Whatever sector you work, I am sure there are guidelines or protocols unwritten etiquette, if you want associated with them. Same goes for public relations, especially as it relates to a PR pro with the media. A major function of a good publicist to understand what is newsworthy about their customers and pass these angles of interest to the media. When done correctly, the result is a good news story for the journalist and positive publicity for the client a true win win.
However, whatever the angle of good news, if PR professionals break some rules of good conduct basic and embarrassing the reporter that they ruin the chances of a story as well as the destruction of any future relationship with this journalist.
Consider this article on the beginnings media relations, because without following rules of conduct good, everything else will fall in deaf ears. To ensure that you get immediately the right side of the journalist (and yes, they have one), follow these guidelines communications:
Never in contact time reporters. All media work on time, and they vary from daily newspapers, magazines, television and magazines. If we consider the initial contact with a journalist, first to know when his time is, and avoid at all costs its appeal during this period. As a rough indication, of daily newspapers to put their stories in bed in the afternoon and evening. For TV, know the hours of broadcast news and avoid calling the station in one hour of these emissions. If a weekly newspaper, for example, leaves on Friday, journalists are probably working hard in the beginning of the week and be free and in search of stories to the weekend. And monthly magazines are probably in no mood to hear pitches PR at the end of the month, when they are angry focusing on the layout and printing the next issue. The key, whatever the form of media is to meet peak periods of the journalist.
Learn about their preferred means of acceptance locations. Like many of us these days, many journalists live by their computer and e-mail is the most convenient way for them to filter through locations. But do not assume that the e-mail is their preferred method of communication. Some reporters' e-mails are so bombarded with spam they prefer to receive story pitches to the old mail. And many journalists are very annoyed to receive unsolicited phone pitches or calls from people saying, You have my email? Start on the right foot with a journalist getting to know his preferred method for receiving locations. You can often obtain this information by calling the newsroom to the print publication or television station.
Respect their time. Like all of us, journalists are busy people. Whether your site ends up being delivered by mail, e-mail, telephone or smoke signals, remember to keep it short and precise. A written not long is the quickest route to the circular file or the delete box. Similarly, calling a journalist and babbling on the phone to convince her that you do not have a good handle on your story (ergo, why should she bother?). With the media, short and to the point will win the game every time.
Do not let them hang. One of the worst crimes you can commit against a journalist is to succeed in your interest to his story idea, then failing to deliver the goods. If this happens, know that you managed to ruin with enthusiasm any future relationship with that person. Whether you have promised to provide additional information or a customer client to talk with, make sure you follow through and quickly.
Practice good etiquette PR with journalists, you plenty to build positive relationships with them. And even if it does not lead to immediate advertising, you showed yourself as someone who understands and can meet their needs, opening the door to future possibilities.
2007 Diana Laverdure
Advertising expert Diana Laverdure (Princess 'PR') is vice president of Reeves Laverdure Public Relations and President of Publicity ProActive, Inc., which provides information resources and tools for those who want to boost their business with the power of advertising in the media. Get the free newsletter JUICE MEDIA full of tips, tricks and strategies to generate massive publicity, and also download his free special report, "Six strategies to massively increase your free advertising online."