Interview Success

Today, anyone with a telephone, a computer and internet connection can build a media business. As a result, there are hundreds of independent media producers who are conducting interviews with colleagues and experts. And, there are even more potential interviewees who want to be interviewed.

One of biggest challenges in this media scape is to conduct an interview that is interesting enough to hold the audiences attention and to get the listener or watcher to take a desired action. And, that is the responsibility of the interviewee as much as it is the responsibility of the interviewer.

In a recent teleseminar, an extremely well-respected teleseminar leader made the comment that when you are being interviewed, all you have to do is show up. Well...nothing could be further from the truth. That is if you want the interview to accomplish anything.

Being interviewed is an opportunity for the interviewee to showcase their business, interest, or cause. However, to make the interview memorable and successful takes preparation.

Here are a few tips that you can use when preparing for every interview including virtual book tours, blog radio interviews, live teleseminars, recorded interviews and traditional media interviews:


Understand what goals and expectations the interviewer has for the interview.
Familiarize yourself with the interviewer and their audience.
Determine your goals for the interview.
Develop your key message points. Then, practice delivering them with a coach or buddy.
Develop a list of possible questions and prepare answers - even those questions that you would rather avoid. Again, practice.
Determine your call to action. Make sure the interviewer understands your call to action and that they agree to let you mention it.
Provide the interviewer with a suggested list of bullet points or questions that you would like to discuss.
Stay focused and relaxed during the interview.
Have your notes with you if the interview is being conducted by phone.
Be prepared for, and expect, surprises during the interview.
Provide your bio, photo and other information to the interviewer to help promote the interview.
Promote the interview to your tribe, followers or community.
Speak to the interviewer before the interview to clear up any questions you may have or they may have.

Know what you want to accomplish with the interview - never just show up to be interviewed. Approach every interview with clear goals so that you can prepare the interviewer and yourself for a successful interview.

Now, go get famous one interview at a time.