
Today, we can see how effective a thought leader, who can convey essential information to the general public, proves to be. However, when we talk about media interviews, the significance of thought leadership has been unrivaled recently. Whether you are a specialist in public health or a famous guitarist, there will come a time when you will be asked to share the information and be a spokesperson. Therefore, it is vital to be prepared for that time.
This raises a question: How can someone position themselves as a specialist when it comes to media? Following are the seven effective tips shared by Adina Brunetti:
1. Change The Way You Think:
That’s where you start. Here you need to come out of your head and understand that people do not know the things which they don’t know. Simple. At times, we overthink the act of sharing things on social media on which we have a firm grip. We often talk to ourselves and say, “it seems like I am boasting.” However, the reality is the other way around. You have invested a massive amount of time in acquiring that knowledge and have become an expert after working hard. You are not boasting about anything, but in fact, you are sharing your expertise.
“Often, we don’t want to seem like we’re boasting, but it’s like, why is that a bad thing? Like, nobody wants to be with someone that they don’t feel like has a level of expertise or knowledge.” – Adina Brunetti.
If you are not feeling well, you will go to a professional doctor, right? You will never prefer a mediocre one. The same goes here as well. Therefore, never be submissive and do not consider yourself unworthy. We have worked hard at being experts at what we do, and we totally deserve to share about it.
It is all about changing the way you think. Only then will you be able to share who you really are. Remember, being human is what is considered as being influential on social media. It shows who you truly are.
2. Specify your own niche.
When you speak about something, you need to make sure what it means to you. Never try to make your field of expertise extremely vast, as it may portray a false image of yours. With that being said, you should also be careful when narrowing down your niche, as it should not be extremely specific. Remember, media members, prefer interviewees who are versatile. Recognize your best strengths and then start talking about them.
3. Write bylined articles.
You can easily get attention from local as well as national media if your articles get published under your name. You can do that by writing letters to the editor, op-ed columns, and various other ways. When you write bylined articles, there comes a sense of legitimacy. This is especially true when you write in your particular field of expertise. In fact, your articles may be seen by members of the media organically, and they may reach out to you without you even making any extra efforts.
4. Pitch stories to relevant media.
Apart from publishing your articles, you are also required to identify those members of the media who are specifically related to your particular field of expertise. Show them your potential and give them an opportunity to see that you are informed regarding the latest news and trends. Make them realize that you are serious and can prove to be effective for them.
5. Write A Book
If you have perfectly implemented the first point, then you won’t find implementing this point that challenging. By writing a book, you can then easily get into the details of your niche and manifest your professional stance, opinion, and, most importantly, your personality in a better manner. Moreover, the media also likes to talk about an author as being published makes you an authority and improves your credibility, which is quite hard to achieve from a website.
6. Building relationships with your audience is vital.
Adina Brunetti says, “It’s essential to make your staff, your team members feel special because they are your people.” – When we personalize the greetings to our audience, this gives a message that we know them. All of us want to get heard, seen, and understood by the people. This is now possible through social media, which connects us to our audience. By utilizing social media, we can build trust and show our audience that we truly care about them.
How do we do that? By providing the services. We serve them.
“Imagine that you are in a relationship with your audience. They did their part by following you, they trust you, so you have to do your part and show up for them.” – Adina Brunetti.
7. Call back right away.
Members of the media are usually very strict regarding the deadlines, and therefore they never like to wait a lot for anything. If you are responsive, this will show that you are reliable as well. Also, make sure to be gracious and courteous.
These little but highly effective things really matter a lot. They are important in order to build relationships, especially in media circles.
Today, we are able to share our own content online and develop a body of work that is independent of news media.
However, it is important to remember that being on social media or on your website does not make you highly credible, while being quoted as a specialist by a famous and professional journalist can.
Just follow the describe steps, and you are good to go. You will certainly witness your contact information included in the contact list of recognized journalists with an image of authority and an expert personality in your field of expertise.