6. This is life, but this is a rehearsal.

Practice and practice some more. Ask a friend or associate to make up interview questions (or use ones you’ve written in advance) so that you can practice responding. Wear clothes that you think you might wear to actual taping and practice using hand and facial gestures as well. If you can, videotape yourself so that you can have an idea as to how you might appear to others. It will also allow you to check on any nervous habits or distracting gestures.

7. Logistics.

Once you know date and time of taping, plan on arriving forty-five minutes to one hour in advance. This will allow you to calm any nervousness and to review any last minute notes – even if you are just sitting in your car. If possible, don’t plan any activities before taping. Keep your mind calm and quiet. Don’t answer cell phone or call office checking for messages. Concentrate on task at hand. Also, it you need to eat before taping, either eat at home wearing something other than clothes you will wear on television, be very careful, or have an extra change of clothes on hand just in case you need to do a quick wardrobe change. Also, make sure you teeth are brushed and free of food particles.

8. Present your best you.

When it’s “go time” make sure that you are wearing clothing appropriate for audience and congruent with nature of program. Don’t wear bright white, red or other bright colors, or any clothing with a “heavy” design which will detract from your face. Navy suits or pants and cream-colored blouses or shirts are appropriate. Don’t wear jewelry that clangs or makes distracting noises. Have your nails manicured, even though no one will see them. It will make you feel more confident. Cut your hair at least a week in advance so that you can practice styling it way that you want. This is not time to experiment with new hair styles or hair colors. For women, if you’re not comfortable doing your own makeup, you can have it professionally done at any upscale department store cosmetic counter. If you are at a large studio, there may be someone available to help you with both your hair and makeup. Also, a week or so before, purchase a teeth whitening kit (whitening strips are very effective), and start using them. There’s nothing better than a great smile showing nice, white teeth.

9. I’ve been duped!

If allowed, make sure you ask studio to make you a copy of program, either on digital or tape media. You can always have tape duplicated and use it to give away as part of your press or media package. You must obtain a written release from studio or station to have a copy of program and to have it duplicated. Also, because you don’t have rights to taped product, you will not be able to sell it or make a profit from it. Companies that specialize in legitimate tape duplication will require a written release, from studio, before making any copies for you.

10. There’s a pressing matter at hand.

When you appear on television, you immediately become viewed as an expert. Take advantage of this opportunity by going to www.prweb.com to send out a free press release announcing your upcoming television appearance. This information might be picked up by local and national media, leading to potential radio, television, and print opportunities.

Copyright 2004 by Tara Kachaturoff.

4. Where on web?

If you have a website address, make sure to include it. While it’s nice to list it cleanly as www.mycompanyname.com, not all web browsers will be able to click on that link and be directed to your website. To mitigate that problem, try listing your company as http://www.mycompanyname.com.

5. Just fax, ma’am.

Include your fax number. Sometimes computer technology can fail us and we need another way of communicating. If you don’t have a fax number, you can get an internet-based fax through www.callwave.com, www.efax.com, or www.faxaway.com. Windows XP actually includes a fax in its operating system.

6. Call me any time.

Make sure that you include all telephone numbers at which you can be contacted. Write them out completely as they should be dialed. You might include your office, home, cellular and pager numbers. I like to see numbers separated by periods rather than dashes as it looks more professional, but use whatever style you find pleasing.

7. Tag, you’re it!

You can include a tagline to help people remember who you are. In fact, you might already be using one as part of your company name. For example, you might be a professional IT services company and your tagline might be…We get IT done. Place your tagline after your company name if that is how you represent yourself to business community. Make sure it is used consistently – presented in same way on your company letter head and business card.

8. Color me memorable.

There are a couple of things to consider when it comes to color selection. First, don’t use email stationary or colored backgrounds, either with or without designs. They are difficult for anyone to read and even more difficult if they contain watermarks (background designs). It is best to use black or dark blue text on a white background. It’s easy to read and doesn’t strain eyes. If you want to add other colors, be careful. They can make your email signature look unprofessional. If you want to emphasize something, you can use italics or underlines or another color of your choosing. Use non-traditional colors sparingly.

9. Fonts for all occasions.

Use a type font that is easy to read, like Arial, Times Roman, or Verdana. Avoid wild looking fonts, like scripts or others that look like handwriting. These fancy fonts don’t go over well with readers. Avoid comic sans font which appears immature or childish. Readers will ignore what isn’t attractive or what they can’t read with ease. Make sure you don’t set yourself up to be ignored because you want to appear unique by using fonts that make you fumble. Also, make sure font is large enough to read. Use size 10 or better. Anything smaller can strain eyes.

10. The special of day is…

Your email signature is a great way to showcase something special that is going on in your business. Add a line at bottom where you can highlight a special event like an upcoming lecture, seminar or workshop. Include name of a new book, e-book, or e-course that you’ve published. Make a reference to a free report or article that you’re offering. Make sure you provide a link which can take reader directly to product or service. For free products, simply embed a link to an auto responder so that information will automatically be forwarded to them when requested.

Copyright 2004 by Tara Kachaturoff.