How Should Startups Talk to Media? Panel moderated by Julia Gifford / Truesix

Startups, learn how to effectively communicate with media and build genuine relationships with journalists to drive your brand's visibility and growth.

Key takeaways
  • As a startup, it’s essential to have a marketing budget and campaigns to interact with media, especially when you’re not getting funded.
  • Be authentic and don’t try to be something you’re not; be mindful of time and respectful that journalists are busy.
  • Don’t underestimate the power of social media; it can be a great way to catch attention.
  • Having a community of people talking about your brand can get your attention, and sometimes it’s better to do a guerrilla or tongue-in-cheek campaign.
  • Don’t try to buy attention; it’s better to focus on building a relationship with journalists.
  • Be open to feedback and criticism; it’s okay to make mistakes, and don’t be coy or try to hide things.
  • Don’t send unsolicited emails or messages; instead, do your research and make sure you’re sending the right message to the right person.
  • Be patient and don’t expect immediate results; building a relationship with journalists takes time.
  • Consider working with an agency to help you navigate the media landscape.
  • Be clear about your story and what you’re trying to achieve; don’t be vague or try to hide behind buzzwords.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance; it’s okay to not know everything.
  • Be open to learning and growing; don’t be afraid to make mistakes or try new things.
  • Don’t try to be too perfect; it’s okay to be human and show your personality.
  • Be respectful of journalists’ time and attention; don’t waste their time with unnecessary information.
  • Don’t try to manipulate or coerce journalists into writing about you; it’s better to build a genuine relationship.
  • Be prepared to answer tough questions and provide transparency; it’s better to be open and honest.
  • Don’t try to hide behind a persona or a brand; be authentic and genuine.
  • Be open to feedback and criticism; it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them.
  • Don’t try to buy attention; it’s better to focus on building a relationship with journalists.
  • Be patient and don’t expect immediate results; building a relationship with journalists takes time.
  • Consider working with an agency to help you navigate the media landscape.
  • Be clear about your story and what you’re trying to achieve; don’t be vague or try to hide behind buzzwords.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance; it’s okay to not know everything.
  • Be open to learning and growing; don’t be afraid to make mistakes or try new things.
  • Don’t try to be too perfect; it’s okay to be human and show your personality.
  • Be respectful of journalists’ time and attention; don’t waste their time with unnecessary information.
  • Don’t try to manipulate or coerce journalists into writing about you; it’s better to build a genuine relationship.
  • Be prepared to answer tough questions and provide transparency; it’s better to be open and honest.