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Whether you're running a business, show or blog, the mission to draw attention never ends. Exposure is key, and there are two ways to get it:
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A hookup with promotion, both online and mainstream
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Host great guests
Graham Bensinger started an Internet radio show when he was in eighth grade, and now at age 24, has been on a number of late-night talk shows including Leno, and has welcomed guests including Muhammad Ali and Adam Sandler onto his own show. In his Rise to the Top interview with David Garland, Graham shares tips and tricks from his own experience.
How to Get Press
Press coverage can be anything from a printed feature to attention on TV. Especially when you're up-and-coming, it is important to get visibility. How to make it?
Search reporters and producers. Depending on your industry, make a list of the best publications and media sources that can potentially help you.
Send an email pitching yourself. Graham does, however, suggest the letter-writing method. He says that in some cases, a letter in the mail may be more effective than email. It is just a matter of figuring out the right address to reach the person.
Be persistent. Persistence is always a work in progress and you never know when it will pay off. But don't give up; just keep in mind that press leads to more press.
How to Get Awesome Guests
Create resourceful diversity with a cool guest to star on your show, interview for your blog or speak for your business. It is easy to submit a request for someone, but it is more straining to figure out exactly the right person to send the request through. It's a bit easier once you're recognized, but in the meantime...
Do all you can in your power to get in front of the person you're trying to catch. To stand face-to-face with the actual person and pitch an interview pays dividends. This is always a challenge at first, but as your audience grows, the process gets easier. Take that as inspiration.
How to Make Direct Contacts
Make direct contact by eliminating the middle person (manager, booking agent, etc.). Get to an event your desired person will be attending. It takes confidence to pitch yourself in front of an A-list individual. If you have that confidence, nobody can stop you. Take the chance to sell yourself.
As you meet other people, it becomes easier to obtain contact information. Develop relationships with people who make it easier to access other people.
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