Working with the Media

Getting on the media’s radar is not as complicated as most people think.

It takes creativity, ingenuity, and a little goodwill. As we know, the media serves thousands and sometimes millions of people.

Therefore, their lives consist of timelines, deadlines, and multi-tasking, which means time is not always on their side. 

I discovered that being of service to others can take you a long way a long time ago.

For example, being of service to the media without expecting anything in return builds relationships beyond your imagination. 

*Golden Rule: Give the media what they want by focusing on their needs and not solely your own needs.*

With that said, I thought it would be a good idea to share a few things that I’ve learned along the way when working with the media.

• Get To Know The Local Media: Before you start to reach out to the local media or national media, or any media outlets for that matter, be sure to do your research as to what they like? What do they do? Who do they serve? These actions will make a big difference in the long run. In other words, do your research and find out as much as you can about the reporter, writer, TV producer, and journalists. Make sure you follow them on social media. After all, most media professionals will share their media work and few personal moments on social media. 

• Help Them Do The Work:  Helping a journalist, reporter, or TV Producer do their work can carry a lot of weight with them when needed. Which means to give them the who, what, when, and where in your pitch or correspondence. Remember, I said earlier, the media is extremely busy. They are always on a deadline of some sort, and time is never their friend. What can you do to make their lives easier? Here is an example that has worked for me time and time again: What I would do is is create an article that is well written, almost in the form of a news article. More importantly, I would make sure the piece was newsworthy. Your efforts will be appreciated, seen, and respected by the journalists, reporters, and TV producers. Being intentional and forthcoming can take you a long way when working with the media. 

• Be Authentic: As stated above, being genuine and intentional goes hand in hand with the “Golden Rule” People have a way of seeing through the fluff and hidden agendas, especially the media. What I teach my clients is to befriend members of the press genuinely. The best way to do that is to reach out to the press and ask them:

1.  What do they need?
2.  What are they working on at this time?
3.  Are you looking for anything in particular? 
4. How can I be of service?

Feel free to share their work with your community. Members of the media love it when others take the time to share and appreciate their work and service. 

Putting the media’s needs ahead of your needs makes you stand out. It also makes you memorable.

Therefore, when the media needs someone of your expertise, you will be top of mind. It can make a big difference in your business and or your career.

Last but not least, if you so happened to reach out to the media with your personal story or questions, they will be more receptive to your call or email. 

I do hope you have enjoyed reading the PR Hacks mentioned in this article? If you have, you will love the 9-page publicity guide, “21 Publicity & Marketing Strategies For Small Business Owners”

To Your Success!

Nikki Curry

Media Brand Strategist

The Image Brand Co./ Nikki Curry Media Div.

IG:@NikkiCurryMedia