Is there a foolproof way to promote your business, product or service? Yes, all you have to do is write a heartfelt, controversial and newsworthy story. What's a newsworthy story? Glad you asked.

Have you ever read a newspaper, magazine, or watch the TV, or listen to the radio? Of course you have.

What are the media talking about? Britney, California fires, war in Iraq, credit and mortgage crunches. These are news stories. How can you solve one of the problems? Are you an expert in your field? What can you contribute to the topic?

Give the Media a Bone !

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In order to write your Press Release and get it published or get interviews, you have got to give the media (reporters and editors) what they want. And there is a way to write it, short and sweet and compelling.

Start with an attention-grabbing quote and/or statistic, a compelling story or heartwarming tale, with a bit of whimsy and controversy, grab the media's attention. Next, continue the conversation with a dynamite first sentence and paragraph that features the who, what, where, when and how of the story.

Below are a list of possible news angles. Ask yourself, which one can be utilized by your company?

1. Controversy. Controversy sells stories. Odd as it may seem, even bad news can sell books, movies and other items.

2. Dramatic human interest. Include the stories of real people, their triumphs, tragedies, adventures and anecdotes. Everyone loves a good hero story, or a heartwarming tale.

3. Trends. Stories that suggest new opinions, behavior patterns and attitudes. Three is a trend; find at least three examples to assert that a new trend is emerging.

4. Timelines/calendar. Capture something coming up on the calendar. Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Black History or Women's History month can spark story ideas.

5. Localize a national story (and vice versa). Take a nationally breaking story and emphasize its local impact, i.e., how health care crisis is affecting people living in your community.

6. Anniversaries and milestones. One year later, one decade later.

7. Special Event. A huge conference, rally or gathering. Frame the event to capture the issue and importance.

8. Celebrity. If you have involved a nationally-known celebrity in your cause or business, make sure that you quote them.

As part of successfully crafting a newsworthy press release, the headline, first sentence and paragraph are critical and must grab the reader's attention right away. You can start off with an interesting quote, statistic or unusual headline such as "Man Bites Dog."

Keep it short: publishable press releases are one page and 400 words or less. Be sure to include your contact information, including your name, company affiliation, website and phone number (including your cell phone number).

Remember, give the media what they want and they're likely to give you Free Publicity!

Whether you want to:

Become positioned as an expert

Launch a new product

Launch a new company

Increase sales

Increase marketplace awareness/branding/name recognition

Drive traffic to your website

Have my mom/kids/friends/former boss read my book(s)

Free publicity can make a difference in your bottom-line.