There’s a misconception out there that when you get published the automatic result is fame and fortune. That’s the power of the press. If there’s ink about you, you must be successful and rich. Not so.
A colleague and I were comparing notes over coffee yesterday. She had seen a wonderful article about me and my Remarkable Women’s Network events in the Greenwich Time that morning. She referred to a full-page feature that had been written about her which resulted in only one phone response that had nothing to do with that article’s contents. I nodded in recognition of that outcome. Been there!
I commiserated. There have been many times where the article I thought would change my life didn’t. I’ve learned through experience that it’s not the press that gets you business. It’s what you do with the press that gets you business. The word is out there. You’ve received that coveted third party endorsement. But we all know how fleeting that is. It’s our job to take that promotional material and continue the promotion.
I intend to make copies and send them to the wonderful women who were quoted. I’ll also snail mail a copy to Eileen Fisher whom I refer to in the article as my role model as a woman entrepreneur. Talk about third party endorsement. In addition, I’ll add links to my website and make copies for future promotional kits. Getting published is just the beginning of the PR journey. Reaping the rewards is a long-term prospect. Your name is in the ozone, but getting the word out and enjoying the benefits of that only begins after the excitement of publication wanes.
You make a good point here. So much of what we gain does not result directly, rather indirectly, from our apparent successes. When I started my blog, UrbanGardensWeb.com, I thought I might some day profit from it through ads or sponsorships. Although those may at some point bring some income my way, I have found that more success from the blog has come from outside the blog–a possible book and a new creative blogging workshop venture.
These are things I never imagined when I first launched the blog, and I think proof that being open and following your passions does indeed pay off at some point–just maybe not how or when you expected it.
And don’t forget… articles on the web remain”live” for many years (and eyes) in the future!
Building your PR platform is similar to building a house. Solid foundation (concrete concept) followed by structurally sound walls (valuable content) and a protective roof (conscious effort)! It doesn’t happen overnight, and it takes a talented team. Media attention is just one of the elements to help move your message along… you’re doing a fabulous job with each opportunity Jane!
@Pamela
I did forget that! Thanks so much for the reminder…and praise.
Congrats on your coverage, Jane. Your events are truly worthy of media coverage and much more.
This is why online articles are golden. Many times people snub their noses at online media coverage, but I LOVE it.
It stays around FOREVER and is indexed by the search engines.
It is easily shared with others – no scanning necessary.
You can create links from your website and/or blog to the great information.
It’s instantly global.
Online media coverage used to be print media coverage’s ugly second cousin. Not so much anymore.