Here's more great information LIVE from Las Vegas with Jim Duncan talking about engaging the media, beginning at 4:00 PM, Las Vegas time (moderator Kevin Boer).

How do you get the media to reach out to you and to develop mutually beneficial relationships.

Challenges:

• Introducing yourself

• Define your target audience - local, regional, national
  

Your goal is to be THE SOURCE - for media, consumers, and other agents

Media are desperate for content, the audience is dwindling.

Traditional medial had authority whereas blogs are still somewhat mistrusted.

You need to be THE EXPERT - content is critical. Suggest to media that they subscribe to your blog, preferably via email (e.g., Feedburner).

TACTICS:

Use a multi-pronged approach

reach out and be respectful.

Pitch

Correct them even/especially when it's not your story - but be respectful

~ CONTENT  CANDOR  CONGENIALITY ~

You want to define your brand - is it you? your company? your blog? "I don't care about my company getting recognition" as I am the brand

It's OK to say I DON'T KNOW - but this person or that person can tell you more, etc. Be the source. They will come back to you for more information in the future.

"- give them everything; you will make their jobs easier, will build trust and the relationship

SOME MORE CHALLENGES:

Mis-quoting - lack of context - be respectful, don't burn bridge

Ask them to email you quote before they go to press

Another push from Jim to focus on the community (is there a theme here today??) - if you come across as selling you will fail. Take a long term approach.

Also, don't put a spin on it. Don't be negative. But BE HONEST

Be sure to thank them when they write about you. ALWAYS be polite and respectful. Make them your allies. How about a thank you note?

You will need to respond quickly when they ask for help. Answer your phone!! THEY ARE ON DEADLINE, especailly the local papers, sometimes only hours.

Provide THEM with link love. You may or may not get it from them but ask. Not all local papers, etc. l have on-line sites. Don't have any expectatons. Journalists are NOT bloggers. Send them your links.

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