Want to become a media spokesperson? Here's how

As partners of the Recruitment Network, we regularly provide guest blogs for their site offering advice to members. Our latest post, which can be read in full here, discusses the topic of becoming an effective media spokesperson.

So here are our top tips that will have you well on the way to being a fully-fledged media spokesperson:

1. Be visible

Becoming a thought leader takes commitment. If a reporter or researcher is looking for insight on GP shortages in rural Essex, for example, the obvious place to begin their search is online. Make a habit of sharing snippets of your expertise and opinions on the news across social media, your own blog and third-party platforms to increase your visibility. We’ve had clients appear on Sky News after TV researchers stumbled across opinionated blog posts. Lay the foundations and the opportunities may just come to you.

2. Be a thought leader

Know your subject area inside out and make sure you have something worth saying. It can be surprising how many clients don’t release the value of the insight they’re sitting on until it’s pointed out. If you’ve got a specialist subject that you’d smash a Mastermind final with, especially if it’s as niche as contractor tax legislation in Ethiopia, make it known.

3. Don’t be afraid to be controversial

While you wouldn’t want to drop a bombshell, holding an opinion which encourages audiences to question widely held perceptions is extremely attractive to the media. As long as you can back up what you’re saying – and your views aren’t offensive or libellous – then don’t be afraid to put your head above the parapet.

4. Be available

Researchers, producers and journalists all work to tight deadlines. You could be the best interviewee in the world, but if you’re not available for interview until a week on Wednesday they’ll quickly move onto the next person on the list. Success as a media spokesperson relies on being flexible and reactive to what’s going on in the news so seize the moment. If a story begins to break, and it’s your area of expertise, pick up the phone to the paper, newsroom or radio station. You may not be successful in making it to interview, but being first off the block will certainly improve your chances.

5. Be clear about your message

You’re not trying to build a career as a columnist or a radio personality. As such, any insight you provide via the media should keep your wider business objectives front and centre.

6. Don’t be a diva

You won’t be paid for your screen début. If you’re interviewed for a print publication, you won’t be offered copy approval. You may be bumped if a schedule changes, there’s breaking news or the producer or journalist gets a better offer. Don’t take it personally. If a spokesperson is a nightmare to deal with they’re unlikely to be approached again, regardless of the quality of insight they provide.

Using the media to reinforce your brand is arguably the gold standard in recruitment marketing. If you really know your stuff, play your cards right by being visible, available and a pleasure to deal with, and you’ll soon find yourself becoming a ‘go to’ media spokesperson in your field.