Sales Training: Communicate to the Washington DC Media and Get Your Voice Heard
A great way to grow your business is through the media. Many owners of smaller businesses realize this, but they don't know how to go about using the media to their advantage.
Here are a variety of ways that you use the media to have your company been seen more frequently:
- Develop Relationships with the Media
People do things for people they like. If they don't know you, they can't like you. Develop relationships with people in the media by following them on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, or any other social media platform that you use. Comment on their stories and get to know them on a personal level. By doing this they will be much more willing to help you out. - Ask
What's the worst thing that can happen when you ask a question? It doesn't hurt to ask. If you have a good idea, contact a reporter and ask them if they can to run the idea. - Comment on Blogs
By commenting on journalists blogs, you can establish connections with them. I have had multiple friends who have gained exposure on various news outlets just by commenting on journalist's blog posts. Commenting on blogs doesn't take a lot of time and you can establish very strong media connections. - Pitch to the Right Person/Outlet
When you have a story, pitch to the right outlet. If you pitch to the wrong outlet, they're not going run your story. Study the outlets before you pitch.
Sales Training: Work With the Media in Washington DC to Help Your Business Succeed
- Send a Press Release
Press releases might feel outdated to some of us; however they are still a great way to announce events and a great way to broadcast changes inside your company. Press releases are very easy to write as well, so it's also a great way to increase publicity. - Work with a Charity
By working with a charity you are able to gain notoriety. By hosting charity events the media will come because it is a good cause. Good causes are a great way to gain positive media attention.
Work with someone who's famous
Famous people have, on many occasions, promoted and endorsed products. Famous people bring fans and carry a lot of weight. You can gain a lot of customers just because a certain person promoted or endorsed your product. In addition, you gain credibility through association. - Start small
In other words, control your expectations. You're not going to be on CNN immediately. Start with media outlets in your local area. Start small and expand; by using small outlets first, you also develop strong references to use when you want to go big. - Hire a publicist
Publicists know the media and have contacts. Hire a publicist with connections. A good publicist can go a long way in helping your company grow. Remember on most occasions "it's not about what you know; it's about who you know." Publicists will help you there. - Become an Expert
How many people have you seen on TV or heard on the radio who are said to be an expert on a particular topic? Being an expert really just means that you know more than someone else, thus you are able to teach others. If you're in a business and you know more than others, claim it!
There are definitely a variety of ways that can be used to help your company be seen in the media. Use the listed ideas, be creative, expand the list and you will begin to gain publicity!