Looking for Help Via Social Networks

Last week I joined Facebook and MyRagan, updated my LinkedIn profile and registered for the Digital Media Conference.

Although working in Communications for the last 10 years, this is a whole new realm. The social networks are intriguing. Even the DMC created an online community prior to its event next week. They sent out a link as to how to go in there and meet other attendees, speakers, etc. It’s crazy to me, but fascinating at the same time.

So far, MyRagan, a place for Communications professionals, has been the most helpful. As a former reporter, which is an advantage when placing pitch calls, I talk their language. Still, after placing a bunch of calls yesterday on a great story a few of the writers/editors were downright rude. It’s hard not to take it personally. These tips on MyRagan about ways to make reporters happy were helpful. Although many of them are a given, a refresher never hurt anyone:

• Make things easy for them [the easier things are for them, the better coverage you’ll receive]

• Don’t exaggerate or generalize [don’t talk in jargon and assume the reporter knows what you mean; don’t be evasive; if you don’t know the answer to a question, say so]

• Keep your promises [don’t promise what you can’t deliver]

• Know who is helping whom [if you cooperate with reporters on the stories they want to do, it’s easier to get them to do stories you want done]

• Don’t tell one reporter what another reporter is doing [let reporters keep their scoop before telling others]

• There’s no such thing as ‘off the record’ [if you can’t keep a secret, don’t expect a reporter to keep it]

When just trying to get that story out there, these tips are good to remember. The relationship between a PR professional and a reporter can be advantageous, as long as you appreciate your audience.