Remember the Phone?

Posted on October 22, 2010 by Stephanie Trussell
Filed Under Public Relations | 1 Comment

We live in such a digital world these days that using the phone almost seems archaic. I am certainly a victim of this. I am behind my computer day in and day out, sending emails, reading the news, instant messaging with colleagues and connecting with people on Facebook and Twitter. Very rarely do I pick up the phone unless it is for a conference call or to answer a call from my mother or fiancé. The funny part is that I am in the communications field and it is my job to “communicate” with other people.

It’s true – email is a very effective and efficient way to communicate and is certainly the preferred method of communication these days for most, but I also think it has put a stigma on picking up the phone. Many people dread talking to people they don’t know. But as PR people, we pitch. We pitch reporters every day to share ideas for coverage. While we always believe our idea is the perfect fit for a certain reporter, the reality is that reporters get hundreds of email pitches a day and they often have specific assignments they are working on. We all know this, but how can we get our ideas covered if we don’t pitch?

Most reporters are pretty clear they only prefer to be contacted via email but I have to imagine they like to use the phone sometimes as well. It’s just like receiving a hand-written letter in the mail vs. an email – it’s personal and flattering. One of my colleagues sent around an email today saying that she had spoken with a reporter ON THE PHONE and he said “it’s nice you wanted to have a conversation with me.” It was so great to read this email and be reminded that it is ok to pick up the phone and call someone. What is the worst that can happen? Your idea is rejected – so you tried, you got feedback and you learned. Once you do decide to pick up the phone, just be prepared with your 30 seconds and don’t waste a reporter’s time. Just as you are short and sweet in email, the same goes for the phone.

So what do you think? How often do you call reporters? Should more reporters be open to phone pitching? I know that I will be picking up the phone more often…go on, challenge yourself!

Tags: Best Practices, communication, email, pitching reporters, PR

Comments

http://www.superiorpromos.com Pablo Edwards

I think phones work best in urgent situations. Only in serious matters would I pick up the phone to call a reporter.