The Peloton crisis got me thinking…
What if something terrible happened to you? Every organization is vulnerable to a crisis. On many levels. If you ignore it – it doesn’t disappear. An employee sends out a racist tweet. You lay off workers. Your CEO gets in a car crash. There’s video of an employee doing something illegal. Or your product kills someone in a popular TV show. Maybe it’s not even your crisis – but a vendor or client of yours is having a crisis. The media calls. You need to answer them. And release an internal statement, or even better, a video. You don’t know what to do or say. There are three rules for crisis management to remember:
The good news is, this is easier if you prepare. So how do you prepare for the unexpected?
The basic steps of effective crisis communications are not difficult, but they require work in order to minimize the damage. The impact on your financial and reputation’s bottom line will be more severe if you do not plan. Employees and other stakeholders won’t know what’s happening and will become confused and angry. Your organization will be perceived as inept and possibly criminally negligent. The media crisis will last MUCH longer. Preparedness is KEY. |
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P.S. I just gave you a brief rundown of what to do in a crisis, but if you are really serious about crisis preparedness, check out this video where I go into more detail. P.P.S. I’ve created a special program just for healthcare professionals who need media training so they can confidently show up on camera, attract more patients, move up in their careers, and let their expertise shine. If that is you or you know someone who can benefit from this, Learn More Here. P.P.P.S. Whenever you’re ready… here are 3 more ways I can help you build your brand, own your voice, and stand out:
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media
How to Land Your Company on the Today Show’s Website
People always ask me…
How do I get on TV?
How do I get my company mentioned in articles?
I know media mentions help my SEO, so how do I get legit ones?
I landed the first spot in an article on the Today Show’s website this week and thought I would share how I did it – with you.
How did I do it?
I’ve built relationships with many journalists because I’ve worked with many of them as a journalist… and some, I built organically by giving them valuable information that helps them with their work.
I follow them and keep my eye on what they are searching for.
I respond within minutes.
I only give them exactly what they want and how they want it delivered.
Here’s why this week’s placement worked:
Aly Walansky was looking for last-minute help on a National Cookie Day article she was writing that morning.
She specifically said she needed help now because she was posting her article that morning.
I reached out to Kerry Brown, the co-founder of eat G.A.N.G.S.T.E.R. (they make my favorite cookie mixes).
She responded within MINUTES with exactly what I needed.
I sent it to Aly seconds later.
BOOM, the next day, eat G.A.N.G.S.T.E.R. was the top placement of Aly’s TodayShow.com article.
When you break it all down, it’s about two things:
1: Relationships
2: Speaking to the reporter where they are & how they want to be communicated with
#1 Relationships
I have relationships with reporters worldwide because I’ve worked with them side by side as a journalist… and guess what?
Reporters are people.
Just whipping off a press release to hundreds of emails doesn’t land you in the media.
Reporters receive hundreds of emails a day.
Do they know your name?
Do they trust you to have their back? (i.e. know what a good story is and not waste their time)
#2 Speak to the person where they are and how they want to be spoken to
Doesn’t this work for every relationship?
It works with reporters too (of course, because they are human beings).
I teach this in my media and public speaking training.
We need to give the reporter the information they need and the way they want to receive it.
When I present to big groups on media training, I’m always asked:
How do I send my information to the reporter?
How do they want images?’
How do they want video?
Even if you don’t have the exact answers, always ask yourself: what will make their job and day easier?
Here are some tips right from Aly Walansky, freelance food and travel journalist with Food Network, TODAY Show, Forbes, All Recipes, PopSugar, Men’s Health Magazine, Your Tango and Men’s Journal.
1: Label your pictures. Do not send images attached to an email with names like “image01” or “screenshot12.” This is especially true if you are sending a batch of images for various things at once. It’s also a great way of me using the wrong image for the wrong expert/product/menu item. It’s super helpful if your image file name in some way describes what is inside. For example, if you are sending me an image of an XYZ brand serrated knife, you may want to title that image XYZ-serrated-knife.jpg.”
2: Please don’t send me giant galleries of images and tell me that the image of that one specific dish or cocktail or product is “somewhere in there.” That too increases the possibility of me not finding it, or choosing the wrong one and then you needing to ask me to switch it out later.
