Today, many entrepreneurs focus on social media, new media, and online media. While these efforts are important and necessary for marketing, traditional media is still important and can play an important role in the success of your business.

So the question is, “Will you be ready when Oprah or Donny Duetsch from The Big Idea calls?”

You will be if you prepare now. Here are 7 tips for conducting successful media interviews:

1. Define your agendaDecide what you want your audience to do. Do you buy their services? Are you waiting for your event? Does it support your cause?
2. Know its history: To effectively enforce your agenda, you must convey your message confidently, calmly, and concisely. You are the expert on your topic. Stay focused on your schedule during the interview.
3. Develop key talking points with supporting proof points.– Prepare three key points you want to make during the interview. Then support each talking point with three points that offer tangible evidence, including stories, case studies, and other examples.
4. Get to know the interviewer and the media outlet: Before accepting an interview, do your due diligence. Research the media outlet and the interviewer. A quick Google search will give you an idea of ​​what to expect and how to best prepare for the interview.
5. Prepare the interviewer: the reporters are very busy and anything you can do to help them is greatly appreciated. To this end, please provide basic information and sample questions on your topic. You will often find that they will use these exact questions.
6. Anticipate questions and controversies: Your preparation is not complete without anticipating the questions and controversies that may arise in the interview. Create a list of all anticipated questions. Then answer each question. Be sure to include the ones that may be asked, remember; “If you fear him, you will probably get it.”
7. Practical hands-on practice: nothing replaces practice. Relieve pre-interview panic and post-interview regret. To hone the points of the message and prepare for the actual interview questions, even the most refined spokespersons find that there is simply no substitute for practicing out loud. Better yet, role play with a friend or coach. Are your responses coming in? Are they concise? Are they credible or do they need more support?

Follow these tips and you will master mainstream media opportunities. And who wouldn’t want to be interviewed on the Today Show?