3 Tips for Internet Fame, from an Almost-Famous Blogger (Part 3 of 3)

In my last blog post, I talked about my second tip for succeeding as a blogger — having a gimmick or angle.

This week, I’m sharing a third and final tip based on my personal experiences as a blogger: be at home when the major media calls. (A.k.a., “Be ready for success.”)

Several years ago, I wrote a very short post on my blog, called “The Perils of Working from Home.” A few weeks later, a reporter from the Associated Press found my post, emailed me, and asked if I could be interviewed and photographed for a piece he was writing about telecommuting. I said yes. (Here’s the article, with a photo of me, three apartments ago.)

A few days after the article hit the news wires, a national A.M. radio program producer contacted me via email, asking to talk to me about the same topic for his morning radio show.

I didn’t act immediately; I can’t remember why (maybe I was asleep). By the time I called the producer back, he said “Sorry, we found somebody else.”

If I’d been faster to respond, maybe I would have become a media go-to source for quotes about working from home. It’s not my specialty and I’m not a productivity guru, but who am I to turn down free press?

Do this: Take the opportunities when they come to you, whatever form they take. Think of a way to spin them later. Media moves quickly, and it snowballs. If someone wants to interview you based on the content they’ve found on your blog, do what you can to make that interview happen — right away. News media can and will find other sources if you don’t respond immediately. Once you get mentioned by one major media outlet, be prepared for others to contact you. Have your materials and expertise ready.

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This post concludes my web series on preparing for, and taking advantage of, your 15 minutes of blogging (or Twittering!) fame. Do you have any questions? I welcome them in the comments.