I woke up with a crazy idea this morning.

Why? Well, for one, I’m turning 40 in a week. I’ve been excited about turning 40 for about 15 years. As crazy as it seems, it’s true. Plus, I want to share the love because I enjoy my Twitter friends so much, because they enrich my life beyond measure and because they’re kind enough to share my shy marketing tips with their Twitter friends. (I do love a good retweet!) So, I asked myself, what would happen if I let everyone purchase the book and extras (workbook and three audio bits) for whatever price they saw fit (or, in some cases, could afford)?

Well, I guess we’re going to see because that’s exactly what I’ve decided to do until I ring in 40 on August 9th (although I may extend it a bit…birthday splendor should have more time to shine). Please know that the book is about more than marketing for shy people. It’s really just a guide for an authentic, gentle, effective approach to direct marketing. Much of it should ring true to you. Some of it you may know. At these times ask yourself not “Do I know this?” but instead, “Am I doing this?”

What will it do?
Your copy of “You Want Me to What? Public Relations and Marketing for the Shy Person” will quickly teach you how to:
• Use subtle marketing strategies to outshine the competition.
• Get invited to meetings and what to do when you get there.
• Write press releases and handle the resulting interviews.
• Align your values and career through volunteer opportunities or event appearances.
• Handle mistakes or faux pas with grace and even use them to your advantage.

What else will you receive?
My gratitude (as if there was a question)
Bonus Material:
• “You Want Me to What? Public Relations and Marketing for the Shy Person” Workbook
• Mini eCourse on Shy Management including lessons on the following
1. How to successfully develop teams

2. How to motivate staff

3. How to effectively lead

Please know that book is in PDF form. Although it’s available for the Kindle at Amazon.com, I’m not sure how to share the pay-what-you-want on their site. Please don’t hesitate to email me at mikimarkovich@groundpathandfruition.com if an attachment didn’t come through, you have questions or comments or you just want to send me birthday hoorays.

Finally, thank you for your support throughout the years (and years to come). So many of my Twitter friends (and my Facebook friends….I just happen to have met them all but a couple) have truly made my life better, provided smiles and often laughs. I thank you. Best wishes today and everyday.

Directions? Just go here http://www.shymarketingsecrets.com/products-and-services
and look for You Want Me to What? Public Relations and Marketing for the Shy Person + Bonus Material

The not so fine print:
I’m so excited you’ve decided to celebrate with me. Just go to the website and look for the green/yellow payment box. It may say the retail price is $37, but until my birthday, you pay what want. Just type in what you think is fair into the payment box. If you decide to try the marketing bundle now and forego any payment, don’t worry. I want you to read, enjoy, learn. However, if you decide to come back before my milestone birthday to share a little monetary love, just use the “Donate” button. Thanks and happy reading!

After finishing touches on cleaning the house so that my lovely friend/cat sitter/*employee doesn’t judge me too harshly, we finally pack in the dogs and hit the road. These vegetarians are traveling 6,000 miles to take a loved on to Corky’s BBQ in Memphis just in time to celebrate a milestone.

As many of you know, our business, Ground, Path and Fruition, is based in the gorgeous city of Eugene, OR. I have always found the people to be nice, the service amazing and quality the norm. The reason I point this is out is because I know I’m used to being treated really well wherever I go. It’s just what the businesses and people of Eugene do.

So, I thought I would veer from my blog norm and take on America one quick review at a time. With this said, this trip poses a few more challenges than our last (perhaps you watched the video via our Twitter or Facebook links). With high gas prices, we’re striving to be as frugal (but comfortable) as possible. We’ve filled a cooler with healthy snacks from Trader Joe’s and Grocery Outlet to get us started. So, I’m eager to see what we experience along the way and will share stories about customer service hot spots.

Why all the hubbub? Corky’s BBQ, of course. Memphis is my hometown. Without doubt, one of those reasons I get homesick is Corky’s BBQ. It’s totally worth the 6,000 mile road trip. Pretty big words for a vegetarian. But, I just can’t resist those amazing scents wafting through the air, the friendly service and the oh-so-fantastic food. Ah, yes. Bring it on. I will soon fall off the vegetarian wagon. Smiles to you all and best wishes from Sisters, OR.

