Go Ahead, Marketing-Minded Financial Planners, Call a Reporter

Yes, you can call a reporter.

I've said it before, in dozens of articles and presentations to financial planners looking for free publicity. Hopefully now you're getting comfortable with the idea. Go on. Pick up the phone. Reporters and newspeople are human beings like the rest of us.

They can, and do, take phone calls.

Just be ready with a couple of useful story ideas ? about your topic and expertise, not about you ? and chances are they'll listen.

A great phone opening to use with busy reporters is to always ask first: "Is this a good time to talk?"

Amazingly, many people think reporters don't want to hear from them. Wrong! Offer information they need, and they'll welcome your call. (But not at deadline time, which is usually in the afternoon. Call or email by about 1 p.m.)

A cousin to this myth: many also believe it's the anchor guy or gal they see on the tube each night that decides what stories appear on the evening news. Wrong again!

That person may be the most visible and highly-paid face at the station, but he or she usually has little or nothing to do with the process of deciding what stories get covered and who gets on the air.

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 ned steele To learn more visit ned steele or call 212-243-8383.

travel from Midway Gilman .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare
In The News:

A new scam using Elon Musk's name is making the rounds, promoting "energy-saving" devices and falsely linking the Tesla and SpaceX leader to the products.
China recently unveiled a new bullet train prototype with a test speed of 280 mph that is poised to break records and set new standards.
Hackers sometimes find ways to exploit iPhones, and Apple recently discovered a vulnerability in iOS that may have been exploited for over a year.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Lynx the robot dog from China is pushing boundaries of what autonomous mobile robots can achieve with a groundbreaking design and unique mobility.
A startup claims to have developed the world's first entirely artificial intelligence-designed and 3D-printed shoe, the brainchild of a 25-year-old.
Creating an email alias can help clean up your inbox by organizing emails based on purpose, like creating different aliases for shopping, newsletters and work.
A multipurpose robotic system promises to transform how items are stacked onto pallets, aiming to maximize space utilization and reduce shipping costs.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
The number of people affected by a UnitedHealth data breach in February 2024 was actually higher than previously reported and was the largest medical data breach in U.S. history.
A phishing campaign uses Google Calendar to schedule fake meeting invitations that appear legitimate, redirecting targets to phishing sites.
Toll road text scam: Fake messages claim unpaid fees, seek payment via fraudulent links. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says this scam is becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says these steps ensure that your friends and family get to the exact moment you want them to see. Try it out and streamline your sharing experience.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers tips on how to protect your identity: Be vigilant, monitor accounts, use smart security, know theft response.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says cybercriminals are exploiting iMessage phishing protection, tricking users to reactivate links.
It's hard to imagine life without in-flight Wi-Fi these days – but sky-high web surfing comes with its own set of privacy concerns. Here's how to protect yourself.
Over 400,000 cases of credit card fraud were reported in 2024 to the Federal Trade Commission. The CyberGuy explains how to protect against becoming another victim.
A nondescript metal box transforms into a fully functional electric motorcycle that blurs the line between vehicle and urban infrastructure.
Many apps unrelated to location still ask users for tracking permission, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit seeking to end this alleged practice by Allstate.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Melody, the artificial intelligence-powered robot, is life-sized and represents a move toward creating robots that resemble people in appearance and interaction.
Here are five easy smartphone rules from the National Security Agency that you can follow to better protect your mobile device from hackers and scammers.
A U.S. robotics company has developed "Jennie," a robotic pet powered by artificial intelligence that's designed to comfort those facing mental health challenges.
Healthcare records for more than 184 million Americans were breached in 2024, but you can take steps to minimize that risk. Kurt the CyberGuy explains.
The Skyrider X1 from Rictor claims to be the "first amphibious flying passenger motorcycle," and it combines land and air travel in one sleek design.

Culture As A Barrier To Communication

Each of us is exposed to people from other cultures... Read More

Why Restaurants Go Out of Business

Recently someone asked me why so many restaurants go out... Read More

What Does the Public Relations Client REALLY Want, and Why?

It's not unusual for clients of service providers to insist... Read More

Community Based Marketing Strategies

As small businesses we have an opportunity and an obligation... Read More

Marketing-Minded Financial Planners, Make Your Web Site a Resource for the Media

Reporters, by nature, are curious people.If you can get them... Read More

Boost Your Business by Partnering with a Non Profit Organization

Is your business looking for new and creative ways to... Read More

Dont Expect to Bump Oprah From A Magazine Cover

"I want a pony, a tree house and the fastest... Read More

Transparency in Online Transactions

In these days of every increasing demand and competition, there... Read More

7 Tips to Get More Mileage Out of Your Online or Offline Publicity

You worked hard to get a story on your business... Read More

PR Secrets for Small Business

Most small businesses do little to no public relations (PR)... Read More

How To Create A News Angle

Think of a triangle. On the left, imagine the story... Read More

How To Write More Powerfully For PR, Offline And Online

Years ago when my Dad owned a group of local... Read More

Managers: Get Real, Please!

Personnel mentions in the newspaper and product plugs on radio... Read More

Financial Planners, Follow These Guidelines to Get Free Publicity

Be a ResourceThe media people that are likely to want... Read More

The Worst PR Mistakes

For a business, non-profit or association manager, they could be... Read More

PR: Heres All You Need to Know

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

Publicity: Write a Letter to the Editor for Free Publicity

Ever wonder why papers devote a page or more to... Read More

Public Relations Primer Part III: 10 Donts

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

5 Critical Tests Every Press Release Must Pass

You've heard "them" say it, haven't you?By "them" I mean... Read More

Are You Dissing Public Relations

If you leave a star player sitting on the bench,... Read More

Your Organization: What Role PR?

As a manager, does your current business, non-profit or association... Read More

Building The Best Network

If you want to succeed, build a great team. A... Read More

Can Newbies Avoid The Pitfalls?

Yes indeed! If you are a young person who has... Read More

Media Release Headlines - Ten Tips to Get Media Attention

So you have spent hours and hours writing, shaping and... Read More

Do You Have Issues?

Every organization has issues that could affect its operation. The... Read More

private aviation FBO ground transportation Wonder Lake ..