.::.Easy Mind Reading.::.

To create expert status for yourself in your field you can get booked in the media as an expert. This creates a competitive edge for you that is tough for your competitors to match. Here are some tips to get you going. First of all, make a list of everything you can talk about that is important to your industry. Next, expand your list to include real word scenarios likely to exist for your target market. So here's an example, if you are a career expert expand your abilities to comment by looking at the subtopics that affect careers such as "how to get a job when everyone else is losing theirs" or "how to stand out in a pile of resumes. Create expansion points or talking points for each of these sub-categories and you are on your way.

Your professional and expert BIO is the first thing you need to create. Pack it with evidence that you are an expert in the field such as your education, awards, recognitions, accomplishments, associations you belong to along with a list of any previous publicity or media placements you have received. Your bio should support your area of expertise and leave out the personal information that does not matter to the media such as hobbies or how many kids you have although you can mention the location of your nearest major city as sometimes the media likes to know where you or your business is located. Create a list of the shows you want to on, or the media you want to get into and build a list of contacts at the media outlets. You will introduce yourself to your media contacts and then once a story hits the news where you are qualified to provide talking points you can connect with your contacts. They already know you and it will be more likely they will choose you for the opportunity.

Get positioned with the media in advance so you will be set up and ready to go when a story or news events emerges that is perfect for your commentary. An example is about a career or workplace expert who can comment on the industry events from workers losing their jobs to the unemployed going back to school. If a news event happens, such as a new jobs report or unemployment report coming out, your expertise, commentary and analysis will be in demand.

When news happens where you are the expert and can comment send out a notice to your contact database. Include your contact info and availability so they can connect with you quickly. Be completely ready and able to drop everything to talk to the media, appear on a radio show or go down to your TV studio for an interview. One thing is true; the media moves very fast and appreciates immediate access to you.

Media training is your key to success. Invest in a few good sessions that teach you how to be a top notch media analyst. Everyone has some trouble spots they need to address and media training gives you the chance to make these changes in advance of your TV spot or radio appearance. Some people speak real slowly with a lot of "ummmm's" throughout their commentary. This style of speech is not appropriate for the news or an interview on the radio or with a journalist as it does not compel anyone to listen and most people watching or listening will get distracted. Plus, speaking without command of your knowledge pegs you as an amateur and the media will have no choice but to move on.