Dare To Be An Expert

It’s interesting how things come full circle. I have been doing PR for more than twenty years. Time really does fly, whether you’re having fun - or not. Kidding aside and being the optimist I am, most of my career in PR I would definitely list in the positive column when I look back. I’ve certainly learned a lot, traveled a lot, been to many tradeshows and events, written a lot, talked a lot, attended a LOT of meetings, build great friendships, and landed some very cool media placements along the way.

But you know what? There are still moments when I feel like a novice. There are so many things to know, and part of the wisdom that comes with experience is knowing what you don’t know. Do I know all the editors at all the design magazines? No, definitely not. (They keep moving around too!) Do I know how to write a pitch that 100% will turn into a placement? No, definitely not. (But no one does!) Do I meet all the pitch deadlines and is my follow-up impeccable? No, not really... I could keep going but you get the idea. I am not a perfect PR person.

That said, I do know quite a few things. I guess you could say I am a PR expert. I mean if I am an expert in anything, it’s gotta be that, right? So, I am embracing it and am actually using it in my PR and marketing. Since that’s what I am coaching my Design PR Insiders, it’s only fair that I practice what I preach. 

And it’s working!

I pitched to be included in an article about how PR is changing in the time of COVID-19 and got a mention! I really got a kick out of it because it’s a magazine that focuses on female entrepreneurs, which I have a big soft spot for. I did do a little happy dance!

As you know, Get Ink DIY is hyper-focused on coaching interior designers in PR. You may be wondering how being featured in an outlet that focuses on general female entrepreneurs would be helpful for me. The answer is that not all PR is focused on directly reaching potential customers, in reality, a lot of it is not. But it’s part of cultivating your reputation as an expert, which in turn shows your potential customers that they can trust your expertise and you’ll be able to deliver what you promise. It’s all about credibility.

Lioness Magazine is not Fast Company - like realtor.com may not be AD -  but you’ve got to start somewhere. It will add up over time and other people will notice your expertise and give you opportunities.

Are you ready to take the first step? Every month I present well over 30 real-time media opportunities to my Insiders. Maybe one of them has your name on it!

P.S. Here is the article I was quoted in.

P.P.S.  I publish the media opportunities for interior designers in my Design PR Insider Membership. Ask me for details, or learn more about it here.