Mom Invented

Getting great PR results is one thing, but making the most of the experience takes practice.

First, I'd like to acknowledge the mom inventors that have been working with Ann Noder, of Pitch Public Relations, through our Mom Invented partnership program. The results have been incredible. In just the past two months, our moms have been featured or are scheduled to be featured in: Glamour, People, Woman's World, Cookie, Babytalk, Parents, American Baby, Scholastic Parent & Child, Delicious Living and Cooking Light magazines; and broadcasts from the Today show to countless local TV markets on the ABC, NBC and CBS networks.

If you're planning to sign up so you get these great results, too, it's important to be prepared. Your control over how the article or TV segment ends up is limited. However, you do have 100% control over how prepared you are and exactly what story you convey.

So I want to propose three things to ask yourself before you speak to a reporter or a  TV producer.

1. If I'm only given five words to say about my business or product...what are they?
2. Your story is interesting to you; however, you need to ask yourself, "How can I make sure that my story is interesting to others?" Practice in front of a trusted family member or friend. Ask her to tell you her favorite part of your story. Ask what is missing? Ask what part of the story touches or inspires them?
3. Have I rehearsed and prepared enough? Once on TV, all your coherent, well-thought-out answers often go flying out the window as your nerves take over. Rehearse enough that you have the message you want to convey down cold.

Once you're on the show, remember: Answer questions like a politician

Have you ever noticed how a politician answers a question by talking about the issue they want to talk about, seeming to not even answer the reporter's question at all? For example, the reporter asks, "So, Mr. congressman, there's a big discussion going on right now about the future of California prisons. Where do you stand on this issue?"  The congressman says, "This is a really important matter that I care deeply about. It's equally important that we get to work on my new legislation supporting education reform. Did you know that…"

This example is extreme, but what I learned early on is that often reporters will lead you down a path that interests them, but you miss the opportunity to share what it is that you want people to know about you, your company, and your products or services. Therefore, make sure you know what you want to say BEFORE the segment begins, and recognize that its your job to convey your message not the interviewer's. Be kind and respectful towards the reporter (always be grateful for these PR opportunities), but also make sure that you're able to get your one or two points across with grace. Don't overpower the conversation with your points or you'll never be invited back. Be subtle and clear and let the reporter lead the dance -- you may take a quick 20 second side step, but then leap right back into the dance and let the reporter lead.

If you're interested in getting great PR results for your business through our partnership with Pitch Public Relations, fill in our inquiry form or contact Ann Noder at Ann@PitchPublicRelations.com or 480-263-1557 to learn more. I've just learned that August is full, but there are openings for September that you can sign up for now.

Tagged as: Ann Noder, Business Advice, business marketing, Pitch Public Relations, PR, PR advice, PR services, PR success, press coverage, public relations