Now before you decide to judge me too harshly, I made sure Becca knew that this was a personal favor and that I could totally take rejection. There were no expectations. I had a couple of back-up plans. But, as usual, she accepted with grace, complete with a smile. My cats are in great hands (mainly because of the size of Becca’s heart).

Ah…those glowing gems of media wonder, the often hated, but yet beloved press releases. Pen the right words to get the grand prize: a media interview. Being recognized in a positive light by the local media is an efficient way to share information about your business to a broad audience of people. A good press release mixed with some fantastic social skills is key to your being recognized and interviewed by the local media, podcasters and beyond. A press release is typically a newsworthy article-type correspondence which is emailed or faxed to area media: radio and television stations, newspapers, business journals, and such. Also, ideamarketers.com and ezinearticles.com provide outlets for your genius, expert self.

Writing a press release has a simple formula. The first step is to ensure your information is true and newsworthy. With some thought and collaboration, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something newsworthy about your business. Are you having a special open house? Did someone in your company get a promotion or receive an award? Can you offer specialized advice for the general public?

Write the most important and/or intriguing information in the first paragraph. This is your opportunity to hook your reader so he or she continues reading. This doesn’t need to become complicated. In fact, stay away from elaborate words and phrases and stick to simple, straight-forward writing. Write using the inverted pyramid style. Now, here comes the tricky part. While you are writing this concise, informative, journalistic article, make it personal and interesting. You can do this by adding quotes and clarifying how this information impacts the reader and community.

Attribute the information to specific sources. You want to do this to insure the reader finds the information not only pertinent and interesting with mass appeal, but also verifiable. So, your reader has found your writing to be crystal clear, important to his target demographic, and interesting. Now, ask yourself, does he know how to contact me for more information or to schedule an interview? Contact information is crucial. Let’s talk about where to put it. The format of your release is of extreme importance. You will want to follow the standard specifications so as to make the reporter’s job as effortless as possible. To simplify this process, please see the example below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Miki Markovich

(555) 555-5555

mikimarkovich@email.com

Being Shy is an Asset

New Marketing and Public Relations Techniques Ensure Success and Job Satisfaction

(Eugene, OR, February 15, 2011) – For years, there has been a consensus that being shy is detrimental in the business world, specifically in the area of marketing and public relations. However, people across the nation are discovering there are common sense techniques that enhance existing skills to increase both success and job satisfaction.

“I feel very good about myself. I have increased productivity and job satisfaction. By writing personal notes, I leave people feeling special and have saved time and energy by cutting down on uncomfortable, in-person meetings with people I’ve never met. Not only am I happy, but my boss is also thrilled because our company has increased profitability,” said Miki Markovich, Director of ABC Co.

###

The press release above is shortened to be a format template. The three number symbols at the bottom indicate the end of an article in journalism. It’s important to use the correct format as to make the reporter’s job as easy as possible.

Typically, a press release is one to three pages long. You want to be short and concise. The goal is to generate enough media interest to warrant an interview. A good way to familiarize yourself with the content and format is to pull up examples on-line of those successful press releases used in your industry.

In order to get your information read by the proper person, you must know whom to address. You can find this information through various modes of research. In the newspaper, there is usually a section that lists section editors or beats. For television, radio, or even newspaper, this information can often be found on their websites. If none of these avenues result in the needed information, you can call the offices directly and ask for the name of the editor you seek, whether that is the business, technology, education, or news. Once this information is verified, write this information in a marketing contact book for future reference.

