Startled by the Media?
As Halloween approaches, you’ll see spooky ghosts, goblins and monsters everywhere. But for many of us, the real scare comes from talking to media members.
If picking up the phone to pitch a reporter gives you the chills, here are three simple tips to make the experience less frightful:
1. Prepare.
Before calling a reporter, know what that person writes about and what you are going to say. Practice your pitch. Will that person be interested in what you have to say?
2. Create a Cheat Sheet.
Write down key talking-points on an index card and place it near your phone. This way, you’ll know what to say if your mind goes blank or a reporter calls unexpectedly.
3. Review Your Pitch.
When you finish talking to a reporter, ask yourself how you did. Figure out what went well and what you can do next time to improve your pitching skills.
Talking to media members and pitching your story does not need to be a scary experience. With some preparation and practice, you can turn a tricky situation into a real treat and reap the rewards of good publicity!
Happy Halloween!
Got questions on how to use public relations and SEO copywriting to boost sales? Please send me a note here or check out my free information at www.rembrandtwrites.com. I’d love to hear from you!
November 1st, 2009 at 8:28 am
I’d also add #4 to be just do it. Create a list of the top 10 or 20 reporters you truly want to get your story in front of and just jump in and start calling. Naturally this advice comes assuming you’ve done your homework and you’ve got the right pitch targeted at the right reporter. But you’ll find that if you just start making calls, by your third or fourth call you’ll be feeling very comfortable.
John Sternal
@sternalpr
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:57 am
Thanks for your comments John.
Picking up the phone is the best way to get publicity
(See more about this at http://www.startupnation.com/steps/77/steps-successful-public-relations.htm for simple steps to get press).
All the best!
Melanie, rembrandtwrites.com