BIO
Stephanie Chandler is an author of several books including “LEAP! 101 Ways to Grow Your Business.” She is also founder of AuthorityPublishing.com, which provides custom publishing and internet marketing services. Stephanie’s blog covers the passion, persistence and strategies needed to grow a small business.
The following article is from Stephanie’s site, Small Business Growth Strategies.
Learn from my mistake–Be available when the media calls!
A few weeks ago my son was sick so I rearranged my schedule, sent my calls to voice mail and stayed home for a day. I usually check voice mail throughout the day, but I was so wrapped up in Elmo videos and popsicles that I didn’t get to it until the next morning. When I finally checked in, I discovered an “urgent” call from a writer for Fortune Small Business magazine. I returned his call, but it was too late—he found another source. (ouch!)
When I send out a press release or contact media for any reason, I make sure I’m ready for calls. I learned that lesson the hard way after sending out my very first press release several years ago. I headed for the mall and within an hour my cell phone rang. I ended up taking a call from a reporter from a dressing room at Macy’s!
I thought I had all the right processes in place. I even have a special extension on my company phone tree so that media calls are routed to me wherever I am. But it only works if I pick up the phone or check voice mail in a timely manner.
Here we are, several weeks later, and I’m still reeling from the missed opportunity. Lesson learned: be available! I should have asked my assistant to check calls for me. Next time I will.
By the way, if you want to be a source for the media, update your blog regularly, maintain your online visibility through social media and Internet marketing strategies, add a media page to your website and answer your phone! They will call. But you need to be available to seize the opportunity when it comes.
