As a former journalist myself, I am often surprised by the comments I hear from colleagues and purchasers in my PR business regarding how they feel intimated by approaching the media. In fact, a lot of individuals will ignore this profitable promotional tool altogether as a result of the thought of managing the media is a scary one. Follow my strategies below to overcome your concern and open your business to a world of free publicity:
1. Keep in mind that a journalist is a regular person like me and you! When I was a journalist I used to be constantly amazed by the importance others placed on the profession. Most usually, telling a stranger you were a journalist generated instant respect - however I couldn't fathom why. It's a regular job that's simply a touch a lot of public than average - and it typically does not pay a lot of than the common salary.
2. A journalist is sometimes not wanting to do a hatchet job on you or your business therefore don't let the thought of negative publicity put you off. A journalist is typically beneath pressure to come back up with news stories - thus if you present your data in such a means that is of interest to your target media outlet's audience, they will be interested. They save the 'door stopping' and bully tactics for those who've broken the law, ripped individuals off, or are running some kind of scam. If you do not fall into that class, do not worry about negative publicity.
3. To grow your confidence, begin small - contact your local newspaper initial, before you are trying for the capital town daily newspaper, radio, or TV current affairs program. Community newspapers are typically always fascinated by someone from their native space doing something interesting. They need area to fill and that they need to fill it with folks from their native community. What's more, journalists from bigger outlets scan native newspapers looking for stories, so there's a sensible chance another media outlet may conjointly pick up the story. Once you have cut your teeth obtaining a story into the native paper, you'll feel more assured to tackle a significant paper.
4. Be prepared! When you've done your homework, developed a sensible newsworthy angle, have a well written media release handy, and recognize your subject you may feel confident when coping with the media.
5. Be prepared for the follow up: If a journalist desires to try and do a follow up interview, make positive you are ready. If you're really nervous, write a 1 page document of questions and answers. Assume of all the potential questions a journalist might raise, and then contemplate how you would respond. Rehearse what you'll say. Have electronic pictures prepared to email, or make yourself available for photographs to be taken (and then consider what you may wear, if you may need props etc).
Author Resource:
Howard has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in PR, you can also check out his latest website about:
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