No, not me.
But I did a lot of media training before I stepped into a restroom in 2001 and wrote, "Stop me before I pitch again." To help clients wishing to reach business technology editors, I used Richard Brandt for a segment called, "A journey inside an editor's mind."
Richard did astounding work. He would explain to someone who was going out to pitch editors, what was on that editor's mind, what he or she was looking for, the politics, competition and frustration of the newsroom. He'd also listen to your pitch, then write a news article based on it.
The results were that clients walked into the city room with the target birthmark removed from their chests. They understood the mystifying, but powerful person on the other side of the table.
The issue was on my mind today, because I'm working with several companies that are DEMO bound, where they will be meeting some of the traditional media's most influential players--usually for the first time.
A lesson from Richard could be very valuable. Email him here.
