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  • 6 Secrets to Getting in the Media During the Holidays



    The holidays are upon us and while many are taking time off, the press does not. Digital media outlets need to fill their sites with stories and television stations will be, as they call it, “light” for stories.  

    Reporters and editors are not getting inundated with press pitches as many are on vacation, so your pitch has a chance of getting read and potentially picked up. 

    As hard news slows down, reporters need story ideas. And this is where you come in! Here’s what journalists are looking for. 

    Secret #1: Feel Good Stories

    I think most of us agree that after this year, we all need a feel-good story. Reporters are looking to share a special story that warms the hearts of their viewers or readers. This works great with your local media. If you have a special story that will resonate with your audience pitch away. 


    Secret #2: Food. Food. Food.

    Food is a big part of the season and prior to COVID television stations would have in-studio cooking segments. But that doesn’t mean that they are not looking for this type of content. Pitch a unique cooking/entertainment segment that you can do remotely. Think about what people will be doing this holiday season as it is a bit different and create a pitch from there. For example, maybe folks aren’t doing the traditional holiday dinner, so give them ideas to create fun and less stressful meals or snacks. Remember, think outside the box and what is important to the audience. 

    Secret #3: Be Topical

    Pitching topical newsworthy stories is always the best way to reach the media, even during the holidays. Pitch a story that connects your organization to a news topic or current trends, such as the economy, COVID, health, or other trends.

    Secret #4: How To’s

    The media loves to interview experts about tips. From how to stay healthy during the holidays with COVID to how to avoid gaining weight from all the amazing food and cookies...these are great ways to reach the media.
      

    Secret #5: Gifts Ideas

    We all struggle with coming up with unique gifts and the media loves to provide unique ideas to their readers and viewers. If you have a specific product that would make a good gift before you pitch the idea think about what sets your brand apart and why it would make a good story. It is American made, inexpensive, easy to get last minute, great for moms, dads, kids, co-workers..whats the hook?

    Secret #6: Trends 

    This is the time that journalists are working on 2021 predictions. The media is looking for experts in their industry to talk about what we can expect over the next year in that field. This is the case in multiple areas. From health and wellness to finance and style. The key here is to pitch this ASAP. 

    A great place to see opportunities regarding these stories is HARO (Help a Reporter Out) I talk all about this and how to use it in my online course Land Your Own Media Coverage and Increase Your Brand


    While national media exposure is the goal for many, I highly encourage you to start on the local level, especially with these holiday stories. And once they interview you, your chance to do more interviews will increase significantly. 

    I’m excited to hear about your success.

    Have a wonderful holiday season!!

  • Appearance on WTKR


    HAMPTON ROADS, Va - A former journalist and media relations expert, Alison Maloni offers insights on how to manage your reputation on social media and in the news.

  • Attending a Conference? How Your Company Can Stand Out

    Conferences. They are great for education and fabulous for networking. Anyone who has been to a large conference has found value in them. But what are you doing to take it to the next level?

  • Being Prepared for an Unexpected Media Interview



    Today we’re talking about looking great for your unplanned media interview. Your PR team has been pitching you as an expert to the media – and one day you get the call that a reporter wants to interview you. This is great news…. but they’ll be at your office in an hour. Not so great news if it’s casual Friday in your office.

  • Blogging to Build Your Business


    In todays vlog we’re talking about the importance of blogging. When I started my Public Relations firm, I received some very good advice from a friend. He told me to start blogging. To be honest, I was very apprehensive about it, but I did it and it’s the best thing I could have ever done.

  • Blogging to Build Your Business: Why You Should be Writing

    When I started my own Public Relations firm, I turned to my friend and mentor, who owns his own marketing agency. Kyle Reyes of The Silent Partner Marketing shared a ton of advice with me and continues to do so. You want to know what the best piece of advice he gave me was? He told me to start blogging. To be honest, I was Very apprehensive about that. All I could think of was: who wants to read my blog? What will I write about? Will they be any good? How will I find the time?  Well, I conquered my fears and Kyle was right. Blogging helps you and your business grow. For those of you who are nervous or questioning the power of blogging, I’ve compiled several tips on on how to blog and reasons to start writing.