The next step is to prepare you’re a short greeting to post at the top of the email or a fax cover sheet. If faxing, have your cover sheet or the first page of your press release on letterhead stationary. If this isn’t possible, have your logo and contact information on the coversheet. This can be done inexpensively by placing your business card at the top, right corner of a sheet of paper or for the more tech savvy out there, simply utilize your logo and design your letterhead on your computer. Make a copy and there you go, instant letterhead. Complete the sections listing who the fax is to, who it is from, how many pages, and the reason for sending the fax. I try to include a genuine compliment such as “I heard your interview with the mayor on the radio Monday. Fabulous job. Your questions were insightful.” However, if I don’t have any compliments to give, I just write, “I look forward to hearing from you. Have a wonderful week,” and draw a smiley face. If these efforts aren’t directly rewarded with an invitation for an interview, don’t hesitate to follow up with a phone call. Research when it is convenient for the reporter or editor. Keep in mind that we don’t like additional work under high-pressure deadlines and neither do they. Rather than interrupting, calling after business hours is always an option. If you do choose to call during normal working hours, without knowing the reporter’s most convenient time, simply ask when you get him or her on the phone, “Is this a good time to visit?”

Congratulations. You have the interview. Now what do you do? Go and survive. Details should come in the next posting. Smiles to you and best wishes.

They say you can tell what kind of person you are by the friends you keep. Well, I know that I have been doing something right. I look around, and throughout my personal and my professional life, I am surrounded by truly wonderful, beautiful, intelligent, gorgeous human beings.

Although marketing can be a chore, a puzzle, another thing on the to-do list, without doubt, it can also be fun. It can enhance both business and life. In my direct marketing, I’ve interacted with some truly outstanding people. Many of these connections have bloomed into something even more beautiful, such as solid friendships. The relationships grew naturally as we stood side-by-side working toward common goals. Of course, a drink at the local chamber event never hurts either.

What has really surprised me as of late are the true connections and friendships that bloom from unlikely sources such as social media. For example, I have found my Twitter experience (@mikimarkovich) to be life affirming. Yes, I get business consulting leads and book sales through Twitter. I’ve also been given encouragement and been put on lists with titles that simply make me glow. Some people have reached out with marketing ideas that not only makes business sense, but also makes my heart smile.

For instance, @zuricka recently sent me these two videos: Newsletter and Book Review. Never did I imagine such kindness. When she mentions that I’m her favorite, even after discussing @problogger (who is amazing, by the way) on her list, I just want to hug her. Her kind words and sparkling personality make my eyes tear up.

I have also met some other incredible people on-line. Pamela King resides in my hometown of Memphis, TN and contacted me about doing a year-end interview on her Sol Searching radio show. At the beginning of the interview she totally talked me up. It made me smile, made me laugh and made me thankful. Now, as it was a live interview, I was all shades of nervous (meaning awkward). I was vomiting from fear the couple hours prior to the start time. I’m shy so interviews aren’t necessarily my forte’. However, her constant kindness surrounds every word.

I’ve also interviewed with the wonderful Darlene Victoria Gonzalez. She is a busy woman leading A Virtual Perception and Your Blooming as well as owner of D. Victoria Virtual Assistance. I met her through helpareporter.com. Although I was nervous about this interview as well, she used her mad editing skills to make me sound brilliant. Such wonderful kindness. I now consider her a friend.

I have a myriad of others I could share, such as @thejoydiva, @patflynn, @daramckinley. The list seems endless. I’ve recently connected with a lively, vivacious business person up the 5 whom I’m sure to meet within the next week or so. Through marketing, direct or via social media, the connections made often lead to better business and a better life. So, it’s time. It’s the beginning of 2011. Let’s get out there, make the world a better place and make those life-changing connections! If you have a tip, story, effective or fun way to market, please share with everyone. You can post comments at www.shymarketingsecrets.com or www.groundpathandfruition.com. Best wishes for a beautiful 2011!

I get it. Believe me. Year end and year begin can be overwhelming. Tying up the loose ends for 2010 and planning and organizing for 2011 can be, well, paralyzing at times. Besides running our businesses, we have lives, right? Right? Family, interest, favorite television shows? With this in mind, let’s concentrate on getting control and organizing quickly.

