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how to avoid making an interview request sound sleazy?

by summerm
5 replies
So I've decided to target a couple people for interviews, and provide the transcript of those interviews as a follow-up bonus to existing customers (and possibly a bonus to an upsell product).

These are not targets who are in the IM world, so these concepts are new to them. I am actually worried that they will see what I am doing as exploiting them to generate content to sell. Should I make it explicit that they are compensated by getting their name/service out there?

Is there some kind of release form I need them to sign in order to be able to distribute the interview without running into problems later?

"Dear [name],

[shpeil about my admiration]

[shpeil about me and my business]

I am impressed with your service and I think my customers would love to find out about your offering. I'd like to record an interview with you and provide the transcript to my customers as a bonus to a product purchase. I'll make sure to provide the full details on how they can use your services.

Here are the interview questions I'd like to propose:
1. [blah blah]

Let me know if you are available for this!

Thanks,
Warrior
#avoid #interview #making #request #sleazy #sound
  • Profile picture of the author Bluestarace
    Yes. Have a link back to their website. This way if your customers want to know more about them, they can go to their website. This will generate traffic for them as well.

    Off course, explain the whole process to them. Tell them why, how and where you will be using the data.. Also, tell them that you will have a resource box about them. If they agree, then go ahead with the interview.

    As far as specific release forms are concerned, I am not too sure about that.

    I hope that this is what you were asking.
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  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    I'd say that anyone worth interviewing will have the savvy and experience to realize it's good exposure. But mention it anyway when you approach them. Good luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Never know until you try. I dont think it sounds sleazy tho. Reminds me of a classic joint venture opportunity pitch.
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  • Profile picture of the author kimboslice
    Go to mixergy.com and check out his guide for interviewing.
    mixergy.com/interview-your-heroes-guide/
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Meaney
    Keep the interview request short and sweet.

    If they are hesitant then provide more info like examples and stats (I usually forget to include stats), but since 2004 I've only had 3 rejections - most of the time people, including well known names outside IM, will bite your hand off for the exposure.

    When it comes to selling an interview I might not be much help.

    I've only ever sold one interview and that was after keeping it online for free for 3 years. The reason I started selling it was to raise money for the celebrity, who was dying of cancer and all profits went to him.

    It was an hour long video interview that the mainstream media jumped all over... obviously I missed the boat in terms of profit (the celebrity hadn't been diagnosed at the time), but it did help us both make connections in different worlds, which created long term benefits.
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