Media Exposure for the Joggler – Part 2

In part one of this series, we discussed how you go about getting media exposure. In this section, we’ll discuss how to behave and what to do with the media exposure once you get it.

How to Behave

8. Have a message.

Getting your name in the paper or on TV is great, but if that’s all you do, you’ll likely find it unsatisfying. Media exposure provides a perfect opportunity to spread your message. It’s your opportunity to “Change the World”. Figure out what you stand for or care about. Run for a charity in which media exposure can help raise awareness and money. I have a few messages I try to communicate. For example, I try to inspire people to find their talents & do them rather than wasting time. I try to encourage physical fitness and of course, increase the popularity of juggling, running and joggling.

9. Prepare some standard responses.

You’ll get asked the same questions over and over. Take a look at the questions asked in the Joggling Interviews and answer them for yourself. If you can anticipate questions, you can spend more effort on your delivery. This will make for a more interesting and entertaining story.

10. Smile

One of the most important characteristics of joggling is that it’s fun. When people are having fun, they smile. So, if you’re doing an interview or recording a video, be sure to smile. When you talk on the phone, have a smile in your voice. It will make you immediately likable. Note: Smiling during your races is recommended but not required. Sometimes joggling hurts!

11. Be flexible with your time

Media people work on tight deadlines. They’ll often call you up and ask to meet with you the same day. If you can do it, you should. They might be trying to fill some time in that day’s newscast. Often, some competing story might take their attention the next day. If you can’t meet right away, try to clear your schedule as soon as you can. If you want to get media mentions, you’ve got to be available.

12. Respond quickly.

Things change so quickly in the media that if you drag your feet, you might miss an opportunity. When you get an email or phone call from a reporter, respond to them as quickly as possible. If they don’t hear from you, they will move on to another story and often go with something that is not nearly as interesting, but is available.

13. Be positive.

Reporters like joggling because it is a happy story. Most of the news is filled with depressing, negative stories and something like joggling helps off-set that. Relay the fun and interesting aspects of your joggling event. Don’t complain about ANYTHING. Focus on what was good and forget about the bad.

Take the advise of my favorite blood type, B-positive

14. Be gracious.

Remember to thank the reporter for taking an interest in you. Not only is this good manners but it also helps build a relationship with this media person. You never know when you might want to contact them again to get publicity for a charity event you may be joggling in the future.

15. Remember, it’s about you.

If you are like me, you may find talking about yourself a bit embarrassing. You have been trained not to brag about yourself, and in real life, this is a good thing. However, in the world of the media, this is not good. Tell the reporter about you. While you should acknowledge that there are other jogglers in the world, stay focused on your story. Reporters don’t want to hear about the joggler who finished some other marathon faster than you. They want to believe that your story is unique and the one that has to be told.

If you don’t toot your own horn, who will?

16. Thank your significant other.

While it should be about you, don’t forget that your spouse or significant other is also part of your story. People want to know what regular life is like for a joggler. If you’re lucky like me, your spouse will be supportive and during an interview is an excellent time to say thanks so all the world knows how appreciative you are.

17. Plug your product.

Companies spent billions of dollars a year to get their products advertised on TV, radio or in print. Your interview is a golden opportunity to mention products you believe in. Don’t waste too much time talking about products but you should try to subtly work product mentions into your responses. If it’s your own product (or website) this is great. Even just mentioning a product you like is a great idea because someone from that company may hear about it and offer you an endorsement deal.

18. Know when to stop talking about it.

Short answers are better than long boring ones. You don’t have to relay every interesting anecdote about your joggling life. Spend time thinking about how you will answer questions and stick to it. Short and snappy works best for TV and Radio. In phone interviews with reporters, you can pontificate a bit longer, but not much more. Remember, reporters work on tight deadlines. They just want enough information to tell a good story. The more you give them, the harder it becomes to choose what to include.

19. Wear contrasting colors.

If you are going to be one television, be sure to wear colors that contrast with your joggling balls. That way, the balls won’t “disappear” when they go in front of your shirt.

20. Collect your press clippings.

Keep pictures, videos, medals, audio interviews, and newspaper stories in one place. A shoe box can work or maybe a briefcase is better. It’s also good to have as much stored electronically as possible. It’s so much easier and faster to send electronic files or Internet links than DVDs and pieces of paper. Most media outlets can use electronic media now.

In part 3 we will wrap-up with some tidbits that will help you know what to expect when you give an interview.