1. Make a marketing outline/plan
A marketing plan is a living, breathing entity. It will change throughout the year. By having a roadmap, staying alert and being flexible, you will have the tools needed to be organized and successful.

2. Branding
Search your brand (and your heart) to see what you really want your business to look like. What experiences do you want your customers to leave with? What two to four key ideas or phrases do you want to identify with? Next, look for those small changes you can make that would improve your business and make your brand shine.

For example, I once worked with an incredibly talented salon owner. She desired her clients to feel pampered but at affordable prices. With a little brainstorming and a few tweaks, we decided on some affordable solutions that really heightened the client experience.

3. Social Media
While brainstorming, it’s a good time to re-evaluate your social media usage. Are you attracting the population you desire? Do you update your statuses consistently? Are you utilizing hash tags? Where does your target demographic hang out? How can you get more involved?

4. 80/20 Rule
Remember the 80/20 rule, also known as Pareto’s Law, dictates that 80% of your results come from 20% of your effort. Wouldn’t it be fantastic to figure out that 20% and maximize it?

5. Be Yourself
Without doubt, you are absolutely wonderful just as you are. Embrace your true self and shine. Channel your strengths and enjoy the journey.

Well, that’s it for year-end advice. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to thank you. Thank you for your support, your well wishes and your wise words. My life has been enriched beyond measure through so many of you I’ve had the pleasure to interact with via email, comments, Twitter and Facebook. If we have yet to meet, please drop in and say “Hello.” I would love to hear and to learn from you. Best wishes for 2011. May it be the best year yet!

-Miki Markovich

Ah, the leadership verses management argument. It appears that many think the two roles synonymous. However, each takes a distinct skill set. If desiring a crash course in leadership, I highly recommend the reading “The One-Minute Manger,” “High Five: The Magic of Working Together” and “Gung Ho! Turn on the People in Any Organization.” Much of the following blog borrows ideas from these three books as well as a smattering of personal insight.

So, if you’re asking yourself what is the main distinguishing feature between managers and leaders, no worries, the answer is easy: The way they motivate. When people lead, they don’t have to coerce, beg or force because those following are choosing to do so. Does this mean to be a leader one must always be friendly and happy? Not at all, of course, being a gloomy Gus doesn’t really help the situation, just saying. So, what does a leader look like?

True leaders tend to be honest, giving true, specific praise. Leaders tend to credit others instead of hogging the spotlight during times of success. They are usually solution and achievement focused. They provide their staff with worthwhile work. They also provide employees with the tools they need to be successful and to develop new skills.

Ok, so you have goals for your business, now what do you do? A good start is to clearly articulate your goals. Because, in your heart of hearts, you know that just because you send it in an email or announce it at a staff meeting doesn’t mean that everyone has heard, understood or embraced it. And think about motivation. Successful leaders utilize mediums other than just cold, hard cash as incentives. Yes, of course employees appreciate money (it buys great stuff like pizza, jewelry, vacations), but they also appreciate praise, learning opportunities, recognition and warmth. I also find that they appreciate appreciation expressed on “Post-It” notes stuck about, cute little items or snacks to bring smiles and a plethora of other inexpensive, heart-felt rewards.

It’s not complicated really. If you’re logical and do what’s right for yourself, business and employees, you will be successful. Just remember to raise morale by rewarding progress and meeting goals, by bringing fun into the workplace while sincerely reflecting your business’s value and mission statement. Lead with your head and your heart. Build meaningful relationships. Express appreciation and be credible. No worries. You’ve got this!

The first time I peeled back the cover of the book, “Succulent Wild Woman” in the nineties, I became an avid fan of SARK. Unabandoned self-acceptance resonates deeply within me in both my personal life and my business endeavors. So, after receiving an emailed challenge to transform something that hurt into something that helped, I decided to write this blog.

Like many, I come from a tumultuous background. Kept out of school to work with a carnival for year at age eight, barely escaping a terrible fire and popping though a car windshield at age nine, abandoned in the country at ten, homeless at twelve, all cumulating in a drugged family member trying to kill me in my teens, poses quite the family history.

