 | The Prodigy Paranormal Group seeks to explain the Paranormal by the most scientific means possible. Looking for an investigation? Click HERE to contact The Prodigy Paranormal Group. This site was desiged for use at 800x600 or better resolution. We appreaciate your patronage. |
Cryptozoology
The Photo Tech
Science and Technology
Paranormal Glossary
Public Relations
Mothman 2007
Submitted Articles
©2005-2008 TPPG
August 8, 2006
When you speak of ghost hunting ( or paranormal investigations as a whole ) most folks seldom incorporate how to communicate with the public. If you belong to a well known paranormal group ( such as T.A.P.S. ), investigations as well as advertising come relatively easy. But what if your group is new or small? What if your group has recently revamped its' appearance or has elected new group officials?
Speaking to and communicating with the public can be a chore. Being the "PR" coordinator for your group will need patience, understanding, and thick skin. Not everyone that you contact will welcome you with open arms, here's why. We, as paranormal investigators, have very open minds. Unfortunately, those in a corporate or business setting, may not. For example, I was a PR coordinator for a different group and my goal was to have an informational booth at a fall festival. Apparently, a few members of their organization felt that ghost hunters were "out in left field". Don't be discouraged.
YOUR FIRST STEP
As the PR coordinator for the Prodigy Group, the first step to spreading the word for us started with our web site and the internet. I visited other paranormal web sites and searched for other groups with similiar goals and interests. From their, I would send them an email cordially inviting them to visit our site. After building this rapportt, I would tactfully invite these groups for a link exchange. Not only did we get the link exchanges, but gained new avenues for other ghost hunting groups, paranormal enthusiasts, and people in need of help with their own paranormal perils.
APPROACHING THE CORPORATE WORLD
As I mentioned before, the world of paranormal investigators is just that to some businesses, paranormal. The most likely reasons for a group to contact a business would be for a link exchange, an investigation, or for publicity.
Requesting a link exchange is an easy task. Tactfully invite another group to visit your site via email. Make note to your sites strong points. After this rapport is built, explaine how linking would benefit both groups. End by thanking and showing them gratitude for their participation.
Normally, if a business has paranormal activity, they will contact your group. The main reason for contacting a business for an investigation would be if they are widely noted as to being haunted. This would be known by word of mouth or in publications such as in the Haunted Ohio series by author Chris Woodyard.
Not everyone searches for paranormal investigators on the internet, this calls for self promotion in the public eye. October is a popular time of year to spread the word of your groups presence. This is due to "non believers" being more open minded to the paranormal due to halloween. You can contact a local haunted attraction (your local Jaycees usually promote haunted attractions ) to see about having an informational booth there to educate the public about your group and the services that you offer. Fall festivals are usually open to the idea of ghost hunting groups being there as well. I know that a haunted attraction may not be your cup of tea, but the idea is to be open minded to how you can promote your group and gain prospective clients as well as members.
The main idea is to promote your group to the public in a positive manner.
