Dear Tammy: Congratulations on your success! I read, with interest and awe, about your new television spot and that's awesome. I have a question, though...
I have no media experience. None. Watching everything you've done has been inspiring, but I have no idea how to start getting some media experience. Can you provide some tips?
Tammy: Of course! Getting media experience really isn't difficult to do. Start in your own neighborhood. Contact the editor of your local newspaper and let him or her know that you are available to be interviewed for any articles about travel. Let them know what your specialty is.
For example, if you are an expert in honeymoon travel, let them know because any articles they do on weddings and honeymoons they may contact you for a quote.
Are there television shows in your area too? Contact a producer and let them know the same thing. They may bring you in for a spot where they talk about anything from booking a much-needed vacation to something more newsy, such as attacks in Europe or how Trump's legislation affects travel changes.
Nervous about appearing on television or being interviewed for an article?
That's normal, but if you know your material there won't be anything to worry about. However, that being said, if you are asked to come on for an interview and it's a subject you don't know much about, don't say yes.
Instead, let them know that it's not your area of expertise and suggest they contact you for a different story.
Once you have one media 'clip,' promote it. Tweet about it, put it on your website and let your customers know about it. It shows that you're an expert. Make sure that you also use it to possibly get another interview at another newspaper or magazine.
You can also use such sites as HARO (Help a Reporter Out) that lists reporters' needs at different publications, websites, TV stations, etc. You can then apply to those you believe you are qualified for.
Being successful is all about developing relationships with the media. Become a good source of information for a writer and they will, most likely, use you again. They may also recommend you for other media opportunities.
The point is to get started and build on what you're doing.
Read articles about doing media interviews and hone your craft by practicing your answers. But be careful not to be too rehearsed!
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