Today, many entrepreneurs focus on social media, new media, and online media. While these efforts are important and necessary for marketing, traditional media is still important and can play a significant role in the success of your business.

So the question is, “Will you be ready when Oprah or Donny Duetsch from The Big Idea calls you?”

You will be if you prepare now. The following are 7 tips for conducting successful media interviews:

  1. Define your schedule: Decide what you want the audience to do. buy your services? Wait for your event? Support your cause?
  2. Know your story: To effectively assert your agenda, you must deliver your message confidently, calmly, and concisely. You are the expert on your subject. Stay focused on your agenda during the interview.
  3. Develop key talking points with supporting proof points– Prepare three key points that you want to address during the interview. Then support each talking point with three points that offer tangible evidence, including stories, case studies, and other examples.
  4. Get to know the interviewer and the media outlet: Before agreeing to an interview, do your due diligence. Research the media outlet and the interviewer. A quick Google search will give you an idea of ​​what to expect and how to best prepare for the interview.
  5. Prepare the interviewer: Reporters are very busy and anything you can do to help them is greatly appreciated. To this end, please provide background information as well as sample questions on your topic. You will often find that they will use these exact questions.
  6. Anticipate questions and controversies: Your preparation is not complete without anticipating questions and controversies that may come up in the interview. Create a list of all the anticipated questions. Then answer each question. Be sure to include the ones that might be asked; remember; “If you fear it, you probably will.”
  7. Practical practical practical: nothing takes the place of practice. Relieves pre-interview panic and post-interview remorse. To hone in on message points and prepare for actual interview questions, even the most refined spokespersons find there’s simply no substitute for practicing out loud. Better yet, role-play with a partner or coach. Are your answers coming? Are they concise? Are they credible or do they need more support?

Follow these tips and you’ll dominate your mainstream media opportunities. And who wouldn’t want to be interviewed on the Today Show?