Public Relations Tips from the Author of The Bad Pitch Blog Richard Laermer

Richard Laermer of RLM Public Relations and The Bad Pitch Blog

Has public relations lost its way? Are those working in the public relations/communications industry nice people or just flaks? Richard Laermer, author of  2011: Trendspotting for the Next Decade gave a presentation to the New York Chapter of the Public Relations Society and offered tips on getting your message out to those that will cover it. Even though we all receive the same information, Richard stated that each person chooses who influences them. When it comes down to it, what does every media type want more than a puppy or kitten? A story (they wrote or covered) that becomes shared, passed on, e-mailed, or sent along as the most e-mailed story. So how do you get to that point? Even in this era of social media specialization you should make yourself, even force yourself to become well-rounded in what you read. In another words: Stop. Reading. Same. Crap.  Richard advised that  to improve your writing there is no better way than to write, write, write. For tips on pitching Richard suggests that when making your pitch be sure to write or communicate what you think the person on the receiving end should know. When you call have something intelligent to say. Be considerate, and put some thought into the best method in how your recipient will want to be contacted and communicated.

Pitching is not just picking up the phone and telling someone what to write, so best to follow these tips:

– Create an alluring hook around a story worth telling

– Make passionate calls that get people (other than yourself) interested

– Either make yourself or the executives at your company experts that a television/radio producer can contact when they need an expert on a particular topic

– Keep your story/release concise since everyone now has a smartphone and your message has to be read all in one screen space.

If you follow these steps it will get you from where you are to where your evangelists are since no one pays attention when companies become pr hype machines.

You can follow Richard Laermer on Twitter @laermer.

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