Annie Jennings, Media Strategist & Publicity Columnist
Personal Branding & Publicity Tips For Outstanding Success
EXPERIENCE ULTIMATE SUCCESS
GET NEW CLIENTS EFFORTLESSLY
GAIN INFLUENCE & POWER AS A THOUGHT LEADER
CREATE AN AUTHOR WEBSITE THE MEDIA WILL LOVE. Pack your media website with info pertaining to your book along with the materials the media will need including a .jpeg of your book's cover, your professional media picture, previous demo video of your appearing on a TV show, links to media coverage in magazines, newspapers and other online media outlets, a list of topics you can discuss, your immediate contact info and well-developed media bio that outlines your credentials, education and experience.
BECOME A SOCIALLY RELEVANT AUTHOR AND LEARN HOW TO TIE YOUR BOOK'S MESSAGES INTO THE NEWS OF THE DAY. The idea is to expand yourself as an author and apply your knowledge and wisdom to the issues of interest to society today. Start blogging on timely news events or other stories that you find being covered in the major media and our newsmaker websites such as Foxnews.com, MSN.com etc. You will get lots of practice in applying your message to socially relevant issues that matter to your audience.
GET MEDIA TRAINING SO YOU ARE READY TO GO. Learn how to make the most of each and every media opportunity and appearance. You'll need to practice plus feedback to become your own personal best. This way, when the media calls you to book you, you'll know just what to do. Media training teaches you how to be conversational and engaging while providing lots of essential information -all characteristics of a great guest!
WHEN YOU ARE SPEAKING WITH A JOURNALIST OR PRODUCER BE CONCISE AND CONFIDENT. Answer their questions directly and do not ramble or go in another direction. The journalist or producer has an end result that they would like to achieve when speaking with you. The conversation is either a pre-interview for a segment or an interview for an article. Be sure to give them the information they are asking you as this helps them move their agenda forward.
ACTIVELY BUILD YOUR PLATFORM: A Platform is everything that you bring to the table such as accomplishments, education, businesses awards and successes, your reputation, your contribution to your industry and what you stand for, that is, your mission statement and lots more. A Platform showcases you and allows people to understand who you are and how you can help them. A Platform is similar to the spokes in a wheel, each spoke is separate yet each one is important to the whole. The more powerful the spokes, the more powerful the wheel – the more powerful your ability to get the “six-figure book advance”, get the “account” or “close the deal”.
BE EVERYWHERE AT ALL TIMES. That's right, stay in front of your target marketing by appearing on local, regional and national TV shows, radio shows, appearing in newspapers and magazines as much as you can. Your client's love that they are working with a celebrity who's making it into the headlines!
ACHIEVE NATIONAL EXPERT STATUS: Lead your field to all new levels of success by creating powerful, new thought and strategy that moves your industry forward. Feel free to share your newest and cutting edge creations with your industry so everyone can perform better. Your clients will quickly identify you as an industry leader and naturally be drawn to you!
DON'T FORGET TO BLOG! Having a blog where you apply your knowledge to the issues important in your area of expertise helps you become a top notch expert. A blog format is conversational in nature and this is exactly the format that the media like - thoughtful, concise commentary presented in a conversational tone. If you are blogging on the top news stories and developments you will learn the skill set that you'll need to be successful on radio shows and on TV shows.
CREATE A MEDIA FRIENDLY BOOK: Be sure to include lots of topics that are timely and news worthy. It's a great idea to include talking points at the end of each chapter that summarize the essential elements presented in the chapter as this way, a producer or journalist can quickly capture a segment or story idea. You will want to think the publicity aspect of your book while you are writing your book so you can create a SEGMENT rich book (a book with a variety of segment ideas).
ANTICIPATE THE NEWS & CREATE TALKING POINTS FOR THESE TOPICS: Be aware of the breaking news and headline stories that fall into your area of expertise. Follow the articles written by your target journalists so you can anticipate the next step, logical development in the topic or story.
FOR EVERY MEDIA EVENT THERE IS AN EXPERT COMMENTARY: You should have opinions, commentary and reactions on events happening in your industry. As news develops in your area of expertise, you can personally call your target media or email your commentary so they see how you can contribute to the story.
CREATE A MEDIA PROFESSIONAL BIO: Create a well-developed bio for yourself that showcases your credentials, experience and education. Lead with top credentials, education, special areas of expertise and follow with accomplishments, awards or any other special positioning statements. Include impressive media your have secured to show that you are well-credentialed, experienced and media savvy as well.
CREATE A MEDIA TARGET LIST: Watch the target shows that you would like to be on, subscribe to target print media and visit target internet sites to familiarize yourself with their reporting style, experts they like to use for commentary and/or how they position the experts in the article. Be sure to pitch “next level” ideas at all times!
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ANNIE JENNINGS PR: Annie Jennings CEO & FOUNDER of the National PR firm, Annie Jennings PR (www.anniejenningspr.com)
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