Yesterday’s session with Kirsten Osolind was a huge success. Kirsten was the perfect person to kick-off our event. She set the stage for the entire 4+ day event sharing ideas about using social media, blogging, and more to get and KEEP the attention of the media. In addition to the dozens of resources Kirsten shared, at the end of the program she gave away two of RE:INVENTION’s Stirling Silver PR Packages. The value of these alone is $595! Roy Montero of Verbal Networking and Tricia Foster were the “winners” of RE:Invention’s PR and Marketing program that connects clients to 10,000 reporters and editors over a 12 month period. For more information, visit www.Reinventioninc.com today! While you’re at it, check out Kirsten’s 10 Tips for 10 Million Women.
Today is going to be another big day! And it’s still not too late to register… Remember, you will have access to the audio files of all the sessions, so if you are not able to attend the entire summit, not to worry. You will be able to catch up with all the great information our experts share.
Here’s the schedule of speakers and topics for today, October 18th (all times shown are Eastern Time):
Â
3pm – The Inside Scoop: How to Get the Media Interested in You with Shannon Cherry, Cherry Communications and Be Heard Now
4:30 pm – Who are YOU…and why should the media care? with Beverly Mahone, Baby Boomer Diva Web of Fame
6pm – How Blogging Can Help You Get Media Attention with Lori Prokop, Keyboard Culture Blog Community(TM)
7:30 pm – How to be a Heat-Seeking Media Magnet – 101 Ways to Promote Yourself! with Raleigh Pinskey, Promote Yourself
To register, visit: http://womensmediasummit.com/register/
Hope to see you there!
October 18th, 2007
Posted by
admin |
Uncategorized |
no comments
Your Media Contacts Database
Whether you keep your editorial contact information in an electronic database or in a Rolodex, your media contact information must be kept up-to-date. Editors and publishers come and go, reporters are reassigned to new beats, and publications merge, fold or redefine their roles and target audience. It is important to constantly update and stay on top of the changes your media contacts make. I suggest you review your media contact list at least every three to four months. By staying in touch with you rmedia list, you can find out if they have changed jobs or assignments and it gives you an opportunity to find new contacts to add to your list and pitch your ideas and stories. Â
Here are some ideas for adding to and updating your contacts:
Write a Letter of Introduction
When contacting a journalist for the first time, a good way to start the relationship on a positive note is by way of a letter of introduction. I suggest you do this before you send a media release or pitch a story idea. There are of course exceptions and that is when the news is critical and timing is of the essence such as when you are tying your ideas into a late-breaking news story. For most small business owners that will not be the case.Â
When crafting your letter have an end-goal in mind. What do you want it to accomplish? Do you know exactly to whom the letter should be addressed? Your initial contact to be to the editor or publisher of the publication, a freelance writer or feature journalist. Do your homework before sending the letter. Your letter should highlight why this particular individual (and audience) would likely be interested in your story or idea.
Keep in mind that the main purpose for this letter of introduction is to begin a dialog and introduce you as the go-to person for your company or organization. Be sure to include all of your contact information in the letter including work, home, cell and business address and primary email information. Make it easy for the journalist to contact you. I also suggest if you include work and home phone numbers alongside you include the best times to call. If an editor has a deadline of say 8 am and you begin work at 9 am, chances that you would be a good source are slim.
Your letter of introduction should stress that your main purpose is to make the media’s job easier by being a good source of information, ideas and connections. This letter of introduction should be “what’s in it for them, not you.â€
Reach Out and Touch Someone
Pick up the phone and call editors. Find out who you should contact for your topic or interest area. A phone call establishes person-to-person contact, lends credibility to your public relations effort, and helps your contact to associate a name to the information she or he will ultimately receive from your organization. Taking a few minutes to connect by phone before and as a follow-up to a news release, not only draws attention to your organization but can also impart a sense of immediacy that may provide the edge you need to acquire editorial coverage of your story.
When making the call, always immediately identify yourself and your organization. Ask if the editor is on deadline. If their answer is “Yes,” offer to call back in a day or two. Be sure to return that call when you say you will. Editors never forget.  If the editor is not on deadline, begin with the purpose of your call. Be brief and to the point. Practice your introductory dialogue before you make the call. Editors have limited time and deadlines. If they have time to chat and further explore your offer, they will participate in the conversation. Be prepared to answer their questions as to why you are calling, what’s in it for them, etc. Do your homework. Write down those questions and rehearse your answers until they are second nature to you. Â
If the editor says they are not interested, ask if there is someone else on staff who would be interested in your information.
The Editorial Calendar
Check the editorial calendars of these publications on a regular basis. Magazines and other periodicals plan their issues two to three months in advance of the publication date, so you need to be prepared and proactive in making the connections and pitching your story. In many cases, editorial calendars can be found on the publication’s website. If not, you can call the publications advertising or editorial department to get a copy. The editorial calendar includes themes and focus areas of each publication and can come in handy when pitching a specific story idea.Â
For a list of media in your area, check out Media Tracker at http://www.publicintegrity.org/telecom/ .
MediaCalendars.com has database of 3,500 editorial calendars from major magazines and newspapers.
Remember to register for the media summit today so you can learn more great media marketing ideas – To register go to http://womensmediasummit.com/register/
Wishing you tons of Media Marketing Success… and then some!
Heidi
Heidi Richards, Founder & CEO
The WECAI Networkâ„¢
September 27th, 2007
Posted by
admin |
Uncategorized |
no comments
