How to Get More Interviews
by Pam Lontos

Why do some speakers appear in numerous magazines and on a variety of TV and radio shows while others who have an equally dynamic message can barely get a producer or editor to take notice? The answer lies in the speaker's ability to cultivate future interview opportunities. Those speakers who seem to appear everywhere know how to offer the most value to their media contacts.
You can get reporters and producers to remember you for future stories by positioning yourself as a valuable information source. The next time you talk with any member of the media, remember to use the following techniques.

Show benefits. Tell the reporter what uniqueness you have to add to his or her story and why the audience will be interested in what you have to say. This is not the time to focus on your career highlights or speaking credentials; instead, focus on the audience and explain how you will help them.

Find future stories. Ask the producer what stories he or she is planning to cover in the coming months. Listen carefully and figure out how your message somehow relates to those story ideas. If you find a fit, explain how you will be beneficial to what he or she is investigating. Offer some facts, statistics, or personal anecdotes to make your point.

Be helpful. Continually finding new story angles and investigating breaking news is a tough job. Ask the interviewer what you can do to make his or her job easier. Can you offer some research material you've uncovered? Can you explain a complicated topic to the audience in easy-to-understand language? Be an eager, accessible source of information so the interviewer will want to work with you on future stories.

When you gear your approach to how you can help the media rather than always asking how they can help promote you, you gain lifelong contacts who will turn to you for the information they need. Before you know it, your schedule will be booked solid with speaking engagements and you will become the foremost expert in your field.

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Pam Lontos is owner of PR/PR, a public relations firm that specializes in professional speakers and authors. Having been an author, speaker, and former VP of Disney's Shamrock Broadcasting, she knows the ropes of getting you good publicity and how to use it to really boost your bookings or book sales. Call for a free consultation at (407) 299-6128.