People think that getting media coverage of your company is rocket science but we often tell people that it is well short of that. In fact, one thing we truly believe is that each person is an expert in their particular field and your expertise is valuable to news reporters.

For example, last week, we were at the Oregon Capitol volunteering at Film Industry Day for the Oregon Media Producers Association (OMPA). This is one of the trade associations we belong to and volunteer our time and energy on their behalf. OMPA members were promoting two pieces of legislation.

While working the halls, we met up with the Melica Johnson from KATU-TV, Portland’s ABC affiliate. Knowing that local reporters are always looking for good stories, we “pitched” the idea of covering Film Industry Day. We even gave her a copy of the letter we were passing out to each legislator as background. Although she wasn’t planning – at that point – to cover that story, she saw the interesting angle and decided to go ahead and grab a quick interview with me.

In the end, the station agreed it was a good story and it ran that evening. You can take a look at the story here, click the video link to view it.

Two things to take away from this:

1. Our expertise on this topic was valuable and is why we were able to present the story and be the on-camera interview. You, no matter what you do, have a similar expertise in your professional field.

2. It never hurts to ask and present your story idea. When doing so, be polite and concise.

Once a reporter knows you are an expert in a particular area, it could lead to even more opportunities.

Command Consulting is excited that a political spot for one of our campaign clients, Diane McKeel, is up for a national award. The spot, entitled “Creepy Cauldron of Lies” is a Halloween-themed spot that ran for several days. It even garnered a mention from The Oregonian.

The spot is one of three finalists in the Local Candidate category for the Reed Awards, named after the founder of Politics magazine. A great list of high profile political figures are on the judging panel including Dick Morris, Christine Todd Whitman and George Stephanopolous. Winners will be announced on January 22nd at a gala in Washington D.C.

The spot was produced by Lyon Films, our production company, and you can see it and learn more about the award at www.LyonFilms.com under the Production Blog tab.