Several years ago, I saw the same psychiatrist interviewed for a story about New Year’s resolutions almost everywhere I looked.
He was quoted as saying that Jan. 1 is the worst day of the year to make them. That’s because most of us are stressed out from the holidays. We’ve overspent and overeaten. We’re tired. We’re cranky. And we’re definitely not in the mood to lose weight, stop smoking, or do good deeds for others.
I can remember thinking about how that contrarian viewpoint pulled the media like a magnet. While all the other psychiatrists were zigging, this guy was zagging.
As I explained in my ebook How to be a Kick-butt Publicity Hound, the next time you’re tempted to jump onboard with all the other experts from your industry and start doling out advice, ask yourself if offering the contrarian view either via a press release or a pitch would be a lot smarter. Quite often, it is.
Joan –
You gave me a lot to think about in this post! From a PR perspective it is so easy to join in on what others are saying on a particular topic. In fact, you sometimes suggest that we look at other material to get ideas on what to pitch the media. Bravo for using such a great example that we can all relate to at this time of year.
The example also made me immediately blog about your post on my blog! I’m a productivity specialist and at this time of year, I always talk about why resolutions don’t work and what you can do. I talk about appropriate timing with my clients all of the time, but never in this context. Thanks for the reference.
Two “ah-has” in one post. bravo.