Free radio publicity helped me get my first book noticed. Actually, that's a bit of an understatement. Once I discovered how simple it was to get booked on talk radio shows, the book was selling like ice water in the Sahara. Authors and other experts have been aware of the magic of free radio publicity for years. But this piece isn't about promoting or selling books. It's about using free radio publicity to market a wide variety of products and services outside of the publishing arena.

The first thing to understand is why a talk show host books anyone. It might appear simple but we'll discuss it briefly anyway. Talk radio depends upon great guests to stay operating. The more interesting the guest, the better the show. The better the show, the happier the listeners are. And happy listeners will tune in again and tell their friends about the show. This boosts ratings and makes the host and producer happy. Simple, right? Yes it is. But there's a less obvious benefit here and that is what a great show does for the guest.

One day during an interview it occurred to me that the more useful information I offered as a guest, the better the host looked in the eyes of his listeners. And a happy host is willing to plug your product or service like you were his long lost favorite uncle. So I got good at making the host look like a genius without being patronizing and without making the interview a commercial for my book. It's easy actually. And it comes down to delivering information the audience needs and wants.

Okay, how can you do this? It's simple really. People love stories where someone like them comes out ahead. That was easy with my book because I'd helped many people get into their first homes - people who might not have done so otherwise. So what do you do? Perhaps you're saying to yourself that you don't fit the profile. But virtually all businesses can fit the model with the right approach.

Consultant

If you're an expert in something you might just as well call yourself a consultant. Take a day care center for example. I'm sure you offer the best of care for your clients. Do you have any letters or testimonials to show for it? Would you be able to explain how every minute of your day is devoted to providing the best care for the kids? Perhaps you have a special method for getting a willful child to do what's needed. Maybe you've been instrumental in saving one of your kids from harm.

Any of these things could be used as a unique and interesting perspective. And to add even more value you might consider making up a list of safety tips for kids that every parent must have. In fact, the list, along with your experience, compassion and expertise in the day care field might just be the interesting perspective that gets you on the air.

Soup Nazi

Think of the things that make you and your business unique; your special attention to detail or a product or service that only you offer. Someone very close to me ran a diner in the 1980s. He was a unique character in that he often came across as gruff and impersonal. He was Seinfeld's soup Nazi long before Jerry came along. But he really had a heart of gold and his regular customers knew it. Every so often he'd give an extra portion or a free meal. And he'd sometimes bark at the customers, though they realized it was all in fun.

Before long, the place was swarming with customers wondering what this guy would do next. He was interesting, crotchety and unique and people loved it. Though he couldn't have accommodated any more business, he would have been the perfect 'character' for an interview. In fact, he was such a local celebrity, he could have been booked nationally and had dozens of amusing stories to tell.

So, what make you different? Or more importantly, how can you be perceived as different? Think about that and you could become a talk show guest that people just love.

Author: Charles Steed

About the author:
With nearly 15 years as a healthcare professional and another 10 years as a successful real estate entrepreneur, Charles took to the pen. He's written four books, several ebooks and numerous articles for publication. He's now enjoying life in Southwest Florida and working as a freelance writer. To learn more: Free Promo Story Home

Article source: Free Public Relations Articles.