Fourteen years ago, I found myself pacing the waiting area of a local television station, where I was scheduled to discuss my very first book, Playing Hardball with Soft Skills (a book on entrepreneurship for people with seemingly useless academic credentials, like mine). I felt the last droplets of my composure evaporating as the clock ticked mercilessly towards air time. Beads of sweat gathered on my forehead like the leading edge of a killer tsunami wave. My pulse reached Mach 2. I was certain that when it was my turn to speak, I'd only be able to utter a high-pitched chirp, after which I'd be carted off the set.

Well, I didn't squeak or leave the set on a stretcher. Instead, I went on to write 50 more books, promoting them on hundreds of national and regional television and radio shows, and through major newspapers and magazines. I also began earning a living as a professional spokesperson, using my media expertise and guerilla media tactics to promote the goods and services of major corporations.

Now I'm in the business of helping others achieve success on television, radio, and in print. As a veteran promoter, I can teach you strategies and tactics that can help you ace any interview, get your message across powerfully, succinctly, and memorably, and reinforce recognition of your name and book. Whatever the nature of your project or your level of experience, I can offer you customized media training services.

I look forward to being your media mentor ... the coach I could have used when I began my writing career.

Sincerely,

P.S. As books go, Playing Hardball with Soft Skills flopped. But it did teach me how to be a player and win the media over to my team.

Copyright © 1998-2002 Steve Bennett.