For many years I was embarrassed and mortified to share details about my upbringing. Even today, I still hesitate before sharing because there are people who judge me harshly based on these happenings beyond my control. However, here’s the thing; because of this history, I am extremely solution-oriented in every aspect of life. Whatever problem gets thrown at me, I’m confident I can tackle it successfully. For example, when finding myself homeless while attending high school, I was still able to work the midnight shift at a fast food joint, get to school and earn scholarships to college. Challenging. Yes. Impossible. Not even close.

Although I can’t begin to count all of the positives I’ve gained through a rocky youth, I am most thankful for my solution-oriented, problem solving abilities instead of getting hung up on problems or feeling like a victim. I know that with enough drive, research and work, I will find the solutions.

This creative problem solving ability has provided me with the skills to accomplish goals such as getting my first management job running a limousine company at the age of 20 to increasing profits 300% within nine months at a Girl Scout retail store to training supervisors in leadership skills at a multi-million dollar call center. Am I proud of my accomplishments? Of course.

My experiences have provided me with a toolbox full of rare, useful tools to utilize in a myriad of situations. However, the six years I decided to devote myself to teaching business communication to at-risk youth in public high school allowed me to most directly share my experiences. I know I made a positive impact and was actively thankful for my history because of this. What I learned, however, is that my life was made so much richer for knowing these teens. Now that I’m back in the business world, I have constant inspiration and a more varied taste in music.

And now? I live my life doing my best to make the world a better place every day…in business and in life. And this is one of the many things I’m thankful for this season. Best wishes to you this Thanksgiving and beyond.

If for some reason you’ve missed the myriad of articles, all you have to do is look around to know that marketing has really changed in last few years. Customers now want to see the people behind the business, the process. There is now a tight rope to walk between professional and personal. I’m happy to be a part of the transition as I’ve always been a little too transparent (and a little too idealistic) for real life.

With this said, if you are trying to sell business-to-business, how can you sell yourself to get the audience to sell your product or service? I recently spoke to a friend of mine who was having this exact problem. When she came to me for advice, I asked a few questions. What I learned is that the company was sending out invitations for an informational luncheon. Out of hundreds of invitations sent, a mere three attended. What to do; what to do?

Here are a few business-to-business solutions. However, please post your insightful, interesting or just plain fun solutions. Tweet me @mikimarkovich, post comments with this article or visit me on Facebook. I always want to hear from you.

Get-Your-Business-Inside-Their-Business Ice Breaker Ideas:

Invitations
If you insist on sending out invitations en masse, one of two things must happen to procure a healthy response.
1) The mailing must be so compelling in visual and content areas as to spark serious interest to take another step. This is difficult to achieve, but not impossible.
2) Each invite must still be compelling, but also personalized. It may even be possible to “ask for a favor” in finding interested parties since the receiver of your correspondence is an industry leader and your service or product helps reduce the stress of those in charge and/or eases the financial burden for the company (for example).

Letters
If introducing yourself via email or snail mail letter, you may need to be more personal. Think about the values of the organization and utilize those. Also, illustrate how your business’s value statement and goals align.

This method has been touted in countless trainings I’ve attended and books I’ve read. Whether in person or letter, get them to say “yes” to easy things so as to get in the habit of saying “yes” to you. (Don’t you just love it when people agree with you?!) To break the ice, I also tend to send birthday cards, congratulatory cards, etc. Last tip for written correspondence and beyond, find what you have in common with the person in charge of the organization: golf, charity events…

Social Networking
Social networking is a must in today’s business world: People can connect, ask questions and learn. Share your business knowledge and your personal passions. Say “hello.” If you get potential clients to bite, the next step is easy peasy. (I love that phrase. Yes, I picked it up from a six-year-old.) Now, quite often, people will check out your website after that initial bite. Whatever you do, don’t lose them there. Consider having your benefits clearly reflected on the home page. Also, be sure your site is interesting in content and visually appealing. Even if your business is technical, as my friend’s is, talk benefits first and technicalities later.

