WICsters: I want to turn you on to a great FREE resource called HARO, an acronym for Help A Reporter Out. HARO’s tagline is “Everyone’s An Expert At Something.” This dynamic “get publicity without breaking a sweat” site reveals a nifty secret: all members of the media — from national TV producers and local radio show hosts to magazine editors and daily newspaper reporters — need help finding sources of expert commentary. And when they need it, they need it fast.
Enter HARO, a terrific resource enabling you to respond to journalists’ requests for commentary sources on behalf of your clients, your business, or both. If you haven’t heard of HARO, take a few moments to visit the newest version of the site, sign up and create a profile. Then sit back and watch your inbox fill with targeted opportunities. Jump on those that suit your business; forward posts perfect for fellow consultants.
Beyond getting your clients ink in a glossy lifestyle mag or a guest spot on a top morning TV show, you can use HARO for informal market research. Simply reverse engineer daily HARO media requests for an informal temperature check on macro trends like economic recovery time frames, projected consumer spending habits, or nascent technology innovations. Armed with information that may impact and influence your clients’ decision-making habits, you and your business will become better positioned to gain a strategic edge.
Thx for the nudge, Jean, to get signed up on the HARO site…I also chose to follow them on Twitter (@helpareporter)…it’s fascinating to scan the wide variety of interviewees they are looking for!
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next article, I’ll try to get the hang of it! Cheers, Iva Garkow