Here’s a simple plea to journalists, interviewers, and podcasters: After you interview me, please let me know when your article or interview will be published!
This blog is one of the most popular resources on meeting design, so I frequently receive interview requests. Journalists often seek my insights on current issues, quoting me in their articles. Meeting industry publications reach out after reading my posts or comments. Podcasters are always on the lookout for interesting guests. All these folks contact me, and I’m usually happy to oblige!
At the end of each interview, I always ask to be informed when the piece will go live. The response is usually positive—”Yes, I’ll be in touch as soon as I know.”
Yet, experience has taught me that only about one in ten interviewers actually follow through.
Often, I learn about published articles weeks later—sometimes through a colleague or a Google Alert I’ve set up with my name. This delay is unnecessary and a missed opportunity.
Interviewers—let me help you!
I want to know when your article or podcast is released for three main reasons:
- I genuinely enjoy seeing my name in print and my ideas reaching a wider audience. I’m passionate about my work, and it’s gratifying to see it shared.
- I appreciate writers who keep their word, and I’m more inclined to build a relationship with those who do.
- Most importantly, if I know your publication date, I can help amplify your content! I have a large following on social media and often repost content on this blog. Let me help you extend your reach.
Finding out about an article weeks after it’s published makes it much less likely that I’ll share it.
Some do better than others
Print media often struggle with keeping me informed, while podcasters tend to do a better job. Most podcasters will reach out when their episode goes live.
Previewing articles
I often offer to preview articles to provide feedback on how my interview is represented. (I always emphasize that writers can ignore my suggestions 😀.) Some journalists appreciate the input, while others politely decline—and that’s completely fine.
Most journalists do a great job without my feedback. A few have misrepresented me, but c’est la vie.
Excuses, excuses
I understand why it can be challenging to inform sources about publication dates:
- Interviewers often don’t know the publication date immediately, especially if the piece isn’t on a tight deadline.
- Tracking and remembering requests like mine can be cumbersome, especially when publication might be months away.
- Some interviewers aren’t even informed when their work will be published by their employers.
I truly appreciate the rare interviewer who admits upfront that they may forget to follow up or may not have access to the publication date. At least that way, I know what to expect.
Journalists, interviewers, and podcasters: listen up!
Please keep me in the loop when your article or interview is published! It’s a win-win for both of us.