In a funk because other speakers seem to be snagging all the media attention? It's time to start claiming your share. Here are a baker's dozen of tips that will boost your publicity efforts and help you finally get noticed.
1. Every time you speak before a group, offer to submit a short summary of your presentation for the group's newsletter. Don't forget to send your photo. It gets you in front of those you just spoke to as well as those who missed you the first time around. Many groups also send their newsletters to the media. Be sure the last paragraph tells people what you do and how to get in touch with you.
2. Call the advertising department of every newspaper and magazine you want to get into and ask for a copy of their editorial calendar. It's a free listing of all the special topics and special sections coming up during the calendar year. It will tip you off to sections where your story idea would be a good fit, so you can query the editor weeks and even months ahead.
3. Call a reporter from your local newspaper and invite her to lunch or coffee. Offer yourself as a resource and Ask "How can I help you?" Feed her tips and story ideas. Become such a valuable source that she keeps coming back to you for more information and eventually writes about you.
4. Consider starting your own television show on your cable TV station's community access channel. The station will provide the camera equipment for a $20 fee, and you can produce either one show or an entire series of programs. Air time is free. Call your cable company for details.
5. Build a network of other speakers who concentrate on your topic or area of expertise. Agree informally that you will refer reporters to each other whenever the media calls. Often, reporters want more than one source for a story. It's a chance for all of you to get additional publicity.
6. Whenever someone asks you to write for their ezine or online magazine, visit their web site first and see if they have a resource section where you would be a good fit. Ask to be listed for free, in exchanged for providing an article.
7. If you publish a print newsletter, be generous with free subscriptions for the national and local media. You'll be amazed how many reporters start calling you for interviews. If you can't afford to pay people who submit articles for your newsletter, be sure to tell them they will be seen by national media who get your free subscription.
8. Don't forget newspaper and magazine columnists. They're always hungry for fresh ideas. Keep in touch with them and feed them ideas regularly.
9. Call local radio talk show hosts and invite them to call on you when other guests cancel. They will be thankful you offered.
10. Write articles for print newsletters. My favorite resource is the Oxbridge Directory of Newsletters, which lists more than 18,000 newsletters by topic and includes detailed information on the type of audience and subjects covered. Most larger libraries have this resource directory.
11. Write articles for electronic magazines and include a paragraph of information at the end that leads readers to your website. My favorite resource for thousands of ezines is Ezine Universe at http://www.ezine-universe.com
12. Contact your trade association and ask them to refer reporters to you. Many reporters who don't know where to find sources start by calling trade associations.
13. If you have some level of expertise, always refer to yourself as an "expert" in your marketing materials, at your website, in information that explains your workshops, in your introductions, and in your media kit. The media always seek out experts and interview them.
Follow these publicity tips and soon be able to promote yourself, your products and your programs.
Joan Stewart publishes the free ezine "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week," packed with valuable tips on how to generate thousands of dollars in free publicity. Subscribe at http://www.PublicityHound.com and receive free the handy checklist "89 Reasons to Send a News Release."
"More learning occurs through emotion than through intellect" C.S. LewisEven... Read More
Imagine yourself at mission control; 10, 9, 8, 7, 6,... Read More
Effective communication is not a one-way street. It involves an... Read More
Last night the phone rang; my wife said, "I hope... Read More
I don't know why it is, but no matter how... Read More
Your ability to communicate effectively will account for most of... Read More
Can you identify what each of these actions or activities... Read More
Two of the top fears of most people are dying... Read More
Have you ever worked for weeks or even months, often... Read More
Have you ever watched a speaker and said, "Wow, I... Read More
Your mouth is dry, heart palpitating, and knees knocking. You... Read More
For many, speaking or training is a full time business.... Read More
You know, those really important outside groups of people whose... Read More
Don't Prejudge A Situation: In the areas of emotions and... Read More
This is one of the hardest things speakers have to... Read More
I believe that asking for and acting on objective feedback... Read More
There are a number of questions that we consistently get... Read More
When stressed or blocked it is wise to make a... Read More
1. No clear purpose for the presentation. What is the... Read More
Every speech has an audience and every audience is different.... Read More
How do you gain contacts from a speaking engagement?The name... Read More
What benefit do you provide the audience?People should listen to... Read More
Prayer or Meditation: If you're a believer you can pray... Read More
Being a guest speaker in front of the right audience... Read More
If you've ever been on stage, doing a talk or... Read More
1. Learn the speech by heart or read it from... Read More
What are the 5 best ways of getting known in... Read More
Picture a cool crisp autumn morning in the wide open... Read More
There is no surer way to get ahead in business... Read More
The subject of public speaking is riddled with tired, worn... Read More
Fear of public speaking is No.1. Death is No.4. So... Read More
A well-built media kit is vital for effective marketing. Without... Read More
Every day millions of people around the world make a... Read More
How attractive are you as a speaker? No, your looks,... Read More
"Educate, Energize, Entertain, and provide an experience for your audience"1.... Read More
Public Speaking is the number one way to advance your... Read More
Centuries ago great speakers often spoke two hours and more.... Read More
The more you know about your audience, the better your... Read More
Knocking knees, butterflies (who came up with that word?) in... Read More
What's the worst reaction you've ever gotten when you made... Read More
Have you ever watched a speaker and said, "Wow, I... Read More
Franklin Delano Roosevelt had some good advice for the public... Read More
Whether going for the gold or giving a presentation, the... Read More
I learned my craft as a speaker a long time... Read More
Being a guest speaker in front of the right audience... Read More
The fear of public speaking is one of the most... Read More
What is worse than wearing a tuxedo to an event... Read More
1.Preparation The most important step in public speaking is... Read More
I love the Disney movie The Kid with Bruce Willis.... Read More
Your ability to communicate effectively will account for most of... Read More
Don't Prejudge A Situation: In the areas of emotions and... Read More
Nearly as dreaded as snakes and spiders, public speaking ranks... Read More
As one who does some speech coaching, I have heard... Read More
Sadly, the public speaking circle has its fair share of... Read More
When I made the decision to do free workshops and... Read More
Whether you want to be a part time, full time... Read More
I was a celebrity lecture agent in the college and... Read More
For many, speaking or training is a full time business.... Read More
1. No clear purpose for the presentation. What is the... Read More
No matter how good you are as a presenter, there... Read More
Studies show that your word-power determines your earning power, that... Read More
What information can be used immediately by the audience and... Read More
You can make a Blue Ribbon presentation each and every... Read More
When choosing keywords, you'll want to stay away from using... Read More
1. No speech is ever perfect. Perfectionism creates more fear.... Read More
When stressed or blocked it is wise to make a... Read More
Public Speaking |