How do I learn how to please them and give them what they want?
When you are contacting the media do PR, branding, publicity, marketing and public relations, the best way I know for pleasing the media and understanding the media is to be media savvy. Watch the shows, follow their columns, study the make up of the features.
Know how they think and what they’re looking to present to their audience. When you go to pitch, not only will this knowledge will put you on equal footing in each and every phase of the dance you do when you write your releases, pitch letters, and do your follow up, but it will show how media savvy you are. They will be that much more open to hearing your PR pitch, your branding strategies, your marketing moments.
And most importantly, send them a thank you note for the on air interview, the story in print. Believe it or not, this gesture goes a long way in obtaining successful PR, and establishing you in their mind as a true Public Relations Person.
For print, I copy the article, circle a particularly interesting point they’ve made, and comment favorably and graciously. For radio and TV I send a note.
It’s not that they are expecting a thank you note, and it certainly isn’t mandatory, but I have been told by more than one member of the media, “it’s my job, and your thoughts are appreciated.”
Treat them as the human beings they are, and they will respond in kind.
My Branding Possibilities Newsletter at www.promoteyourself.com keeps you in the loop for events, news and views.
Do what Raleigh Pinskey says:
“Go for it…Promote & Prosper!”®
Raleigh Pinskey
