‘Think Like a Journalist’ Helps Even When an Interview is Postponed

It happens. You’ve created a media relations strategy and crafted story ideas that will fulfill your company’s business goals. The pitches are sent and several targeted journalists accept. You set up interviews between executives and media members weeks in advance. All good.

For some of the interviews, the date arrives, but the executive can’t be found. In another scenario, minutes prior to the interview, the executive’s assistant informs you that she is unavailable. ‘She’s in a meeting with the board. She sends her regrets,’ the assistant says. (On the bright side, she sent an apology and had a legitimate excuse.)

A final scenario: A reporter on deadline needs a response or statement from an executive or the company for a story. You’ve promised that she’ll get it before 5pm.