  • Building Your Business with Public Relations and Marketing

    How are you getting your message out? If it’s through traditional media, you are falling behind.
  • Can Donald Trump Turn This PR Nightmare Around?

    Donald Trump is facing a major public relations crisis. Experts are saying that this could ruin his chance of becoming the next President of the United States.

    This weekend, a taped conversation that the Republican Presidential candidate had with Billy Bush 11- years ago was leaked to the media. Conveniently, it came just hours before Wikileaks was planning on releasing emails from Hillary Clinton.

  • Expert Tips to Help Career Women Build Their Personal Brands

    I am honored to have a guest blogger this week. Janine Marin is a career coach and marketing mentor who helps transform the careers of women running their own business or climbing the corporate ladder. She partners with women who seek positive changes in their careers. Janine is sharing her tips on how to help career women build their personal brands. Enjoy!

  • Friday Favorites

    I’ve been really slacking on my Friday Favorites, but I’m back at it!

  • Friday Favorites: A Powerful Message

    Today’s Friday Favorites is without question this video by the Silent Partner Marketing.





    This is one of the most emotional and inspirational videos that I’ve ever seen. Honestly, I think that I’ve watched it dozens of times.

  • Friday Favorites: LinkedIn and Personalized Notes

    Today’s Friday Favorites is all about connections and courtesy. When was the last time that you received a hand written note in the mail? It’s probably been a while. But, when you find a special note in between all of your bills, how does it make you feel? I know that it makes me extremely happy! For me, it’s all about the simple things in life.

  • Friday Favorites: WNE Shaping Talent in the Communications Industry

    Today’s Friday Favorites is all about a college program that’s shaping the best and brightest communication professionals around. When I was in high school, the top journalism and communication schools were Emerson and Syracuse. Fast forward twenty years and Western New England University’s Communications Department has made a name for itself.

  • Goal Setting: Get Yourself on Track

    It’s been almost three months since New Year’s Day. Did you make a resolution? Have you kept it? According to Forbes, only about 8% of people keep their resolutions. I say forget resolutions. Make goals…realistic, achievable goals.

  • How Public Relations and Social Media Work Together



    Today we’re talking about how social media and PR work together. Before twitter, facebook and snapchat, the only way to let people know that you and your company were going on to be on the 10 pm news is an email blast or a phone call.

  • How the Media Works

    Ever wonder why when you are interviewed by the media and you are only on air for ten seconds? I explain how the media works today’s video blog!
  • I’m on Snapchat: Now What?

    You have probably been hearing a lot about Snapchat around work. Your kids are most likely on it and celebrities and companies around the world are snapping away.  If you haven’t jumped on board with this social media platform…it’s time. I know what some of you are thinking: “Isn’t it for sending naked pictures?” I’m sure that people still do, but businesses and social media influencers do not do that. Now that your concern is cleared up, grab your phone and download the free app.

  • Managing Client Expectations in PR

    It’s the best feeling for a publicist to be told by the media, “Yes…we’ll cover that story.” Our heart beats with excitement and we can’t wait to tell our clients. But…the good news needs to come with a disclaimer.

  • Public Relations and Video: The Power of a Visual Story

    When I was 9 years old I decided that I was going to be a television reporter. Thanks to the guidance of Brenda Garton, I did just that. I was always fascinated by not only telling a story, but showing it. It wasn’t about me being on camera, it was all about the video, the images…what the viewers saw. Video combined with great sound bites takes the news or a specific message to a whole new level.

  • Setting Yourself Apart From the Competition

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    Today we’re talking about how to set yourself apart from your competition. Whether you are trying to get new business or working to maintain your existing clients…you need to do what everyone else isn’t. So…we’re going back to basics.