After all, reporters are inundated with 100+ pitches a day. How do you make sure yours isn’t just another swipe left? It helps to be the PR rep they actually remember; the one who bonded over ACOTAR, travel recommendations, or that Substack article they reposted. Here’s how to make your next in-person meeting a win.
Best Practices
- Know their story (literally)
Review their past and current work, bookmarking a few key stories and topics that you can reference during the conversation. They want to know you understand their beat and will bring them relevant and useful pitches. Think of it as showing your date you actually read their profile, not just their pictures. - Find common ground
Similar to knowing your Hinge date likes farmers markets, hiking and full-bodied red wines, find common points of interest, both personal and professional, to have in your back pocket to keep the conversation flowing. Bonus: genuine rapport makes your pitch feel like a natural next step, not a sales tactic. - Be thoughtful
Do a little digging to figure out their interests and what type of meeting they might prefer. Like anyone else, they are more likely to agree if you suggest a specific place or activity they already want to do. Are they driving into the city to meet? Recommend a coffee shop with a parking lot. Vegan? Offer lunch at that new vegan place by their office. Don’t be afraid to get creative; any event can make for a good meetup too! Consider a speaker session, book reading or anything you think they might love! - Keep it exploratory
Show that you are trying to get to know them and what would be most useful for their work, and not that you’re just there in exchange for a story. Come prepared to discuss what your clients are doing and their latest news, but ensure the conversation is not siloed to what you need from them. Remember, the more you know about what trends they’re watching or topics they like writing about, the easier it becomes to nurture a true partnership rather than chase a one-time hit.
TL;DR: Do the research, find the overlap, and treat the meeting as the start of a partnership – not a pitch.
Meeting with a reporter doesn’t have to feel intimidating. Think of it as an opportunity to build a meaningful connection rather than just secure a story. By showing up prepared, finding common ground, tailoring the experience to their preferences, and staying curious, you’re setting the stage for a relationship that lasts beyond a single coffee. Follow through thoughtfully with a quick thank-you and any promised materials, and you’ll reinforce your credibility while keeping the connection warm.
Whether it’s your first in-person meeting or your tenth, these small, intentional actions add up – turning casual coffee chats into genuine media partnerships. From research to follow-up, be sure to follow these tips to help your next meeting be second-date worthy.
Looking for more pro tips? Like turning a product launch into a story journalists are craving? Or staying ahead in an always-shifting media landscape? Contact us today!
