All the World's a Stage - Are You Ready?

[Alexander Irving]

Everybody thinks they are ready for PR. Our experience is that most people are not. When someone sticks a microphone in your face and asks you a question, how do you come across? Are you projecting the 'image' you want? We suspect not. Not without practice and rehearsal.

Being effective at PR is a process. It’s not only being able to do good hair, writing press releases, taking photos and sending them out. The process involves a learned skill set requiring rehearsal and preparation. You must think like the ‘actor’ you need to be everyday with your clients. There are lines to learn and a stage to set before you are ready to take your ’show’ on the media road.

We don't mean to suggest you become anyone other than who you really are. What we mean by 'actor' is you need to be comfortable, smooth, and articulate on the topics you will most likely be asked about by the media and your clients. You want to be prepared with interesting and easily quoted 'sound bites' that are triggers for other questions and topics and spark a conversation.

Being ready for PR requires clarity of thought, ideas, goals, and the ability to express them to others. Some of our early posts on our blog discuss 'the process' each of us needs to go through to get clear in our own minds (and on paper), to be ready to answer all kinds of questions interestingly, simply and with your wonderful personality. Most of us can’t do it without a ‘rehearsal’ and having found some of those wonderful ’sound bites’ that writers and TV editors love so much, on topics like:

* Who you are and why you chose to become a salon professional?
* What your salon represents to you and your clients?
* What is your ‘take’ and commentary on where fashion has been, where it is now, and where you see it going next season? Beyond?
* What is it you bring to your clients that is truly unique?

Those questions are just for starters. I’m sure you can imagine some fascinating interview scenarios for yourself.

A Fun and Practical Exercise

* Select your favorite local morning/evening news show you would like to appear on.
* What kind of segments do they do on that show?
* Think about a segment for that show. Imagine it in your mind. Write it down!
* What questions would you be asked?
* What are your answers to those questions?
* What are some ’sound bites’ that sound ‘cool’ and fresh.
* What would you want to show or demonstrate in one minute or less that is fun and people would want?

This exercise is great fun when you do it with a friend that you enjoy and feel safe to play with. Video it. Watch the video. Play is the tonic for unfamiliarity.

What is your experience? How do you capture you but in larger than life form?

[Alexander Irving]

Isn't it amazing the wisdom that comes to us? :-) You got, and obviously took, good advice starting out, and share your good advice for the next generation. Thanks

[Alexander Irving]

Ouch! When a woman calls me Mr. Irving, I know I'm older ... and on my birthday no less. Either you are acknowledging my age or perhaps you meant my father? :-) It's Alex, please. It'll help me to continue my youthful fantasy.

Best

A