kackley notes. "We'll discuss how to feed that frenzy."
An offshoot of the Muskegon-based MiBizWest, MiBizSouthwest began covering the Southwest Michigan community early this year. Kackley, a longtime writer for MiBizWest, became editor of MiBizSouthwest in May. In that role, he writes an average of 15 business stories each month and coordinates a network of freelance writers. He has more than two decades of experience in marketing and broadcast and print media, with a focus on business news and advertising. Kackley also wrote, produced and hosted an independent television program, "It's Southwest Michigan's Business," that covered the business scene in the Benton Harbor area.
WMU's Haworth College of Business established the Women's Business Development Center in 1999 to offer support to female professionals and entrepreneurs through training, group and individual problem-solving consultation, current business information and networking opportunities.
Reservations are required. For more information or to reserve a seat, contact WBDC Director Pat Guenther at (616) 387-2714 or <patricia.guenther@wmich.edu>.
Media contact: Jessica English, 616 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu