Yup -- it's hot and sticky and you don't feel like doing much of anything -- let alone working on publicity for your business.

But the summer months can actually be a great time to get publicity. Think about it. In these lazy days of summer, chances are your competitors have slowed down their efforts considerably, so you've got the edge. And with not much going on right about now, media people are probably more receptive to a fresh story idea -- hopefully your story!

Here are some ideas you can think about while you're relaxing with family or friends on a summer evening. Have a brainstorm session and see what great ideas come out of it.

1. Dream up a unique holiday that ties into your business. That's just what Jacqueline Whitmore, Founder and Director of the Protocol School of Palm Beach, did. She created "National Cell Phone Courtesy Month" in July, 2002. And she keeps on receiving lots of publicity every year for this. You could get ongoing P.R., too -- whether you think up a special day, week or month relative to your business. Note: To create your own holiday, go to "Submit an Entry" at www.chases.com, the Web site for Chase's Calendar of Events.

2. Pitch summer stories that tie into your business. In June of 2002, my Hair Restoration Vacation pitch was well-received and led to a subsequent story for Dr. Alan Bauman, hair restoration surgeon, in July, 2002. The pitch, while unique, probably wouldn't have worked at other times of the year.

3. Create a "must-go-to" event for your business. Most other businesses are not planning events now, so if you host one it will stand out. As an example, in Boca Raton, FL, the off-season is summer. Yet every August, "Wine and All that Jazz" -- an event held at a top resort -- is sold out!

Read more about Jacqueline Whitmore, Dr. Bauman, and how to create successful events in my Do-It-Yourself Public Relations Kit?, available at www.margiefisher.com.

Copyright 2005 Margie Fisher All Rights Reserved

Margie Fisher is President of Margie Fisher Public Relations. She is the author of the Do-It-Yourself Public Relations Kit?. To sign up for her free biweekly PRactical P.R. newsletter, and to see more free articles, visit http://www.margiefisher.com