Top 10 from Selling Your Ideas to the Media Workshop

1. Journalists do not have time to seek out stories. Constant opportunities for media exposure by linking business to current events – how did they affect your business? What is your business doing to mitigate/take advantage of situation?
2. When approaching print media be specific and research the journalists or editors that would link to your topic
3. Do not underestimate the power of the local newspaper
4. Tap into trend issues e.g. State of the economy, environment/sustainability/conscience, nostalgia/heritage
5. Surveymonkey.com
6. Before contacting media ensure your website is up to date on who you are, what you are doing and have people to back up your statements (testimonials).Be able to instantaneously provide examples of people who have benefitted from your service and are happy to be interviewed – link in with credible players (e.g. Charities) and have something to photograph or film.
7. Current issues you can relate to – send 6 juicy bullet points to specific journalists. Identify extra snippets of info that could be used as an ‘exclusive’
8. Be seen to be giving back – identify local projects
9. Build yourself as an expert commentator - Ask whether the article needs to be about you or can you be an authority on a topic?
10. Media want a story not a product

Social media

I spent the first half of today listening to some of NZ's top social media gurus talk about social media.  Titled Nerd or Guru?, the session was pitched as the opportunity to learn about social media.  I know lots about social media but running my own company, it's good to get out and hear what others (often my competitors) have to say.

Interestingly, none of the speakers (who were very interesting) were social media experts per se - rather they were agency guys who really understood social media and really understood how to make it work for their clients.

Some of the usual key points emerged, which from the Question and Answer session were obviously top-of-mind for some attendees:

1. You can't control social media content...but you have to remember that conversations about your company/product/brand will be happening anyway.  Best to be involved and aware.
2. Social media has to happen as part of the company or organisation's wider strategic planning.  A social media strategy should be tied to your broader strategic business objectives.
3. Stories are key when engaging with your audience.  Capture them (or enable your audience to) and share them with other customers and clients.
4. Every negative posting is an opportunity to improve your company's products or services.
5. Be honest about who you are when posting on online networks.  Are you the actual company or are you working on behalf of the company?
6. Give it a go and have fun.  It's an inexpensive way of connecting with your customers.