Can You Be An Expert?

We have all seen news stories where someone says something controversial. Then another person comes forward to disagree. Or another person comes forward to agree.

All of sudden, news coverage turns into a glorified "he said, she said" fest.

But it's the nature of the beast and it's actually a way for an individual or organization to generate publicity for themselves. For example, if an expert economist makes a startling statement such as, "The housing market will never recover!" and you are also an expert, you can call up a reporter and say, "Well, that's just not so...and here's why."

Keep in mind, though, there are some things to note as far as whether you qualify to comment:

• Make sure you can intelligently speak on the issue. It should be something that covers either your expertise or something that you have had experience in.
• Gather statistics. It's always good to show the numbers that back up your assessment.
• Be factual. There's nothing worse than an argument based on inaccuracies.
• Don't do it JUST to get publicity. Make sure you have something to offer to discussion and/or something people need to know about the topic.

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media relations consultant with The Write Vision Group, Inc. With a background in print media, she has written thousands of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette consults with nonprofits and small businesses about how to get their programs and efforts in the news. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.

Say It On Your Own

I'm always willing to talk about how social media and traditional media should work hand-in-hand.

The one great thing about social media is that you can broadcast whatever you want -- even if you haven't been able to get on the news.

But that doesn't mean that when you post a blog entry, it should be boring and dull. It doesn't mean that your videos shouldn't be quality or that audio shouldn't be compelling.

You still have to fulfill the elements of news that grab your audience's attention if you want people to notice it. You still want to be sure that your content:

• Informs, educates or entertains
• Is truthful and credible
• Tells a great story.

The moral of the story? Great social media can prepare you for your placement in traditional media.

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media relations consultant with The Write Vision Group, Inc. With a background in print media, she has written thousands of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette consults with nonprofits and small businesses about how to get their programs and efforts in the news. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.

Bad News Travels Faster

Someone once said that lies can travel the world while the truth is still getting its pants on.

I think this statement is mostly true and can certainly be applied to good news and bad news. The unfortunate fact is: bad news can also travel faster.

If you look at social media and what gets the most reposts and retweets, sure, there are some amazing quotes, pictures and videos that get great feedback. But cases like the latest social media nightmare for Progressive Insurance can easily get way more air time.

According to CNN Money: "The company's crisis began [in August] when a customer's sibling published a Tumblr post with the kind of headline public-relations people have nightmares about: "My Sister Paid Progressive Insurance to Defend Her Killer In Court.

...Fisher's blog post went viral overnight and was re-shared on Tumblr more than 10,000 times. The Internet hive turned savagely on Progressive and its iconic spokeswoman."

To compound the issue, Progressive apparently responded with a series of RoboTweets, when a genuine, heartfelt statement was probably more appropriate.

The moral of the story isn't not to use social media or to be fearful of what people may say about you. But if you're confronted with bad news, remain genuine and heartfelt. Make sure that your message remains consistent and that you report on your own good news, even if no one else does. 

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media relations consultant with The Write Vision Group, Inc. With a background in print media, she has written thousands of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette consults with nonprofits and small businesses about how to get their programs and efforts in the news. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.

It Takes More Than An Idea

A lot of people have great ideas.

What separates you from the person with just another great idea is that you have set the work in motion to make it happen. When you have at least started the work, that's when you should contact a reporter.

No journalist wants to do a story on someone who turns out to just be a talker. The one with the grand ideas and declarations, but nothing to actually show for it. If you're wondering about the timing of sending out your pitch or press release, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Documentation -- Have you actually filed the paperwork to start your nonprofit? Is there a board of directors in place or a website? Find something tangible lends you credibility that you are doing what you say you are doing.
• Your team -- Is there a least one other person who can vouch for you? Someone who is willing to step up and say they are on board with what you are doing? Make sure that person is available to talk to the reporter too. Again, this speaks to credibility if other people are willing to publicly support what you are doing.
• Your message -- Are YOU sure about what it is you're doing? If you cannot clearly articulate the goal of your business, organization or event, perhaps you are not ready for news coverage.

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media relations consultant with The Write Vision Group, Inc. With a background in print media, she has written thousands of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette consults with nonprofits and small businesses about how to get their programs and efforts in the news. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.