Ask the Masters:
Interview Tips for Calling Experts
Recently, one of our students wrote to ask how to go about calling experts and interviewing them. He said, "Being new at doing this kind of research, I'm a little shy and unsure of exactly how to present myself. If I were a journalist, it would be easy. But introducing myself as a direct-mail writer? I think most experts would be reluctant to cooperate."
We asked Bob Bly and John Forde how they approach experts for an interview. Here's what they had to say…
From Bob Bly:
- Realize that the subject of your interview is doing you a favor – not the other way around.
- Defer completely to his/her time, schedule, etc.
- Ask initially for a brief interview with a specific duration (e.g., 20 minutes) and when the time is up, say "I'd love to keep going but you had only 20 minutes, right?" If the person is willing to continue, he/she will say so – and you can.
- If you're going to be speaking to an author, get and at least skim his/her book in advance. Say that you have it and like it when you call.
- Be sensitive to your interviewee's mood. If you sense that he/she is impatient, move on quickly. If he/she has a temper or an attitude, end quickly and say "thank you."
- Always ask if you can call back and/or e-mail if you have questions.
- Before asking a sensitive or personal question, say, "I understand this is sensitive/personal, so if you do not wish to answer just tell me so."
From John Forde:
Most outside experts will be happy to share their expertise, given the right introduction.
Cold calling is difficult. I'm not sure I can give you a recommendation there, except to say that even the best phone script should be a guide, not a crutch. I remember that Bob Bly has some good ones in his book(s).
An alternative idea might be to drop a note or e-mail. Nothing fancy. In fact, the simpler the better. Anything along these lines would be OK:
"Dear [name],
"I recently saw your [book, interview, some work that made you want to contact him/her]. You made an interesting observation about [something relevant to your project]. If you have a few minutes, would it be OK if I contact you to ask a few questions? I'm a writer working on a related project that could benefit from your expertise.
"As your schedule permits, of course. I'm hoping we could talk for only about 15-20 minutes sometime on _____. [Be sure to suggest a few specific days in the following week. Even if those aren't available to the expert, being specific about your deadline up front is more likely to get you onto his/her schedule.]
"You can contact me at _____. [If it's long-distance, tell the expert to make it a collect call.]
"Thanks in advance for your help. I hope to hear from you soon.
"Best regards, etc."
By the way, I used to write editorial articles and tried introducing myself as a journalist. It wasn't always the best way in, either. Fortunately, I was also in graduate school at the time. Saying "student" opened a lot of doors.
Good luck!
How to Land Clients in 21 Days with Just Your Computer
How do I land my first client? It’s a question every aspiring freelancer asks eventually. Now, there’s a proven system for landing clients that removes the guesswork. Best of all? No cold calling. Learn More »
“I’m no longer stuck in a 8-5 job in an industry in which I have little interest, for an average salary, with very little time with my son. Copywriting’s made all the difference in the world.”
If yes, you could be in big demand, earning big money, writing just a few hours a day from anywhere in the world you choose to be.
Get Nick Usborne’s step-by-step system for creating money-making information websites.
In just 6 hours and 35 minutes, you can be in business earning $60 – $150 an hour writing simple resumes.
Learn the secrets behind succeeding in this in-demand career.
The work is plentiful … the pay scales are generous and the competition is scarce!
Get the answers to the hundreds of questions and concerns commonly asked in specific, step-by-step details.
Use this eight-step plan to make the leap from aspiring copywriter to professional copywriter this year.
Let your fellow AWAI members show you firsthand the easiest, most powerful way to land your first client … BEFORE you finish the program.
Writing for the web is a huge opportunity for copywriters. Let web expert Nick Usborne show you how to write blockbuster web copy in record time … even if you're a complete internet “rookie”!
It’s an opportunity to make $50,000, $75,000, $100,000 a year or more … working just a few hours a day.
A once complicated profession is now something you can do on a standard computer – even if you have little or no “artistic” ability.
It’s one thing to have a website. But if your website can’t be found by the search engines, it may as well not exist.
The Internet creates new income possibilities every day. The biggest among them: online video marketing.
Get the very techniques top-performing copywriters use to rattle off one groundbreaking control after another.
In his new book, Michael Masterson teaches you his very own formula for powerful persuasion and how to apply it to direct mail sales letters as well as online promotions.
Guest, Leave a Reply
Please Note: Your comments will be visible by everyone.