Don't Forget to Say Thank You...the Right Way!

by Susan Valeri

Published on this site: June 9th, 2005 - See more articles from this month...

I'm sure you know that after your interview it's a good idea to send a note to the reporter, editor or producer thanking him or her for taking the time to interview you. Just like a job interview, right?

However, once again, I feel like I'm doing a segment on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno talking about his favorite "stupid criminals". Only this time, I'm talking about people that say thank you the wrong way.

A friend of mine who is a journalist had a speaking engagement last week. It was a success and she received many emails telling her how wonderful the event was. However, there was one that stood out among the rest. It said, "I really enjoyed your speech. If I am ever out your way again, I'll let you interview me."

Of course we had a good laugh about it, but it motivated me to write this article. Do you think this email established a rapport with the journalist? Do you think she would ever seriously consider an interview? I doubt it.

Surely a better way would be to find something in common to develop a genuine relationship, say thank you and offer yourself as a source of expertise whenever they need it. By being pleasant, available and accurate you will make their life easier and when the time comes for the next interview, you will be the top of their list!

Susan Valeri is President of The Powerful Publicity Group, a PR firm for books and business placing clients on radio, TV and in print across Canada and the United States. Visit www.powerfulpublicity.com or call 1-905-333-4512.