The explosion and expansion of sites, publications, stations and other outlets where news of interest to a certain audience can be published, posted and accessed is exciting.
Consider the narrow number of choices that once served as the primary sources for what was going on in the world. For many it was a daily newspaper, three major networks, a handful of radio stations and national magazines that were the main vehicles for getting our eyes, ears and minds.
Today we twitter, blog, email, snail mail, podcast, broadcast and more.
Chasing all of the old, or previously existing outlets, and changing to adapt, keep up, uncover and respond to most of the new, newer, newest information resources can be exhausting, perplexing, time consuming and almost never ending.
Post, refresh, update, innovate and go back and do it all over again.
Someone recently observed most mainstream media messages must reach five generations. That can require at least five different modes of communicating. Text vs. telephone. Twitter vs. blog. Direct mail vs. download.
When creating public relations or marketing campaigns, you can't just cast a bigger net. You must cast many nets in a multitude of directions. And continue the hunt for newer, better nets.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Lessons Learned
You can be 100 percent, absolutely, perfectly right about something but if the client isn't ready and willing to listen, you may quickly find yourself floundering in a no win situation.
I try to advise clients on what I honestly feel will help place them on the path to success. But sometimes it isn't what you say but when and how you convey the information.
Sure we can communicate in more ways than ever - cell phones, email, IM, texting etc. - but trying to respond to any or all of those while you are in the midst of a stressful situation, on deadline with another project or handling a personal matter of a somewhat sensitive nature may cloud your communication skills and prevent the right message from being received. Same goes for the client so be prepared for them to be unavailable or unable to clearly comprehend what you have to say at that moment.
Take a breath. Give yourself 24 hours to respond to avoid confrontations and deal with issues calmly and strategically. Let the emotional response fade and the intellectual response come to the forefront.
Be flexible. The client isn't always right. And neither am I. But just being right isn't enough. Try to see it through the other person's eyes. Try listening to what you are saying through their ears. Try analyzing the proposed actions through their context.
I try to advise clients on what I honestly feel will help place them on the path to success. But sometimes it isn't what you say but when and how you convey the information.
Sure we can communicate in more ways than ever - cell phones, email, IM, texting etc. - but trying to respond to any or all of those while you are in the midst of a stressful situation, on deadline with another project or handling a personal matter of a somewhat sensitive nature may cloud your communication skills and prevent the right message from being received. Same goes for the client so be prepared for them to be unavailable or unable to clearly comprehend what you have to say at that moment.
Take a breath. Give yourself 24 hours to respond to avoid confrontations and deal with issues calmly and strategically. Let the emotional response fade and the intellectual response come to the forefront.
Be flexible. The client isn't always right. And neither am I. But just being right isn't enough. Try to see it through the other person's eyes. Try listening to what you are saying through their ears. Try analyzing the proposed actions through their context.
Monday, May 5, 2008
The Price - Not All That Has to Be Right
Pursuing new business, pitching new clients and helping to launch a new product or service can be exciting, challenging, stimulating and satisfying when the climate is conducive to mutual success.
While fee for services is a consideration, it's not just the price that has to be right. A healthy working relationship with respectful give and take and a reasonable expectation are part of the magic that makes it work for all involved.
What makes a perfect client?
One who asks questions and is open to new ideas. I know you know what you are doing but you recognize you need help, a different perspective or someone who can provide access to the right outlets and contacts.
Someone who is very good at what they do and allows me to be as good as I can be at what I do. Seems simple but doesn't always seem to be the case.
Collaborates and Celebrates. Two minds are more powerful than one. Let's discuss, brainstorm, exchange ideas and information. It is a healthy and beneficial way to sift out the good and discard the bad.
Promptly Pays. Again seems simple enough. My bills won't wait so why should I?
Acknowledges and Appreciates. Like all people, I respond to a simple thanks or occasional kudos. Not too hard to do and goes a long way with me.
Readily Offers Referral, References. If you are happy and I have helped, by all means tell others.
While fee for services is a consideration, it's not just the price that has to be right. A healthy working relationship with respectful give and take and a reasonable expectation are part of the magic that makes it work for all involved.
What makes a perfect client?
One who asks questions and is open to new ideas. I know you know what you are doing but you recognize you need help, a different perspective or someone who can provide access to the right outlets and contacts.
Someone who is very good at what they do and allows me to be as good as I can be at what I do. Seems simple but doesn't always seem to be the case.
Collaborates and Celebrates. Two minds are more powerful than one. Let's discuss, brainstorm, exchange ideas and information. It is a healthy and beneficial way to sift out the good and discard the bad.
Promptly Pays. Again seems simple enough. My bills won't wait so why should I?
Acknowledges and Appreciates. Like all people, I respond to a simple thanks or occasional kudos. Not too hard to do and goes a long way with me.
Readily Offers Referral, References. If you are happy and I have helped, by all means tell others.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Watch What You Say
Think it's easy to think on your feet and say exactly what you mean to say without stumbling, mumbling or bumbling?
Try doing it with a camera on, a microphone held up to your mouth or during a live TV studio show.
Those who look calm, comfortable and speak in a conversational manner probably have practiced what they would say - and how they would say it - for hours.
Mentally prepare by determining your main message beforehand. Don't wait for the question. Instead wait for the opportunity to say what you came there to say.
Don't repeat the question or waste words. Cut to the essence of the information so that you stay focused and the audience stays with you.
Watch others and critique how well they have accomplished the task of media interviews. Facial expressions should be relaxed and pleasant or more serious of that would be appropriate. Make sure hair, clothes and anything else that could detract from what you are saying (crazy sunglasses, too much make-up) won't steal the spotlight.
Solid colors usually work well for clothing choices but stay away from white.
Speak clearly, confidently and concisely. Talk as if to another person and not to a piece of equipment or a machine.
Typically the moment is over in seconds. Use that time wisely and others will learn from you.
Try doing it with a camera on, a microphone held up to your mouth or during a live TV studio show.
Those who look calm, comfortable and speak in a conversational manner probably have practiced what they would say - and how they would say it - for hours.
Mentally prepare by determining your main message beforehand. Don't wait for the question. Instead wait for the opportunity to say what you came there to say.
Don't repeat the question or waste words. Cut to the essence of the information so that you stay focused and the audience stays with you.
Watch others and critique how well they have accomplished the task of media interviews. Facial expressions should be relaxed and pleasant or more serious of that would be appropriate. Make sure hair, clothes and anything else that could detract from what you are saying (crazy sunglasses, too much make-up) won't steal the spotlight.
Solid colors usually work well for clothing choices but stay away from white.
Speak clearly, confidently and concisely. Talk as if to another person and not to a piece of equipment or a machine.
Typically the moment is over in seconds. Use that time wisely and others will learn from you.
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