Pick up the phone
In today’s text and email heavy world, many PR professionals might be wary to call an editor or reporter.
Don’t be.
Phone calls are a great way to seal the deal on a story idea or op-ed. You can provide reporters or editors with more details and convince them of the timeliness of your pitch. If your email went to spam, a phone call is a quick way to solve that problem.
Still nervous about using a phone to speak to someone? Here are a few tips:
First, introduce yourself. Sure, reporters and editors have caller ID. But that doesn’t tell them why you’re calling.
Second, ask if now is a good time to talk. Many reporters and editors are on deadline. The last thing they want is a five-minute monologue about something they’re not interested in. If a reporter says she’s on deadline, politely ask when you can call back — and then get off the phone.
Third, be succinct. Make your case quickly. Then, ask a direct question. “Do you think you could run this piece?” “Are you interested in interviewing this CEO?” A good question will get you an answer.
Finally, be friendly and, above all, polite.
