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Are you ready to pitch to the media? You have made the smart decision of using PR to get your message across to the media. This are some fantastic first steps.

You should now be fully prepared with what your exact topic and message is. The obvious next step is to really get out there and start pitching to the media! Friedman , Chief Executive Officer of Event Management Services Incorporated , a national PR firm, has been doing this successfully for over 20 years and knows exactly what grabs their attention and what turns them off. Here Marsha shares with us methods of pitching to the media 1. Never pitch yourself. When you are pitching to the media pitch your message not yourself. Marsha says, "Keep your focus on the issue. For example, if you are a mortgage broker pitch a show idea or story about the best way to finance a home in today's market. " Pitch the issue and grab the attention of the journalist or producer. What they want are hot, newsworthy topics that will grab and hold the interest of their viewers and readers, they do not want to be sold to.

2. Never pitch your product. If you are a product manufacturer it is very important that when you are pitching to the media that you do not keep the focus of your pitch on your product Marsha says, "Focus on the problem or issue that your product can fix. Don't keep harping on about your product on its own. You will lose their interest. If you manufacture a diet product pitch a show or story on the obesity problems Americans and their children are faced with today. " Again, producers and journalists shy away from pitches that sound like infomercials and it is an instant turn-off to their audience.

3. Don't rely on the media's research. Although the media will do their own homework - don't rely solely on the results of their research. Marsha says, "Supply them with your data in advance . This is especially important if your topic is controversial as you want them to have the data that supports your position." When pitching, have an arsenal of facts that you can use to educate the media with. This is more useful then you can imagine. If you have a tricky or detailed topic, present as much information as you can so that the busy, inundated producer or journalist can grasp your message quickly. The more time you save explaining, the more time you can spend pitching the benefits of having you as a guest or featured on their pages.

4. Phone a friend. If you are topic is controversial then have some like minded friends or colleagues that can join you when you are a guest for backup. Marsha says, "If you're pitching a controversial topic to a radio or TV show, have a list of guests that are available to be on the show with you to support your side of the story With this group you will have a better handle on the segment and have people with you that will support your message. This helps you gain acceptance with the audience. " If you do not have suggested guests to pitch to the producer, and they pick it up, you may just be setting yourself up for an on-air ambush, which if you are not prepared, can land you in deep water.

These tips will help you build confidence and get you out the door pitching like mad! If you would like to learn more about gaining media attention for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Marsha would love to help. Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a PR expert Friedman has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without monthly retainers .