Ask for the Meeting
So if you have the opening, ask for a meeting. If you have a crack instead of a doorway, consider asking for no more than 15 minutes (for the first meeting). Many people, even the busiest and most influential, will give you 15 minutes. Remember, when you’re in there, make them count. Make a great impression and then you’ll have room for follow-up.

Still need some inspiration?
*It’s important to remember to treat the procuring of the sales meeting as sales.
*Utilize social media and technology because your successful competitors are. (We can help you with this!)
*If you’re overwhelmed, utilize the 80/20 rule: Focusing on the 20% of potential clients who can provide 80% of whatever it is you’re looking for (revenue, referrals, etc.). This will provide you the time and freedom to personalize communication.
*Remind yourself that what you do is for a greater cause. You’re truly helping people.

A great big thank-you to Dillon Ferdinandi: Armed with an engaging personality, a degree from California Polytechnic State University, real-life experience and a plethora of marketing sense and heart, I am beyond pleased that Dillon Ferdinandi volunteered to share a blog about identifying with our customers for brand success and increased sales. If you would like to learn more about this energetic young man, check out his blog at dillonferdinandi.com, follow him on twitter, LinkedIn or facebook (links easily accessible from his website as he’s a planner and a thinker). He has many words of wisdom and quite the smile. What does he do when he’s not living, breathing, reading or writing about marketing? He searches for the right job, cooks, plays golf and snowboards: quite well rounded. (Thanks, again, Dillon. You are appreciated!)

Identification for Brand Success

For some businesses, sales come easily. They sell a product that people either need or love, and in turn make quite a profit. Most of us, however, have to work for our sales. We have to struggle to convince consumers that our product or service can truly enhance their lives.

The biggest difference between having to work for your sales and having them come easily is the question of need versus want. The majority of products out there fit into the want category, and if the price isn’t low enough, people aren’t convinced to buy.

So how do we influence people to buy things that they don’t really need? Well, this is precisely what businesses and ad agencies have been trying to figure out since the very beginning…

Identification
We all like ourselves (hopefully), and we typically like others who we perceive to be similar to us. This feeling of liking also holds true for products as well. Instead of just marketing product benefits, we can design messages and campaigns that align with the consumer’s core values and beliefs.

As marketers, we ultimately achieve product identification when people feel a strong need to purchase, even if it’s something that they don’t actually need. Through advertisements, social media campaigns, and word-of-mouth, people feel connected to the ideas and values behind a product, and this can directly influence their decision to buy.

Case Study
This past month, I was lucky enough to spend some time traveling through Europe. The first stop on my adventure led me to beautiful London, England. Somewhere in-between the National Gallery and wandering around Leicester Square, I remembered that the World Cup was on TV.

Now if you’re not aware, England goes over crazy football (soccer to you non-Europeans). The pubs were packed with red and white as everyone cheered their fellow countrymen as they battled for the coveted 24-karat trophy. While walking by a sporting goods store, I noticed an advertisement for jerseys. Instead of the usual sales lingo, the poster said, “Come on England, put your money where your heart is!” And not only was the store packed, but jerseys were flying off the racks. Now why is that?

You guessed it! Identification!

People all over England live and breathe football. Sports retailers are able to leverage that love for soccer and country by using an identifiable call to action. The sports store aligned its message with the values and beliefs of the English people in a way that not purchasing a jersey would seem unpatriotic!

Now did the customers need a jersey? Probably not. But they did feel the need to prove their devotion to England.

How do I identify with my consumer?
Know your target market. How old are they? Are they married? Divorced? Why are they purchasing? Is it on a need or want basis? By understanding your target market’s demographics and psychographics, you can tailor your messages to resonate with their beliefs and meet their needs. Although you may not have something as huge as the World Cup to base your marketing efforts on, you can still utilize smaller events and mutual experiences to identify with you target audience.

I buy jerseys to show my support for my favorite sports team. I buy green products to feel like I am making a difference. Why do people buy your product?

