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Help a Reporter, Get Free Press…It’s A Win-Win Deal!

Help a Reporter (HARO) is a new and free media service (that outgrew its Facebook group) that facilitates the introduction of subject matter experts and journalists.  You are an expert if you have something meaningful and interesting to share about your business, industry or subject matter.   

If you are on an entrepreneurial journey or developing a mature practice, becoming a source of information to a reporter is a great way to position yourself (and your business or firm) as an expert.   You are also providing a valuable service to reporters and the public-at-large when you provide unique quotes or insights about the matter being covered.

I am a big fan of HARO.   Peter Shankman, serial entrepreneur, and founder is careful to solicit and post interesting reporter queries in funny and engaging emails.  This is really an amazing free service where you’ll find great places to “pitch” your expertise while enjoying the adventures of “Shankman”.

Peter also has a great philosophy about why it’s important to him that this service is (and remains) free.   He feels that connecting people in this way spreads good karma and I couldn’t agree more! :-)  Peter says ~ if you feel you must donate for his services, to please do so to your local animal shelter or other similar group. 

HARO is pretty easy to use.  Simply register as a source by entering your name and email address.  Each day you’ll receive up to three emails (early morning, around lunchtime and early afternoon) with a list 15-30 queries of reporters seeking sources.  If you see a query that fits your background and expertise, you contact the reporter directly by email.

Being quoted as a subject matter expert is a excellent way to build your professional brand and raise your profile.  Once you are quoted, be sure to use your quote(s) on your Web site and other promotional materials, or link to your quote on your social medial profiles or blog (you are blogging, aren’t you?).   Referring to your ”name and words” in the media helps to raise your profile and let others know about your areas of expertise.

And, once you are quoted in the media, be sure to “tweet” about it.  You are on Twitter by now, right?   If you are not, you should be.   If you are, be sure to follow me at www.twitter.com/upwardaction

Expect the Best!

Coach T.C.

P.S. -  I have no financial or other interest in HARO- I’m simply a raving fan.  :-)

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Working with Compassion

Share your knowledge, expand your network, act with compassion. Tim Sanders, author of the groundbreaking Love Is the Killer App: How to Win Business and Influence Friends, says that the best way to build your career or business is to practice generosity-to the extreme. By working this way, we garner trust and respect in others and clients are drawn to authenticity and kindness. Sanders doesn’t talk about love in a fluffy, false way but as a genuine mindset to doing business.

To share your knowledge, you need to build your knowledge. Reading business and personal development books, magazines and blogs gives you a base from which to share.

When you can’t provide a service to a client or colleague, you may be able to share knowledge with them. Being able to say “I can’t help you directly, but you might try reading this article” allows you to provide valuable assistance without being a subject matter expert.

Expanding your network allows you to help others by introducing them to people they might want to work with or who can support their vision.

While “networking” sometimes has a false “people collecting” image, when you think of establishing contacts so you can connect people with others who can provide solutions for their issues, “networking” becomes a altruistic venture.

Again, if you can’t help a client, but know someone who can, you will be considered a resource when people in your target market need help -or know someone who needs help. Becoming a portal of information will make a measureable difference in your practice or other service business.

Finally, can we say enough about living with compassion?

Living and working with compassion makes others feel better … both about you and themselves. We are drawn to those who empower us, cheer us on, or listen during hard times.

Colleagues and clients are no different. Compassion is a leadership trait that perhaps doesn’t draw enough attention. If your professional brand includes compassion, you will naturally draw others to you.

So. Love is a killer application. Add it to your toolbox.

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