Help me convince them to let me interview them

10 years ago

You don't.

The moment you convince them, it automatically ruins your positioning.

Try the direct approach. Say something like:

Hi, My name is ....... and I have a business blog that caters to.....

I noticed that you're (put any of their achivements here...stroke their ego and make them feel big).

And because I know that you're one of the top guys/girls in the business I'd like to ask you for an interview. Just a quick 30 minute intrview will do (don't worry, once you get them talking this can go on for hours).

I also plan on promoting you/ introducing you to....for them to be more aware of your brand (insert what's in it for them).

Just send me a quick 'Yes' (or 'No' so as not to waste your time) and I'll be sending you my sample questions as soon as I receive your response.

Looking forward to you spilling the beans on your success...

Thanks,

....

There. That ususally does the trick 70% to 80% of the time.

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XponentSYS

10 years ago

Good advice. As one of the top guys in my industry I often get pitched for interviews. The approach outlined below most always works on me.

I'm also more likely to do an interview if offered the right to.....

1. Plug my website/product/service at the end
2. Have rights to the recording (interviewer also gets rights) so I can use it for MY business as well.

Originally Posted by John Pagulayan

You don't.

The moment you convince them, it automatically ruins your positioning.

Try the direct approach. Say something like:

Hi, My name is ....... and I have a business blog that caters to.....

I noticed that you're (put any of their achivements here...stroke their ego and make them feel big).

And because I know that you're one of the top guys/girls in the business I'd like to ask you for an interview. Just a quick 30 minute intrview will do (don't worry, once you get them talking this can go on for hours).

I also plan on promoting you/ introducing you to....for them to be more aware of your brand (insert what's in it for them).

Just send me a quick 'Yes' (or 'No' so as not to waste your time) and I'll be sending you my sample questions as soon as I receive your response.

Looking forward to you spilling the beans on your success...

Thanks,

....

There. That ususally does the trick 70% to 80% of the time.

[ 1 ] Thanks

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JohnMcCabe

10 years ago

Here's a wild and crazy notion...

Ask them.

Also, a little sincere flattery goes a long way. Would you feel offended if I asked you something like this?

"Hi, My name is John, and I have a blog for up and coming business owners. I cherry pick real business owners like you, and interview them for the blog. Is this something you might consider exploring? If so, just let me know and I can give you more info, but for now I just wanted to introduce myself and my idea. Either way, I do appreciate you taking the time to read this."

Thanks

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joe golfer

10 years ago

John Jantsch says he emails them with the subject "Interview Request." Rarely gets a no.

Read #4 on this page here:

HOW TO: Jump-Start Your Career by Becoming an Online Influencer

Thanks

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stoltingmediagroup

10 years ago

Originally Posted by chrisj

I'm looking for help to convince some independent business people to let me interview them for my business related blog. So, I'm looking for ideas on how to convince people. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.

How do you intend to perform the interview? And how long/indept of an interview is it?

Is it Text/Email based? Video/skype? Audio/Phone? In studio? Other?

Some of this may affect how many people say yes to an interview, as they may only feel comfortable participating in a certain way, or can only devote a limited amount of time, etc.

Other than that, you can offer some sort of incentive such as allowing them to pitch their product or service in exchange for the interview. Especially if you have a large subscriber list and your blog is popular, this will help to "convince" them to participate.

Thanks

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alertmakemoney4738

10 years ago

Don't listen to all these people.

First thing, you are not famous.

They are not going to let you interview them.

Spammer may let you do so they can promote themselves.

By the way, I have heard many interviews before by newbie. It is terrible.

These newbies interrupt the expert at the top moment (when the expert has high emotion in their talk). I was like common, shut up.

So, if you want to interview a really good expert, I suggest trying to comment on their post.

I mean give them something really valuable and don't even expect anything for return.

If they post like 10 times and you comments on 10 of them (make sure it is good, not spam), it is time to ask them personally for an interview.

I really don't want to overwhelmed you because there are so many things else going on with this.

If you have more question, just PM me.

Thanks
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stoltingmediagroup

10 years ago

Originally Posted by alertmakemoney4738

Don't listen to all these people.

Ahum, excuse me?

First thing, you are not famous.

Which of course the OP doesn't have to be, (famous) in order to land an interview with someone. Many unknown bloggers, etc got their career off the ground by landing interviews with significant business people. It only gets better from there.

They are not going to let you interview them.

You represent and speak for the National Association of Potential Business People Interviewees?

Spammer may let you do so they can promote themselves.

See now you are just not making sense whatsoever.
Pitching a product in an interview is not spam.

By the way, I have heard many interviews before by newbie. It is terrible.

Yeah so have I, but what's your point and what does that have to do with the OP?

These newbies interrupt the expert at the top moment (when the expert has high emotion in their talk). I was like common, shut up.

Again, what's your point and what does that have to do with the OP?

So, if you want to interview a really good expert, I suggest trying to comment on their post.

Huh?

I mean give them something really valuable and don't even expect anything for return.

Double Huh?

If they post like 10 times and you comments on 10 of them (make sure it is good, not spam), it is time to ask them personally for an interview.

Tripple huh?

I really don't want to overwhelmed you because there are so many things else going on with this.

Feel free to continue enlightening us.

If you have more question, just PM me.

Oh boy...

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Arnold Stolting - Stolting Media Group
"I LOVE The Song! The Vibe Is Positive And Firm!" - Kymani Marley. (Son of Bob Marley).
"Very High Quality!" Jeremy Harding - Manager / Producer. Sean Paul.
"They Are FANTASTIC!" - Willie Crawford.

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Chri5123

10 years ago

Originally Posted by stoltingmediagroup

Ahum, excuse me?

Which of course the OP doesn't have to be, (famous) in order to land an interview with someone. Many unknown bloggers, etc got their career off the ground by landing interviews with significant business people. It only gets better from there.

You represent and speak for the National Association of Potential Business People Interviewees?

See now you are just not making sense whatsoever.
Pitching a product in an interview is not spam.

Yeah so have I, but what's your point and what does that have to do with the OP?

Again, what's your point and what does that have to do with the OP?

Huh?

Double Huh?

Tripple huh?

Feel free to continue enlightening us.

Oh boy...

Nothing much to add to the above - except talk about what is in it for them.

How many readers have you got?

Will you send an email to your subscribers?

They can link to their product or service and pitch it in the interview. Etc...

Arnold, your response above had me in stitches!

Thanks

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John Pagulayan

10 years ago

I have a feeling that alertmakemoney has never had any interviews yet and is just sayjng stuff he read off somewhere. I've done interviews before for someone who has an amazon best selling book and bak then, I had no product and no list...in short, I was a complete nobody with nothing to entice them.

Seriously, like what I said above, it's just as simple as asking them.

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dgui123451

10 years ago

I suggest you go about it the legit and honest way be very cordial and let your voice be moderate, in other words let your writing entice them to reply suggesting a promo on your site for their ads and good luck.