Today, Netzwertig.de, released a second article on why german startups may not receive the attention they’d need. The article losely references my own thoughts on t3n.de a few weeks back, but goes further. Interestingly, Martin Weigert points out, that most german startups lack decent PR. He is overwhelmed that, though cheap in production (he says 15min is all that’s needed for a great personalised mail), most german startups miss out on this opportunity - often he receives lengthy, unpersonal and uninspiring emails… needless to say that that is something he wouldn’t publish.

Needless to say: I agree! However, I must also add that this may be too much to ask for. When I began with Cumonian (bazaaria.com - that basar I continuosly talk about), anything PR was tough work. A PR agency takes from 1000-4000€ a month for their continuous work - as always, sometimes even more than that. If you pick up work on your own, and barely scrapped together the money on your initial investments, it is something most people probably would not want to spend. Though PR can add a LOT to your marketing strategy, it probably isn’t wise to spend all your money on PR alone, anyhow (the results are hard to track and may come irregularly). This does not mean, that Martin is incorrect by pointing this out, actually, he has made a strong point, BUT it probably comes down to this: entrepreneurs must learn how to do PR by themselves. Frankly, though, not all of us are born writers and it takes alot of courage to get in touch with blogs and other websites…  

Still, I say, it is a great read, and definately adds to the current discussion, so have a look:

* Ein Grund für Aufmerksamkeitsprobleme