This week, I’m going to highlight how to comfortably maneuver your way through media interviews as shy people. (However, I would love to make this interactive, so please don’t hesitate to join the discussion on the Facebook fan page or start one in the blogs comment section.) If you’ve read my book, you know that I have found reporters to be quite kind during my interviews. Of course, I usually arrive with little seasonal gifts and exclamations of nervousness (I have always been a little too transparent, but find comfort in putting the truth out there – I believe people have been kinder because of this personality trait).

Radio interviews are my favorite. There are very few people looking at me and I don’t feel as if my words are being immortalized forever in print. However, as with all interviews, as soon the attention is on me, I get nervous and feel like my brain turns to scrambled eggs. Thankfully, I have found some tactics to help me prepare for this.

1)    Before the interview, review your notes and press release, or whatever tool you utilized to obtain the interview. I usually do this the night before the interview as well as the day of.

2)    Be as relaxed as possible when you arrive for the interview. This can difficult, I know.  I recommend that you call a trusted friend or colleague, pre-interview, to give you a pep talk. Post-interview, have a pre-selected reward in mind. It could be your favorite, flavor-packed coffee drink or a movie night.

3)    Brainstorm the toughest questions you can imagine being asked by the reporter. Outline answers to these possible difficult questions. Consider practicing the answers aloud. If you feel completely repaired for the interview, you should have less anxiety.

4)    Have a clear idea of the key points you want to share. Two to five points should be manageable. Next, prioritize these key messages. You can effectively do this by numbering, color-coding or starring. As I often take my notes with me to interviews, I choose a combination of color-coding and starring. I choose this thorough method because as soon as that little red on-air light glows, I feel like I go mostly blind. The color helps me zone in on my key points. (So do the stars.)

5)    Keep speech-making basics in mind. Try to speak in complete sentences combined with some shorter, easily remembered sound bites. Try to refrain from “ums” and other verbal tics. (When you listen to the audio of the mini-management course available with “You Want Me to What?,” you may notice many of these tics. My apologies. Although I strive for perfection, when I get nervous, the “ums” and such still rear their ugly heads. I continuously work on this.)

6)    If you don’t know an answer, don’t worry.  There is no need to panic or to make up an answer. If you’re comfortable saying, “I don’t know,” consider it. A tactic I often use is the following. “That is a wonderful question. I want to ensure I give the most informative answer possible, so let me look into it and I will get back with you. I know you want your audience to have the best information.” Then, of course, research it and follow-up; otherwise, you could lose credibility.

7)    Do your best and then forgive yourself if you make any mistakes. It is important to remember that you are professional, the one giving the information. Keep in mind that your audience, for the most part, will focus on the information and not the mistakes. They may not even notice if you did something wrong. So keep your head up and keep going. You’ve got this! (If you want to know my most embarrassing media blunder it was when, instead of talking about the many facets of our service, I talked of our many faucets repeatedly. It was a 6:00 am interview and I am no morning glory! When I think of that interview, I still see visions of bathroom faucets and kitchen faucets. But, if it makes you smile knowing it wasn’t you, perhaps it was worth it.)

Of course, there are a few additional things to consider to ensure you remain in the high esteem of the reporter.

• Be on time to the interview
• Stay unbiased
• Value his time during the interview
• Be appropriate and give valuable information.
• Choose a time outside the realm of his hectic deadline time for pre and post-interview contacts
• Send a thank you note

Now send out those press releases! I’d love to hear from you! If you have questions, comments, newsletter or blog ideas, kudos or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me on twitter or Facebook (easily accessible through the “follow me” link on http://www.shymarketingsecrets.com) or email me at mikimarkovich@shymarketingsecrets.com.

Note: This blog post came straight from my newsletter. So, if you like this and desire more, be sure to sign up for the free report on “How to Boost Profits Even if You’re Shy.” There are no tricks. I’d never sell your information. And, you can unsubscribe at any time. Smiles to you and best wishes always.

-MM