Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Media Tip from a Pro

A pr whiz from Chicago, Tom Ciesielka, offers this media tip which follows my advice to spend time with people on their agenda!

Here's his comment:

About 99 percent of the time, we are asking reporters for things we want. What do you think would happen if we asked reporters what they want? GASP! The end of the world?! No. More often than not, I've found that reporters will appreciate your interest in knowing exactly the topics they are writing about and sources they are looking for. It helps you find the right fit and makes the reporter happy, for at least a little while. If it doesn't make them happy, I hear reporters like Ferraris.

Reply to Tom Ciesielka at tc@tcpr.net or check him out at http://www.tcpr.net/index.php

Thanks Tom, I think this is invaluable because it changes the typical mindset!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Relationships over resumes

In the last year, I've been coaching my out-of-work friends, relatives and clients on how to make the best impression during their interviews.

My advice is simple: connect, connect, connect
. People hire someone, not just because they have a good skill set, but on the strength of the way they feel the person will fit into the organization and onto the team.

One of my friends is an accountant. He wanted to tell prospective employers that he was a hard worker, had experience in taking companies public, etc. That was evident from his past jobs; laid out on his resume. He had to connect with the CEO who was interviewing for a new CFO. I coached him on how to uncover the CEO's hobbies, interests, values and then match them up with his. After a few hours, he got the concept and landed the job.

You see, the advice to connect is simple but the execution is not. The underlying tenet is that "emotion motivates and information justifies."

By the way, the title of this blog was taken from am interview in the Los Angeles Times with Jason Reitman Oscar-nominated director of "Up in the Air." He said, "I want a shorthand. I believe in relationships over resume. . .Things are going to get tough . . .and you have to question who you want to be standing next to when they do.

Sounds like a concept that applies to almost anything!