Manminder Kaur, CEO of Supernewsroom, sharing her expertise in Press Release writing at the PR for Startups Talk.
Kuala Lumpur, 20 February 2016 – For a startup company, securing media coverage can often be quite the challenge, as many would not know where to start or lack the necessary network and the know-how to get their story out.
A group of startup entrepreneurs, however, got their break on how to overcome this predicament when they were invited to join a recent talk on how best to secure media publicity.
Organized by Malaysia’s first digital Public Relations platform, Supernewsroom.com, the entrepreneurs were taught why it is important to think like a journalist and use public relations strategies to build connections with local and international media outlets.
Ridzwan (left), Manminder (center), and Lau (right) answering questions during the panel session.
The 100 participants who signed up for the three-hour ‘PR for Startups’ talk at premium workspace providers, The Co, in Bangsar, here got valuable insights on how to engage the media and on the dos and don’ts in securing publicity for their new businesses.
Key speaker, Supernewsroom Chief Executive Officer and award winning Public Relations practitioner Manminder Kaur Dhillon said startup companies should not view the media as totally unapproachable.
More of than not, Manminder said it is the lack of knowledge of how the media operates that hinders new companies from successfully getting their attention.
“The media is bombarded with thousands of press releases, as a founder you need to stand out and share insights that are groundbreaking in your industry.
“That is what the media is interested in covering. It has to be newsworthy or chances are you will be ignored,” said Manminder.
The talk ended with a question and answer session and the three-man panel made up of Manminder, online content distribution portal, NewstreamAsia Managing Editor Ridzwan Abdullah and Editor-in-Chief of Cilisos.my Lau Chak Onn, shared insightful knowledge on how the media operates and the type of content they are looking for.
“We are always interested in hearing stories about startups that are looking to solve an issue in Malaysia or even an inspiring founder story,” Lau pointed out.
Ridzwan, meanwhile, advised entrepreneurs to be tactful when engaging the media.
“It is best to do your homework before reaching out to them, especially if you are dealing with large media organizations.”
“If possible, find out specifically which editor or journalist would be interested in your company or product, and contact them directly.”
“Always have the important details of what you want to pitch in front of you. Be courteous and confident and only try to catch them when they are not super busy.”
As the talk came to an end, the participants were still buzzing with excitement as they mingled and asked further questions with the panel speakers.
‘’Previously we were never sure of the correct way to connect with media but I feel I am now able to grasp an understanding of Public relations and incorporate it within our company,” said Dinese Young, co-founder of German Mentor, an education-based company that helps place Malaysians into universities in Germany.
The entrepreneurs were also given an exclusive chance to understand the functions of Supernewsroom.com, a PR platform that enables companies to digitally connect to over 10,000 media contacts.
The event was co-sponsored by The Co, soft drinks manufacturer and distributor F&N and supported by Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle), an agency set up under the Finance Ministry to provide funding to local entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators.
