APMA News - July 2011 - (Page 42)

Members Who Know Media Online Tracking and Cultivating Reporter Relationships QUESTION: Can APMA members track where and when they are mentioned on the Internet? If so, how? ANSWER: Whether you like the idea or not, there is a strong chance that someone has or will say something about you online. But while the Internet may be overwhelmingly full of content (and growing every day), the ability to track where you are mentioned online can be as simple as entering a few search keywords and waiting for an e-mail. There are a few popular and easy methods for tracking Web pages, newspaper articles, or blogs that mention you. One of the easiest ways to do this is also completely free, using Google Alerts. Setting up a Google Alert will allow you to receive e-mail updates whenever a new Web page mentioning that phrase is created. The e-mail also will provide you with a link to view that particular alert item or items. Google Alerts can be created for any keyword term (for example: your name, your practice’s name, or a hot topic in podiatric medicine). The resource is an invaluable way to stay updated monthly, daily, or even hourly on any topic that you are monitoring. Additionally, Google Alerts can be set to forward automatically to other colleagues if you choose. Visit www.google.com/alerts to learn more. In addition to Google Alerts, you can also accurately track any mentions of yourself on Twitter, one of the fastest growing social media platforms. You don’t need a Twitter account to use the free search feature of the site. Simply visit http:// twitter.com to search by keyword and see what Twitter users are tweeting about in real time. Top APMA Member Media Placements May–June 2011 WebMD.com “Many Diabetic Patients Wear the Wrong Shoes” (David Armstrong, DPM, MD, PhD) Wall Street Journal “Au Naturel, or Almost” (John Pagliano, DPM) Oprah.com “Summer Shoe Threat O’ Meter” (Hillary Brenner, DPM) 3 • Show interest in stories that don’t involve you. Make it a point to read other stories written by the reporter you have worked with. If you have his or her e-mail address, occasionally send the reporter a brief e-mail to comment on a story that grabbed your interest. Your email not only shows you are continuing to pay attention to the reporter’s overall work, but also keeps you at the top of his or her expert list for future foot health stories. Follow-up with ideas … but don’t pester! If you have e-mailed a foot health story idea to a reporter but received no response, do not send reminders or follow up with phone calls. If the reporter is interested in your topic, you can expect a response. Keep communication professional and concise. Respecting a reporter’s time is one of the most foolproof ways to keep up a trusting relationship with the media. Keep all e-mails and phone discussions to the point and relevant to that reporter’s specific interests. • • QUESTION: APMA members often assist the media as expert sources on stories related to foot health. Is it okay for members to continue communicating with a media contact once the interview is complete? If so, what are some best practices? ANSWER: Building relationships with the media is very important for educating the public about the capabilities of a podiatrist. It is strongly encouraged that you continue to cultivate a relationship with someone you have previously worked with. However, the process can be a delicate one. Here are a few tips: 42 APMA News July/August 2011 Most importantly, APMA encourages all of its members to alert the Public Relations Department regarding any stories you may be assisting the media with, so you can be promoted accordingly as today’s podiatrist! n Have a question about working with the media or improving your communication skills that you would like to see answered in a future column? E-mail mskulick@apma.org with your question today! http://www.WebMD.com http://www.Oprah.com http://www.google.com/alerts http://www.twitter.com http://www.twitter.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of APMA News - July 2011

APMA News - July 2011
President’s Message
Contents
PICA Reflects on its Past, Looks to the Future
APMA Media Event Wrap-Up: Toning Shoes Are All The Rage, Along with Podiatrists' Expert Advice
APMA Member Testifi es Before Congressional Committee on Health IT
Stepping Up to Prevent Falls: Part II
Resident Experts: CPME's Residency Evaluators Share Their Stories
Strategic Planning Retreat Underscores APMA Direction
Reimbursement
Can They Really Do That?
Members Who Know Media
Technofile
Young Voices
Federal Advocacy Forum
Small Business 101
CPME Update
APMAPAC Chair Report
APMA All Stars
In Short
Worthy of Note
Affiliates Corner
Insurance Advisor
New Members
Death Notices
APMAPAC Update
Development Update
Annual Scientific Meeting Sponsors
Committee Nominations
Bylaws Propositions Due
Classified Advertising
Dates to Remember
Advertising Index
Ten Questions

APMA News - July 2011