Publicity: Marketing-Minded Financial Planners, Take a Reporter to Lunch

Sometimes a phone call isn't intimate or long enough to convey all the information you have for a reporter.

Two examples would be: if you have a dozen or so story ideas, or if you'd like to explain an extremely complex financial concept or strategy to a reporter.

If this is the case, you should consider offering to meet the reporter over coffee or for a quick lunch, for a "backgrounder" on your topic.

It's a relatively common event in the media world. Many reporters jump at the chance to pick a knowledgeable expert's brain. You may be able to get information from them about what types of stories they are interested in, and what other reporters at their outlet might want to use you as a source.

And, as I'm sure you've recognized from your years of client service, meeting a client in person jumpstarts a personal relationship that can cement a professional one.

One caveat: Whereas you might take a client to an expensive restaurant to emphasize your financial planning success, don't do this with a reporter. No lavish, expense-account spots. It looks like you're trying to buy favor.

Most publications have pretty strong ethics codes-the reporter will probably be obligated to pay for their own meal, and they won't like shelling out for filet mignon. Suggest too fancy an establishment and they probably will turn you down.

Ned Steele works with people in professional services who want to build their practice and accelerate their growth. The president of Ned Steele's MediaImpact, he is the author of 102 Publicity Tips To Grow a Business or Practice. To learn more visit http://www.MediaImpact.biz or call 212-243-8383.

---

PR Power: How to Write a Killer Press Release

I'm what we in the business (the "business" being journalism)... Read More

A Blueprint for Managing your PR

OK, as a manager, your goal is to show a... Read More

What Does Your Telephone Say About You When You Are Away?

Business to Business relationships come to expect a certain level... Read More

Leveraging Your Reputation - Making PR Work for You

We rely on all kinds of tools and advice to... Read More

Dont Pay for Radio Interviews

It used to be that all you had to do... Read More

Anchor Your Relationships

I heard a speaker recently who was talking about how... Read More

The Non-business Business

Think for a moment! If you were to do a... Read More

Does Your Small Business Have a Grooming Policy?

They say that image is everything and some of us... Read More

How to Make A Great Press Kit ? A Musicians Guide

As an owner of an independent record label, I often... Read More

Something New For Managers?

A new public relations blueprint could be a good idea... Read More

Media Relations: How We Landed on the Wall Street Journals Front Page

Media relations is a great profession.On good days, I earn... Read More

Managers: Do You Trust Your PR?

You can if, as a business, non-profit or association manager,... Read More

PR: Heres All You Need to Know

Above all, you need to know that the right PR... Read More

PR: Lets Talk Fundamentals

How much more fundamental can you get than this? As... Read More

PR: A Potent Force for Success

What's REALLY potent for a business, non-profit or association manager... Read More

Publicity - How To Get Your Story on Television

A press release telling about "Stevie, the Water-Skiing Squirrel" will... Read More

Attention PR Shoppers!

As a business, non-profit or association manager, what do you... Read More

Inoculate Yourself Against Bad PR

What is bad PR?Well, if you're a business, non-profit or... Read More

Turn Your Business? New Year Resolutions in PR Revolutions

As eyes look forward to a new business year, many... Read More

Maybe the Strongest PR on Planet Earth?

Strong for business, non-profit and association managers when they use... Read More

Public Relations 8 Fix Factors

I say to business, non-profit and association managers, a key... Read More

Imagine PR Like This Helping You

As the kids say, how cool is this?You're a business,... Read More

Public Relations Primer Part III: 10 Donts

There are all kinds of smart moves professionals can make... Read More

A Well-Oiled Strategy Machine

Yes, that's what public relations really is when it tracks... Read More

I Cant Afford A PR/Publicity Campaign -- Can I?

It's a phrase I hear over and over again from... Read More

Time to Spruce Up Your Public Relations?

Better check out the public relations fundamental premise, then take... Read More

Media Kit: 25 Component Possibilities

Media kits include a combination of information whether created for... Read More

Credibility Lost or Gained, Are you Prepared?

If a reporter approached you about an interview, would you... Read More

Custom Reasons for Custom Publishing

Once considered the stepchild of the publishing industry, custom publishing... Read More

Are You PR-Challenged?

You won't be if you accept a very simple premise.... Read More

How PR Makes a Managers Life Easier

Things are pleasant for many business, non-profit or association managers... Read More

Marketing-Minded Financial Planners: Get Free Publicity by Choosing the Right Outlets

Sure, any publicity is good. But don't invest time and... Read More

Do You Have an Exclusive Market Segment?

You do if you're a business, non-profit or association manager... Read More