By Adele Hodge
Have you ever been in a media situation in which you felt you were under attack, and going down for the count? Today, even ordinary people can relate to receiving vigorous media attention. After all, media is everywhere. Anyone with a camera, phone and recorder can record and post your image with or without your knowledge. Set aside the legalities for a moment.
Once it’s posted that’s it. Hopefully it’s a decent version of you because the frustrations and headaches of getting it removed, as I understand it, can be maddening. Plus, going viral can mean media outlets will be contacting you for comments on the post. What are you to do?
Give some thought to how to prepare yourself for such an occurrence. In this electronic age, there is so much valid media information available that can be easily accessed online. Take advantage of it, then systematically reduce your research to material about an immediate need or current problem.
Enhance your communication strengths and build up those pesky weaknesses. At some point, you will need help with the media guidance information you have gathered. Think now about how to find the most effective professional help your budget will allow.
What help is needed? Why search now?--because no matter what brings you into the spotlight, in that moment, you will want to be the best, most confident person you can possibly be. More important than how calm you are is how clearly you are able to communicate your message, thought or idea. You need time to learn how to do that well, or how to skillfully update what you already know about media, if that is all that is required. Either way, you cannot be too proud to ask for and easily accept help.
Here are three points to ponder as you move closer to media readiness. Consider who you will ask to help you, and why you are seeking help from that person. If the media attention is too overwhelming, or if you get more than the usual 15 minutes of fame, count on needing professional help to manage it all.
Create a short list of media or public relations consultants. Research how they work and what likely costs and fees may be for the services you might use. Ask questions and clarify as much as you can in early discussions. If your budget allows, get better acquainted with how the individual or team works by asking the favored candidate about an assignment as short as writing a biography, company profile or news release. It’s one way to ease into the client-consultant relationship.
And finally, go with the flow, a well-defined and disciplined process will take you a long way. It’s about what works best for you to meet or exceed the challenge of conquering your fears and calming the frustrations that come with being in the limelight.
There is an interesting story that turned my attention to the media and you, which will be shared in a future post. For now, ask yourself these questions: Are you media ready? What does media readiness mean to you? And what process would you use to get media ready? Send me your answers and comments.
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Editorial Assistant: Stephanie Hodge-Green
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