There are reviews of hotels, restaurants and movies.
Why isn’t there a review of reporters?
Now there is one!
“Pitching Notes recently launched to create a database of pitching tips and reporter reviews. Their objective is to have a profile for every reporter out there, so every PR pro can benefit from a wide database of pitching notes. How can you help? Add the reporters you’ve worked with, and your tips and notes on the experience,” according to the company.
“The goal: to take our industry to the next level by pooling our knowledge to create more solid, targeted pitches, better PR-journalist relationships and more collaborative relationships among PR professionals. And if the site helps PR pros keep their sanity and feel some solidarity, well, that’s just icing on the cake! Share your tips at www.pitchingnotes.com or follow them on Twitter @pitchingnotes.”
What a fantastic idea! I wish I had thought of this! I hope they make it big. There are some reporters out there who deserve to be outed! I’m thinking of the ones who use info but don’t give credit to the experts. There’s a special place in hell for those people – and now it is online! <g>
Imagine a Yelp! focusing on reporters. I’m all for it!
I don’t know how the owners of this site are planning things, but if it were me, I’d have categories like:
· Attributes quotes to experts
· Responds to expert’s requests for “When will the story be published?
· Doesn’t use cryptic messages like “Thanks for the info” but instead says, “Yes, I will use the info.”
Of course, there are a great many wonderful reporters as well – and they deserve honors, recognition and respect.
But for the few bad apples, well, let’s hear it!
What other suggestions do you have?
Branding Like Lady Gaga
The music world is going goo goo over Lady Gaga. She’s the hottest act out there and there are branding lessons you need to know from her, even if you don’t follow her music.
Lady Gaga
She came from nowhere to become a headline act, top album on the charts, performance on American Idol and a meeting with the Queen of England. “I”m a fan,” she told the Queen. If you came from nowhere, you won’t end up nowhere, if you follow some of her blueprints.
How can you get so far, so fast? Here are three lessons learned.
1. Create a great name. She wasn’t born Lady Gaga. She created a name and an image. You can’t change your name, but I’ve seen many people start to use their first names only (if it is unique) or create a nickname or monicker, like “America’s Success Coach.” Be bold, not trite.
2. She has a gimmick. She never wears pants. No, she’s not naked, but she captures your imagination with “what will she wear next?” She pushes the envelope. In some ways, this is exactly what Liberace did with his sequined suits and what Elton John did with is costumes and eyeglasses. She picked up a gimmick that other performers used but added her own unique twist. You don’t need 50 different outfits. But find what makes you unique and show the world.
3. She’s not afraid to toot her own horn. Many professional service providers are afraid to do this. Sometimes its because of professional ethics, sometimes its because they are shy. Do what you can — like send out press releases and court the media – and you’ll probably eclipse everyone else in your field.
Follow these tips and maybe one day you’ll meet the Queen, or at least get a few new clients.
Do you need help with your branding? Give me a call or send me an email (dan @ prleads.com) or check out the great tools at PREADSPLUS.COM and let’s see if we can work together.