Have you ever wonder why some IFP members are always being quoted in the press while others can't get a look in?
Journalist Natalie Fast from Citywire provided some of the secrets to Manchester branch members at their February meeting.
Her key message was to get in touch. Journalists are not scary people and they want to hear your stories, particularly if they are positive and genuine.
The easiest way to make initial contact is through networking sites Twitter and LinkedIn then journalists can contact you when they need quotes.
{desktop}{/desktop}{mobile}{/mobile}
Be warned though, most will need a quick answer as they are always facing tight deadlines. A short personal email is always preferred over a widely-circulated press release. Finally, work out which journalists cover your principal area of interest, for example regulation.
Get in touch, share your opinions, respond quickly and it will be your face in the papers rather than someone else's.

• Want to receive a free weekly summary of the best news stories from our website? Just go to home page and submit your name and email address. If you are already logged in you will need to log out to see the e-newsletter sign up. You can then log in again.