In January 2008 I created my Vision Board of what I wanted to create for the year and clipped out images that represented various personal and professional goals, including being ready for media opportunities at any moment (particularly with a goal to be featured in a respected magazine and appear as a guest on a network TV talk show). “Fit and Fab” became my mantra. In this post I’ll share my journey, media successes (and mistakes), and suggest ways you can be prepared for media opportunities too.
While the Vision Board put out my “request” and helped me visualize my professional and personal goals, I knew I had a lot of work ahead of me to be ready. I started with little things like caring more about wearing make up daily (and not just when I’d go to meetings, etc.), open myself up to the possibilities for bringing more style and fashion into my wardrobe, being more conscious of my health and nutrition, and so on. Funny but even if I’m just getting dressed for myself and family I feel SOO much better about who I am when I have styled my hair and wear a bit of make up. Confidence increases when we feel good about how we look, and confidence is key to success of all levels.
When the unexpected opportunity to compete for Mrs. Utah came in February, I said yes even though the decision brought fears with it (and also stress of preparing!)…I knew that no matter what the outcome of the pageant would be I’d be definitely ready for media opportunities and you know what? Preparing for the pageant (1st Runner up & won the Interview award) refined me in ways that I didn’t realize I needed refining. I have dozens of friends and mentors to thank who helped me, and overall I feel much more pleased about who I am, what I look like, how I represent myself, and how I portray myself to others. I’m not suggesting or recommending pageants for getting ready for media ops, rather, it DID help me and feel was a critical part of my path this past year.
And yes, I’m happy to take media opportunities when they become available. And since the pageant here’s a list of what’s opened up, (not to brag, but to share of the wonderful blessings that have helped us share Startup Princess with others): Utah Business Q featured interview (20,000 circulation), Business Q Blog Log feature Guest on Good Things Utah (abc network), Guest on Park City TV (with Quinn Curtis of Created by Mom (cable), radio interviews on KOSY, The Eagle, FM100, Connie Sokol’s blog talk show, Utah Business Featured Interview (January 2009), invites for several speaking gigs statewide, and overall bump in traffic and Startup Princess members, and followers on Twitter. What great experiences!
While typically I have had at least a day notice on most media ops, I did get a call in September one hour ahead to do a radio interview on KOSY. I had to drive 45 min…so yes, I took a 2 min shower and pulled by wet hair back into a bun and threw on a dress. I wished I hadn’t procrastinated my shower that day. Oh, well…glad it was radio. Another time when I was to be on Good Things Utah I got my hair done and brought my clothes with me to change there, I also thought I was bringing my make up kit as well to do it at the studio, come to find out I left it at home. The kind producer let me borrow their set one, complete with MAC make up, so generous. Still learning…to be ready for media at any moment. Grateful to be challenged.
Here’s what I recommend:
1. Get your hair cut/colored regularly, learn how to style it right… a lot of people look great the day they go to the stylist, can you recreate it at home? If not, get a “practice” session with your stylist where she watches YOU do your hair, I did this…it works.
2. Always have 1-2 professional, stylish outfits in your closet complete with jewelry that completes the look ready-to-go that don’t wrinkle while you drive also, think about how you look while you “sit” in it, does the gathers of the dress or blouse flatter you when you sit? Or should you bring a jacket. Dress with your skin tone in mind, also compliment any products you might be bringing on the show with you. I like to wear bright colors on camera (green, turquoise, purple) and anchor it with something dark/black on the bottom or a cardigan. I love Ann Taylor, Talbots, Banana Republic…if you can’t something new, borrow!!! I do that often.
3. Go to the MAC make up counter and get your make up done professionally, see what they do, how they apply it, seriously these folks are professionals, not like the Clinique girls. I’ve learned great tips from them.
4. If style is important to your industry and really, it is for every industry…good design sells, stay up on trends, notice colors, fabrics, textures, etc. not that you have to have new clothes, but it you should try to pull yourself together and look updated at least with a fashion bag, jewelry, or haircut.
5. Get your teeth whitened…or straightened if need be, teeth are really important to a beautiful smile and when you’re selling your business, you want to smile a lot!
6. Have prepared answers for basic questions about yourself and your business…consider what you want to highlight or feature/specials/opportunities, and how you’re going to communicate that to your audience.
7. When you attend events, look your best, it’s possible you’ll be on camera, photographed and appear on someone’s blog, you tube video, etc. Plus you’re meeting people who are possibly bloggers, journalists, etc. who like to see someone well put together and consider you for an interview.
8. If you need some nutrition or fitness motivation, take a look at Liz Rosenbaum’s blog, she’s been my trainer this year, love her.
9. Create a vision board
10. Enjoy being a Startup Princess!
What tips do you have??
