You're a start up company writing your business plan (you should if you haven't), ramping your product development or services, developing your website but don't have the budget for public relations or an ad agency. How do you get your message across on the boob tube? Last night's Meet Up event answered those questions.
I attended the "How To Get Media Attention to Your Business" at the Metreon Theater in San Francisco last night. It was a very useful presentation for startups vying for free and accessible publicity in this information overloaded society of online social networks, You Tube, radio and television.
Television News Reporter Sue Kwon was the guest speaker for the three hour presentation. Panelists included media expert and entrepreneur Dr. Brenda Wade, Comcast Marketing Manager Tracey Awad and BizTech Day Founder, Edith Yeung. Kudos to an all women panelist presentation! I know I’m partial, but hey, how often do you see women headline this type of presentation.
As a former television news reporter turned online marketer and features writer and videographer, I was curious to see what would be covered and who the attendees were as I’ve given similar advice to media newbies at various professional networking events. I also wanted to learn what people were hatching in their basements and test the entrepreneur waters myself.
The Media 101 crash course covered all the basics complete with real case scenarios. The short video snippets of Sue's interviews with various CEO's, from an unknown online travel agency to video game powerhouse, Electronics Arts, were really helpful in showcasing on camera presentation red flags and tricks to delivering and managing the conversation your way, a major weakness for most newbies. But then with everything in life, it’s takes practice and useful tools, such as this event, to hone your skills.
My 1990 college communications course mantra, “the medium is the message” still rings true in 2009 but if you can’t concisely explain your objective within the 30-45 second sound bites, then you’re going to lose your audience.
Online interviews are a slightly different story as they have more cushion as far as length. Absence the restrictions of a 20 minute television news segment, the length of online videos are unlimited and the visitor has the power to replay the message.
Actually, I have yet to see an “average length” of online news/features videos. Besides the television broadcast news sites, I have yet to find an industry standard even on my company’s 24/7 online news site. That could work against a company being featured in the story if the editor and/or videographer doesn’t understand basic story telling structure.
Just imbedding raw footage with no format or directions can confuse the viewer if there is no focus. Again, like a well written news, features story or press release, engaging video still needs a basic outline mixed in with some graphics:
1- Tease
2- Introduction
3- Sound bite (eyewitness account, testimony, real people reaction)
4- Script and/or graphics (supporting evidence, research, referrals)
5- Repeat 3+4 (not necessarily in that order)
6- Solid wrap up (summarize)
The networking aspect was another treat. Overall I met a lot of bright eyed and bushy tailed entrepreneurs. I say that fondly not in jest. Seeing the flicker in their eyes as they passionately described their services or products was infectious and encouraging.
But what also stood out was the energy and buzz in the theater. Of all the industry networking events I’ve attended (User Generated Content, Licensing, Comicon, Journalism, Media, etc.) this was the most friendly and sincere bunch. People were genuine in hearing each other’s goals and plans. I experienced an even exchange - give and take conversations as opposed to the one sided, self promoting soap boxes. You know what I’m saying.
They also pitched BizTechDay (www.BizTechDay.com). I briefly read about the San Francisco, October 22-23 event but didn’t think much about it until Edith gave the crowd a chock full of juicy information. Apparently, it’s THE place to be for new and established business owners.
According to their flyer, it’s an “intensive small business strategy and technology conference”. Movers, innovators and fence sitters co-mingle, learn and hopefully partner with each other. I’m there! And thanks to the gracious and accommodating Biz TechDay team (Jini, Edith, and Matthew) for answering all my questions and more!
These are the kinds of events where you lose track of time immersed in the organic free flow. Unpretentious, not jaded and transparent! Although hungry, thirsty and tired, I walked away from the Metreon inspired, intrigued and motivated. I met some very interesting people that I intend to stay in touch with and I can’t wait to attend BizTechDay!
I attended the "How To Get Media Attention to Your Business" at the Metreon Theater in San Francisco last night. It was a very useful presentation for startups vying for free and accessible publicity in this information overloaded society of online social networks, You Tube, radio and television.
Television News Reporter Sue Kwon was the guest speaker for the three hour presentation. Panelists included media expert and entrepreneur Dr. Brenda Wade, Comcast Marketing Manager Tracey Awad and BizTech Day Founder, Edith Yeung. Kudos to an all women panelist presentation! I know I’m partial, but hey, how often do you see women headline this type of presentation.
As a former television news reporter turned online marketer and features writer and videographer, I was curious to see what would be covered and who the attendees were as I’ve given similar advice to media newbies at various professional networking events. I also wanted to learn what people were hatching in their basements and test the entrepreneur waters myself.
The Media 101 crash course covered all the basics complete with real case scenarios. The short video snippets of Sue's interviews with various CEO's, from an unknown online travel agency to video game powerhouse, Electronics Arts, were really helpful in showcasing on camera presentation red flags and tricks to delivering and managing the conversation your way, a major weakness for most newbies. But then with everything in life, it’s takes practice and useful tools, such as this event, to hone your skills.
My 1990 college communications course mantra, “the medium is the message” still rings true in 2009 but if you can’t concisely explain your objective within the 30-45 second sound bites, then you’re going to lose your audience.
Online interviews are a slightly different story as they have more cushion as far as length. Absence the restrictions of a 20 minute television news segment, the length of online videos are unlimited and the visitor has the power to replay the message.
Actually, I have yet to see an “average length” of online news/features videos. Besides the television broadcast news sites, I have yet to find an industry standard even on my company’s 24/7 online news site. That could work against a company being featured in the story if the editor and/or videographer doesn’t understand basic story telling structure.
Just imbedding raw footage with no format or directions can confuse the viewer if there is no focus. Again, like a well written news, features story or press release, engaging video still needs a basic outline mixed in with some graphics:
1- Tease
2- Introduction
3- Sound bite (eyewitness account, testimony, real people reaction)
4- Script and/or graphics (supporting evidence, research, referrals)
5- Repeat 3+4 (not necessarily in that order)
6- Solid wrap up (summarize)
The networking aspect was another treat. Overall I met a lot of bright eyed and bushy tailed entrepreneurs. I say that fondly not in jest. Seeing the flicker in their eyes as they passionately described their services or products was infectious and encouraging.
But what also stood out was the energy and buzz in the theater. Of all the industry networking events I’ve attended (User Generated Content, Licensing, Comicon, Journalism, Media, etc.) this was the most friendly and sincere bunch. People were genuine in hearing each other’s goals and plans. I experienced an even exchange - give and take conversations as opposed to the one sided, self promoting soap boxes. You know what I’m saying.
They also pitched BizTechDay (www.BizTechDay.com). I briefly read about the San Francisco, October 22-23 event but didn’t think much about it until Edith gave the crowd a chock full of juicy information. Apparently, it’s THE place to be for new and established business owners.
According to their flyer, it’s an “intensive small business strategy and technology conference”. Movers, innovators and fence sitters co-mingle, learn and hopefully partner with each other. I’m there! And thanks to the gracious and accommodating Biz TechDay team (Jini, Edith, and Matthew) for answering all my questions and more!
These are the kinds of events where you lose track of time immersed in the organic free flow. Unpretentious, not jaded and transparent! Although hungry, thirsty and tired, I walked away from the Metreon inspired, intrigued and motivated. I met some very interesting people that I intend to stay in touch with and I can’t wait to attend BizTechDay!
Comments