This evening I sat in on the YEC presentation by Scott Gerber, founder of the Young Entrepreneur Council and author of Never Get a Real Job. The bulk of the information was on the topic of PR, or more specifically, ‘how to set up great media relationships.’ I’ve been an avid reader of everything Scott and Donna Fenn have published for over a year now and have always enjoyed their commentary on our generation. Scott is someone I look up to as a leader for youth entrepreneurship, but to be honest I have not always agreed with him on all points. However, this evening’s event was not the case.
Gerber is what most dudes would call ‘the man‘ when it comes to PR. I’ve seen him in everything from the Wall Street Journal, Inc, and the New York Times. The man knows how to drum up some publicity. Scott is a doer above all else. He created the Young Entrepreneur Council after his first business out of college failed. He was absent peer support and decided to create the solution to his problem rather than fret about it.
I will write a more solid piece on what I feel is missing from the conversation of youth entrepreneurship and where I hope Young Female Entrepreneurs will fill in the blanks tomorrow (so check back ;)). In the meantime, here are a few quotes from what was spoken about this evening that I felt all of us could apply in our businesses today…
“Relationships are KEY in PR… it all comes down to who do you know” – @askgerber via @theyec
“Build a track record that speaks for itself– use the guest blogging moments to prove you can help out the media” – @askgerber via @theyec
“The fact that you can make the lives of those in the media a little easier= valuable.” – @askgerber via @theyec
“Give the media value first, ask for value second” – @askgerber via @theyec
“Provide marketing value to the outlets.” The media needs to have new audiences seeing what they have done. – @askgerber via @theyec
Demonstrate what your network looks like when you pitch to the media in a graceful way :) – @askgerber via @theYEC
As you learn your own strategy, create a check list! Systemize! Don’t let PR take over your life – @askgerber via @theyec
YES! — “Insert yourself, your company, your mission into a current trend.” Smart. – @askgerber via @theYEC
“Take a stand, be controversial, do not in any way back down.” – @askgerber via @theYEC
“Tie your PERSONAL story into the pitch” – @askgerber via @theYEC
Nobody cares about your little startup. Make it relevant! – @askgerber via @theYEC
“Create an anchor that makes your topic a trend piece, then launch all other media opportunities off of that” – @askgerber via @theyec
Resource suggestion via @askgerber –> http://Mediaontwitter.com @theYEC
“Start small, start simple, start with your own two hands.” – @askgerber via @theYEC
Press releases are a total waste of time… unless it’s for SEO… for a short time – @askgerber via @theYEC
Today is the day. Get rid of the excuse- this is your future. Go and do it. – @askgerber via @theyec
Finally, here is one last piece from the WSJ Report with Scott Gerber and Jeremy Johnson of 2tor.com that will fill you in on everything YEC and youth unemployment.
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