Category: Uncategorized

August 19, 2016

One click 14 yrs ago

In today’s media-saturated environment you really have to pick and choose who you take the time to listen to, especially when it comes to career development. Here is a personal recommendation of mine of someone worthy of your time.

August 11, 2016

This takes too long . . .

When I teach media relations skills in my workshop, the straight-talkers ask: “How long will this take?” While that is an obvious question, it’s not really a helpful one.

August 4, 2016

The curse of social media

I just set up a Facebook page for Michael Smart PR. You might be thinking, “Really? That’s about eight years late.” But I have my reasons for not jumping in then and why now is the time to do so.

July 29, 2016

I was terrified to climb this mountain

Turns out climbing mountains and pitching journalists have a lot in common when it comes to your mindset. Here’s how I reached my summit and you can reach yours.

July 21, 2016

Giving pitching a bad name

PR people have given pitching a bad name. Because at its core, pitching is simply getting a solution to a problem into the hands of people with that problem. Find out how you can be heard above the noise.

July 14, 2016

CNN producer’s dream publicist

I spoke at a conference alongside a CNN producer who said she counts on great publicists in her life. I asked her to describe one of those great publicists.

July 8, 2016

Progress toward YOUR Independence Day

This time last year I told you about my coaching client Ken Li’s own declaration of independence. He moved to the country and only goes into the office once a week. Here’s how you can progress toward YOUR independence day.

June 30, 2016

Fruits of a misfired pitch

Seventeen years ago this week I made a fool of myself attempting to pitch a national journalist in person. There is only one difference between me 17 years ago and me today.

June 23, 2016

Media pitching the way the best do it

Maybe you idealize what life would be like if the journalists you pitched immediately recognized who you are representing. Maybe you already live that life. In either case, this post is for you.

June 16, 2016

Multitasking during the SAT

You wouldn’t interrupt yourself studying for the SAT every ten minutes by checking your email, so why do we do it as PR professionals? Let’s take back our work time and still be accessible to clients and bosses.