Are you ready to pitch to the media? You have made the smart decision of using PR to get your message across to the media. This are some fantastic first steps.

You should now be fully prepared with what your exact topic and message is. The obvious next step is to really get out there and start pitching to the media! Marsha , Chief Executive Officer of Event Management Services, Inc. , a national public relations firm, has been doing this successfully for over 20 years and knows exactly how to gain and hold the attention of various mediums . Here Marsha Friedman shares with us methods of pitching to the media 1. Don't pitch yourself. When you are pitching to the media pitch your message not yourself. Marsha Friedman says, "Keep your focus on the issue. If you are a doctor specializing in natural health pitch a show idea or story about the 10 foods that will fight off illness during the flu season." By pitching the issue you get the producer or journalist interested in your story first. Make sure to deliver what they want: a hot story tied to the news.

2. Never pitch your product. If you are a product manufacturer it is very important that when you are pitching to the media that you do not focus the pitch on your company's product or service. Marsha Friedman says, " If you have a product or service, focus your pitch on THE PROBLEM that your product or service solves. If you produce a line of gourmet cookies pitch a show or story about the value of quality family time and offer tips on how moms and dads can share baking time with their children." Again, producers and journalists shy away from pitches that sound like infomercials and it is an instant turn-off to their audience.

3. Don't rely on the media's research. Although the media will do their own homework - don't rely solely on the results of their research. Marsha Friedman says, "Supply them with your data in advance . Especially if you have a controversial or difficult to understand topic. " When pitching, have an arsenal of facts that you can use to educate the media with. This is more useful then you can imagine. If you have a tricky or detailed topic, present as much information as you can so that the busy, inundated producer or journalist can grasp your message quickly. The more explaining, the higher the chance you will be turned down. Make it concise and full of quality.

4. There is power in numbers. What we are talking about here is especially true if you are pitching a controversial topic. Marsha Friedman says, "If you're pitching a controversial topic to a radio or TV show, have a list of guests that are available to be on the show with you to support your side of the story With this group you will have a better handle on the segment and have people with you that will support your message. This helps you gain acceptance with the audience. " Without a list of suggested guests, you may be put on the spot or pushed into a corner when you appear on the show.

Hopefully these tips will help you get out there today and start pitching! If you would like to learn more about gaining national and local media exposure for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Marsha Friedman would love to help. Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a public relations expert Friedman has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without budget busting monthly retainers.

Marsha Friedman has been a leading authority on public relations for nearly two decades as CEO of Event Management Services, Inc (EMSI). If you would like to receive her free Ebook "How to Be a Great Talk Radio Guest" visit http://www.emsincorporated.com.