This time of year is perfect for pitching a “how to” segment for a local or national TV talk show or a newscast. For example:
—Demonstrate how to carve a pumpkin. If you’re pitching to a local talk show, carve the local TV station’s call letters into the pumpkin. How in the world could a producer not want that segment?
—If you’re a foodie, offer to do a quick class on how to bake a fun Halloween dessert, like witches’ fingers. They’re strips of dough with a slivered almond on the end to resemble a fingernail.
—A chiropractor can demonstrate tips for kids who wear backpacks to school. Be sure to round up a kid or two to appear on the show with you. Book publicist Lissa Warren, who was my guest during a teleseminar last year on “How to Get Booked on the Morning TV Talk Shows,” knows all the tricks on how to get onto the really big shows like “Fox & Friends” and “Good Morning America.” Anytime you can pitch additional guests other than yourself, even those who can speak on the opposite side of an issue you are taking, producers will look more favorably on you.
—TV stations will do the obligatory “first day of autumn” features this Thursday. How about a hardware store offering a segment on how to prepare for colder weather, demonstrating various products that help people winterize their homes?
—October is Consumer Information Month, perfect for a demonstration on product safety.
—Pregnant celebs are showing up on the covers of gossip magazines. A clothing store can pitch a fashion show for moms-to-be.
The Publicity Hound® says: Any time you can get a TV talk show host or on-air reporter involved in your demonstration, all the better.