When the media comes calling

Someone, somewhere, once said that there is no such thing as bad publicity. We beg to differ. There is much you can do to position your company in the best light when the media comes calling. Here are three easy-to-remember tips:
1. Ask about the deadline – A reporter calls you for a specific reason, and with a specific deadline. You are not obligated to respond to the reporter asap. Ask when the deadline is, and respond back to the reporter before the deadline. If you can’t do an interview, say so promptly. This buys you goodwill with the press.
2. Take “no comment” out of your vocabulary – If a reporter calls or asks a question during a press conference, and you can’t provide a comment, provide a reasonable explanation. What sounds better to you? “No comment,” or “Because the incident is under investigation, we are not able to provide any additional information at this time.”
3. Know the audience and prepare to address their needs. – If reporters from Entrepreneur and Working Mother magazines call you for interviews, you will need to get different messages across to their audiences. One audience will want to learn about the importance of your business plan and how that has made you a success. The other audience will want to learn how your top female executives balance their work and home responsibilities. Good interviews start with preparation on your end.

–Amy Biemiller

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