To borrow the phrase from WOM evangelists and the minds behind the Boise Valley’s former Blueline (of which several new companies have sprung) – here is an opportunity to ‘Be Your Own Media’
Though a fan of, and a degree-holding member of, the traditional media realm – I always make a point to emphasize to clients the importance of seeking out alternative venues to get their news (and message) out. It is no secret that newsrooms are shrinking as resources disappear and journalists get burned out trying to do more with less. At the same time, the web and social media are offering new opportunities to create your own content and push it out to your audiences – via your own sites and marketing tools or by leveraging others.
Case in point… the call for content from the voice of technology in our valley – www.TechBoise.com Here’s the word from Tac Anderson (the guy keeping this great resource alive)
I have been getting a lot of queries lately on how people can contribute to TechBoise. It’s really pretty easy.
Write a guest post – Got something meaningful to say about tech in the valley? Got some special insight or perspective you’d like to share with our readers? Shoot me an email (tac@techboise.com) and let me know what your idea is. If I think it’s appropriate (I don’t even have to agree with you)I’ll gladly post it.
Send me press releases – I know a lot of startups rely on PR as a cost effective way to market themselves and since you’re already sending out press releases why not send them my way as well. I’m lazy busy so I may not take them and craft a great story out of it, I’ll probably just cut and paste it, but at least its something.
Write (or have someone write) your story – This is really kind of a combination of the first two. Instead of just sharing your opinion, or just sending me a press release share the story of your company. (Note to freelancers: We take submissions along these lines, email me tac@techboise.com)
Send me tips – Find another story about yet another top 10 list Boise made? Have a news tip our readers would be interested in? Send it to me. (Phone calls work too 208.409.1953)
Props again to Tac – and contributors like Ken Dey – for helping support the Valley’s tech community. And for giving the rest of us the opportunity to play in the sandbox.
-Jess
