The Press Pack’s Proud Moments: Member Successes
During the time that the Press Pack has been running, there have been lots of opportunities for people in the group. Of course, this doesn’t mean that they are always a perfect fit for the story that the journalist is looking to write. I asked two members of the Press Pack to talk about an opportunity that they took up, and about the impact it had on them and their business.
Vanessa White, Accredited Relationship and Divorce Coach (Master Practitioner).
‘Fiona shared the information in the group about a journalist that was looking for women in their fifties to do with divorce and dating . Knowing that this was right up my street, she suggested I follow up, which I did, straight away.
The journalist was interested and got in touch with me to arrange an interview. During the interview, we talked about my own lived experience about the subject. Then she asked me questions from my expert opinion and expertise .
When the article appeared, my website address was shared in the article. (I’d followed Fi’s advice about giving the journalist my contact details).
Sometime later, the same journalist contacted me again and interviewed me, asking about dating for another article she was writing –the same subject but with a different angle. and she did another interview .
So, by reacting to the post in the Press Pack, I ended up with two pieces where I was featured. Excellent coverage in two national weekly mags – Closer Magazine and Best Magazine.
I wouldn’t have made the link that I continue to have with that journalist, had it not been for The Press Pack.
I have also recently been approached by a news agency who wants to use me as an expert.’
Dave Nelson, of Truffle & Thyme – Snafflers of Select Charcuterie
Dave creates grazing boxes, puts together hampers and caters for events.
‘I followed up on a request that appeared in the Press Pack where a food magazine was asking how to create show-stopping charcuterie boards. The journalist also wanted to know what to look for when choosing the foods, what to incorporate and the quantities of meat to include.
I got in touch directly with the editor of Specialty Food magazine.
They asked me to write about 1500 words. The magazine used various quotes from what I’d written in the article, crediting both me and my business. Following publication, I was able to share this across my social media platforms.
This is evidence of how, by just taking the time to follow up on something that Fi has posted in the Press Pack – gets you seen by a far wider audience than you might normally.
Also as a member of the Press Pack you get the opportunity of Power Hours. My first ‘official’ meeting with Fi was through a Power Hour, and I’ve taken up the opportunity of having one every year or so since. They are hugely beneficial at gaining a more specific insight into how PR benefits me; what I should do more of, and how Fi can help.’
Danielle Holmes, owner of Black Nova Designs has also had several opportunities with the media – particularly in 2023.
In the February of that year, she saw a PR opportunities that took her interest, and put herself forward directly to the journalist, after following my advice. One of those opportunities was where Danielle talked about being left a 6 figure inheritance, and her talking about what she spent the money on.
“I had a makeup artist and photographer who came to my house! Wow, the first time that had ever happened to me. They brought clothes for me to wear, which were nothing like my usual style, and I was very much out of my comfort zone, but I did it.
Sometimes putting yourself forward for these opportunities don’t necessarily materialise in anything, but at other times – they do. It’s just a matter of keeping going and trying.’
That same year, Danielle also featured in a local magazine, Wiltshire Life, after being nominated for the TBE Women in Tech Awards.
In the August of that year she took part in an ITV interview on the Jeremy Vine Show, where she was talking about allowing her teenage daughter to wear make-up. She also took place in a live interview on BBC 5 Radio too.
As Danielle says, ‘you have to be in it to win it!’ So, if you’d like to join the Press Pack, then please contact me