For those of us in the tax and accounting profession, the days between now and April 15 are usually the most stressful of the year. They’re also the time when the media suddenly take an interest in what we do with increased coverage on tax season and money matters. Most of us are too busy to realize that this is a great opportunity to get generate some very valuable publicity.

I know what you’re thinking—this is exactly the time of year when you don’t have time to deal with these kinds of things. You’re right. But with just a little preparation now, you can be ready next year.

This tax season, keep a log of ideas for future articles or interview topics. Are there questions that customers ask you over and over again? Have you found a good money-saving idea or tax tip? These can be turned into articles or interview topics later. But for now, just jot them down as the thought arises.

Once tax season is over, you can go back to your notes and begin turning them into articles and interview questions. Work on them during slower times. They probably won’t change much in a few months, so once you’ve written something, you can keep it “in the can” until there’s a good opportunity to use it. Now, you have interesting and informative content ready for the media.

By taking just a few moments now and investing some time this summer, you can be the local media’s tax and accounting expert next tax season. Most of the work will already be done. And you’ll have your competitors wondering how you do it.