Getting media coverage can be a big boost to your carwash business. Whether promoting an event, a special program or just trying to convince more customers to try your wash, talking to local journalists can help get the word out so you rise above the competition.
The attention of news media can be positive, so make sure you make the most of your opportunity to tell the community about the business you’ve worked so hard on. Dallasnews.com offers a few tips for talking to reporters.
- Take time to talk to the reporter. Take your time. Don’t ask them, “What are you going to ask me?” Some general assignment reporters may talk to you about your background, but you can usually figure out their questions if you spend some time talking about your business for a while.
- Decide on the main points. Determine what is most important to you, notes the article. What do you want people to know most about your carwash? Keep in mind that most stories are a minute-and-a-half long, so you need to be concise. Television stories are edited, so to make it memorable, start with your best quote and then delve into the details to ensure your best points are used.
- Be confident in your knowledge as an expert. Reporters often write on several different topics, shares the article. Unless they only cover your industry, they probably don’t know more than you do. Carwash owners will likely know their industry better than the journalist, so be confident in your knowledge of trends, processes and current events.
- Be truthful. “If you cannot be completely truthful in the interview, don’t do the interview,” states the article. You don’t want anything to come back and haunt you. If you are asked something you don’t know, just let the reporter know you need to check the details and get back with them.
Finally, encourages the article, forget about the camera. Look at the reporter and have a conversation. Keep your hands low and match your facial expression to your message.
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