A Publicity Hound writes:
“I have a client who has been booked on the ‘Today’ show as part of their “Love After 40” series. I didn’t get the segment directly. ‘Today’ called us after seeing the local NBC segment about my client. I am wondering the best wording to use to capitalize on this exciting opportunity. I was turned down by ‘The View’ but I feel like I should call again to let them know the ‘Today’ show wants my client and to suggest that perhaps they should take another look.
“I also want to call our local newspaper and More magazine to let them know about the ‘Today’ show. Any advice on how to word my conversation with these other media outlets?
My answer:
When a media outlet says it isn’t interested, never try to change their minds. Media people hate that. It’s as though you’re asking, “Don’t you think you made a bad decision that you want to reverse?”
During a teleseminar called “How to Get booked on ‘The View,’” that I hosted a few years ago with Erin Saxton, a former producer for “The View,” Erin said the show is very different from most other talk shows. It’s known as “The Selfish Women Show.” In fact, Erin says that’s what they call themselves because the show focuses on how women can help themselves, pamper themselves and make themselves feel good. So forget about “The View” and move on.
Definitely let the local newspaper know about the “Today” show. This is news and they should be interested. When you pitch to More, let the story idea stand on its own. More doesn’t much care that your client appeared on “Today.” I would however, capitalize on the “Today” appearance by:
—Having the client add “As see on the ‘Today’ show” in their email signature.
—Mentioning this media appearance at their website and get a clip, if possible, with permission to include it at the website.
—Include this mention in bio material.