Outskirts Press, INC.

IS YOUR BUSINESS CLOSE-UP IN PERFECT FOCUS?

Attracting - and maximizing - great PR opportunities for you, your idea and your organization is as much an art as it is a science if you want to sparkle in the spotlight. In this must-have book covering all aspects of today’s media relations, over 20 industry experts offer “been there/done that” tips, resources and guidelines on how to: • Make influential connections • Become sound-bite savvy • Endear yourself to reporters • Survive awkward moments • Use social media wisely • Manage a cost-effective campaign Looking for that portal to media magic? It’s right here in your hands. Learn more, enjoy guest blogs and join the conversation at http://www.mediamagnetism.org.

Inspiration often arrives at unexpected moments and in diverse forms. Media Magnetism, for instance, owes its origins to a pack of Crest Glide dental floss. I had been sent by the local newspaper to do a feature story on the latest charity project of a prominent philanthropist. He graciously invited me to his office, pointed me to a comfortable chair and listened with interest to my prep-talk on how the interview would proceed as I set up my audio recording equipment on his desk. Within the first minute of my starting the tape, he casually reached into his shirt pocket and withdrew a white plastic container. I initially thought that it contained breath mints and was, thus, perplexed when he unspooled a long strand of dental floss. Over the course of 20 minutes – although it seemed much longer – he not only executed an intensely methodical cleaning worthy of a dental hygienist but also deposited all of his floss shrapnel in a messy, discolored mound right next to my microphone. No matter how scintillating or insightful the takeaway value of the feature story which was subsequently published, I can no longer see this man’s name or hear about the good deeds of his organization without recalling that unflattering image and feeling instantly repulsed. I’m guessing that’s probably not the message he was going for...