How To Get On Oprah, Part II
Posted on March 27, 2008
Filed Under Branding You
A truckload of mail shows up at Oprah’s door each day, filled with offers from authors, experts and publicists. Some are just from everyday people with a story to tell. Tuesday we discussed the fundamentals of what it takes to break through. Today I’ll offer you some advanced strategies.
In addition to my many years of producing and directing numerous network and nationally syndicated talk shows, I’ve also had clients, associates and good friends appear on the “holy grail” of all talk programs – Oprah.
So what’s the secret? First, realize that talk show producers prefer to discover a great guest rather than “be pitched” one. It’s a natural human characteristic to want to feel that you originated an idea rather than had it handed to you by someone with his or her own self interest.
Your job is to position yourself where producers that are looking for the next good story will find you. Tie your expertise to a breaking news story or emerging trend. Do radio interviews, get quoted in newspapers and break your way onto cable news.
Secondly, like most industries, television is a business of relationships. If you’re going to hire a publicist find one that has a track record of getting guests on the shows you’re targeting. A publicist with an impressive roster of clients often has the ability to leverage their weight to get lesser name clients a guest spot. We don’t like to admit it but we talk show producers will take two “C” celebrities for an “A” name any day of the week.
Lastly, having your own videos online greatly enhances your ability to make an instant impression on the media. You can also make money at it. Being on a big television show is pointless if you haven’t set yourself up to reap the benefits of all of the exposure.
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