How to look like an expert to get on radio or tv

You have learned that one of the best ways to get on a radio or television talk show is to create some sort of working relationship with the people who are going to get you on. However, you are not sure how to start this relationship. One of the best ways to get the relationship going is to offer yourself as an expert, and let them use your expertise on their show. So, how do you look like an expert?

You want to make sure that your initial offer of expertise is well planned, and well executed, as it can make a huge difference in whether or not they use you, and whether or not they come back to you.

If you want to look like an expert to get on radio or television there are some tricks and tips you can do.

The first tip and trick for looking like an expert to get on radio and television is to call yourself one, and offer yourself for a talk show the day or week before or after Christmas. These are typically very slow weeks as far as news and radio talk show stuff goes. Everyone is out of town, or in with their families, so there is not much to say or see. So, because these weeks are so slow, reporters, anchors, and talk show hosts often have trouble coming up with enough interesting stories. So, if you call in, either the week before or after Christmas, and you will be an expert.

This tip does not just work for Christmas, but other holidays as well, except probably Valentine's Day.

Another way to look like an expert to get on radio or television is to have some knowledge that corresponds with a trend. If the weather news is that it is super hot, and the days are not going to be getting any cooler, and you own a heating and air conditioning company, use that trend (a heat wave) to your advantage. Don't call in and say, "I am an expert in AC and would love some coverage since it is so hot." Instead say, "I am an expert in AC, with this heat wave, I have noticed people's AC bills are getting really high, and I have 5 tips for how to cut down on your cooling costs." This is going to get their attention, and it is going to get you some free publicity.

You never want to claim you are an expert if you are not. You do not have to be the world's most expert person on the subject, but you need to know it, and in depth. If you claim you are an expert, and you are not, you will lose all credibility and blow your chances at ever getting on television and radio. They are going to know if you are just blowing smoke. So, be honest.

So, do the following:
Call yourself an expert.
Offer yourself as the solution to a problem.
Try to get in on a slow news or reporting week (such as around a major holiday).

If you can do these three things, chances you will look not just look like an expert, but like a valuable expert worth putting on the air.

Now that you know all the little tricks of becoming an expert, it is probably a good idea to know how to find the niche in which you should offer yourself as an expert, and how to find the right person, the person who will use you as one, and keep coming back to you. Look tomorrow for advice on how to find your niche, and the right person to pitch it to.