Amazing media relations

For those who have ever "pitched the media" before, you might be intrigued by the title of today's post. In marketing and public relations, this is a task that is often slightly frustrating; especially when you are pitching a story that is not top-of-mind for the reporters and/or audience you are trying to reach.

However, when your story has a pulse and it reaches the broader consumer, you feel as if you have hit the media relations jackpot. This has been the story of the last four days of my life. Sunday night when my phone rang I knew it was going to be a long week. Between managing a crisis communications effort, 2009 social media campaign planning, and finishing a move to my new apartment, the days have been quite busy (which also explains my absence these past few days).

The crisis communications effort has been extremely gratifying. I tend to be an adrenaline junkie (noted by my supervisor during my review, and 100% true) so client crises are right up my alley. The media relations efforts have been more than successful, and this was solidified by a conversation with a local radio personality at 8:30 p.m. last night.

A colleague of mine had tuned in to the station on the way to work yesterday and overheard a conversation about our client. Additionally, they mentioned that they were unable to reach a local company representative for comment. What a great opportunity to capitalize on their need and provide them with this interview, right? After bouncing around the station's production department, I was ultimately led to an administrative assistant who took my contact information. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to receive a call from one of the shows co-hosts (and honestly, I didn't expect to get a call back at all, given all the people who transferred my initial phone call).

This conversation turned out to be the highlight of the project. Not only was he grateful that we reached out to them, but that we were able to secure one of the company's executives for an on-air interview. In our short conversation we built a strong relationship and he has asked that we continue to stay in touch for future opportunities. He even took the time to follow up with me from his home with an e-mail outlining the interview details and providing his personal contact information if any questions, concerns, or issues should arise. He was accommodating me just as much as we were accommodating him and all other media contacts we had spoken to this week. Impressive. And much appreciated.

So thanks, Joe, for the great conversation and for allowing our client the chance to go on air and talk about their commitment, their loyalty, and the situation at hand - we truly appreciate you.

Cheers!

-A