We probably could never talk enough about how important it is to have a good relationship with the media. Our work depends on a mutual partnership with the press and a great firm will have account handlers who have built great media relations with those that matter for the industries in which their clients operate.
Above all it’s about creating personal relationships. In today’s digital world, it has become increasingly easier to take out the first step of a physical introduction and get down to the dirty work. It goes without saying that back in the day meeting a journalist face to face was a pre-requisite, but today it’s a step that makes you stand out from the crowd, so go old-school for better media relations.
Beyond making personal connections, it’s also important to avoid pitfalls that can annoy journalists. Things like irrelevant pitches, obsessive calling, not taking ‘no’ for an answer and complaining about coverage can all get under the skin of our journalistic friends.
Think of it this way, if it would annoy you, it is probably annoying them.
How are your media relations?
They knock out your brain cells all day long. They are unanticipated and come at unexpected instances – when you’re driving to work or burning those extra calories on the treadmill. They fizz up like your glass of tonic. Sometimes they make sense and other times they don’t. But how can you tell until you work them up.
