On Wednesday, November 24th, we hosted #StartupChats to talk about (and to) Voices for Canadian Entrepreneurs with Meltwater.
We were joined by a panel of great experts in the media, personal branding, content and public relations space;
Alana Simpson, PR Strategist
Thi Dao, Partnerships Manager, The Future of Good
Reagan Bradley, Personal Branding Strategist
Lauren Hicks, Digital Programs Content Manager, Startup Canada
Nicole Lively, Marketing Director, Meltwater
Sissi De Flaviis, Reporter and Storyteller, CBC Yukon
Is a strong brand or story important when approaching the media?
A2 In journalism we don’t fully care if you picked the right colours or font for your logo. What we cared about the most is WHO you are and WHAT you’re doing. If you can clearly communicate that with your brand you’re set👌 #startupchats
— Sissi De Flaviis (@sissideflaviis) November 24, 2021
A2. It does – but brand is what you stand for, not your logo or visual look and feel. It’s key to be able to demonstrate what you stand for via actions – not just to say it #StartupChats
— LYNDON [THINK DIFFERENTLY] JOHNSON (@THINK_Lyndon) November 24, 2021
A2 From experience, having a strong brand goes beyond profits and dollars. People are interested in the impact you’re making – your missions, goals, values, and how that translates into your products, services, and communities you serve. That’s what matters most! 👊 #startupchats
— Thi Dao (@dao_maithi) November 24, 2021
What do relationship building and nurturing look like in this space?
chat 👏 over👏 a👏meeting 👏 and not just over an email – and get to know them as human beings! #startupchats
— Thi Dao (@dao_maithi) November 24, 2021
A3 Reporters/journalists are always looking to expand their contact list. Connect with them on social—@Twitter is a great—share your story with them and position yourself as an expert in your field so your name pops up every time they need “someone” for a story #startupchats
— Sissi De Flaviis (@sissideflaviis) November 24, 2021
A3 Another great Q! Reach out when you don’t have a pitch & ask for a meeting (w a specific reporter or even the biz dev team). This will show them you are tuned into their content, allow you to tell them about you/your org and ask about their needs #StartupChats
— Lauren Hicks (@Hix21Lauren) November 24, 2021
So, what makes a story stand out? How can entrepreneurs capture the attention of the media?
Think of @Disney’s Inside Out. A movie about our five key emotions:
– Joy: Feel good stories
– Disgust: Stories we hate we want more of
– Anger: Stories that contradict with our beliefs
– Sadness: Stories that pull at our heartstrings
– Fear: Chaotic stories#StartupChats https://t.co/T6Vcs29gOu
— Reagan Bradley (@reagan_bradley) November 24, 2021
100%
It’s why we created a read-out card for pitches to help entrepreneurs with the process and provide a structure that journalists like #StartupChats pic.twitter.com/3KQhbFYb2b
— LYNDON [THINK DIFFERENTLY] JOHNSON (@THINK_Lyndon) November 24, 2021
The secret sauce is part telling a different story than anyone else, part timing (whats going on in the world), part luck and part consistency. #startupchats
— Nicole Lively (@nicolelively) November 24, 2021