Planning Ahead is an Understatement

It's no secret that reporters always operate in the future -- because they are always planning for the next issue, broadcast, post, etc.

That's why half of the time, I don't know what day it is.

That is also why you have to plan ahead. Way, way ahead. Here are a couple of tips to keep you on track.

1. Look at your own calendar. Think you have something good for Black History Month? Women's History Month? You should already be pitching it...in fact, you should have started last month.
2. It's better to be too early than too late. You would rather have a reporter tell you to call back than to tell you they don't have room for you because you called too late.
3. Have all the details in place. If  a reporter does want to cover your story, you should have all the details that they need ready for them.

The moral of the story? Reporters plan. You should be planning, too.

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media 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.

Social Media vs. Traditional Media...Which Wins?

I'm a reporter.

Yes, I know, you know that. As a reporter, how I help people is share what I know from being on the inside, so to speak, to help you put together a better story to present to people just like me.

So when I hear that PR folks are no longer needed due to social media, I have to pause.

Social media is an awesome supplement for traditional media. I actually love social media, so don't think that I'm not a fan.

But social doesn't replace traditional media, for several reasons but here are my top three:

• Third-party verification. Of course, you think you're awesome. But when someone else thinks you're awesome, someone who isn't paid to retweet your promo or to say certaing things on a Youtube video, it's still good news.  Reporters are that third party that can objectively -- more or less -- report on what makes you great.
• People still trust the news. Reporters have a way of digging up facts that people still trust and care about. Though you may be able to spread your entertainment quickly via social media, a lot of people don't trust it until it comes from a credible news source.
• Traditional news multiplies social media. When a video goes viral, it's a great thing. And imagine how many more hits the video gets when it gets shown on "Good Morning America."

I love social media. And I love traditional media. The moral of the story? Effective marketing, PR and publicity strives to use a good combination of both.

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.

Don't Burn the Publicity Bridge

Happy New Year!

Here's a toast to all of the great publicity you are seeking for your awesome nonprofit and/or your profitable business.

So in my first post of the year, I'm going to share an experience that I've had within the last couple of months.

I pitched to a reporter and they weren't interested in the story I was presenting -- at that moment. But the reporter assured me that it was an issue she was ware of and that she would keep us in mind.

The point of all? Sometimes it takes time for your story. You may not catch the reporter's attention or fit in their timeline the very second that your pitch. And that's OK.

Don't write the reporter off. Don't throw a fit or send a nasty email. Just wait for your time. If you have a good story and you are presenting it well, your time is coming.

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media 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 their programs and efforts in the news. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.