Use TV Appearances to Build Your Business
It has become more competitive than ever in today's current business climate. There are millions of products hitting the market every year, many which die within the first few months after launching. How can you stay competitive and keep consumers educated about your company, product or service? How about harnessing the power of PR!
PR can help you talk directly to consumers through talk radio and television interviews and having your article featured in newspapers and magazines.
Television is one of the most popular of these mediums as it seems that everyone nowadays wants their "15 minutes of fame." " As viewers expect to see celebrities on TV, when you appear as a guest on a TV show your credibility goes sky high" says Marsha , Chief Executive Officer of EMSI , a national PR firm. Here Friedman will tell us all about the medium that is TV.
1. It's all about the visuals. TV shows communicate to their audience through pictures as well as conversation." Friedman says, " Producers look for newsworthy topics that are visual and entertaining. They want compelling conversation and pictures that will grab their viewer's attention."
A great method to getting your visual together is thinking like a child. How would I explain it to my son or daughter? What pictures can you use that will translate into graphics for a TV story? "For starters , if you sell life insurance your 'visuals' could be graphs of the mortality rate of women vs. men to match your conversation about why women need to protect themselves and their children against the loss of their spouses" adds Friedman .
2. The audience for the morning news is much different than that of the evening news. Friedman says, " An interesting fact is that morning, noon and evening newscasts are each geared towards a different audience. The early morning shows are usually watched by working adults and families getting ready for school. The afternoon newscasts are more lifestyle oriented. Finally, the evening shows are focused on news." Once you know your topic and message, check and make sure what newscast you would benefit the most from when you are appearing on the show as a guest.
3. Be to the point, yet informative. Interviews on television are typically no longer than 5 minutes in length. So you really have to know how to get your message across to the audience in the short time span. Friedman says, "Don't go on camera until you have practiced and prepared your sound bites. Practice does make perfect, especially if you are going to be seen by millions nationwide!" 4. Dress for success. There is nothing worse than seeing a television show guest who looks like a slob. Do you really believe anything they say if they look disheveled? The answer is usually 'no.' Marsha adds, "Look good so that you leave a positive lasting impression on the audience. Pick out and wear the clothes that fit and are flattering. Are they clean and pressed (not old and ratty looking)? Are your shoes clean and polished? Try not to wear a shirt with a loud pattern or you will give viewers a headache. " A professional, clean and pressed look will help the audience, and the host, to focus on your powerful message.
So now you are ready for your close up! If you would like to learn more about gaining national media exposure for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Friedman is available to be of service . Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a PR expert Marsha has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without breaking your budget with costly monthly retainers .
Marsha Friedman has been a leading authority on public relations for nearly two decades as CEO of Event Management Services, Inc (EMSI). If you would like to receive her free Ebook "How to Be a Great Talk Radio Guest" visit http://www.emsincorporated.com.
Published March 21st, 2008
Filed in Marketing





