An Editor’s Perspective
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I just had lunch with an editor at one of the large newspapers in town who opined on the surprising number of PR people who don’t know how to deal with the media. A few suggestions from someone on the inside…
1: Forget the News Releases. If you really want to be successful at placing stories, make a contact and develop a relationship with someone at the newspaper. When you have a meaningful story idea, make a call and pitch it.
2: Learn the Rules. If you must write a news release at least do it correctly. No two-page news releases. My source says she has NEVER seen a news release that has any meaningful information on the second page.
3: Ask Questions. The most successful PR people listen. Ask reporters and editors what types of stories they are interested in, how to best contact them, do they have any upcoming special sections, what are their deadlines, etc.
Where in the World is Anthony?
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One of the best parts of my job is visiting unique and beautiful places like Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, where I spoke this morning. Strategic Communication tip 7: A Q&A document is the foundation for building out customized (& consistent) messages for each department.
In Florida today, facilitating a crisis communications drill. News interview tip 9: Long-winded answer leads to being "taken out of context." Keep responses 10-12 seconds and significantly reduce the chance your comments will be misinterpreted.
Gave keynote this morning at a tech conference in Bismarck, North Dakota. Abusing AI Tip #2:
The fastest way to lose credibility.
Is to use AI to write your LinkedIn posts.
You know them. They’re everywhere.
The super long ones.
Sentence on every line.
People. Please. Stop
Spoke this morning in Boston and then gave an afternoon keynote in Newport, Rhode Island. Sales tip 63: A bad Q&A session can kill a great presentation. Answering questions is an art that can be learned. Learn it!
Worked all day today with a contractor in Arkansas. Crisis Communications Tip 137: Write the right AI prompts in advance to quickly generate messaging documents in a crisis (buy-time statements, news releases, customer & employee letters, talking points, etc.)