More than 90 percent of my clients say Oprah's name when discussing their PR goals. Typically, the words "want" and "get on" are in close proximity to the wildly successful talk show host's name.
While Oprah's talk show is nearing the end, shows like hers are an enduring part of the media landscape.
Susan Harrow is a top publicist (http://www.prsecrets.com/) who provides a wealth of practical insight on how to get on shows like Oprah. Unlike some teleseminar speakers, who drone on about how you can attend a two-day conference for some sum of money to learn the real scoop on Subject XYZ, a classy, professional Harrow teleseminar that I tuned into a few years ago was loaded with practical insights.
One subject that she covered was what to do when you get the call from a producer showing interest in you as a potential guest. (It likely is not enough to have a great guest idea--you've got to show that you are well prepared as well!)
Here are some of my notes:
1. Before you speak to the producer, ask: "What angle are you thinking about here, and how do you see the show unfolding?" (You are asking for their needs.)
2. During the conversation (any conversation, but especially high-stakes ones), ask, “Am I on the right track, is this what you're looking for?” (Remember, it is not a monologue, but a dialogue).
3. At the end of the call, go for the close: "Do you think I'm the right guest for this show?"
4. If you are not a fit, ask, "How else can I help?" or "What are you looking for?" (Be a team player---it nurtures a relationship long-term.)
From a longtime journalist-turned-publicist and communications strategist, here are ongoing observations from the Inside Edge of the sprawling story-telling landscape...For more, visit http://www.InsideEdgePR.com
Showing posts with label Oprah PR tips Susan Harrow television producers publicity pitching. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oprah PR tips Susan Harrow television producers publicity pitching. Show all posts
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Media Pro Offers Top Tips To Get On Oprah
You may have heard of this woman who lives in Chicago. She goes by the unusual name of--what was that name again?--oh, yeah: Oprah!
I jest, of course. Oprah may be more popular than her good pal, President-elect Barack Obama. And she has staying power, bow in the midst of what would probably be her fifth term in the Office of Outrageous Popularity & Influence (if the rest of the world operated on four-year re-election cycles.)
When new clients talk with me, it usually takes less than 10 minutes for them to mention her name and, more precisely, her outrageously successful talk show. The phrase usually begins: "If there's any way you could get me on Oprah..."
I've not yet landed an Oprah spot for anyone, but someone who has repeatedly media coached clients for the show is Susan Harrow, a talented media trainer and publicity and marketing expert from California. Back in June, I wrote about Susan and her great insights on getting on any talk show.
Today, I have another heads-up about Susan. She's developed more terrific tips on the Oprah front--the often-overlooked avenue of gaining coverage in O, The Oprah Magazine as a way of coming to the show's attention.
Check her pointers out right here on Biznik.
I jest, of course. Oprah may be more popular than her good pal, President-elect Barack Obama. And she has staying power, bow in the midst of what would probably be her fifth term in the Office of Outrageous Popularity & Influence (if the rest of the world operated on four-year re-election cycles.)
When new clients talk with me, it usually takes less than 10 minutes for them to mention her name and, more precisely, her outrageously successful talk show. The phrase usually begins: "If there's any way you could get me on Oprah..."

Today, I have another heads-up about Susan. She's developed more terrific tips on the Oprah front--the often-overlooked avenue of gaining coverage in O, The Oprah Magazine as a way of coming to the show's attention.
Check her pointers out right here on Biznik.
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