Become a Sought After Expert

Every day the print, radio, television and online media must satisfy an intense hunger for news. It is inconceivable the amount of news stories that must be generated each and every day just to feed this insatiable appetite.

In this section, we'll begin to focus on ways that YOU can take your message and turn it into

10 Tips to Becoming a Media Star

1. Write a catchy press release. News outlets receive dozens (if not hundreds) of press releases every day. To get their attention, your release needs to both catch their eye AND tie into current events. Follow up your release with a phone call a few days later. Don’t be afraid. News Reporters have editors and producers breathing down their necks. They are desperate for good stories, and if you can become a regular source of material, then you can become a key resource. They are especially tickled if they can find a good news source who is also a good storyteller.

2. Work with print, radio, television and online media. Print media is often the easiest coverage to get and, due to its permanence, also the most desirable. Once a story has been printed, it lasts forever. Send photocopies to your clients as a promotional tool. It’s always great when a recognized media resource sings your praises.

3. Send copies of the articles to potential clients. It helps establish your credibility by demonstrating that others value your product and service. It can help build credibility with clients that may not have personally experienced your products or services.

4. Send your newsletter to the media. There are numerous benefits to sending your newsletter to a variety of media outlets. First, they see that you as someone who is on the pulse of your industry, and hence a potential news source. Second, they may see story ideas within your newsletter and call for additional information. Finally, you may be able to expand your news-letter into a regular column.

5. What do your clients read? These are the places that you want to appear. Are there trade journals that are a key reference for your clientele? Offer the editor articles that will provide real value for their readers, or suggest a story idea for which you would be willing to be interviewed.

6. Keep a list of all your media contacts. Once you’ve been interviewed by a particular source, it’s easier to get them to interview you again in the future. Call them up periodically and let them know what you are up to. They may be able to do a follow-up story or do a new story based on new products or services. Keeping your media contacts up to date will also keep them close at hand.

7. Become the Go To Person. Why do you constantly see the same names and the same faces? The reason is simple. These people have developed a reputation for three things – relevant expertise, a willingness to take the spotlight, and a commitment to being available. Become that person!