Thrivent Builds Publicity Training

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Thrivent Builds Publicity Training

• Making the Most
• of Your Dedication
• General Media
• Relations Tips

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Todays presenter
Cheryl Winget (HFHI) Media Relations
Specialist Minneapolis, MN
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Purpose of todays training

• Tips to make your dedication appeal to the media
• Tips on working with media
• Tips on logo usage, site signage, etc.

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Why focus on dedications?

• They are photo-friendly.
• Homebuyers are present and prepared.
• They are emotional events.
• Sponsors and volunteers are present.
• Special guests.
• Forum to talk about uniqueness of Thrivent
  Builds.

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Lets talk about preparedness

• Prepare the family
• Create key messages
• Send out your news advisory and news release
• Media kits
• Templated materials at www.thriventbuilds.com/reso
  urces

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How is your dedication unique?

• First of several Thrivent Builds?
• First in the state?
• Prominent community person attending?
• Unique family story?
• Unique house?
• Are Lutherans unique in your area?
• Hold a special ceremony.
• How about a block party?

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Cooperation is key

• No affiliate is an island.
• Contact us! Wed like to know about your events
  before they happen.
• Dont forget
  2007!

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Offer your best advice

• We will now open the phone lines.
• Please share your Thrivent Builds
  dedication/media successes with us now.
• If you have questions, this is also a chance to
  ask them.

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Media relations basics

• Terminology
• What makes news?
• What makes the media tick?
• How to get your news out
• Beyond news releases and advisories

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Media relations lingo

• Key tools news releases, media advisories, fact
  sheets
• Other tools backgrounders, media kits, family
  bios, key messages
• Beats, boilerplates, pitches, oh my!

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Common media materials

• Backgrounder
• Community calendar entry
• Fact sheet
• Homebuyer biographical sketch
• Key messages
• Media advisory

• Media kits
• News release
• Pitch letter/e-mail
• Public service announcement (PSA)
• Talking points
• Go to
• www.thriventbuilds.com/resources

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What makes news?

• Whats news and what isnt will depend to a
  great extent on where you live and the size of
  your newspapers and radio and TV stations.

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Know your media

• Its important to familiarize yourself with local
  newspapers and area radio and TV stations.
• Develop an ongoing relationship with a reporter
  or editor at each news outlet who covers
  feel-good stories.

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Time to write and edit!

• Many templates are available at
  www.thriventbuilds.com/resources.
• Remember to have colleagues review media
  materials before sending to the media.

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Distribution tips

• Send to multiple media outlets.
• Send materials by preferred method.
• Send to the appropriate person.
• Ask about deadlines.
• Always contact the editorial/news department.
• If using e-mail, copy and paste, dont attach.
• Sometimes personal delivery is best.
• Make a follow-up call.
• Dont expect a response.
• Respond quickly to requests.

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Working with the media

• Be prepared.
• Dont expect an immediate commitment.
• Dont complain about minor inaccuracies in
  stories.
• Never ask to see a story before its published.
• Be aware of basic deadlines.
• Take time to say thanks!

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Keep in contact

• Direct, personal communication on occasion is
  important.
• Dont expect to make the headlines every time.
• If you read or see a story that was done well,
  send a quick note to the reporter.

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Beyond news releases and advisories signage and
messaging

• Logos and signage
• Protects and represents both Habitats and
  Thrivent Financials brands
• Raises awareness for both organizations
• Talking points and key messages

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Partnering with the ASO media relations team

• Consulting
• Assistance with writing and editing
• Media lists

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ASO media relations contact

• Cheryl Winget
• Phone [phone]
• Toll free 800-847-4836, X-35025
• Cell 612-877-1958
• Email cheryl.winget_at_thrivent.com

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