How to maintain positive relationship with the media and press to cover your business story?

Compile a list of journalists and reporter contacts and develop friendship with them. Try to remember their professional interest in their work and seek to be a resource information centre for other contacts. Be truthful about the quality of a story and its sources. Always give reporters special access to you by releasing your personal mobile number. Send them an email once in a while you see their features published.

The common mistake news makers make in dealing with reporter is to insist on a perfect story to advocate your position. The reporters’ job isn’t to protect your reputation or advance your career. Do not expect them to ask you questions to help you to say what you want to say.

All reporters want to produce a professional story, accepted by their editor and audience with a specific angle. Understanding their job will enable you to build rapport with them and pave the way for media pitching.

Know your rights with the media will be helpful. Always remember you have the right to be treated with respect. You can refuse to answer any personal questions. You have the right to be quoted accurately. Always repeat your key messages if there is a need to. You have the right to determine when and where you will be interviewed.