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#BYDNMediaNetworking

Networking With The Media

By March 15, 2017January 27th, 2019No Comments
J. Kelly Hoey - Build Your Dream Network

Question: What is the best course of action to engage the media?

My Answer: Engaging or pitching the media is both an art and a science — and a huge challenge. Journalists, just like you and me, are operating in an environment of deadlines, omni communication / content platforms and extreme information overload. Think about your own inbox for a moment, then imagine that of a journalist working with fewer resources and on a tighter deadline….

Engaging the media within this extreme environment requires preparation, focus and persistence.

The fact that you exist, launched your startup or won an award is not a story.

A few questions to ask before reaching out engage the media:

  1. What is your goal? If it is entirely self-serving, then good luck! If however your approach is on helping the journalist then you’ll have a better shot at getting their attention. Supply background information. Share unique insights. Make connections to knowledgeable people.
  2. Are you thinking like a journalist? Does your ask pass the “tell me something I don’t already know” or “tell me something I do know in a new way” test? Unless you have a fresh take, a reporter is not interested in simply telling another story on the same topic they wrote about last week.
  3. Did stop to think that you’re pitching a person? You may have a honed in a publication you want to get a story in but remember you’re reaching out to a living, breathing human being!
J. Kelly Hoey

J. Kelly Hoey is a problem solver who believes that most professional challenges—whether funding, landing a board position or getting a new job—are solved by tapping into networks.Kelly is a popular speaker on networking, community building and investing issues, especially as they relate to women, and has worked with the IEEE, PGA, Bank of America, Apple and countless others. Follow Kelly on Twitter @jkhoey and on Instagram @jkellyhoey and join the #BYDN community at www.buildyourdreamnetwork.com