For small business leaders, opportunities to tell your story can come at any moment. When that moment comes, being prepared matters.
Last week, I had the opportunity to join members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Council for its annual fall meeting in Washington, D.C. where I led a discussion on media training and effective messaging, and advised business leaders on how they can turn their expertise and experiences into compelling stories.
This year’s fall meeting focused on the opportunities and challenges surrounding artificial intelligence. Before the meeting, Council members met on Capitol Hill to discuss how they are using AI in their businesses and the policy considerations surrounding this rapidly evolving technology.
As a member of the Small Business Council, K2 & Co. is proud to participate in conversations with small business leaders from across the country about the issues and opportunities shaping the business community.
At last week’s fall meeting, my presentation focused on helping small business leaders tell their stories effectively — starting with one simple principle: Know your headline.
Before an interview, know what you want your audience to remember.
It’s important to identify a clear headline, stay on message to handle tough questions, and communicate with confidence. After I shared some tips and tricks, I had participants put their new skills into practice through a mock interview focused on AI and small business. I used this exercise to remind participants that you don’t have to be a professional communicator to be an effective spokesperson. You just need to know your audience, understand your message, and be prepared to deliver it.
For small business owners, media opportunities can help reach new audiences, build credibility and showcase their expertise. But the best time to prepare is before the phone rings.
At K2 & Co., we help business leaders and thought leaders develop clear messaging, identify compelling stories, and prepare to communicate with confidence when the spotlight is on. When the opportunity to make headlines comes, be ready to make the most of it.
-Brittany Yanick, Vice President of Political Communication