How to nail your next media pitch: Seven tips to avoid getting ghosted
Insider advice from PR pros who’ve sat on both sides of the inbox. If you’ve ever fired off a media pitch and heard nothing but crickets, you’re not alone. We’ve seen it all and we’ll be the first to tell you that a journalist ignoring you isn’t being rude.
Making data a newsworthy story: Why all roads lead to case studies
When crafting a newsworthy story, you can’t just let the data speak for itself. Data presented on its own will rarely get you media coverage because it fails to tell the story behind the numbers.
The birds and the bees…and the ants: Lessons from the animal kingdom when it comes to thought leadership
We humans might think we have the whole communication schtick locked down, but there are some members of the animal kingdom that might teach us a thing or two. Bees dance to communicate with their peers, birds connect through song, while ants use sensory touch to advise and communicate with the rest of the colony. […]
Why Apple Cider Vinegar leaves a sour taste in my mouth
Apple Cider Vinegar… it’s more than just a tangy condiment!
This Netflix series about Belle Gibson’s “true story, based on lies” highlights some crucial lessons, especially when dealing with a crisis.
From the importance of authenticity and transparency to why you should never underestimate a journalist, Bespoken Managing Director Sarah Morgan breaks down her key takeaways from the ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ series.
You’ve had a successful cap raise. Now what?
You’re a startup and you’ve just secured capital. First of all, congratulations! It might feel like you’ve just run multiple marathons. Yet, it’s probably dawned on you that you’re just getting started.
PR strategies for female founders
Female founders in general find it more difficult to secure investment, despite proof of their relative commercial success when compared with male counterparts. There are considerable systemic challenges which need to be addressed, and the solutions will need to be multifaceted.
Influencing public opinion and policy: Why it pays for associations to invest in a media plan
Industry and professional associations provide a collective voice for an entire sector – so it’s crucial they are heard loud and clear. And one of the best ways to amplify a message is through the media, which not only reaches a wide audience but is a sure-fire way to grab the attention of politicians and other key decision-makers.
Mastering the media: How to impress, not stress, in dealing with the press
How many media interviews have you seen that are best described as awkward, embarrassing or even humiliating? The unfortunate reality is media interviews can and do go completely wrong. But it’s a risk you can mitigate if you undergo media training in advance.
Investors invest in people: The key to winning capital raises
In the world of venture capital and angel investing, the adage “investors invest in people, not just companies” holds a lot of truth. Investors are not just looking for a groundbreaking business idea; they are looking for a solid leader who can navigate the tumultuous journey from startup to scaleup and beyond. Most founders have an extraordinary vision. But they need to convince investors they also have the leadership, technical skillset and resilience to see it through.
When is the ideal timing for media prior to a cap raise?
Raising capital? If so, you need a strategic timeline for your media campaign.
Media hits spread out over six to 12 months (or more) leading up to a cap raise is the ideal scenario, with positive stories continuing to drop even as you begin meeting with investors.
Media coverage is more important than ever for startups and scaleups, with the current market for raising capital proving challenging.
For tips on doing media the right way, check out the latest story in our scaleup blog series.