PR Tips of the Trade

May 13, 2008

Media Training 101

Preparation is key to any successful presentation or sales call. When it comes to PR, media training is an essential tool to prepare executives and other employees to handle press calls, briefings or tours.  A PR pro will develop messaging topics and potential questions that may be asked during a briefing to increase the likelihood that a positive, "on-message" story will appear.  It also can help prevent executives from being caught off-guard by probing questions a determined reporter might ask. Media training, even for the most seasoned executives, can help ensure that a polished, complete story is presented to the press.

Posted In: Communications
Posted by Mary at 4:39pm

Tags: pr , high-tech pr , public relations , media training , speaking , journalists

May 6, 2008

Make Contact Info Visible

Clearly display media contacts on your releases, Website and other PR materials.  Make it easy for reporters to find out how and where to get more information (including after-hours).  Also post pictures, logos and other supporting documents reporters might use to fine-tune a story.

Posted In: Communications
Posted by Mary at 6:06pm

Tags: pr , reporters , pr strategy , public relations , communication , media relations

April 28, 2008

Details, details, details

For every phone briefing, call and email the reporter and company executive prior to the call to ensure that they remember the event details and have all the necessary information, e.g., dial-in numbers, PowerPoint, etc.   You'd be surprised how many times they (each) forget!

Posted In: Communications
Posted by Mary at 12:30pm

Tags: pr , reporters , pr strategy , public relations , communication , pr briefing

April 2, 2008

How to do work with your PR firm during Company/Product Launches

The success of PR launches is largely a two-way street. Company spokespersons need to make time for media interviews prior to the announcements. PR launches often are stymied by inaccessible company spokespeople during the most critical weeks for phone or face-to-face interviews.  Spokespersons who make these appointments a top priority enable their PR firm to set up more interviews with very tight, often inflexible media/analyst schedules.  Once an interview is scheduled, try not to reschedule it. It's often difficult for media/analysts to rework their schedules to accommodate new dates and times.  Some reporters will just cancel the meeting all together.

Posted In: Communications
Posted by Mary at 6:04pm

Tags: pr launch , work with pr firm , journalist interviews , pr agency , public relations

March 28, 2008

Know Thy Reporter

Read at least several back issues and recent articles by the reporter you're pitching.  Reporters don't appreciate it when PR pros appear unknowledgeable about their publication.

Posted In: Communications
Posted by Mary at 11:13am

Tags: pr , reporters , pr strategy , public relations , communication