Devoted to small businesses and those who run them

If you are “on the record”, anything you say can be construed as being the official comment on the matter from your company. Not too big a deal if you’re a company of one and don’t really care if folks agree with your personal thoughts.  Under most circumstances, though, you need to remember that professionalism means separating business from pleasure (and displeasure).  It also means not embarrassing or being hurtful toward those who work for you or who are otherwise affiliated with your company or organization.  Branding begins from within, and the morale of your support staff can become a PR nightmare in itself if you’re spouting off all the time.

It's also important that you be prepared for full-fledged interviews in advance.  Make sure you know who is conducting the interview, why, what you want to work into it, and if at all possible, what they want to cover.  Forewarned is forearmed, as “everyone” says.  For great info on this concept, grab a copy of the Public Relations Kit for Dummies (Wiley, 2001) and read chapter 11 ("Delivering Your Message in Person") closely.  Another excellent tool is Guerrilla Publicity (Adams Media Corp, 2002); see chapter 17 ("Always Be Too Prepared for an Interview") as well.  These two books will set you up with the steps involved for controlling an interview and remaining the expert. 

Make good use of them!