3: If I do a call for pitches (like the ones below) and mention that something needs an image to be considered, please don’t skip that. I got tons of great cocktail pitches yesterday for the dessert cocktail story, but a good 20% did not include a needed element (the image, in most cases.)
4: I’m FULLY OK with you sending an image as a dropbox link or a google drive link instead of an attachment, and my inbox actually prefers it. Just make sure you do the aforementioned file-identifying so we’re all on the same page and there’s no confusion.
Aly Walansky has a newsletter you can sign up for if you want to know what kinds of stories she’s writing each day – and what companies she’s looking to feature. More and more freelance writers are doing this now. This is part of the work in building the relationships between you and the reporters you would like to work with… or you’re targeting. Find out how THEY like to communicate and talk to them there.
Could be Twitter. Lots of reporters search for experts there.
Find out where your favorite reporters hang out.
This is a lot like dating, right??
Go where they hang out. Go where they are comfortable communicating.
Do not make them uncomfortable by DMing them if they say they do not respond to DMs. But do they tweet publicly? Great! Then, tweet them.
Do they have a substack newsletter? Great! Sign up for it. And then follow the rules that they’ve outlined in their newsletter regarding how they like to take pitches.
This is so important.
Like dating, we do not cross the lines — or you won’t get that second date. I.e. Don’t show up in person at her work with flowers after the first date.
But you can send cookies to her house and tell her she’s sweet 🙂
Extra points if you know she has food nut and gluten allergies and you send these.
I hope this approach helps next time you are trying to get an article or TV placement, as it has for me and many of my clients in the past.
P.S. Here’s the link to those awesome G.A.N.G.S.T.E.R. cookie, cupcake and cake mixes if you want to get in on the National Cookie Day celebration this Saturday, December 4th…
How to Look Better Under Stage Lights or on Camera
Many of my clients had a successful career, but are now looking for help with their public speaking careers.
Some are looking for opportunities to get on live TV to talk about their companies or their story.
Do you know how to prepare so you look your best?
I’m going to show you how you can look better on TV or on stage. The lights really alter our appearance.
I always suggest that my clients hire a makeup artist — but if you have to do it yourself, here are a few things you can do to make yourself look better under all those lights.
If you’re going to present on stage soon, here are three things to ask before you show up.
Kathryn Janicek is a three-time Emmy Award-winning television producer with 20 years of experience working in newsrooms across the country. Kathryn coached talent, producers, and writers before switching her focus on helping entrepreneurs and corporate executives. Now, based in her home city of Chicago, she is a much sought-after media coach and public speaking trainer who will help you produce the best YOU. Click HERE now to book a complimentary consultation with Kathryn.
3 Things to Ask Before you Show up to a Public Speaking Gig
Many of my clients had a successful career, but are now looking for help with their public speaking careers.
They’re an expert – and have a story to tell.
Do you know how to prepare so you hit your presentations out of the park?
These are three things to ask before you show up to a public speaking gig.
Before you really ever present.
Let’s produce the best you!
Try them and let me know how it worked out.
How to avoid the mistake the White House made this week
Picture courtesy of NBC News
I send out an email almost daily that goes to clients, former clients and future clients.
On Sunday, I sent a media tip that many would say is obvious.
Kind of a “no duh.”
I even called it “unsexy.”
But au contraire, my friend…
I’m sure you’ve heard by now that tickets to President Donald J. Trump’s first State of the Union address originally said State of the “Uniom.”
The tickets issued to lawmakers’ spouses and guests contained the typo. The tickets were printed by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper. They had to be reissued.
“It was corrected immediately, and our office is redistributing the tickets,” a spokesman for the sergeant at arms told Agence France-Presse.
One news outlet reported that the State of the Union tickets actually had two typos: In addition to “Uniom,” they referred to the “Visitor’s Gallery.” It’s actually the Visitors’ Gallery.
This isn’t the first time. Not long after President Trump was sworn into office in January of last year, the White House misspelled British Prime Minister Theresa May’s name—three times. THREE times. Her name is “Theresa” May, but they spelled it “Teresa” May. “Teresa” (with no h) May, happens to be a model and porn actress.
