Media management has become one of the strategic tools for managers and leaders to drive marketing opportunities, communicate key messages, achieve social change or influence Government. Managing Director of 8M Media & Communications, Thomas Murrell argues companies must take a customer service approach when dealing with the media.
The ability to lead, persuade and influence are integral skills for effective managers. The capability of telling a story that inspires, motivates and informs is an essential part of this process. In an age of convergence in the media and increased scepticism over traditional communication methods, a new breed of managers and leaders is emerging that sees the media as an opportunity and not a threat. They use the media in a pro-active way to build their organisation's image, reputation and identity.
Business Review Weekly's cover story "Future Leaders" editorial reported "new chief executives must have better presentation skills, for they will be required to perform in the electronic and printed media. Poor presentation will be perceived as a weakness in leadership, and arrogance or condescending attitudes will only be tolerated while the company is on top," (BRW December 14, 1998 P.14).
So what is the best way to deal with the media to build and grow your business?
Well, I believe you should treat them as you would your best customer or client. All the rules that apply to dealing with customers and providing outstanding customer service should apply when you interact with the media.
Remember the media are very busy and the better you can help them by providing information, story ideas and leads the more effective you will be in getting your businesses name or story in the media.
My role with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, as both a broadcaster interviewing key decision makers and as a manager providing editorial leadership for program makers, allowed me to observe first hand how effective leaders use the media to get their message across.
I now share this knowledge and experience with a range of clients to add value, improve performance and build capabilities. Our company has built a reputation for excellence in media strategy, issues management, change management, marketing communications, media training, financial journalism and professional speaking. A practical approach is focused on helping people strategically manage real-life situations.
The most effective organisations that manage the media the best are those that take a customer service approach.
Here are 10 success tips that will help managers and leaders get the best from the media by taking a customer service approach.
Thomas Murrell, MBA, APS is an award winning broadcaster, professional speaker and media consultant.
His company, 8M Media & Communications provides solutions to media and communication issues for Top 500 companies, Government agencies and leading Universities.
He provides media training, media advice and keynote presentations on issues relating to marketing and media.
He is the author of "China Media - The Ethics of Influence" ISBN 0-646-37451-6 and can be contacted at www.resources2000.com.au or 08 - 9388 6888.
Are You Winning the Media Game? One Day Seminar
Is your organisation missing out on valuable marketing and promotional opportunities?
You can boost your chances of business success by attending this interactive media workshop presented by Thomas Murrell
When: Wednesday October 25th, 9am - 4.30pm
Where: The WA Club, 101 St George's Terrace, Perth
Cost: $270 per person plus GST ($297 incl GST)
Registrations: Call Penny on 08 - 9388 6888 or visit www.resources2000.com.au
The ability to lead, persuade and influence are integral skills for effective managers. The capability of telling a story that inspires, motivates and informs is an essential part of this process. In an age of convergence in the media and increased scepticism over traditional communication methods, a new breed of managers and leaders is emerging that sees the media as an opportunity and not a threat. They use the media in a pro-active way to build their organisation's image, reputation and identity.
Business Review Weekly's cover story "Future Leaders" editorial reported "new chief executives must have better presentation skills, for they will be required to perform in the electronic and printed media. Poor presentation will be perceived as a weakness in leadership, and arrogance or condescending attitudes will only be tolerated while the company is on top," (BRW December 14, 1998 P.14).
So what is the best way to deal with the media to build and grow your business?
Well, I believe you should treat them as you would your best customer or client. All the rules that apply to dealing with customers and providing outstanding customer service should apply when you interact with the media.
Remember the media are very busy and the better you can help them by providing information, story ideas and leads the more effective you will be in getting your businesses name or story in the media.
My role with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, as both a broadcaster interviewing key decision makers and as a manager providing editorial leadership for program makers, allowed me to observe first hand how effective leaders use the media to get their message across.
I now share this knowledge and experience with a range of clients to add value, improve performance and build capabilities. Our company has built a reputation for excellence in media strategy, issues management, change management, marketing communications, media training, financial journalism and professional speaking. A practical approach is focused on helping people strategically manage real-life situations.
The most effective organisations that manage the media the best are those that take a customer service approach.
Here are 10 success tips that will help managers and leaders get the best from the media by taking a customer service approach.
- Know Your Strengths. What are you an expert at? What is your specialized area of expertise? What unique services or information can you offer? Position yourself as the expert.
- Clarify your communication objectives? What do you want to achieve? To inform or entertain? To provide information? To build a profile? To influence public opinion? Personal marketing? Marketing or launching a new product or service?
- Define your target audience? Who is your target audience? General public? Customers? Competitors? Suppliers? What age are they, what level of education, what beliefs and values, geographical location, how do they use the media?
- Identify the best channels of communication. What is the best way to reach your target audience? TV, Radio, Internet, newspapers - local or Statewide, specialist or generalist, industry publications, community newsletters?
- What is your key message? Distill what you want to say into three key points. Work out the best time to deliver this message and who will deliver it.
- Build your case? What are the features, advantages and benefits of your message for your target audience? What evidence and proof do you have?
- What is the hook? What will make your message or news release stand out from the rest? Be creative. Use a press release to control the information flow.
- Develop long-term relationships with the media. Visit and meet them face to face. Network and get to know them.
- Use the Three Golden Rules to Perform at your Best = Know Your Topic, Be Prepared, Relax.
- Seek Professional Help. For maximum impact, effectiveness and value seek the advice of a media and communications professional.
Thomas Murrell, MBA, APS is an award winning broadcaster, professional speaker and media consultant.
His company, 8M Media & Communications provides solutions to media and communication issues for Top 500 companies, Government agencies and leading Universities.
He provides media training, media advice and keynote presentations on issues relating to marketing and media.
He is the author of "China Media - The Ethics of Influence" ISBN 0-646-37451-6 and can be contacted at www.resources2000.com.au or 08 - 9388 6888.
Are You Winning the Media Game? One Day Seminar
Is your organisation missing out on valuable marketing and promotional opportunities?
You can boost your chances of business success by attending this interactive media workshop presented by Thomas Murrell
When: Wednesday October 25th, 9am - 4.30pm
Where: The WA Club, 101 St George's Terrace, Perth
Cost: $270 per person plus GST ($297 incl GST)
Registrations: Call Penny on 08 - 9388 6888 or visit www.resources2000.com.au
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