How many times have you found yourself talking to the television saying, ‘That’s not news!’ after seeing the latest celebrity disaster featured on the evening news broadcast?
Well the next time you feel that way about another fallen star made even more famous after their latest mishap that will be your chance to create news of your own.
There are many opportunities for a business to hitch its wagon to a star. News groups strive to give their audiences the most up-to-date, exclusive stories their competitors don’t have, so why not let those stories be on your business?
Without a doubt, almost every news organization will cover the latest episode of ‘When Celebrities Go Wild’ but what is the point of having zillions of news organizations if they are all telling the same story?
To be competitive, each news organization must offer its readers, viewers and listeners something their competition doesn’t have. That’s where you can make the difference.
Here’s an example: Let’s say some big name celebrity goes out for a night of partying and drinking and decides to head home in their car, only to get into a minor fender bender while being pursued by the paparazzi.
The star is photographed as she or he is led away by police for driving under the influence. The next day their arrest photo is on every media print cover, news channel and online news website across the country - if not the world. There will be endless coverage of the accident for days. Ugh!
To keep the story fresh, journalists will strive diligently to tell a celebrity’s woeful tale from many angles. You can help by giving them a few ideas of your own.
A driver’s education school owner could speak to journalists about the dangers of DUI. Not all celebrities are good role models for youth and some can be poor examples to look up to. The driver’s education school owner could explain safe driving lessons while expressing concern for youth safety in light of the latest celebrity crash and burn. Such advice to youth and parents is like free advertising for the school, which could offer a limited time discount on driver’s education for youth.
An auto body repair mechanic could tell reporters about fender bender damages and the costs associated with them. The mechanic could also talk about the repair process and how long it could take. To attract business for a limited time, the mechanic could offer audiences a free estimate on auto body repairs when they visit his or her shop.
An insurance agent could talk to media on how the accident may affect their premium. The agent could then explain how to file an accident claim and how the insurance process works. The agent could offer a free consultation while being reported on.
Bren Stringer, a Behavioral Specialist helps challenged people from making the costly mistakes celebrities do.
“My theme, ‘Polish the rogue within,’ says it all,” said Stringer, president of Behavesense (Behavioral Sensibilities). “I don’t want to change the person so much as to show them how to be true to themselves and how to conduct themselves in a more palatable manner.”
“Everyone loves a ‘bad boy’ or ‘bad girl,’ I just teach them a better way, and how to break the rules the right way - rather put a fissure in them - and how to have fun doing it. If one knows the rules, they are easier to crack, and more fun doing it cleverly and playfully,” said Stringer.
Businesses aren’t the only entities that could benefit from press coverage. Government agencies such as police departments, and non-profit groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) could also use the latest ‘Crash Celebrity’ to promote their safe driving campaigns.
An unfortunate incident may be bad news for a celebrity, but could be good news for businesses and consumers.
Warren Woodberry Jr. is President of Woodberry & Associates Public Relations. He is a former 15-year journalist who has written for New York Daily News, New York Newsday, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Hartford Courant and Asbury Park Press. To inquire about his services visit www.wnaconsulting.com of call 212-560-2513.
