Anyone can throw a thousand dollars behind Meta ads. You can take out a billboard, advertise on TV, or shout from the rooftops on social media.

But nothing builds trust, credibility and reputation like organic media and free PR.

I spent 15 years as a TV news journalist before spending another 15 as a small business owner. Now I teach small business owners how to get featured in the media, and there is one piece of advice I repeat more than any other.

Prepare before you pitch.

Write it down. ...