Don’t Blow It Now! Three Tips to Make Sure You’re a Success with Media

You’re getting interviews. Congratulations. This is what you’ve wanted and what you’ve worked for. You are ready to get your message out into the world, so it’s important that you don’t blow it now. Here are some very important tips that will help you navigate the world of media.

Tip #1: Every email, every call, every exchange is a pre-interview.
What does that mean? It means that everything you say, everything you do, including your energy, enthusiasm and quick thinking, is being watched. No matter how casual and friendly the producer or host is, they are sizing you up and making sure you’re a good fit for their show. Naturally, you’re familiar with the show, right? You should be. When you talk to them, make sure your energy is high, you’re thinking clearly, be funny if it comes naturally to you, and remember, you are “on the air” from the very first moment you pick up the phone or connect via Skype or Zoom, or whatever platform you’re using.

Tip #2: Get them what they want when they want it.
Once you land the interview, this is no time to begin working on your talking points, bio, or interview topics. All of these things should be written ahead of time so that when they say, “Send me a high resolution photo and your talking points,” you will be able to immediately do that. This is not time to ask, “What are talking points?” And please don’t ask that question to the producer! Ask me instead!

Tip #3: Be available.
When you send out a pitch with your contact information on it, be there to respond to their request should they bite. Make sure you have time on your schedule to not only talk to the producer, but to be able to do the show. Don’t send something out a day before you leave for some overseas trip or before you take the kids to Disneyland.

Just these three simple tips can make all the difference when working closely with media. You want to come across as the professional you are, and while you may be somewhat new at doing interviews, you are an expert in your field, so be sure you come across that way. Knowing what to do and being confident about it makes a huge difference. The producers or hosts will feel confident they found the right guest, and that’s what you want.

Speaking of landing media, do you want to get a sneak peek as to how you might do? Take this little assessment to find out…

How Media Savvy are You? Assessment

If you have any other tips you’d like to mention, or if you have questions, shoot me an email at joanne (at) joannemccall (dot) com.

To your success!
Joanne

Scroll to Top