Often the first point of contact the media has with an organisation is with the front desk or receptionist. Although designated people within a company may have the training and skills needed to interact with the media, the first point of contact within an organisation can make or break a journalists perception of the company and may impact on how they report about your business.
Here are ten tips on how to be media savvy for all office professionals.
1. Have a Formal Media Policy.
Every organisation should have a policy on talking to the media. A formal policy helps minimise the risks and maximise the opportunities when dealing with the media. It is important to also understand and update this policy. Often a company might have a media relations policy but it is dated or the designated person may be on holidays, always know who is available, their role and how to contact them.
2. List by name in the organisation who can and who can't talk to the media.
This is the basis of a good media policy and well run organisations have clearly designated responsibilities in this area. Again have this list updated regularly, you never know when the media will contact your company.
3. Make sure everyone understands the policy and it is well communicated throughout the organisation.
It is important to communicate the media policy to all front line team members. This is especially important in an emergency or crisis situation. Often roles change and it is better to be prepared and professional.
4. Act as a gatekeeper.
Good office professionals are the heartbeat of an organisation and control the flow of information. A good executive assistant can play a vital role in acting as a gatekeeper and controlling access to key decision makers in an organisation. Always be able to direct all enquiries to relevant people.
5. Be courteous.
Remember the media's impression of you represents the whole organisation and may influence how they report on your company.
6. Ask the journalist for their name, organisation, contact details and most importantly, their DEADLINE.
In the media, seconds make a difference whether a story makes the news or not. Take time to collect the vital information and make it a priority.
7. Always call back within an hour.
This ensures the journalist knows what is happening prior to the deadline and helps them better plan for their story. It also shows interaction, even if your not prepared for the interview or are still unable to make a statement, let the journalists know your progress.
8. Don't be drawn into speculation.
The media are highly trained at extracting information from people. They are some of the most persuasive professionals in the world. Be disciplined and avoid speculation. Always explain who you are and why you cannot give further information. Never lie or guess.
9. Assume everything you say is on the record.
Many journalists will use the line they only want background information and it will not be on the record (i.e. published or broadcast). In my experience it is better to avoid any grey areas and assume every time you speak to a journalist it will be used and in the public domain.
10. Review and evaluate.
If you have been involved with the media - whether positive or negative - it is always worthwhile to review your policies and procedures. Simply ask two questions - what worked well and what could we improve for next time. Monitoring your media also keeps you informed on how your company is being perceived by the public.
Thomas Murrell MBA CSP is an international business speaker, consultant and award-winning broadcaster. Media Motivators is his regular electronic magazine read by 7,000 professionals in 15 different countries. You can subscribe by visiting http://www.8mmedia.com. Thomas can be contacted directly at +6189388 6888 and is available to speak to your conference, seminar or event. Visit Tom's blog at http://www.8mmedia.com
Batchtown Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareThis is the ending to my previous article, How to... Read More
Ain't a gonna happen unless business, non-profit and association managers,... Read More
The power of public relations is its ability to alter... Read More
Every reporter, from the cub at the small town paper... Read More
If you manage a department, division or subsidiary for a... Read More
It doesn't matter how cruel the reality programs get, there... Read More
When it comes to launching a new business or product,... Read More
Corporations are willing to pay substantial amounts of money to... Read More
The practice of public relations is often misunderstood, thus overlooked... Read More
Almost every day, I hear the same question, over and... Read More
I don't know about you but I get really frustrated... Read More
Media interviews are an important part of an overall public... Read More
Whether you are a business, non-profit or association manager, your... Read More
Sure, as a manager, you have a talented member of... Read More
Everything, that is, if you ignore those folks whose behaviors... Read More
Imagine you're the technology reporter at a daily newspaper. You... Read More
It can bite you and waste your public relations budget... Read More
It is virtually impossible to succeed professionally and personally without... Read More
As if making sure your company runs smoothly on an... Read More
Don't assume that a reporter understands financial planning. If anything,... Read More
I recently worked with a group dealing with an unusual... Read More
I often begin my media training sessions by asking members... Read More
Talkback radio offers a fantastic opportunity to access thousands of... Read More
Almost assuredly you do, especially when your most important external... Read More
New business owners often miss out on publicity opportunities because... Read More
shuttle from Midway Munster are ..Everyone has an opinion on something, and you can leverage... Read More
If your product or service can be given as a... Read More
The short answer is, it works best when its fundamental... Read More
Sure, as tactics usually presented to business, non-profit and association... Read More
Want to get radio interviews and coverage in print publications... Read More
In public relations, "junk" is more about attitude and lack... Read More
Say, from tactics like special events, brochures and press releases... Read More
Last month, we told you about "pay for play," a... Read More
You do if you're a business, non-profit or association manager... Read More
Almost assuredly you do, especially when your most important external... Read More
When you pay good money for public relations services, you... Read More
Community relations is one of those marketing strategies that isn't... Read More
The practice of public relations is often misunderstood, thus overlooked... Read More
?lose the confidence of your key target audiences? discourage them... Read More
Since the major part of a small business typically comes... Read More
At the core of any successful public relations campaign is... Read More
In this great country of ours, there are basically three... Read More
As a business, non-profit or association manager, occasions will arise... Read More
Quality public relations does something positive for business, non-profit and... Read More
When a group of outsiders behaves in a way that... Read More
In previous articles for marketing-minded financial planners, I've discussed what... Read More
Just like a financial planning client fears not having enough... Read More
THE NATURE OF MEDIAThirty years ago, Marshall McCluhan, the father... Read More
Maybe it played for Kevin Costner in "Field of Dreams,"... Read More
E-mail is becoming the preferred way to receive media releases.... Read More
Public Relations |