Phone journalists, Crilley advises members
More than 50 Chamber members and guests attended the April luncheon, which also marked the Chamber's seventh anniversary.
Jeff Crilley of Real News Public Relations was the May speaker.
Jeff Crilley, award-winning journalist and now owner of Real News Public Relations, was the speaker at the May Chamber luncheon. His topic was "Marketing Without Money."
Crilley said TV news assignment editor can go through a stack of news releases in minutes, giving each one only a cursory glance. "If you don't hook the editor with the headline or first sentence, your news release is probably going in the circular file," Crilley said.
Crilley advised members to instead study the news outlet and determine which reporter covers your area of interest.
"Once you determine who covers your story, phone them. You can hear resistance over the phone and adjust your pitch or angle to accommodate. Be sure to pitch your story, not yourself or sales," he added.
If you reach voicemail, Crilley said to leave a short, succinct message and ask for a call back. Be sure to recite your name and number slowly so it can be written down, he advised.
After the meeting, Crilley autographed copies of his book, "Free Publicity," which is also available through amazon.com. Visit his web site at www.realnewspr.com.
June luncheon
In June, Kym Sosolik, director of Leadership and Organizational Development at the SMU Cox School of Business Executive Education will speak on leadership. Also in June, scholarships will be presented to Plano and Wylie ISD students and teachers by the Chamber's Scholarship Foundation.
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 15 at the community room at Murphy City Hall Complex.