The original version of Trump’s presidential inauguration poster also featured a typo. The message over his photo read “No dream is too big, no challenge is to great,” with the second “o” missing from the second “too.”
Then there was the time the White House issued a statement before Trump’s trip to Israel, saying that he hoped the visit would “promote the possibility of lasting peach,” instead of “peace.” Yes, we all love the fuzzy fruit… but, come on.
And the White House Snapchat account referred to Betsy DeVos as the “Secretary of Educatuon.” Awesome.
Of course, Mr. Trump himself has had his own share of typos like the famous “covfefe.”
It happens.
It’s not uncommon.
And, it’s totally unacceptable.
Actually… he hears them.
I read them to my husband before I hit “publish.”
If he’s not around, I read them aloud a few times.
Sometimes he helps me nail down a point.
Most times he just listens and says “great!”
I love that.
- Have someone else read everything you write before it’s sent out.
- Always read your work out loud before you send it.
I’m talking about social media posts, blogs, big emails to your staff (you never know what might be forwarded to the media), speeches, quotes you’re giving to a magazine or newspaper… you get the point.
Here’s why I do it:
You’re way too important for me not to have another set of eyes on these emails.
I’m not perfect.
Here’s why you should do it:
Every bit of information that’s sent out or posted is a reflection of you and your company.
You’re not perfect.
Every bit of information that’s sent out or posted is a reflection of you and your company.
You’re not perfect.
In our beautiful imperfections… we miss stuff.
Our brain sometimes moves so quickly – we actually will “see” the right word that should be there… even though there is a misspelling or the wrong word there entirely.
When we read our work aloud — we catch more errors.
When you have someone else quickly do a once-over… it’s even better.
Told you it’s not very sexy.
But I guarantee – you’ll be more effective in sharing your story.
Kathryn Janicek is a three-time Emmy Award-winning television producer with 20 years of experience working in newsrooms across the country. Kathryn coached talent, producers, and writers before switching her focus on helping entrepreneurs and corporate executives. Now, based in her home city of Chicago, she is a much sought-after media coach and public speaking trainer who will help you produce the best YOU. Click HERE now to book a complimentary 30-minute consultation with Kathryn.
How to get on TV (or anywhere else in the media)
So you have a story to tell and you think the news should tell it?
You want to help more people by getting on a major platform like television?
You saw a guy you went to college with, you two have the same amount of experience… yet HE ALWAYS gets interviewed when the news is looking for someone in your industry?
Want “the news” to talk about YOUR company and give it a big boost in sales?
I hear it all the time.
“Why doesn’t the news call me? I have the best (fill in the blank).”
Here’s the BIG SECRET:
If you want it, you have to go get it.
The majority of the time, they’re not hunting down people to interview.
YOU have to make the call, email, text….
So, how do you do that?
Media training.
Media training teaches you:
- How to create a story that is marketable to the media
- How to dig up the marketable, sellable and pitchable story that’s inside of you or your company
- How to present that story to the media
- Who you need to talk to… who the major players are that make the decisions on what story to run, where to run it (and which to delete)
- What to say when you get the booking
- What to wear on TV, in a magazine shoot, for a newspaper shoot, or on radio (seriously… ask me why)
- The best haircut/style for your face on TV
- How to do your makeup for TV so you look alive but don’t look too made-up (and not like yourself)
- How to carry yourself physically during the interview
- Verbal delivery skills
- How to answer a question when you don’t want to answer a question
- How to answer a question when you can’t answer a question (proprietary information, part of an active investigation… or you just don’t know the answer)
- How to frame your message during the interview
- How to get the interviewer focused on the message that you want to focus on
- Where the story will show up
- How long to wait for the story to show up
- How to get your website link on air, in an article or mentioned on the radio
- How to share the story later to take advantage of the media hit and gain more followers (or make more sales)
Media training gives you the skills to develop a strong, clear message that sticks with your audience. It positions you to deliver it effectively and impactfully. Media training is also the best way to develop strong skills when it comes to interacting with the media, making sure your message isn’t lost or misinterpreted through nerves.
Media trainers work with individuals and teams of people.
I am a professional media trainer with 20+ years of experience in TV. (I have a bunch of Emmy Awards too.)
