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How to be a Good Interview Source

Share the goods.

A line of microphones stand on a hardwood desk under the words "how to be a good interview source"

Before you start fidgeting and anxiously bouncing your leg at the thought of a media interview, just breathe — or gulp down a glass of something strong. We’re here to help you with a few tips for nailing your next interview with the press, so you can take a much-needed chill pill. 

Be Prepared

To put it simply, know what you’re talking about. It’s always a good idea to review your notes or talking points on the subject of the interview. There’s nothing worse than feeling unprepared for any convo, particularly when speaking about something that will get distributed to a large number of people. You want to be the expert and have the interviewer trust what you’re saying. 

Keep it Short & Sweet

You don’t have to talk for a long time to make it a great interview. Fewer and more pointed words are the way to go, especially for your big call to action. Answer in simple terms, stick to your points, and don’t use jargon. Um. By the way — Try not to say too many ums.

Talk in sound bites, 10 or 15 seconds at the most.

“You Can Quote That”

Reporters love a good hook, opening line, or voice snippet — so give them what they want! A strong quote can transform any interview into a great one, so make sure you’re speaking with emotion and credibility. You’ll look like the smarty pants you are.

Where & How

Is this a virtual interview? Is it for print? Radio? Is it airing live?

All of these questions are important to know before you go into the interview. Knowing the format of your interview and what’s expected of you will only help you better prepare yourself. Don’t be taken off-guard. Know what to expect. 

Always, always get there early. At least 10 minutes and bring something for the reporter. If you’re talking about a product, bring a sample for them. If it’s food, bring in the treat. 

Be Yourself

Yes, you’re the expert, but the expert can still be friendly and confident. Smile, be warm, make jokes, wear an outfit that represents your personality. 

Don’t be boring. No one likes boring. 

Be on Time

Please. For every PR pro’s sanity AND your own. Add that sh*t to your Google calendar (and invite all applicable people). On time is early. Always be early.

Need more tips or a kick-ass PR team, get ahold of us.

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“It has been an incredible experience - getting to connect with women business owners from all across Michigan, learn from experts on planning for growth, and learn to lead to the best of my abilities for myself and my team.”

- @rcdutcher, CEO of @red66.marketing

We’re looking for business owners who thrive in collaborative environments and can fully commit to the program—attending all in-person sessions, participating in one-on-one coaching, and engaging in every aspect of the nine-month fellowship. Participants who gain the most come ready to contribute, learn, and problem-solve alongside other committed business leaders.

Applications close on September 15.

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“It has been an incredible experience - getting to connect with women business owners from all across Michigan, learn from experts on planning for growth, and learn to lead to the best of my abilities for myself and my team.” - @rcdutcher, CEO of @red66.marketing We’re looking for business owners who thrive in collaborative environments and can fully commit to the program—attending all in-person sessions, participating in one-on-one coaching, and engaging in every aspect of the nine-month fellowship. Participants who gain the most come ready to contribute, learn, and problem-solve alongside other committed business leaders. Applications close on September 15.

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Dr. Eva Phillips, a certified and licensed optometrist ran her practice out of the jewelry store’s secondary parlor and was an equal partner in the jewelry store.

Together, they offered a unique one-stop shot which expanded to include appliances, record players, and more. The couple operated the shop through two World Wars and the Great Depression, acting as the neighborhood matriarch and patriarch.

@crestongr @crestoncorridor @crestongrandrapids @citygrandrapids @grandrapidspubliclibrary

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 17898983202545176
FUN FACT FRIDAY: It’s only fitting for us to own a building where a trailblazing female operated her businesses in 1906. The Phillips family represented one of the longest-running retail tenures in Grand Rapids history; L.E. Phillips Jewelry in the 1365 Plainfield Ave. building from 1906 until 1973. Dr. Eva Phillips, a certified and licensed optometrist ran her practice out of the jewelry store’s secondary parlor and was an equal partner in the jewelry store. Together, they offered a unique one-stop shot which expanded to include appliances, record players, and more. The couple operated the shop through two World Wars and the Great Depression, acting as the neighborhood matriarch and patriarch. @crestongr @crestoncorridor @crestongrandrapids @citygrandrapids @grandrapidspubliclibrary

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Listen now at the link in bio.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18112263326023209
Have you tuned into The Happy Hour Hustle Podcast yet? If not, a) you’re missing out and b) you need to follow immediately. Hosted by @bodespeaks, episodes drop every other week, and feature some pretty bada$$ guests if we do say so ourselves. This week, Kim sits down with @kelsey_orchard , VP of Marketing and Communications at @fifthwheelfreight to chat building a personal brand, Gen Z entering the workforce, misconceptions about logistics, spotting fake LinkedIn profiles – oh and why your GPA doesn’t matter anymore. Grab a watermelon margarita, sit back and enjoy for lots of laughs and real talk. Listen now at the link in bio.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18132641716644887
National Perimenopause Month starts today. We have a LOT to say, and we’re not going to be quiet about it, especially this month, so buckle up. We were not prepared for perimenopause, much like our periods, sex, or anything else to do with our bodies. God forbid we talk about it openly. We were taught to be ashamed, keep quiet, and to accept that it is just part of being a woman. We reject that narrative. In fact, like @bodespeaks, we want to bring it up in every conversation. When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared. Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later). Register at the link in bio.
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