Media lists contain the names and information about people and companies that can help you build your business or promote your product(s). It’s the kind of information that used to in your Rolodex, or your business card file, or your address book.
Start compiling your media list by gathering the names of anyone or any company that might help you promote your business, products, or services. Collect as many names as possible — you can’t have too many!
Don’t be too selective — the unlikely contacts may refer you to others that can help you promote your business.
I keep all my media contacts in a spreadsheet, but use whatever works for you. I keep the following information about each contact:
- Priority (A/B/C)
- Type (Print/Online/Both)
- Publication or website
- Website
- Username/password
- Contact Name
- Contact Title
- City
- State
- Phone
- Interests (what is this contact particularly interested in?)
- Source (where did I get this name?)
- Notes (comment on how you met, mutual friends, anything else I want to remember)
I use a spreadsheet because it makes it easy to sort data in any way I wish.
Getting your media list started
In your spreadsheet, or whatever tool you choose to use (even pencil and paper – gasp!), start making a list of people and websites that might be useful to you in promoting your business. Don’t worry right now whether you have their name spelled correctly, or if you don’t have their contact information. This is a brainstorming session. You should end up with a quick list of anywhere from twenty to 100 contacts/organizations/websites.
Save your list (need I remind you?). Now go back and start putting in the details that you have for each media contact. Use the web to search out information you need.
Get a glass beer mug, or similar container, and set it on your desk. As you go through your day collecting business cards, thinking about people, being referred to people, throw all the little pieces of paper and business cards into the beer mug. At the end of each week, empty the mug and put the information into your media list. Also use this time to organize and revise your list.
Keep updating your media list
Update your media list ongoingly, and keep it current. You might want to set time aside once every quarter to completely review the list, removing old contacts that have moved to new positions, and making sure the list is organized.
Now when it’s time to publish a press release about your company or products or services, you’ll know just who to contact!