I coach on how to use appropriate body language, strong message building, and how to navigate those uncomfortable questions. The training experience arms you with what you need to effectively and confidently engage with the media.
Not convinced you need it? Here’s a little more …
It puts you in control of your interviews
You’ve seen or heard it before: an interview that is a complete flop. The person being interviewed forgets his or her key points, forgets important information, or flat out stumbles the whole way through.
The journalist may be the one asking you the questions, but in reality, you are in control of the interview. A media trainer works with you on composure and focusing on key messages so you can create the outcome you want in the interview. When your responses are clear and delivered well, you are able to subtly but strongly steer the interview the direction you want.
It teaches you to navigate the hard questions
Even if you are in control of your interview, you are still going to be faced with the hard questions. These questions may put you on the spot and be difficult to answer. With media training, you’re armed with skills to answer these tough questions. Your media trainer will practice these tough questions to prep you and craft answers that help you stay in control of the interview. This helps you feel confident going into an interview that may have particularly tough questions, even if they come at you unexpectedly.
It polishes your personal delivery
When you speak on television, the audience is watching your body language and facial expressions. People pick up on these things and they pay close attention to them. Media training teaches you how to use your words, tone, and body language to deliver your message in a powerful and effective way.
In addition to delivery, media training can help with interviewing anxiety. For those who are terrified by interviews, especially live radio and/or television ones, developing interview skills and confidence can be the most beneficial part of the media training experience. You’ll face every interview head-on without worrying about getting stuck.
Media training helps you even if you have NO desire to be in the media. Because of the training, my clients are better on stage, during job interviews, and presenting in front of small groups at work.
Kathryn Janicek is a three-time Emmy Award-winning television producer with 20 years of experience working in newsrooms across the country. Kathryn coached talent, producers, and writers before switching her focus on helping entrepreneurs and corporate executives. Now, based in her home city of Chicago, she is a much sought-after media coach and public speaking trainer who will help you produce the best YOU. Click HERE now to book a complimentary 30-minute consultation with Kathryn.
Chris Farley & How to Avoid the Media Mistakes I Made
Most of the time, you don’t know when your media opportunity is coming. Here’s an inside look at the media mistakes I made, to help you prepare for your own moment in the spotlight.
Comedian and actor, Chris Farley, died 20-years ago. He was a superstar in the 90s at the time I was in college. He died after a long battle with addiction. He was only thirty-three and was already the greatest physical comedian of my generation. He didn’t survive — but he left behind many stories. This is mine.
“Kathryn! You’re on TV… call me!”
“Kathryn, I just saw you on E!”
“Kathryn! I didn’t know you dated….. Chris Farley?!?”
Ten messages on my answering machine.
It was 1999… and I was just months out of college and at my first full-time TV job.
I heard the messages right after walking in the door after producing the news all night at WCIA in Champaign, Illinois. I was so tired, I had to listen to them again to understand what was going on. Then I called someone to get the scoop.
The “E! True Hollywood Story” on Chris Farley premiered the night before. It described Chris’ time at Saturday Night Live, at Marquette University, his drug abuse… and my picture came up in the show over and over. It was not flattering. Because of how I looked… and what the announcer track was saying while my pictures were coming up. Here’s a clip.
Chris Farley died during my senior year of college. The dean of my college called me over Christmas break and asked me to head back to school early so I could plan the memorial Mass at Marquette University. I was the president of my college and Chris went to Marquette.
The year prior, Chris came back to campus to accept an award. This is also the last time I wore a dress this low-cut. THIS is the event where my pictures were taken along with dozens of other students with Chris. After Chris died, producers from E! went to Marquette to collect pictures. The dean handed them over… and the producers didn’t keep track — so editors used pictures of me in places that the track was not referring to me. I clearly did not date Chris, nor was I part of his downward spiral into drinking… as the E! story said.
On the day of the memorial Mass — I had Chris’ family there, bagpipers and Pat Finn to give the eulogy. (You’ve probably seen Pat in The Middle, Friends and Seinfeld… he’s great.) His eulogy was hilarious and loving. He told stories that illustrated Chris as a student… to us, a chapel full of students. I wish I had video of it in its entirety. He also told stories of how Chris would make regular trips to the Joan of Arc chapel on campus to pray… talk to God… and just be alone.
