When the Media Calls, Answer Even in Your Bathing Suit

BONUS FREEBIE: Your message deserves the media’s attention. So how do you get out there in a bigger way? I’ve got you covered. CLICK HERE to grab my free “Checklist to Become a Go-To Media Expert.”

When I was on vacation in Mexico a few weeks ago, I unexpectedly got an interview request from Aditi Shrikant, a writer at CNBC.com. She was working on an article about making more effective to-do lists. 

Of course I said yes to the opportunity. 

I put down my margarita and did the interview in my bathing suit poolside. 

Why? 

WHEN THE MEDIA CALLS, ANSWER 

From working as a senior television producer for years, I know how this game is played. When producers and editors need a source, they’ll find someone else if you say no.

They have to. It’s their job. 

Aditi was on a deadline and she had to file her story that day. I knew if I turned down the interview, she would move on to another person. 

Was doing an interview what I really felt like doing on vacation? 

Of course not. I didn’t want to take a break from relaxing, but I did it anyway. And it only took 10 minutes! Now, I have a great piece to share.

When I asked Aditi how she found me, she said she Googled “list making” and my name came up. Wow! 

This is a great example of how media leads to more media. 

I did an interview with Forbes.com years ago when my first book, Listful Thinking was published and it pops up on the front page of Google when you search “list making.” 

When someone Googles your field of expertise, you want to be the first person who pops up. 

But how can you make that happen? By pitching media and saying yes when they get in touch with you! 

I had already contributed a piece for CNBC.com called, “A productivity expert shares 4 perfect examples of how to say no—without burning any bridges.” — but Aditi  found me on her Google results. This is why it’s so important to keep yourself at the top of search results.

MEDIA BEGETS MEDIA 

I did an interview with Fast Company for a piece called, “These 5 questions will help you identify your productivity style,” which is based on my book Listful Living. 

I thought that was cool enough but guess what else happened? 

Yep – an editor from Lifehacker saw it and quoted that article in their piece, “Improve Your Decision Making With These Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Techniques.” 

So I got two quotes for the price of one!  

So here’s a question to ask yourself: Are you visible enough  to be found as an expert in your field?

Get comfortable putting your expertise out there, because you never know who will see it. 

If you have some fear around self promotion here’s a few tips for you. Once you get the ball rolling, more media will come — as long as you keep saying yes!

BONUS FREEBIE: Your message deserves the media’s attention. So how do you get out there in a bigger way? I’ve got you covered. CLICK HERE to grab my free “Checklist to Become a Go-To Media Expert.”