Publicity: When Calling a Reporter, Keep it ShortWritten by Ned Steele
When you are planning to call a reporter for first time, it can help to imagine that you are a phone solicitor (albeit one with terrific, useful ideas). When phone solicitors call you, you don't want to hear a long explanation of their product. You just want to know basics so you can make a quick decision and get back to work. That's why, in a first call or contact with a reporter, keep it short and sweet. Have one or two story ideas – no more – ready to convey. Don’t try what I call "shotgun approach"—firing away with seven or eight ideas in hope that one will hit mark. Would you want a phone solicitor trying to sell you that many products at once? Of course not. It’s too much for person at other end of line to absorb and process.
| | Freelancers Can Jump-Start Your Publicity InitiativeWritten by Ned Steele
If you find that your progress is blocked by a lack of time or experience, consider hiring a freelancer to jumpstart your project.Writer's block got you down? Don't let it. Every town has a freelance writer who can help you get a release or article written quickly. Or you can search for one nationally on one of free classified ad sites like Craig's List. A good freelance writer can take your information over phone and create piece that you are looking for. True, writing is not rocket science, and you can do it yourself. But if you find you’re procrastinating, put a writer on your team. You can pretty much rent ‘em by hour or project, so you’ll pay only for what you need.
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