Congratulations to PR software company Muck Rack — who just published brilliantly insightful research showing how 2000 journalists want to be pitched. 

Why is this relevant to your business/brand?

Because as stated on our homepage, we want to become the most helpful PR agency in the world, so when esteemed research echoes our library of unmissable FREE communications tips, it should reassure you that our advice is, at the very least, more impressive than the last freebie you enjoyed.
 
(smug, witchlike cackle)
 
So, of the many findings Muck Rack unearthed in their research, here are the THREE we consider non-negotiable when emailing journalists to enlighten, educate or entertain them with your business news.

As a man, I've never said this before, so deep breath... here goes:

In my experience, women are naturally better PR clients than men.

There, I said it.... cancel me, call me anti-men or accuse me of favouritism, either way, I'm still right. 

So, what do I mean by "better PR clients"?

When it comes to how we behave as an agency, here's an accusation that'd unfairly damage our reputation:

"Drama. Fuss. They make a big deal out of everything."

In contrast, here's an accusation that'd perfectly describe our content — specifically our live events photography: 

"Drama. Fuss. They make a big deal out of everything."

You see, there's a time and a place for drama, and last week, when Chrissy Bray booked us to shoot her NEW London show — 'Just Act Normal' — we were in that exact place.

Which of these behaviours would you expect someone described as 'in control' to display?

Would you expect that person to be...

Quiet or loud?
Smiley or stoic? 
Proud or humble?
Attentive or distant? 
Cordial or confrontational?

Of all the public figures we've studied over the years, Alex Mahon, CEO of Channel 4, is in a league of her own. During interviews, when challenged, her composure is first class. 

Let's focus on Alex' 2022 appearance on BBC's The Media Show. The 25-minute conversation — discussing the then proposed privatisation of Channel 4 -- is a masterclass in confidence, charm and control. The way she displayed these traits, however, might surprise you.

Below, using clips from that interview, we'll show you 5 interviewee skills Alex has in spades — skills that'll help you exude confidence, charm and control during your next (or first ever) media interview.
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THE 5 ADS INSPECTED TODAY:

• Specsavers
• Lloyds Bank
• P&O CRUISES
• Many Pets (pet insurance)
• BURGA (mobile phone cases)

Welcome to 'MAD ABOUT THE AD' — a  fast, fun & opinionated look at the words used in ads.

Each instalment of 'MAD ABOUT THE AD' features ads we consider effective and others we dare to challenge. Understand, literally no one has asked for our opinion on any of these ads, but this series is about helping your brand use words better, and of course, us enjoying the sound of our own voice.

KEY:
'MAD ABOUT THE AD' = We like the ad!
'MAKES US MAD' = Nah, not a fan.

Let's begin.

It's a crude thing to admit, but the truth is often ugly, so here goes... 

'Of all my skills, the one that makes me an effective publicist is my ability to manipulate situations.' 

There, I said it.

Hello? 

Are you still there? 

Okay, well, for those of you that aren't put-off by talk of manipulation, I salute you. As a reward, by the end of this blog, you'll learn one of my most successful manipulation techniques — my ability to manipulate sentences. You'll see how this skill generates high-profile media coverage for my clients, myself and, once you deploy them in your business, for you.

THE GOOD NEWS: this technique is 100% ethical.

THE BAD NEWS: this technique will suck valuable minutes from your life.

It's three years since a potential disaster was averted in the most pleasing way imaginable.

Consider the absurdity of stopping members of the public as they go about their day... then inviting them to grab a paintbrush, and together, paint a portrait of one of the most famous faces on earth; David Beckham.

Oddly, despite no vetting procedures, no age restrictions and no talent checks, the outcome was something of a masterpiece. Watch below.
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