A small business owner recently asked, “I want to put out a press release announcing the new web site and partnership. However, this being the week before Christmas, I am worried that a lot of people are not reading their e-mail. Do you have any thoughts on this?”

Of course. I have thoughts on all aspects of operating a small business. [smile]

Do not wait. Now is an excellent time of year to send out news releases. It’s a slow time for news and a really good time to get those “eyeballs” to take a look at your small business news. And even if they don’t run with it, you have a better chance of sticking in their memory. Just make sure your release contains news and is not just promotion.

Think about it this way. Has the paper stopped publishing? Have the 24/7 news channels quit broadcasting? No. They all need news to stay alive.