It’s always nice to go back to basics. Sometimes we all need a little reminder.

💡 7 Tips for Beginners in Media Relations

1. Build your personal brand first.
​ Your brand is your reputation.

• Share expertise online to showcase authority.
• Keep your LinkedIn polished and active.
• Be consistent in how you present yourself.

2. Network like your career depends on it (because it does).
​ Relationships are the core of media relations.

• Attend industry events to meet professionals.
• Follow journalists and engage with their work.
• Approach connections with sincerity, not just agendas.

3. Research, research, research.
​ Understand journalists before you pitch them.

• Study their beat and recent work.
• Tailor pitches to align with their interests.
• Avoid generic, one-size-fits-all outreach.

4. Be a resource, not just a pitcher.
​ Journalists value information and expertise.

• Share relevant data and compelling stories.
• Offer unique angles to make their job easier.
• Become their go-to person for reliable insights.

5. Think creativity over quantity.
​ A memorable pitch stands out more than ten average ones.

• Use storytelling to make pitches engaging.
• Be concise and to the point. Nobody loves fluff.
• Frame your idea as a solution to a problem.

6. Build relationships, not just headlines.
​ Connections outlast any single story.

• Take time to understand what matters to journalists.
• Follow up, even when you’re not pitching.
• Always aim for genuine, long-term trust.

7. Stay strategic with your content.
​ The right place at the right time makes all the difference.

• Identify the outlets that align with your goals.
• Know when and how to approach the media.
• Share content that adds value, not noise.

Media relations is a marathon, not a sprint.

🎤 Should I Start a New Podcast?

I know, I know. I’m book-obsessed. Here’s my idea for a passion project.

Each week, the "Shelf-Made Stories" podcast dives into the bold, creative world of book entrepreneurs:

• The bookstore dreamers turning shelves into community hubs.
• The book truck nomads spreading stories on the go.
• Subscription box curators and book club creators turning pages into profits.

Expect real talk, laughs, and behind-the-scenes magic from fellow bookworms making books their business.

🎙️ Here’s where you come in:

1. What do you think of the concept?
2. Who would you love to hear as a guest?

• A favorite bookstore owner?
• A book truck entrepreneur?
• Someone we’ve never even thought of?

Reply with your thoughts!

📚 Speaking of Books…

Picture this: A fresh, buzz-worthy book lands on your doorstep each month. That’s the magic of Book of the Month… and why I just joined.

Here’s why it’s a no-brainer:

• Curated selections: No endless scrolling for your next read. Experts do the hard work for you.
• Early access: Be the first to get your hands on future bestsellers.
• Flexibility: Skip a month if life gets busy.
• Affordable treats: Hardcovers at a fraction of the price.

Plus, I got a free book lovers hat when I joined.

​Click here to join me in the BOTM Club!​

💃🏻 A Community I’ve Been Sleeping on

I’ve been part of the Entreprenista League for about a year… and I haven’t been active.

My friend Lisa told me about it.

It’s a community where driven women build, grow, and thrive together.

Here’s why I’m going to step up my game and visit their Circle community more:

• Unmatched connections: Meet ambitious entrepreneurs who get it.
• Expert resources: Learn from top-tier mentors and industry insiders.
• Collaborative vibe: Share challenges, swap ideas, and grow with a support system that’s got your back.
• Exclusive perks: Access events, tools, and discounts designed just for you.

​If you want to check it out, click here.​

Next week, I’ll be working with the amazing people at Storyblok in NYC, so I’ll miss you… but expect to hear more about what I learned on this big work trip when I get back!

Christina

Just finished: The Lake of Lost Girls ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Currently reading: The Alice Network

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