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networking

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

by UpwardActionTeam | Coach T.C. Coleman

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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3 Must Have Social Networks … You Are Behind the 8 Ball Without Them

by Coach T.C. Coleman

Today’s saucy headline is inspired by Brian Clarke’s The Cosmo Headline Challenge over at  Copyblogger.com.   Thanks for the inspiration, Brian!

This post is all about developing meaningful business relationships … virturally.   To accomplish this objective, we encourage you to become an active member of 3 social networking sites that are important to your ability to stay connected to colleagues, clients and future business opportunities.

Social Networking at Its Best

Global GirlPower2

3.      Check out PeopleJam.   People Jam is a brand new social network that provides a platform for you to be (i) inspired and motivated by coaches and experts and (ii) a source of motivation and inspiration for members of this  community who share their stories and ask for support. We LOVE this new community. If you check it out, let us know what you think.

Global GirlPower

2.   Get a Facebook account, if you don’t have one already.   Facebook is a terrific way to get in touch with long lost law school, grad school and college buddies.  It is not just for college kids … really.  You will be amazed at just how many influential people are on Facebook. If you have a blog, Facebook is also a great way to introduce new audiences to your blog.   Just utilize the RSS feeds on Facebook and every time you update your blog, your Facebook community will be notified of the update.   Facebook also provides a great forum for updating your community about upcoming events.  When you have something new going on, you can easily direct your Facebook friends to your website or blog by simply writing on their “Wall”  or you own!   Once you check out Facebook, you’ll understand the “Wall” reference … .

paperpeopleFlyingHigh 1.  LinkedIn is the single most effective way for busy professionals to stay in touch with your sphere of influence.  If you do nothing else, sign up for a free LinkedIn account. LinkedIn allows you to reconnect with former colleagues, classmates and members of various organizations and groups.  To really take advantage of the power of this social networking tool, sign up for a premium account and use LinkedIn to directly connect with potential business, potential employers, future mployees and prospective clients without the need for a prior point of contact.    A great way to make a connection with someone you don’t know and for whom you don’t have a direct contact is to provide the person with free information that is meaningful and useful to their business (an article or white paper is a great start). You will be in a position to realize the maximum benefit from the connections you make if you have a newsletter or some other periodical to follow up with after your initial point of contact.   Remember to get permission before adding your new connections to your mailing list.  

Another great way to network on LinkedIn is to post questions for your network and also respond to questions that are posted by others. Providing thoughtful answers to questions is also a terrific way to build your reputation as an expert and “center of knowledge“.

That’s it for today.    Have fun developing your online relationships!

Until next time … Take GREAT Care!

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