Does anyone know a journo'?

[hewlett]

I'm looking to launch a business in the next couple of weeks and it will live or die on what press coverage it can generate. I'd like to have a 5 minute chat with a journalist, run the idea by him or her and ask them if they'd write a story on it (i.e. is it news worthy). Most of the big organisations like The Telegraph have a feedback form, you'll get a response by email etc. I imagine they work OK and if they like what they see they'll call, but it would just be nice to speak to someone if, anyone knows a journo (doesn't need to be a business related one btw).

[AB]

Whereabouts mate - I can put you in touch with a senior reporter at Crain's Manchester News - even if just for some feedback?

[hewlett]

Thanks, that would be good. I was hoping for 'Head of Business Reporting at The Times' (ever the unrealistic optimist) as the business is web based so the broader the coverage the better, but your friend would be a great place to start

[AB]

PM sent and I've let the guy know you will be giving him a quick call.

Sorry he's not a big gun, but may be able to help.

[shirt]

i know quite a few, but they're all local/regional or agency reporters.

surely there's some sort of journo web forum you could post on?

[hewlett]

shirt said:

i know quite a few, but they're all local/regional or agency reporters.

surely there's some sort of journo web forum you could post on?

Good idea, I'll have a search. Thanks to AB for the contact btw, message left with one of his colleagues at the paper.

[Nolar Dog]

hewlett said:

I'm looking to launch a business in the next couple of weeks and it will live or die on what press coverage it can generate.

Contact Carl at Bryher

Tell him Victoria Harrison and/or Damian McGillicuddy "sent" you.
Job sorted.

He's not cheap though, about £1500 a day but will get you featured wherever you need to be including TV.

Good luck!

[hewlett]

Many thanks ND, I will follow this up

[Nolar Dog]

You're welcome.
Good luck with the venture!

[Frimley111R]

Given the importance of this I'd say you need to be talking to a PR company.

[hewlett]

Thanks Ross I agree however having spent all of my savings on Business #1, this is Business #2, the 'get some cash coming in whilst I'm waiting for the VC's to meet up', business. Luckily I found a web developer to carry out the back end stuff for not much money, the only trouble is he's a jack of all trades and is currently in a data centre moving servers around instead of developing my website (!), hopefully he'll be back onto this project within the next week or so. Classic self employed IT cliche, he's never out of bed before midday but works to 4am most mornings. I'll definitely have something to show you at next month's 1st Wednesday Club meeting though.

[Windsorphil]

This may be of some use:

http://journalisted.com/

You'll get a suggested number and email but in my experience some journo's love being contacted directly and others will only deal through a PR...

If you type in Dominic O'Connell (business editor Sunday Times) and look at his profile you'll see others who publish similar articles. A bit of detective work needed but you may get lucky.

Phil.

Edited by Windsorphil on Thursday 20th May 13:48

[hewlett]

Thanks Phil, that looks like a really useful website. I'm going through it now. Many options and lots of people to contact so thanks to everyone who's responded!