Getting Interviewed By A Journalist

I'm too boring for the press.

Almost two years ago, a major business newspaper wanted to know how I invested. They were ready to send a photographer.

In preparation, I drafted responses to the proposed questions. Unfortunately, my investment advice was too boring to publish. I turned the answers into a blog post: How an actuary invests. You can judge whether it's safe to operate heavy machinery after reading it.

What's too dull for a national newspaper works fine on a blog. That's not because you like getting bored: escape is a click away. It's because readers are a self-selected niche. Isn't that exactly what you want?

These days, you can easily put content online to

• help a niche find you
• send links to your clients and prospects

You don't need anyone's help or permission.

Avoiding The Press

In my very first media interview years ago, I got quoted out of context. This made better reading but left me scarred. The journalist knew of my inexperience and used it against me. I'm glad I didn't buy 100 copies.

After that, I refused most interview requests. Once, my company asked for the questions in advance, recorded the interview and had a PR specialist standing by. That went well. I then agreed to answer questions by email and had the replies reviewed by a communications specialist.

Practice in presenting and answering audience questions restored my confidence. I wasn't spontaneous until this year when Monty Loree interviewed me for the Canadian Money Advisor podcast. The topic was The Four Hour Work-week (part 1, part 2).

Today I'm doing my first live unrehearsed interview since that bad initial experience. This is for a national trade publication, which reduces the risk of misquotes. If I'm interesting enough to get published (may not be until the fall), I'll post the link.

The Topic

The article aims to look at how today's interactive Internet (Web 2.0) can be used to

• promote your business
• find new ideas
• keep you current with best practices
• improve your working life

Doesn't that look interesting to you? I'd certainly want to find out.

Why Me?

I don't have a press kit or know many journalists. How did the media find me? Via a Google search for keywords.

There are probably people looking for you too. Can they find you?

Links

• An email shows why you need to be findable
• How much do you really earn?
• How to prepare, promote and practice a brand-new presentation
• What to do when your messages get ignored
• The best way to capture your thoughts
• Three secrets of presenters: repetition, illusion and self-promotion
• Three communication tips: jokes, length, offense
• Image courtesy of Ivana (Croatia)