Dear Friends,

I'm media coaching a client who is a whistle blower.

It's intense. The story, which includes deception, sex, celebrities, heiresses, spiritual leaders, gambling and lots and lots of money is unsettling. The challenge is to find the core of the story while telling the truth -- no matter how hard, ugly or disturbing. My client is risking everything so other people won't get hurt like she did.

I've never done crises management before so I advised my client to hire a PR firm that specialized in these types of difficult cases. We are working with one of the best who has experience with politicians and other controversial clients who are frequently in the news.

While it's always important to have your facts, statistics, dates and stories straight for any type of media, it's crucial when you're dealing with the legal system, people's reputations and the history of wrongdoing to be exposed in an investigative piece. To keep things in order we're creating a TimeLine and fact sheet with supporting documents as proof.

Although your life or lifeblood may not depend on getting the facts and figures right it's a great exercise when preparing for your media appearances to put all of this in order. You will be a much more credible and valuable guest if you can bring not only your perspective, but a larger world view that supports your area of expertise to your media appearances. Next time you're asked to be a guest on a show or give a quote think about including information that effects people nationally or globally and you'll begin to position and establish yourself as a thought leader.

Warmly,

Susan

P.S. Even though you're not a whistle blower you can never be too prepared for a media interview. If you want to polish your interviewing skills to promote your book, product, service or cause for TV, radio or print, please connect with me here.

P.S.S. If you like during our sessions we can incorporate the distinctive way that I create effective fact sheets that strongly establish you as a thought leader and give you an edge over your competitors as a source for the media.

Free Publicity - How to Guarantee You Won't Get It

I'm shocked. I can't believe the kind of responses I had to sift through to find a few good experts for the stories I'm writing for the Huffington Post and Psychology Today.

I've always had sympathy for the press given that they need to deal with people who are inexperienced, but the level of sloppiness, casual, "I'm your friendy wendy" attitude, and simple inability to follow directions stunned me. Here are a few pet-peeves that I share with journalists and producers who deal with this on a scale one hundred times greater than I do.

1. Don't bug me.
Don't email or call me asking when the article I interviewed you for will post. This is considered harassment from journalists. Especially after I promised that I would send you an email letting you know. Wait patiently for however long it takes. Trust me to keep my word. And if you got cut from the piece, let it go. In fact, even if you got cut thank the journalist and remind him that you are available to be a source on another story. If possible offer to find him sources for future stories.

2. Don't ask me for a favor.
One person whose book I received asked me to write an amazon.com review of her book -- on a tight deadline. First off, I hadn't read it. I may use it for a reference later, but I may not. It takes a lot of time, effort and thoughtfulness to write a book review. I told her I couldn't do it. Then she responded by asking if I read it later would I write the book review. Remember that when you provide a journalist information you're not doing them a favor. You're being a good expert. Never ask for anything in return. It's not only bad manners, it could put you on their "do not call" list.

3. Don't go off on a tangent.
When you refer people to me or a journalist or producer make sure they have read my/their query. One person sent in a story in that had lots of graphic sexual violence against women stuff in it when my query was focused on how martial arts influenced leadership and business skills. It was disturbing to read. Answer only what is asked of you. Quickly at that. And don't send icky un-requested stuff. It's kind of like being stalked in print.

4. Don't send attachments or photos.
I said specifically in my query that I would ASK for photos from those people I selected. It is not being helpful to assume that you will be selected by including a photo. A number of other people sent attachments -- which don't go through anyway when you use services like HARO. Rule of thumb. Never send attachments unless asked.

On my end when the people sent attachments I got a blank email with no information. Why would I bother to take the time to contact that person and ask them to cut and paste the information from their attachment when I have dozens of other people who paid attention to what I wanted? This is an important point as many journalists will just ban you from their in-box if you make irritating mistakes. They just don't want to bother with people who can't follow simple directions.

5. Don't tell me you're great.
Some people think that they are just great. You know them. You avoid them. There's nothing less appealing than people go get overexcited about themselves. And they are most likely in the minority in that regard. Don't TELL me how to feel. Don't go on and on about how I MUST interview you because you're so passionate and wonderful, just show me your credentials. Let me come to my own conclusions about just how fabulous you are. If you are, I will. And I will be delighted to contact you as an expert source.

Media Coaching On-Camera in Los Angeles in August

I'll be going to Los Angeles in August to media coach a client. We don't have a date set but will finalize soon. I have just 4 sessions for 2 hours each. I'm taking people on a first come first served basis so the first 4 people who contact me will get those spots. If you want 1/2 or a full day just let me know and we'll arrange.

Some things you can expect from a session with me:

• Discover how to relax and enjoy yourself on camera so you can be authentic and lively.

• Let go of fear, anxiety and connect deeply with the people & things you care about.

• Create sound bites that inspire people to buy.

• Tell stories that people remembers so they want to stay connected with you.

• Learn strategies to recover from the unexpected so you never get caught saying things you wish you hadn't.

Go here if this is for you and I'll send you detailed information.

And let me know how much time you'd like to share together.

Are you an Affiliate?

If your ezine subscribers, Facebook friends/fans, Blog subscribers or LinkedIn contacts are interested in PR and marketing we can work together to bring them the information they need to promote themselves, their business, their book, their product or their cause with integrity and spirit. Go here to join our team and promote the products and services that will serve your clients, customers colleagues, and friends.

FREE SocialPost™ With Your First Press Release* Purchase by July 15th

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Free Media Coaching

Learn how to manage the media, create sound bites that sell and tell stories that make people fall in love with you.

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5 Big Media Appearance Mistakes You Don't Want to Make

Why The Media Hate You Joe Public

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