Want to Use Public Relations to Get National Attention for Your Company?

 Then Appear as a Guest on Local and/or National TV Shows

It has become more competitive than ever in today’s current business climate.  Thousands of products are flooding the market on what seems like a daily basis.  How can a company keep their products and services ahead of the clamoring pack and in front of the consumers that they desire?  The answer is by harnessing the power of public relations. 

PR can help you educate consumers nationally and locally about your company, product and service through media exposure on television, talk radio or in published articles in newspapers and magazines. 

In this article we will focus on the extremely popular medium of television and the facts and values of being a TV guest .  “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 Friedman, CEO of Event Management Services Inc, a national publicity firm.  Here Marsha will shed more light on the television medium and offer some insights on how to get the most out of your time on-air:

1.  TV is a visual medium.  TV shows communicate to their audience through pictures as well as conversation.  Marsha 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.”

In working out a visual for your appearance a trick you can use is to ask yourself how you would explain your message to a child.  What pictures can you use that will translate into graphics for a TV story?  “As an example, 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 Marsha Friedman.

2. Different newscasts, different audience.  Marsha 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.  Afternoon shows are more geared to lifestyle segments.  Finally, the evening shows are focused on news.”  So when you are deciding on what newscast, make sure to know what market you are trying to target and choose accordingly.
3. Be sharp and concise.   As opposed to talk radio interviews, TV interviews are short (typically 3 to 5 minutes) so you have to be REALLY sharp about knowing exactly what the message is that you want to leave the audience with and how to get it across in such a limited time.  Marsha Friedman says, “Before you go on air really get your sound bites down.  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.’   Friedman adds, “Make sure you look good as your appearance will make a lasting impression.  Do your clothes fit well (not too tight)?  Are they clean and pressed (not old and ratty looking)? Are your shoes clean and polished? Is that red shirt you’re wearing, really the right color for you? Does that tie really go with that shirt?”  A clean and sharp look will help people focus on your message, rather than your outrageous appearance.    

So now you are ready for your close up!  If you would like to learn more about gaining national or local media attention for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Marsha Friedman would love to help.  Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at 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.