How to manage media coverage when you're challenging the status quo.

I’ve been wanting to write this piece for a while because it’s something that people who are starting side hustles, movements, and anything that could have the potential to be recognised for going against the status quo should be prepared for.

Six months ago I started a platform F*ck Being Humble. as a way to help educate, support and champion emerging talent in the creative industry. Within the first three months the platform was covered in The Times and BBC World News, something I’d never anticipate happening but am so very proud it did. The main reason being is it struck a chord with people. The provocative name was not a happy accident it was an intentional decision to not only disrupt the career development category but to instil a mindset in people who often hold themselves back through the lack of self confidence. A decision that I knew wouldn’t sit well with everyone but would help ignite the drive in many.

Having worked in communications for my entire career, I was confident that interviews both written and on live TV would be a walk in the park but the actual reality was that I was riddled with nerves of how the brand and my reputation would be perceived. The benefit of working in the advertising industry, however, is I’ve grown a thick skin and I have a deeper understanding of why people behave the way they do. So I’m writing this post to explain to other change makers, what to expect when your movement picks up interest from the media and how to manage the varying emotions you might feel. 

There always has to be an angle 

Just like advertising, journalists have to tell a story. That means delivering a start, middle and end which includes some shocking revelation or in many cases a critique of the subject matter itself. Very rarely do people challenging the norm get an immediate glowing review, you have to prove it before you can be positively recognised for it. So don’t be surprised if the first few media encounters aren’t singing your praises straight away, they will be when they see just how good you are. 

Top tip: Research the journalist and publication so you can understand their style and prepare for the way your story could be told. 

Be careful with your words 

At the age of 26, I’ve had no media training and nor did I ever expect to need it so early in my career. So as someone who is known for rambling, getting sayings wrong and sometimes putting my foot in it, there were always going to be some hiccups along the way. But despite feeling very controlled in the way I’ve delivered answers to the press, sometimes your statements can be trimmed, repositioned and used in a way that is completely out of context. As mentioned above, it’s all about the angle the journalist wants to give. Sadly, you can’t always control the stories they tell (as they’re often only shared with you on the day of going live!) but what you can control is what you say and how you say it. But remember you’re human and you’re allowed to make mistakes, it’s what makes you relatable. 

Top tip: Where possible always try to push for the questions ahead of time so you can prepare your answers in a careful and considered way.

Only care about the people you’re targeting

I was recently contacted by a global publication to say that they’d be featuring FBH but sadly, they weren’t agreeing with the movement, they were critiquing it. Which, like anything you care about, it’s not always nice to hear. But what I soon came to realise was that the journalist and the audience they were writing for wasn’t my primary demographic, so of course they may not understand it. It's easy to get sucked into trying to justify what you’re doing to people because you're passionate about it, but actually if they don’t get it then don’t focus your energy on it. Channel your attention to the supporters that do and don’t get bogged down by the non-believers. 

Top tip: You’ve all heard of cyber bullying and trolling, so try avoid reading the comments posted because people can be brutal! It’s rule 101 apparently!

Remember why you started 

There’s no denying that media coverage is an achievement (good or bad) because it means that you’re getting noticed. But whilst it might help to gain new followers or name drop in professional situations, it’s not the reason I started my movement. I started it to help people who were struggling talking about their achievements, to champion emerging talent that would usually go unnoticed and to create space where I could public speak to inspire. And so far, I’ve done exactly that. Any coverage you receive along the way is an added bonus but will not be the measurement to my success and nor should it be yours.

Top tip: Make sure you document all the positive feedback your movement creates to help remind you why you’re doing what you’re doing.

They say there is no such thing as ‘bad press’, honestly, I think there is. The more important thing to focus on is whether that bad press is actually going to damage your ambitions and your confidence or whether you use it as a motivator to keep doing what you’re doing.

Everyone’s allowed an opinion, you’ve you just got to decide which ones you care about.