How to Push Past the Fear and Be the Face of Your Brand
Putting yourself out there in general is scary, but putting yourself in the public eye can be terrifying. I’m talking about deer in the headlights petrification. That ever present fear of public speaking goes on overdrive for most people considering talking to a reporter or going on live TV to talk about their brand. But if you are the one that can push past the fear and talk about your expertise with the media, it can be totally worth it.
Brands that get media reach more audiences, increase their brand awareness, and get a huge boost to their credibility.
The same business can look like a little, hole-in-the-wall, mom-and-pop shop without media attention or an intriguing hip brand offering something unique that everyone should try with just a few good media placements. Media makes a difference!
So it’s time to put your pretty face (or voice, or words) out there and show the world what you have to offer.
When my clients express more fear than confidence, here are five things I make sure they know to gain the gusto they need to nail the interview.
1. Know that you deserve it
One theory I have is that people are afraid of media attention because it’s kind of awkward to be the center of attention in the first place.
But here’s the thing: you have put countless hours into your career and you deserve the success that comes with it.
PR is both a catalyst and evidence of your success. Take it in, have fun in the interview, and don’t be afraid to talk about yourself and all the hard work you’ve done.
Think of your products or services as a gift. You have put so much effort into creating an awesome experience for your customers—you’re giving them something they need—and this is your chance to make sure they know it’s available.
You deserve the attention and your customers deserve to know what you have to offer.
2. Someone will get this opportunity, it might as well be you
The media is going to run the story with or without you. I think it should be with you, right?
By passing up an opportunity for media attention out of fear, you’re basically just passing it on to your competitors.
How messed up is that?
Do yourself a favor and just go for it!
3. Decide that you’re the expert
Ring, ring, imposter syndrome is calling and it’s time to send it straight to voicemail. While we’re at it, why don’t we just block that number and report it as spam. You don’t need that kind of negativity getting in the way of your success.
I know from personal experience what it’s like to doubt yourself and feel like you’re not qualified to be the quotable expert. But if you can take a step back and look at how you are immersed in your industry every single day, that should be enough to convince yourself you know what you’re talking about.
Make the decision that you’re an expert in your field and the media should use you as a resource.
4. Start small
Still got the jitters? Totally understandable. There’s no need to dive in the deep end if you’ve never been in the water before.
Dip your toes in niche podcasts and local media, feel out the water, and before you know it you’ll be diving head-first in national media like an olympian.
There is no pressure to go big right from the start. Most of the time, brands have more luck landing smaller publications when they’re just getting started anyway and pick up traction over time.
5. Practice
Just like anything else, practice makes perfect. If you have run through a few practice interviews in a safe, non-judgmental space, you’re going to be much more confident going into your interview.
And if you feel the need for some outside help, reach out! I’ve coached small business owners to be media darlings for more than a decade and would be happy to help you practice your way to the spotlight.