How to Get Featured by Major Media Outlets -- ft. Leonard Scheiner, CEO of Geek Haus (S2:E19)

Mindful B2B Marketing | Business Growth and Social Impact (Former: Forward Launch Your SaaS)

Main Insight:
Earning media placements through consistent, strategic PR efforts builds lasting authority and credibility that can significantly boost your brand and sales.

Guest Bio:
Leonard Scheiner is a PR expert who brings over a decade of experience building memorable brands and online authority for both Fortune 500 companies and boutique firms. He has helped professionals secure high-profile media placements in major outlets such as Forbes, CNN, Bloomberg, and more. As the CEO of Geek Haus, Leonard specializes in positioning subject matter experts so they can build trustworthy and credible personal brands that translate into real business results. His proven PR frameworks have driven dramatic revenue growth—helping clients achieve up to a 300% increase in revenue and tens of millions in new business.
Leonard invites listeners to visit GeekHaus.com to explore how his agency can help secure impactful media placements. He also encourages those ready to become featured experts to join his free live training at PodcastGuestIntensive.com, where he walks you through packaging your expertise and pitching for media success.
Key Takeaways:

• Key Takeaways:
  • Start with Local and Niche Media: Before aiming for major publications like Forbes or Bloomberg, begin by establishing credibility with local media, podcasts, and industry-specific interviews.
  • Build a Strong Foundation: A professional website, quality headshots, and a concise yet compelling bio are critical components that support successful media outreach.
  • Leverage Existing Opportunities: Utilize platforms such as Featured.com to identify and respond to media opportunities already in circulation rather than creating chances from scratch.
  • Consistency is Key: Whether it’s a local interview or an emerging podcast opportunity, regularly securing media placements increases credibility over time.
  • Timeframe for Results: While initial placements can occur within one to two months (often starting with local placements), establishing national credibility might take six months to a year, with occasional early successes.
  • Effective Messaging: Ensure that your commentary carries a distinct point of view. Differentiating yourself from generic “vanilla” opinions is essential to be recognized as a genuine expert.
  • Effort Versus Outcome: Typically, a professional needs to spend about one hour per placement, with much of the heavy lifting done by the PR team.
  • Integrate Media Success into the Broader Marketing Strategy: After obtaining media placements, amplify these successes across all channels—email signatures, websites, social media, and promotional materials—to drive trust and customer engagement.
  • Avoid Pitfalls: Watch for pay-to-play dynamics and avoid overextending yourself into too many unrelated areas. Focus on a defined niche to ensure that your expertise remains clear and credible.
  • Training and Preparation: Whether you plan to represent yourself or your CEO, investing in media training and preparation can help secure and maximize media placements.

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