How to Build Relationships with the Media
By DianeI just listened to Steve Harrison give a content-packed teleseminar on “How To Get The Media To Love You And Feature You Regularly.”
He will be giving it again at 7pm Eastern TONIGHT, so if you possibly can, listen to it, sign up now.
Here are 7 tips he gave on how to build a relationship with the media:
1. Research the show and personalize your pitch. Study their formula, format the demographics. Make your pitch speak to those particulars.
2. Make the host look good. That’s the best role to take.
3. Suggest props and visuals wherever possible. Anything you can do to not just be a “talking head” will help.
4. Send a thank-you note. When they book you, send a note. After the interview, send a note! You’ll stand out in their mind. Remember, you’re building a relationship. You want to be a repeat guest.
5. Ask two questions. Before you do the interview, ask, “How can I give you a great show?” They will tell you what you need to know. After the interview, aks, “What is one thing I coiuld have done to be even better as a guest?” (There’s always room for improvement, no matter how good you are.)
6. Do something! The biggest reason people don’t get booked, even after they’ve had training is–they do nothing! (Sound familiar? If you’ve gotten my Author Success Plan, it will.)
7. Do whatever you can to meet media people face to face. Is there a local media club? Can you drop off your press release in person? Go to trade shows? Personal contacts bring you “top of mind.”
Well, there was much more. Sign up for the teleseminar, and if you are serious about learning how to do publicity–Steve Harrison is one of the few top people doing this. He’s got a great heart, too–I know him personally. Been following him for years. If you’re on Publishing Path #3, and want to make a career of being a successful author, this investment will prove worth it. (Providing you heed tip #6.)
2 Comments
September 24th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Hello,
What do you mean in point No 6 – Do something? Do what? please give examples of what has been done before, or share any practical experience!
Great summary of the seminar. Again, what is the difference between a seminar, a talk, and a workshop?
October 9th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Jill,
Do anything! In other words, take action. I give loads of advice on this site, my Publishing Coach Weekly articles and teleseminars, and especially my “Author Success Plan”. DO what I (or others) advise.
My motto is, “A little is better than nothing.” Sometimes I only have 15 minutes to write a few Tweets. I’ve still done something.
A talk gives information. A workshop usually gives people something tangible they can DO. A seminar usually is usually longer than a workshop, and covers more.
Talks are usually free, to create awareness and generate leads. A workshop can be free (just went to one that was a great lead generator for the speaker) or fee. Seminars are almost always fee-based.
Hope this helps!