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Deskside Visits Produce Positive Results

Have you ever wondered about the person behind the by-line? Are you trying to get coverage in a particular publication, but not sure how to pitch it?

"Deskside visits" are a great way to produce positive results. Recently I accompanied Maine's First Lady, Mary Herman, to New York City, for two days of visits with editors and newspaper reporters to talk about Maine Tourism. Just prior to that, I spent a day with Jim Holmes of U.S. Cellular for deskside visits in Bangor, Maine. These visits resulted in much better relationships with these journalists for my clients and for my agency.

The premise is simple: you call the editors and tell them that you are available on a certain day and that you'd like to come in and spend 10 or 15 minutes with them. You bring press materials, story ideas, and some background information on your company or your client.

You spend 10 or 15 minutes talking about story ideas that you feel would be appropriate for their publication. You ask them how they like to work with PR people and what types of information they are looking for.

The result? You get a chance to meet the journalists and they get to meet you. This is the start of a positive relationship. You follow up with more information, a thank you note, and an occasional news release. Perhaps you invite them to visit your property, destination, or company. You may end up with a story in their publication, but if not, you've laid the groundwork for two-way communications with this journalist.

You should be able to set up five or six deskside visits in a day. Be prepared to be flexible as some of the journalists will have lots of questions and others will expect you to give a presentation while they sit back and listen.

Be sure to follow up with thank you notes and occasional phone calls. Also be prepared for the visit by reviewing their publications and seeing what they've written in the past.

Good Luck! This is just one more way that you can build a positive public relations program for your company, client, or organization!

...more of Nancy's Tips