You got a media hit – what next?
I’ve seen the scenario many times – a new expert gets their first media hit. They’re asked for a radio interview, TV spot or to make comment for a newspaper or online piece. They are flushed with success and can’t wait to relay the news to family, friends and colleagues. Sometimes they have the newsprint copy of their appearance to have and hold. Other times it’s the ephemeral moment of radio or TV. Or perhaps there’s a link to an online piece.
What happens next is intriguing.
Some will over-analyse, count every um, ah or stutter, hear their recorded voice and swear off media forever. Others will rush headlong to the next engagement without a second thought, confident in their ability to conquer the world. And there are the reflective experts - they’ll take stock, ask for advice on how they can improve and move to their next engagement, armed with a little more ammunition. I would recommend you take the reflective expert pathway.
But there’s often some very important things many first-time experts and experienced experts don’t do.
Here’s a checklist of the next steps to take after every media engagement:
Appearing in the media is one thing, correctly leveraging your media appearances is another. Taking this commodity and utilising within your network, potential clients (and your family!) will take you and your media profile to a whole new level.
By John Solvander, Director of Media Engagement, Media Stable.