As a Patient Leader, your number one focus is how you can raise awareness and help more people. One of the best ways to do that is to get your story out in front of as many people as possible. But how do you do that?
In the April #WEGOHealthChat, we spoke with @NatalieSparacio, a former news anchor and Crohn’s Patient Leader about the ways you can share your patient journey with the media and broaden your impact.
If you’d like to read the chat transcript you can find it here or you can get an overview of the chat below.
Q1.It’s hard getting started with the press, do you have any recommendations for drafting email pitches to media? #WEGOHealthChat
A1. When drafting email pitches, be personable, short-winded & compelling. Provide the need to know info, but leave them wanting a little more. For TV—share possible interview options & visuals. Bring the story to life. Make yourself readily available. #WEGOHealthChat https://t.co/ejBHZxXuQK
— Natalie Hayden (@nataliesparacio) April 10, 2018
A1. I create a deck or a one sheet of information. I don’t put everything in one email. Just highlights and then attach a detailed synopsis of me, my brand and I attach a bio. The deck has all contact info including social media. #WEGOHealthChat https://t.co/9N2xtKvoTg
— TheCrazyCreoleMommy (@CrzyCreoleMommy) April 10, 2018
AI | Remember that you are the expert in your experience. Your authentic voice is crucial to raising awareness and breaking down barriers for people in your chronic community. #WEGOHealthChat
— Julie Anne Eller (@JulieEllerAF) April 10, 2018
Q2. Any tips for calming your nerves when on camera/participating in media interviews? #WEGOHealthChat
A2. Try to forget the cameras are there and tell the story as you would share it with an elderly member of your family. This will force you to talk slow, explain your mission clearly and sound genuine. #WEGOHealthChat https://t.co/Ghhcur8PEK
— Natalie Hayden (@nataliesparacio) April 10, 2018
A2. I have my husband interview me over and over and over before the interview, so that when the actual interviewer asks, its burned into my memory and easy. Its not so easy the process @KenRayTaylor puts me through, so its easy when its lights camera action time! #WEGOHealthChat https://t.co/PpTvQcFSJF
— Barby Ingle Official *\O/* (@BarbyIngle) April 10, 2018
A2. I try to remember that I’m the expert on the topic and that they want to hear what I have to say because of that. I try to be myself and not what I think someone else expects or wants. #WEGOHealthChat https://t.co/P3Y5HeAjgV
— Amber J Tresca 🎤 (@aboutIBD) April 10, 2018
A2 take a moment and do some simple breathing exercises. Don’t over practice your story, take 10 minutes before camera time to just be. #wegohealthchat
— Alan Brewington (@abrewi3010) April 10, 2018
Q3. It’s easy to get discouraged, how do you overcome disappointment if you’re struggling to gain media attention? #WEGOHealthChat
A3. It can be frustrating, but try not to be disheartened. Think of this as a reason to rethink your strategy, brainstorm new angles & explore other outlets and options. Be mindful of showing how your story will benefit their viewers/readers/listeners. #WEGOHealthChat https://t.co/4th4wYEZrO
— Natalie Hayden (@nataliesparacio) April 10, 2018
A3: Doing mission driven work takes discipline regardless of dissapointments discouragement and slow traction. I keep pushing through it all, focusing on my overall purpose of impacting change #WEGOHealthChat https://t.co/O69a9qicvR
— PatientOrator (@PatientOrator) April 10, 2018
A3: You have to realize there is a lot of delayed gratification involved. Try and try again with another media outlet if you think your story is worthy. Someone will be waiting for your story. #wegohealthchat https://t.co/cWAqBxtKZy
— Ken Taylor (@KenRayTaylor) April 10, 2018
A3| Try keeping an Inspiration Box. I save the thank you notes, kind comments, and thoughtful messages that I get from folks in our community. When I’m feeling low and could use some motivation, I reflect on all the progress we’ve made so far. #WEGOHealthChat
— Julie Anne Eller (@JulieEllerAF) April 10, 2018
Q4.Timing is everything in news-what are some ways to build rapport with reporters? #WEGOHealthChat
A4: Send your pitches before the AM and PM news meetings—typically before 9 am & 2 pm so the email is top of mind when assignment editors & reporters discuss their daily story. Know what reporters cover—do not pitch a health story to the sports anchor. #WEGOHealthChat https://t.co/nhw1nmO9R0
— Natalie Hayden (@nataliesparacio) April 10, 2018
A4. Send thank you’s after the interviews you do get. Write them after another report that is on a topic you can speak to or have a personal story about to say thanks for covering this topic, and if you need a voice in the future, I am always willing. #WEGOHealthChat https://t.co/W8PXwYCNwk
— Barby Ingle Official *\O/* (@BarbyIngle) April 10, 2018
A4: kindness and humor go a long way. Remember they are people too. #WEGOHealthChat https://t.co/iQFbDvBfbZ
— TheCrazyCreoleMommy (@CrzyCreoleMommy) April 10, 2018
A4 be a source for a reporter for other patient advocates. For example if it’s #narcolepsy month point them to @RemRunner. If it’s rare disease month give @bbhomebody name. Help each other. #wegohealthchat
— Alan Brewington (@abrewi3010) April 10, 2018
Q5.How do you decide which outlets and reporters to target? #WEGOHealthChat
A5: Check out reporter bios online to see what areas they focus on. Connect with media on social media, start conversations, share their articles and stories. Rather than being a thorn in their side, show how it can be a win-win for both of you to collaborate. #WEGOHealthChat https://t.co/Z8wPJfaiCF
— Natalie Hayden (@nataliesparacio) April 10, 2018
I think you choose outlets that are going to work with you. What I mean by that is that they see the benefits in it for them and for you. It’s a partnership in a lot of ways and you help each other. #WEGOHealthChat https://t.co/mN9qJ1rTfy
— Ross (@Rossco006) April 10, 2018
A5 | Use your resources. Consider following the health reporters in your local communities on Twitter to get a sense of what they write about. You can “get to know them” online and tailor your message to their interests. #WEGOHealthChat
— Julie Anne Eller (@JulieEllerAF) April 10, 2018
Q6.What’s been your biggest “media win” in your advocacy journey? #WEGOHealthChat
A6: As a former news anchor/reporter, it’s been fun getting interviewed in the #STL market (where I live) in studio—it’s much different answering the questions vs. asking them! #WEGOHealthChat https://t.co/ksTvZ05afA
— Natalie Hayden (@nataliesparacio) April 10, 2018
A6. I have been in the media over 1000 times https://t.co/ck2fsv2UwY sharing different aspects of my life with chronic pain. TV, Radio, Magazines, print, digital, social media… some big names include Dr Drew, The Doctors, Redbook, TLC’s extreme time cheaters… #WEGOHealthChat https://t.co/n0J6IYSLY9
— Barby Ingle Official *\O/* (@BarbyIngle) April 10, 2018
A6 | Our biggest media win was a very social one- our Advocates and Ambassadors engaged in our Virtual Assembly, sharing their stories on social media and receiving more than 11 million impressions online! #WEGOHealthChat #advocateforarthritis
— Julie Anne Eller (@JulieEllerAF) April 10, 2018
Don’t miss #WEGOHealthChat the second Tuesday of every month at 1pm ET!
