How do you turn your press conference into a long-term relationship with your media contacts?

I totally agree. Too many are not aware of how important a genuine thank you note can establish good relations. It on,y takes a few minutes to write and let them know they appreciated for being at your press conference. You can offer them any additional details also they may can use.

Agreed. No matter how small, futile or time-consuming it may be. If only to show to yourself some self-esteem, courtesy and manners to others, as well as collaborative working practices for the future. Common decency and good working partnerships should be forged and maintained as much possible. 'They will still remember you, when you're on the way down....'!

A note is fine. A gift to a member of the media is an absolute NO. Let me reemphasize: A gift to a member of the media is an absolute NO.

Be available or return calls asap. Make people who are on the front line and directly involved in the news story available for interviews instead of you or a company executive. I promise that people will think more highly of your organization and your leaders as a result. Help arrange a photo shoot of people in action that complements the story. Offer headshots that can be downloaded from your website. Don’t be thin skinned or evasive when a reporter asks questions about a company problem. Be honest and share details about how the problem is being remedied. When a reporter gets something wrong, notify them (not their editor) without being snarky. Ask for a correction if it’s clear that a fact is wrong — not just a difference of opinion.

A thank you email. Share the stories they cover on your platforms. Be open and transparent when they do reach out in the future. Ask what type of stories they would cover. Don't always expect them to show up. Snap pictures/videos and send them content to run with a write up. Newsrooms are shortstaffed. Don't be discouraged if they turn down an opportunity. It's not personal. The news cycle changes everyday. Pitch relevant stuff. Showcase how it impacts people or the community. Provide visuals.

In my experience, it’s important to just be the kind of person that always has something interesting going on. You want your contacts in the media industry to get excited whenever they see an email, call or text from you. You want to consistently bring them interesting stories, whether the resulting coverage would benefit you directly or not. If you can’t think of anything interesting then go help a friend! Start advising other companies. Get involved.

Absolutely! Journalists are busy - every pitch should be proactive and include what you have available for them as part of the story: assets/access/data/info/spoks. Providing necessary info as part of the pitch demonstrates your ability to act as a trusted and knowledgeable resource.

Consider how you can become an interesting conversation partner, in a broad context. Focus on what's important to the journalist. Take an interest in topics that interest them. Maybe your company can provide some interesting data for material that is not directly about you. Maybe you can introduce them to an expert who can add value to an article they are working on. In this way you will build a lasting relationship.

Absolument d'accord ! Une conférence de presse bien préparée est une opportunité précieuse pour faire briller notre marque. Le suivi post-événement et le développement de relations à long terme avec les médias sont des étapes cruciales. Cela renforce la confiance et favorise une couverture médiatique durable.

Absolument ! C’est d’ailleurs un point que je souligne régulièrement en média coaching : une relation de confiance est tout a fait possible et même souhaitable avec des journalistes : pourtant certains attachés redoutent un effet ?? pactiser avec l’ennemi??

The key to any press event is to deliver what you promised. Pure hype without news will alienate any reporter. On the other hand, give reporters a juicy story and provide special access will build a positive relationship.