How to Make Friends with a Journalist in Six Easy Steps 

  
Do you have a great story that you know deserves to be published and shared with the world? Do you know a journalist at your local or national paper? Have you written a press release? What can you do to get your message noticed?

1. Be Timely. Make sure your news is “Now” news, not something that happened last week. Newsworthy stories in the present are what journalists are looking for.
2. Get to the Punch line. For most journalists time is money. So chances are they will be unreceptive to callers who waste their time. All you get is a one minute pitch – talk about the benefits of your news story. Make your pitch outstanding and get to the point.
3. Know the media. Read and familiarise yourself with the publications applicable to your target audience. Learn about journalists and their individual style so you can be savvy in conversation. Knowledge is power.
4. Be Honest. Don’t make up fanciful stories about who you are or what your story is about. Remember you are selling your brand/reputation, so be real, genuine and authentic.
5. Be Prepared. Have your press release already written and ready to send. That way you demonstrate to the journalist how serious and determined you are about being promoted and featured. Save the journalist time and stay memorable.
6. Follow up. Call your journalist for press release or story suitability. Stay in touch for regular features and to continue to grow a progressive business relationship. 

Written by Gail Gibson of True Expressions
Discovery, Change, Transformation