You bet it's worth it. Publicity via news releases, along with building relationships with reporters and editors is really good for your small business.

As one who is adamant about "it's not who you know, it's who knows you," news releases play a big part in that awareness. Plus getting publicity helps establish you as an expert in your specialty. Amazingly, much of the news we read in the newspaper on a daily basis started with a news release.

That news could be about you. It's critical you have publicity activities and news releases as a part of the marketing plan for your small business.

So where do you start? If you've never written a news release before, it can appear to be a daunting task. Relax and take a deep breath. All the information you need is at your fingertips. Just search for "write a press release" in any search engine and you'll get plenty of great resources to help you on your way.

The bottom line is it can be done. But it takes consistent effort and action just like everything else that will make you successful in your business. Make sure you add public relations activities to your marketing plan as at least monthly tasks. And don't forget to sieze opportunities as they come up in your day-to-day business.

Denise O'Berry

With more than two decades of operational and management experience, Denise O'Berry has developed a sharp eye for how businesses get bloated with inefficiencies, cross-purposes and miscommunication -- and how they can retool for a sleeker, smoother, strategically focused organization.

An entrepreneur who quickly built her own successful consulting business, she helps other small business owners set priorities, take action to grow their business and create the balance they want between life and work. Her clients have ranged from telecommunications giants like Verizon to Mom-and-Pop retail shops with a primary focus on those having 10 or fewer employees and up to $2.5 million in annual sales.

Denise frequently speaks to professional organizations, is the author of three booklets, and several "how-to" manuals. She writes a weekly small business column, hosts an online small business owners forum and is called upon regularly by publications such as Entrepreneur, Bank Rate Small Business, Florida Trend, Inc., various newspapers, radio and television to provide expert comments on small business issues.