By Jenny Finke
Many of us want to be the go-to person in our industry. The one person journalists think of as soon as news happens in our industry. But being that go-to person takes time. After all, you need to build a relationship with the reporter and prove yourself as a credible expert too.
Get on a Journalist's Radar. The first step is to simply get on the reporter's radar. A good way to get the attention of a reporter is to first email them an introduction and an invitation to coffee or lunch near their office. You simply can tell the reporter that you've enjoyed reading their work and you'd like to introduce yourself and see if you might be able to be a source to them in the future. You can't be shy if you want to get on a reporter's radar.
Be Prepared. If you have successfully secured a meeting with a reporter, it's important to come to the meeting prepared. Read the reporter's latest stories. Truly understand what their beat and interest areas are.
Don't Sell Yourself. When meeting with a reporter, don't just focus on selling yourself. Rather, find out what the reporter's needs are. Ask them questions. Learn what stories they are working on and what kinds of things they look for in a go-to source. This is your chance to get to know a journalist personally and form a great relationship with them.
Build Trust. Once you understand a reporter's needs, then it's time for you to offer your services - but only the things that are meaningful to them. Stay focused on their needs and wants and you'll build a trusting relationship from the start.
Being a journalist's go-to source takes time - but the pay-off can be huge. You need to get in front of a reporter and then manage that interaction with grace and ease. Remember, journalists need you and you need them, so maintain a trusting relationship and you're bound for success in PR.
Get on a Journalist's Radar. The first step is to simply get on the reporter's radar. A good way to get the attention of a reporter is to first email them an introduction and an invitation to coffee or lunch near their office. You simply can tell the reporter that you've enjoyed reading their work and you'd like to introduce yourself and see if you might be able to be a source to them in the future. You can't be shy if you want to get on a reporter's radar.
Be Prepared. If you have successfully secured a meeting with a reporter, it's important to come to the meeting prepared. Read the reporter's latest stories. Truly understand what their beat and interest areas are.
Don't Sell Yourself. When meeting with a reporter, don't just focus on selling yourself. Rather, find out what the reporter's needs are. Ask them questions. Learn what stories they are working on and what kinds of things they look for in a go-to source. This is your chance to get to know a journalist personally and form a great relationship with them.
Build Trust. Once you understand a reporter's needs, then it's time for you to offer your services - but only the things that are meaningful to them. Stay focused on their needs and wants and you'll build a trusting relationship from the start.
Being a journalist's go-to source takes time - but the pay-off can be huge. You need to get in front of a reporter and then manage that interaction with grace and ease. Remember, journalists need you and you need them, so maintain a trusting relationship and you're bound for success in PR.
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