Building a Relationship with Media

This year’s Power Conference “Women Doing Business” was a huge success.  I thoroughly enjoyed speaking to my group of ladies who varied from an author to a school owner. Many of the women understood the need for media attention but struggled on the ways they could do it on a consistent basis.

Each one of these businesswomen have a story to share about what they do and how they want to improve the world in their own unique way, but couldn’t understand why they weren’t being able to get through to the media.

My top tip to them was to start networking where journalists network. We are always looking for a great story and calling while we are on deadline to pitch a story that we may or may not use isn’t too effective.

Here are some websites to use that could help get your story out to the media:

• Help a Reporter Out. Be a source on a national or local issue.
• PRweb. Post your press release online.
• American University Radio. Become a local resource for National Public Radio’s member station WAMU.
• Use Twitter. You would be surprised by how many business owners who don’t have an account. Follow reporters and pitch them on twitter when you can offer advice or resources to what they are covering.
• Email when all else fails. Sometimes sending an email may or may not work but it’s worth a try.

About Tamika Smith

Tamika Smith is passionate and curious about the world. She often wonders what motivates people to walk in their particular journeys in life. A native of Miami, Florida Smith graduated from Howard University in 2007 and continues to give back through mentorship.

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