After the service, the local stations wanted to interview me.
I didn’t even think about this possibility.
I was unprepared. (I know much better now… I was 20 then.)
As a young broadcast journalism student who wanted to be a reporter (as I thought at the time)… I blew my chance. I gave the all-time lamest soundbite. It’s here if you want to see it:
Between the low-cut dress at the awards event the year before and the soundbite at the service — these are the first two mistakes I made when it comes to media and public speaking.
But I learned a lot.
- When the story on E! aired, I was a young TV producer. This taught me to be very careful when writing to pictures and video. Make sure the track matches the visuals. A mistake can hurt someone’s reputation.
- Be ready for anything.
- Watch the makeup. Don’t let it be a distraction.
- Dress how you would want to be portrayed in pictures or on video — especially if you’re going to a high-profile event. You never know who may see the picture.
- Have your elevator speech ready. What will you say if the media shows up? How will you answer if someone at that wedding asks you what you do, or why you’re “in between jobs,” or what you’re looking for in your next role? What will you say when they ask you what your company does? Remember — quick responses that stick with your audience.
Most times – you don’t even know your opportunity’s coming.
You need to be ready now.
Kathryn Janicek is a three-time Emmy Award-winning television producer with 20 years of experience working in newsrooms across the country. Kathryn coached talent, producers, and writers before switching her focus on helping entrepreneurs and corporate executives. Now, based in her home city of Chicago, she is a much sought-after media coach and public speaking trainer who will help you produce the best YOU. Click HERE now to book a complimentary 30-minute consultation with Kathryn!
Preparing for an emergency like the Las Vegas shootings
Picture courtesy of ABC News
My prayers are with you – especially if you had friends or family hurt in the Las Vegas murders. My prayers are with all of us as we keep going forward after each shooting. After each mass casualty.
After any major event, experts are needed for the media coverage.
A few hours into the Las Vegas coverage Monday, I started working on a project for a Chicago TV booker. She was searching for law enforcement professionals for an interview regarding the shooting.
After 20+ years in media, I know lots of good men and women who are currently in or retired from law enforcement.
I reached out to former Chicago Deputy Police Chief, Joe Gandurski, to see if he was available to do some TV.
This isn’t something we want to think about — but here is what the former deputy police chief suggests you do to plan for an emergency like the Las Vegas shootings.
Please read and share this post with your friends. I hope you never have to use this information.
First, here’s the link to the segment I booked Gandurski on. He was live on Chicago’s WCIU-TV yesterday morning.
Now, here are the details from former Deputy Chicago Police Chief, Joe Gandurski, so you can easily share them with friends:
The main goal in any such situation is to survive it. In some of the school shootings simply locking the classroom door was sufficient to save many. In a situation like Las Vegas, a person needs to do whatever he or she can to survive, there are thousands of people in the venue. No one knows what is going on, there is a good while before the situation is grasped, then panic, and what to do? Everyone starts running toward the exits. New possibilities of being trampled, etc. People are dropping around you, no one knows where the shots are coming from, what to do?
The answer to that question is that you use all your instincts and senses and intuition to decide what to do. Your immediate goal is to move from the open to cover, any cover, under the stage, under the sound control area, behind a cement light stand, a concession stand, and then observe and move with the goal of separating yourself distance wise from the shooter as you deem his/her location, a clue is that bodies are not dropping around you. Some folks in Vegas scrambled under cars.
Remember concealment may hide you but may not stop a bullet. Cell phones may be useless with everyone calling. Stay alert, keep a low profile, stay out of the open. If you decide to move, have a place to duck or cover on the way to reach your next position. Move quickly and not in a straight line.
As a preventative measure, one should always:
- evaluate the conditions of the venue
- determine where to go if something like this happens
- locate the exits
- avoid wearing flip-flops or heels and wear clothing that allows you to move unrestricted and protects you from debris
- identify good cover and concealment areas
- keep your wits about you and be alert
- be alert to the possibility of multiple shooters at multiple locations
- be flexible and alert to circumstances as they unfold
The way to help the wounded is to move to safety and report what you saw to authorities. Let them help and treat the wounded. They have equipment and experience. Remember also that law enforcement will be just as confused at the beginning. In this situation, there was probably no way to determine where the shots were coming from for quite a while. When they arrive, they will be looking for information, anyone armed, anyone injured. If you have a weapon in view, you could be shot by responding police.
