Brenda Nixon interview part 2

Last week we met Brenda Nixon, an accomplished woman and parenting expert who writes and speaks, and is a frequent radio guest. We'll continue that interview and hear about her experience with television.

                                     

                           

 

  You are often a repeat guest on shows like FOF’s Weekend Magazine. How did this happen and what helps someone get on more than once?
I keep in touch with the producer(s) after an interview by, first, sending a thank you note -- a "thank you" goes a long way! Then I ask if I may make future pitches for interviews or send other experts/authors/speakers who are available for interviews. This courtesy lets the producer(s) know that I'm a team player and want to make his/her job easier. Plus, it helps my fellow colleagues in their ministry. This pattern has maneuvered me into several repeat interviews.

You’ve also done TV interviews. Was it harder to get on?
No, for me the transition was easy. However, TV is quite different with a live viewing audience.

What are some differences with TV from radio?
With TV, you must use caution on the colors of your wardrobe and make-up. You must sit straight, look at your host (not the camera or notes) and appear relaxed.

Brenda’s had some bloopers and blunders in the past, including choosing clothes that made her look like a big marshmallow. Read all about that and more in her article  "Media Mistakes - I Knew it and Blew it" at http://www.presentation-pointers.com/showarticle/articleid/438/

Do you have a list of stations you regularly contact by email with new pitches? If so, how well does that work?
I don't regularly contact stations, but will send emails, to those who have interviewed me, about special announcements. Then I tag on an interview pitch.

Have you ever hired a publicist? Why or why not?
Many writers do, but I've not had the time or money at this point.

Do you give stations suggested questions before an interview?
Some request question and others don't. If a radio producer or host doesn't mention a need for questions prior to the interview, I'll ask as a courtesy. In the case of Focus on the Family, they always make up their own questions and email them to me prior so both the host and I are well prepared with our dialogue to maximize the use of time.

What do you have in your press kit?
Depending on the venue, I'll tailor my press kit. With a Christian station, I'll include my book, copies of articles in Christian magazines, testimonials, and other related information. With a secular station, it'll be pretty much the same except the articles and testimonials are from the corporate/mainstream world. I might also list other stations where I've been interviewed so they can see that I'm comfortable being on-air.

Does your web site include a media page?
No, but it does offer a bio and related information. I've seen some sites that offer a media page and think it's a wonderful idea. Some sites even have a page where the visitor can complete a form and receive a press kit.

Are there any interviews online of you that people can listen to?
There used to be, but often interviews are archived for a brief time then deleted.

Thanks so much for sharing such valuanl;e information.
Check out Brenda’s website at www.brendanixon.com <http://www.brendanixon.com>

Brenda has spoken about media interviews at conferences.  If you’d like her CD from the workshop about getting radio/TV interviews, email her at speaker2parents@juno.com and order a copy for $10 (incl S&H).

To sum up some important points Brenda made about getting interviews:
1. Network everywhere. Start locally to make connections with your local media.

2, Find new contacts from friends who have been interviewed and look for media outlets online.

3.Check out a station online before sending a pitch.

4. Set a goal. Brenda has a goal to be interviewed at least once a month.

5. Follow up is very important. Send a thank you after each interview.

6. Stay in touch. Brenda sends emails to update program directors and includes a new pitch.

7. Be persistent and consistent. Know your topic well and keep setting up interviews.

Comments

[Trish Berg]

Brenda- You are a media Power House! I have heard Brenda on the radio and live in person and she is a dynamic speaker in both venues.

Here's question for you - What media exposure do you think has the largest impact on book sales?

The Internet, radio, TV or magazine articles?

In other words - In the busy world of promoting, where should we be spending the majority of our PR time?

Thanks - Trish Berg

[Brenda Nixon]

Great question Trish. In my experience TV is the most powerful venue for book promotion. I say this because people are visual learners and what they SEE usually has more impact than what they HEAR. So when they SEE you on TV, they are more affected.

[Terra]

I learned alot here about being interviewed on tv and radio, and thanks for sharing tips.

[Karen Whiting]

Beyond TV and radio, my best venue came from a teleseminar. That was limited to 99 people, but the CD was available afterwards. Of the 99, about half bought copies of my books. And in listening to me and being able to ask questions, the word of mouth spread afterwards helped, too.

[LaJoyce]

Thank you Brenda for all the helpful hints in your interview. I sure will put these to use for my contacts.