For a small business, the local media is one of your biggest chances for publicity. It's important that you build relationships with the reporters there, because so much of this career is about connections and who you know.

You are not there to get your one hit story and then move on. You want to be an ally to that reporter, so make sure you're choosing the right person to pitch to. Open whatever newspaper or magazine or publication you're considering, and find out who writes about your kind of business. It may be a general sort of interest writer, but make sure you're targeting someone who can actually write about you.

Since you need help from the reporters, it's crucial that you play their game. There are unspoken rules that you need to follow to build a lasting relationship with them. Many of these rules apply to how and when you contact them. When you're calling a reporter, the first thing you say should be "Are you on deadline?" No matter how good your pitch is, the reporter is not going to listen to you if they're pushing to finish something. Asking this question proves that you know what you're doing in the business world.

This is just one of the many tips found in The Fastest, Cheapest, Easiest Ways to Publicize Your Small Business--Even if You're a Solo Entrepreneur.