MEDIA TRAINING: Image Control? Here's How You Can Do It

Are YOU Working On This?

This week I sat down with two LPGA winners who had designs on improvement.  Not with their golf games.. but instead with their off-course skills. 

Victory changes things quickly in sports… celebrity status goes up another level, media attention grows and the spotlight on everything you do becomes a bit brighter.

I won’t share the names – never do it publicly – as it’s a confidential meeting that I think should be kept in house.  But I will share the purpose and the process.  We do a lot with our players, both on the LPGA and on the developmental Symetra Tour, to help them maximize their opportunity and create a "lasting impression" with every interview and every public speaking appearance.  Media seminars are for big groups... and then follow up can happen individually based on added interest.

So what happens?

   A look at recent media interviews and written articles.  We break down the quotes and ask ourselves the following question… “were you memorable or forgettable?”  Saying the right thing isn’t something you can or should script.  I’m a big believer that you never want to sound “scripted”… and always want to come across as genuine.... enthusiastic... and conversational.  At the same time… a strong dose of preparation makes you appear more confident.  Confidence leads to “quotability”, which leads to more interest and better results in the media.

      

   A self-analysis of what the media thinks of you.  This might be the toughest part of the individual session.  Does the media look at you as a shy, reserved person?  Someone who likes the limelight?  Or someone who would rather steer clear of the stage?  Only this step can lead to a way to change perception and build a bigger following with more effective results.

  After the self-analysis… we talk about HOW to change perception.  And this is the part that requires more work.  Athletes have opportunities … and so does everyone. Think about how you can better come across in:

                  Corporate Appearances & Outings

                  Public Speaking Opportunities

                  Television and Radio Interviews

                  Newspaper and Magazine Articles

                  Television Show Appearances

Every STAGE Provides An Opportunity

And then think about things that you can initiate on your own:

                   Personal Website

                   Blogs

                   YouTube & Other Videos

                   Social Media – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc.

Everyone has an “image”… and people always have an opinion of others.  The question is… how do you want to be viewed?  And how can you control public and professional opinion?  The choice is yours…. time to get to work… because today, every little thing matters.

Thanks for following this blog, and sharing with others.  Your thoughts are always welcome and you can follow me and share thoughts here ... or directly on Twitter @KraigKann

Thought  for the Day: Marketing is gone…. Building a “following” is now in.  Are you comfortable with how your brand is viewed?  And shared?