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If you look at my LinkedIn profile, you’ll see a bunch of logos from fancy media outlets where I’ve been featured.
Wall Street Journal, Good Morning America, Fast Money . . .
This week I was thinking about removing those logos.
Here’s why:
- Publicity can be bought, it’s not a true measure of your talent or impact
- I could use that space to help people instead of bragging about myself
But then I realized that I could use this as an opportunity to take you behind the scenes and show you not just what outlets I’ve been featured by, but also how I was able to make it happen.
Plus, let’s be honest, those logos give me credibility and I still have bills to pay.
And I think the story of how I was able to earn those logos will help you pay your bills while also getting recognized for your talent and impact.
But as a heads up, this isn’t just a story about how to land media mentions. It’s much bigger than that.
Estimated read time: 4 minutes.
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What happened
I got this one through my buddy Dan Bova at Entrepreneur. His wife is a contributor to Wall Street Journal and she needed sources for a story she was writing about how to work more efficiently from home. He thought of me and reached out.
How it Happened
I’ve known Dan for several years through the work I’ve done with Entrepreneur. Once in a while he’ll send a last minute request or ask a random question. I always get back to him as quickly as possible.
Where can you apply this
Support your network with a sense of urgency. Don’t let requests for help linger before responding. Better yet, proactively reach out to show support and offer to help.
What happened
My friend Kim Rittberg is a contributor to Fast Company. She was writing an article titled “Why quitting can be the best career move you can make” and reached out for my input.
How it happened
I met Kim while I was teaching a workshop at General Assembly several years ago. We kept in touch since then and have supported each other’s business pursuits along the way.
Where can you apply this
Stay top of mind with your network by continuously sharing content related to your zone of genius. This can be on LinkedIn, your newsletter, podcasts … Whatever feels right to you. Just make your network actively aware of what you do so they can reach out as opportunities arise.
What happened
I met Darron Pressly, a fellow journalist, while we were both covering an industry conference at the Apollo. A few months later he featured me in his column.
How it happened
I asked. Yes, I straight up asked after only knowing him for a few months. I know this sounds bold, but Darron and I have exchanged numerous messages about what it’s like being a father, or juggling entrepreneurship and relationships. We became fast friends so it didn’t feel like I was overreaching.
Where can you apply this
Once you’ve established a genuine rapport with someone, don’t be afraid to shoot your shot. This could be a connection you made at an event or someone you’ve had an exchange with on a LinkedIn thread.
If you ask, the answer will be yes or no. If you don’t ask, the answer will definitely be no.
What happened
MIke Bircal, a journalist from Fatherly, saw my LinkedIn post about a teachable moment I experienced with my kids. He reached out and asked if I’d like to share my story with the Fatherly audience.
How it happened
I told an embarrassing story about how my son accidentally pulled my pants down at a school event. Did I feel uncomfortable sharing the story? Kinda. But it’s important for me to share the not so glamorous parts of my life because it’s something we can all relate to.
Where can you apply this
People give you opportunities because they feel connected to you. Those embarrassing, challenging, vulnerable moments? Those are the stories you need to share in order to make those connections.
As you may have noticed, I didn’t get these opportunities because I was extremely talented, or the most recognized authority in my field. This all happened because I kept showing up and finding ways to provide value to my network, both on a personal and professional level.
Fortunately, this is something that you can do as well. And it can lead to job opportunities, speaking engagements, media appearances, and more.
So, here’s a quick recap:
- Nurture your network
- Maintain an online presence
- Don’t be afraid to ask
- Share what makes you unique
All this stuff can be done in about two hours a week, and you’ll experience outsized returns due to the compound effect.
This is the path to forging stronger connections and attracting meaningful opportunities. It’s also how you get paid for who you are, not just what you do.
And by the way, if you do want to land media mentions, just follow the process outlined in the recap AND engage with journalists on social media.
This is how you’ll stay top of mind with them which gives you a chance at being considered for their next story.
I’m speaking from experience both as a journalist and as someone who’s been featured by major media outlets.
You’re next!
Terry
