Sending a 10:00 PM e-mail about a 6:00 AM launch the next day is a not a good way to get quality coverage.
Monthly Archives: September 2008
Tip #39: Always
“Are you on deadline?” No, I’m filing my nails. Of course I’m on deadline. What do you want?
Filed under Common sense
Tip #38: Presumptive NDA
If you send an unsolicited email with an embargoed press release in it, we consider that fair game to cover immediately. Get your NDAs agreed to before you send them.
This concludes NDA Week on Pro PR Tips. We will return to regular programming Monday.
Filed under NDAs
Tip #37: Line-item NDA
You might be able to tell me when I can write, but you don’t get to tell me what.
Pro PR Tips management hopes you are enjoying NDA Week. We conclude tomorow.
Filed under NDAs
Tip #36: Oops
I busted your NDA? Sorry sorry sorry a million times sorry.
It’s still NDA Week at Pro PR Tips. More tomorrow.
Filed under NDAs
Tip #35: Damage control
Someone busted your NDA? Call me ASAP or never talk to me again.
NDA Week at Pro PR Tips continues tomorrow…
Filed under NDAs, Relationships
Tip #33: Guest list
People I want to hear a pitch from, in descending order: CEO, CTO, VP Product Development, Janitor, Brand Marketing Manager.
Filed under Meetings, Relationships
Tip #32, continued
There’s a small argument brewing over Tip #32, Hush, now. To clarify:
Please remember that this blog is my perspective, and other journalists may feel differently.
That said, I stand by the original sentiment of the post. Those of you who note that the job of a PR person is to set up the meeting between me and the company rep, and then set the client free to swing his or her own bat, have it right. Once the meeting is underway, shut the hell up. Even if the presenter fumbles, keep a lid on it. If you try to steer the conversation at that point, you will make things worse. Passing a note? Good idea.
You don’t see PR people on stage at Demo, TechCrunch50, Under the Radar, or other product pitch shows, do you? That’s because the company rep — the person with the passion and vision that makes the product what it is — that person is the real story. The PR rep during a pitch meeting? You’re the fact sheet. Important, but I can read you later.
If the person you’re representing cannot tell the company or product’s story, then either spend more time in prep with your client, or find a new one. If you really want to be the one telling the story, go start your own company.
And finally, I do not mean to “deride” PR people. I poke fun, sure, but there’s no hate. Our corner of the communications economy would not function well without PR. So I respect the job and also some of the people who do it. I just have a strong opinion on what the PR function is, and it is not to be the person on the stage.
Filed under Common sense, Meetings, Relationships
Tip #32: Hush, now
PR handlers during a pitch should be absolutely and completely silent. You are not the story.
Filed under Common sense, Meetings
Rafe