Via Thomas Lee:
Contrary to what you may think, we’re not out to dupe you. There are some reporters out there that that seem to truly believe every PR pitch they receive is a ruse. If we don’t have an existing relationship, it’s understandable that you’ll be more thorough in vetting a pitch, but realize that trying to pull one over on you is not in our best interest or the best interest of our clients. Our reputation in this business is all we have.
dslunceford
2 Comments
February 11, 2009 at 4:55 pm
As someone who frequently receives pitches, I don’t think PR folks are out to deceive me. But I have found that I have to be very thorough in vetting because they frequently gloss over problematic issues.
On the other hand, once a relationship is established and the PR professional knows what I’m looking for, it’s usually a mutually beneficial relationship.
One tip I would have for the PR people is to understand the coverage universe of the editor/reporter/blogger you’re approaching. I cover mutual funds, I have no interest in reviewing your clients novel about pirates off the Floridian coast in the 1800’s. You’re just wasting everyone’s time bringing that to me.
February 11, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Ben, I think you hit the nail on the head…it’s about the relationship, and it does work both ways. As I wrote way back in Tip #2, my radar goes up when a reporter calls me and beats around the bush instead of asking a question outright.
As to the second part of your comment, absolutely agreed, some flacks need to practice better outreach. But if you’re interested, I’ve been thinking about writing a novel about pirates off the North Carolia coast in the 1800’s. It’ll blow that Floridian pirate novel out of the water!