Article Marketing Edge

To be a great guest you need a top notch set of media skills and knowledge. With radio and TV, you reach so many people that if you are not ready that is, prepared, you may not be able to make your publicity pay off for you. Here are publicity tips to help you do a great job. The tips include how to look and sound like a polished pro, tips on how to be promotional during the interview and etiquette tips to add to your success.

Tips! When the producer or journalist is contacting you the segment or story idea is already positioned within the format of the media outlet. You have no power to influence the media because they looking for this specific idea or slant. If what they want for the story or segment fits with your point of view, that’s terrific and the media opportunity will work out for you. If you are not a good fit for the particular point of view they are looking, its best to just say no than to try to change the segment or story idea to be a better fit for you. Don’t worry, if you are professional, the media will be back to use you the next time. If you are easy to work with, even better, as the media will surely be back with lots more.

Another excellent rule to follow for publicity success is this: Never cancel your media opportunity after you have given your word, that is, you have said yes. If you cancel you leave everyone in bad shape as the supporting staff has made all of the preparations for the segment or story. It is set in stone on their end. If you suddenly cancel, you leave the media in a tough spot as they have to find a replacement. This causes lots of anxiety and is disruptive. One thing is certain, you will never be invited back and you might even earn a reputation as not being reliable and then nobody will want to work with you in the future as you cannot be trusted. This is a tough price to pay and that is how serious keeping your word with the media is for you.

Prepare in advance for your pre-interview with the media and for the actual interview. During the pre-interview the media is evaluating you on many levels including your energy, enthusiasm and ability to engage yet provide an expert opinion. If you waffle or appear frazzled, the media will move on. The media is looking for both signs that you are the one they will choose or warning signs that they have to keep looking. No being prepared gives them the big signal for them to keep looking. If you are not able to get your commentary together for the pre-interview where there is little stress, how will you perform when in the hot seat, that is, on the air? So, take the time to find out what is the point of view that media is looking for from you and prepare your five talking points or more.

The media moves fast and they need to be able to connect with you quickly, at all times. If you have presented yourself as the guest or expert, be available. Give the media your cell phone for direct access. Do not make them go through voice mail or layers of phone prompts. Just give them your cell phone and when it rings, answer it. Set it up in advance, that if your cell phone rings, you will be in position to answer it. If for any reason, the call goes to voice mail, access it immediately and return the call right away. This way, the media will remember you as a great guest.