This is a behavior-changing situation. The idea of going to a concert and getting wasted on alcohol or drugs and having fun is now a risk that people should seriously consider.
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Thank you to former Deputy Chicago Police Chief, Joe Gandurski for those tips.
Please share this post with your friends.
Again, I hope you will never have to use this information.
Be safe,
Kathryn
How to save face in an interview and deflect like Jane Fonda
Picture courtesy of NBC Today
You’re interviewing for a job.
You’re getting ready for a media interview.
But you’re afraid — what if they ask you a question that you don’t want to answer? Or can’t answer?
I’m going to show you exactly what Jane Fonda did this week – and how you can do the same when you don’t want to answer a question during a media interview or in a job interview.
First, some background…
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She tried.
It blew up.
She looked dumb.
I’m talking about Megyn Kelly.
Did you see this video? Watch starting at 1:30 in:
Jane Fonda was on Megyn Kelly’s new hour of NBC’s TODAY show to promote Fonda’s new Netflix movie, Our Souls at Night, with Robert Redford.
During the interview, the former Fox News host asked about Fonda’s plastic surgery, “I read that you said you’re not proud to admit you’ve had work done. Why not?”
Fonda stared at Kelly and then answered: “We really want to talk about that right now?”
Kelly quickly replied, “One of the things people think about you when they look at you is how amazing you look.”
Fonda credited her “good attitude, good posture,” and then turned the segment subject back to Our Souls at Night. “But let me tell you why I love this movie that we did, Our Souls at Night, rather than plastic surgery,” Fonda said.
Brilliant.
This is what we call art, deflecting and professionalism.
I’m going to teach you how to do this, but first…
Here are some lessons learned from this interview if you’re in the media:
- Even female members of the media fall into sexist traps. Don’t let yourself.
- Jane Fonda has never liked discussing the procedures she’s undergone to age gracefully. You know this. Do not ask sexist and unimportant questions. The female race is not made up of idiots. We know she’s had work. We can see it. Why not just ask her about Vietnam too right in the middle of an interview about her new movie with Robert Redford?
- If you’re going to ask a woman about her plastic surgery, do not ask in front of a man she’s been in love with for decades. It’s tacky. Would you do this in person, at a party?
At the end of the day, I wish I knew who her doctor is – I have several clients who would love to look as good as Jane Fonda when they’re her age. Me too.
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Now for you, my fellow business professionals… there’s a wonderful lesson for us in how Fonda answered this question.
Fonda has spent her career answering difficult questions especially after her comments on the Vietnam War that infuriated much of the United States.
YOU can learn from her.
Politicians, like President Donald Trump, have mastered the art of deflection. I want you to be just as prepared when you need to change the subject during an interview.
Here’s how to deflect like the pros and deal with the tough questions:
- Acknowledge the question, but don’t answer it. “Great question, but what we should be looking at is…”
- Question the question. Question the question when it’s based on false information or factually inaccurate. You can also question the question when it’s too personal. Also, try asking for more information: “I’d love to answer that… but I need clarification.” “I’d love to answer that… but please let me know what you mean by those numbers.” Turn the question onto the interviewer: “Why do you ask me that?” This is what Fonda did during the interview on TODAY. Kelly asked the question and Fonda replied, “We really want to talk about that right now?”
- Refuse to answer. Not your area of responsibility? Refuse to answer and give the name of the person who can.
- Partially answer. Start to answer but then change the subject right away. This is what Fonda did in this example: Fonda: “We really want to talk about that right now?” Kelly: “One of the things people think about you when they look at you is how amazing you look.” Fonda: “good attitude, good posture… But let me tell you why I love this movie that we did, Our Souls at Night, rather than plastic surgery.”
- Explain that the question has already been answered. “We’ve addressed this.” “I’m not going to go over old ground.”
I know there are examples in your head now that you’d seen the strategy. If not, you’re going to notice this all the time going forward. Learn from the good and bad examples during live interviews.
Is there an interview that you’ve seen that’s a great example of deflecting? Share the links below so we can all learn from them.