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Padilla’s Media Relations Consultants represent a group of agency professionals who are delivering top media relations strategies and placements for our clients. This team invests time and expertise to build strong news media relationships and craft engaging stories that build audience awareness and trust.
The Buzz Bin’s “On Deadline” series introduces you to members of this team with a short Q&A. Meet Adam Kraft, currently conducting outreach to Midwest media about events to improve armed intruder preparedness and safety.
Q: What are the top three things you need in a successful pitch?
A: Three things you need in a successful pitch are:
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- Time element
- Tie-in to a larger story
- Visuals, or the opportunity for visuals
Q: What are your thoughts and observations on the ever-changing media landscape?
A: Newsrooms are dwindling, and the media have less time than ever to spend on a story. The onus is on us as media relations consultants to bring to life our clients stories in an engaging way. We need to be able to identify an opportunity and package it simply, creatively and accurately.
Q: What’s your go-to outlet for news and why?
A: Twitter. Yes, Twitter.
If used correctly, Twitter is a great resource that allows you to compile news from many different organizations all at your fingertips. Follow national and local news organizations – plus people from them. This way you are getting the important news nationally and locally all in one place. Also, this offers a great opportunity to begin making connections and understanding the reporters you follow.
Q: What is the best career advice you’ve received? Who gave you that advice? (teacher, family member, mentor, boss, coworker, reporter, etc.)
A: My dad once told me to compartmentalize my life – you can’t let a bad day at work bleed into the other aspects of your life. I use this mindset even more specifically by compartmentalizing my work – don’t let one bad project bleed into others. Same goes for clients, interactions, pitches, etc. Don’t let a misstep hinder your work moving forward.
Q: What is your advice for a communication professional experiencing anxiety about pitching media?
A: You will stutter, you will mess up, you will get rejected. Take the time to practice what you’re going to say beforehand and keep picking up the phone. The more you do it, the less anxiety creeps in.
To talk with Adam about how he can elevate your media relations program, contact us.
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