Lauding the Simple, Under-rated, Under-appreciated Fact Sheet

Thanks to Marie Longserre, CEO, I had the opportunity to discuss the Online Media Room in a presentation at the Santa Fe Business Incubator yesterday. SFBO is home to more than 20 diverse businesses ranging from high tech to green, sole proprietors companies with several employees. One thing the group has in common: a desire to learn, to grow, to explore new opportunities.

As I told participants, the OMR doesn’t need to be difficult or mysterious but organization and presentation of collateral information deserves careful consideration. Because none of the firms had an OMR, I discussed the “starter” online media room which includes a fact sheet, a bio and a current press release. The simple fact sheet is frequently overlooked as a meaningful tool.

Fact sheets make it easy for a reporter to find information. Members of the media like fact sheets because of their brevity and succinctness. Here’s what to include:

• List your information in bullet points or make it easy to follow.
• List your entity (corporation, partnership, non-profit 501 C3).
• Use simple language.
• Define technical terms exclusive to the industry.
• List products, order terms, payment options.
• List affiliations or meaningful alliances.
• List contact information including after-hours contact information; if a reporter is working on a deadline, this may be crucial to getting coverage.
• Brand the fact sheet with your logo and the look of your company.

Here are two examples of a Fact Sheet from companies with products:

• Download a one page pdf of Perennial Toys’ Fact Sheet
• Download a one page pdf of Cervantes Products’ Fact Sheet

I’ve also included a fact sheet from a service provider:

• Download a one page pdf Fact Sheet from Original Impulse.

Now, get started on your own fact sheet; I’m happy to publish your example if you send it my way. (Email maryellen at profitmeister dot com) Good luck!