The altitude of attitude.

Media relations always seemed like a good fit for me, and finally, one day I was ready to give it a try. In the beginning, I was a bit naïve, thinking that everybody would give me the time of day, listen to my pitch, and I would go on placing articles, case studies and product mentions right and left. After getting my feet wet for a few weeks, I realized that this may not be the case. But what I also realized throughout what seemed like a million pitching phone calls and e-mails was the importance of keeping a good attitude, or how I like to say, “keeping the altitude of my good attitude high and the altitude of my bad attitude, low.”

I noticed that the better my attitude was, the better my chances of succeeding at placing a story. Every time I e-mailed or called an editor with a smile on my face (I must have looked silly to my colleagues) and confidence in my heart, if I did get rejected, it didn’t hurt as much, and it was easier for me to try another pitch. I know that my attitude does not always reach the Mile-High-City level. That is why I don’t pitch on Mondays and usually need my coffee before I start calling and e-mailing.

Having a good attitude does not only apply to media relations professionals, however. It also is an important, but sometimes missing, part of editors’ behavior. I understand that editors are busy, often overworked, and probably under a lot of pressure, but so are most of the working people in this country (you can always move to Europe if you are looking for a different lifestyle).

I don’t understand why so many editors have bad attitudes towards media relations types. After all, if given a chance, we can be really helpful, giving editors and reporters access to good information and interesting people. If done well (and I like to put myself in this category), media relations pros spend time researching publications, designing custom pitches and scheduling interviews that fit upcoming editorial, so we can actually help take some of the pressure off editors’ shoulders.

Granted, sometimes we miss the mark and pitch something that just doesn’t fit. We all make mistakes sometimes. So, I ask reporters and editors one simple favor: if we are not on target with our pitch, please let us know by responding to our e-mail or voice mail. All we are asking for is a simple explanation and then we will leave you alone, at least until the next time we design a new pitch that we think is worthy of your eyes.

So, let’s all keep the good attitude high and the bad attitude low, and we all should be able to get along and work in harmony. I am not expecting anyone to do so on Monday morning or before the caffeine fix, so don’t worry, I won’t be pitching you then.