You're probably thinking that you will never have a cable business
program. Anything is possible if you are creative and aggressive
enough to go after your PR dreams. One of the first things that I
instruct clients who use my PR makeover service to do is package
their products and service to enhance their PR appeal. Wouldn't it
be great if you could package yours into a business program that is
featured on your local cable station? Well today we are going to
outline the format for a women in business cable program.
You have to decide if it is going to be a talk, makeover, or news
style program. The style of the program should reflect your PR goals
and communication strengths. If your business solves a problem, then
a makeover program would be perfect for you. If you are skilled at
getting people to open up to you, then use a talk program format.
The news format is perfect for women who are extremely organized and
adept at doing research.
Once you've decided on the program style, work on your concept. Your
new program must capture the audience's attention. Will your news
program report about on the online women in business market? Will
your makeover program show women how to give their web sites a
professional look? Will your talk program feature women who own
sites hosted by you? How long will be the program be? Will it be a
daily, weekly, or monthly program?
Location is everything! It sets the mood for your program. Do you
plan on using a studio, your home, or local places to tape your
program. It all depends on the image that you want to project. A
formal business look can be achieved by taping in a studio. Taping
from your home office maximizes the image of running a successful
online home-based business. Using a different locale for each show
enhances the appeal of a fun business program. All three location
choices are perfect for any of the program styles.
So far I've covered your program style, concept and location. Now it
is time to work on your content. Content is queen! You can have
the best style, concept, and location and still have a bad program if
your content is dull. Outline your debut show. Keep in mind that
your program must feature your products and services. Jot down what
is different and exciting about them. Ask yourself how you can fit
them into the style of the program to spotlight your business without
it being too advertorial.
Background research is required to construct your content. Find out
what new trends on the Internet are important to the women in
business market. If your program is going to feature guests that
have web sites, incorporate their sites into the program to make it
interactive. The audience could contact you via email while you are
on the air to ask your guests questions. Get your guests to provide
your audience with a freebie or prizes that they can only receive
while your program is on the air. Just make your content fun and
exciting and you will keep your audience from turning the channel.
Guests can make or break a program. Choose them carefully. They can
be owners of the most dynamic businesses and have dull
personalities. Your audience will turn the channel. Allow
prospective guests to send in their media kit. Interview them on the
phone. Then meet with the more promising prospects in person to make
your final decision.
Now its time to give your business program a name. I decided to wait
until the end for this very important item to give you time to fully
develop the vision for your business program. This is where vanity
or creativity comes into play. It's your program. If your business
name is suitable, use it. Name it after yourself if you want to
boost your personal business image. If neither of these ideas
appeals to you, then think of an original name for your business
program. Make it exciting by having a contest to find a name for
your program to stir up interest.
These are just a few of things to think about if you ever decide to
create your own cable women in business program. Wardrobe, makeup,
sponsors, camera crew, etc. must also be addressed. Next month I
will discuss how to promote your new business program.
About the Author
Jerrilynn is also the owner of the Women's News Bureau ( http://www.womensnewsbureau.com )
and publisher of the Women's Media Desk (http://www.womensmediadesk.com ). She provides PR Makeovers,
designs media kits, develops media lists, and conducts virtual public
relations boot camp. Contact: jerrilynnb@womensnewsbureau.com