Comments on: Dear Flack (Volume 1)

By: Ef Rodriguez

Ef Rodriguez — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:07:45 +0000

Finding an empty office to call from is crucial when you're just starting out. It can be excruciating otherwise, haha.

By: Ef Rodriguez

Ef Rodriguez — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:07:45 +0000

Finding an empty office to call from is crucial when you're just starting out. It can be excruciating otherwise, haha.

By: PRFlipside

PRFlipside — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:19:06 +0000

When I phone pitch, I first test out my pitch with smaller insignificant outlets (no offense to smaller outlets, but they don't get pitched much so they are usually more receptive). Once I get the phone pitch down, I target the bigger ones. Hello New York Times…

By: Latrivia Nelson

Latrivia Nelson — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:01:13 +0000

If you’re just starting out, you also may want to try out your pitching techniques on someone in the office or even record yourself making a pitch. Once you’re on the phone, the first impression has been made. So, you want to work out the kinks out before it impacts your client.

Good luck,

Latrivia Nelson

By: Marie

Marie — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:03:57 +0000

Thanks to everyone for their comments and insight.

Lynette- It’s great to hear a journalist’s point of view. You brought up a lot of valid points. Thanks for sharing.

Sherri- Good luck in your pitches! I’m glad you found the post helpful

Mike – Thanks for your feedback! I have to say it can go either way by asking them if its a good time. I also think you bring up a great reminder that there is a real person on the other end!

By: Mike Kelly

Mike Kelly — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:53:01 +0000

Marie,

Solid post….I think most PR pros can relate to the challenge/annoyance of phone pitching with your boss eavesdropping and critiquing after each call.

The one rule I would question is whether to ask a journalist if they have time to speak with you. I would only recommend that if you have an existing relationship with the journalist.

It’s most likely that they will be VERY busy, stressed out under deadline. By asking them if its a good time, you’re giving them an easy out.

I’ve found it’s best to do a quick “how are you doing today” and then jump right into what resources you can provide to make their life easier. “I have a great resource to discuss this trend…”

The most important pieces are to know who you are pitching and to remember they are a real person on the other end of the line, and not a simply a conquest to generate coverage for a client.

Thanks, MK

By: Sherri Haymond

Sherri Haymond — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:22:18 +0000

Marie,

Thanks for this great, informational post. As someone with no formal PR training who’s doing PR for my own new small biz, this advice is invaluable. I’ve yet to do a phone pitch, and of course I’m jittery about it – but I’ll use your tips, make a list and make sure I get a “date!”

By: Lynette Cornell

Lynette Cornell — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:31:45 +0000

As a journalist, I just want to add: Make sure you can provide a solid reason why they should listen, and give that reason up front. Journalists are incredibly busy and receive pitches for things all the time.

Make the value of your pitch clear from the very beginning. The reporter is thinking, “Why should I care?” You need to answer that question with how your pitch is going to be valuable for them.

Also, I’d like to reiterate the idea mentioned in the article about talking naturally. If you call up, get someone on the phone, and then spew out information for 2 minutes solid, they’re going to be hearing a click and then the line going dead. Give a chance for the reporter to reply first.

Do not flatter or patronize. Nothing would bother me more than hearing “As a well-respected media outlet, you know the importance of….” or “You’ve probably heard that we are the best…”