Are you the right person?

Are you the right person to be the spokesperson for your business? Your festival/event? Your attraction? If you're unsure, here is a short list of criteria:

Enunciate clearly. I find some small business owners really want to be the point person for their product/service, but hearing and understanding what they say can be a challenge. In a case like this, the owner should find someone else to do the speaking.

Be available 24/7. You never know when you'll get a phone call from a reporter. You never know when your product/service - or an employee or member of your team - suddenly is in the news. If you don't want to be "on the clock" all the time, find someone else who is capable.

Be knowledgeable. Learn as much as you can about your product/service, festival/event or attraction. If you're asked something you don't know, then quickly find the answer and provide it to the reporter.

Answer the question. Reporters aren't looking for people who love to talk. They're looking for concise answers. Someone who loves to ramble probably isn't the best person to be your spokesman.

MARKETING TIP: Putting your best foot forward includes having the right person for the right job.