As a financial expert, securing high-profile interviews can help elevate your credibility, expand your audience, and increase your visibility in the industry.
TV interviews and other major media can also make the cash register ring – in the form of new clients, speaking engagements, business partnerships, and more.
But making a memorable and impactful impression in the media spotlight requires careful preparation and execution.
Here are key strategies for financial experts to shine in high-level interviews and deliver valuable insights to their audience.
Bring your unique perspective
Distinguish yourself from other financial experts by developing a unique perspective on your area of expertise. Identify your niche, and the areas you’re most passionate about, and focus on providing in-depth analysis and insights that set you apart from the competition.
You don’t want to get lost in the sea of financial experts whom all look and sound alike. Figure out what makes you different, or more knowledgeable, and lean into that.
For example, after 20 years of being on-air as a guest expert on TV, I know the topics I’m most passionate about center around credit and debt, homeownership, and entrepreneurship.
Consequently, producers love to call on me for consumer-advice segments that offer practical advice to people struggling with issues like credit card bills and student loan debt or the challenges of buying a home or starting a business.
Establish your expertise
Before pitching to media outlets, work on establishing your expertise through various channels, such as writing articles for industry publications, speaking at conferences, and engaging with your audience on social media.
This will help position you as an authority in your field and make you a more attractive interviewee.
Create a targeted media list
Research media outlets that cover topics related to your expertise and cater to your target audience. Develop a list of journalists, producers, and influencers who are likely to be interested in your insights, and tailor your pitches to their specific interests and audience.
Financial publications and broadcast media that cover economic or personal finances – everything from CNBC and Bloomberg to Reuters and Yahoo Finance – are a given. But go beyond that.
Are there general interest TV shows or lifestyle publications, that could use your expertise? Put them on the list too.
Bring your A-Game
Anytime you pitch the media, it should be an interesting, killer pitch.
Develop a concise and engaging pitch that makes a producer or editor think: “Wow! That’s worth people knowing.”
In the process of pitching, succinctly highlight your unique perspective, expertise, and the value you can bring to their audience. Personalize your pitch for each journalist or producer, demonstrating your familiarity with their work and the outlet’s content.
Prepare for the interview
Once you’ve secured an interview, invest time in preparing your talking points, anticipating potential questions, and practicing your delivery. Focus on conveying your key messages in a clear, engaging, and memorable way.
Media training can help you present as your best self on camera. It prepares you not only by giving confidence to shine, but also extend your 15 minutes of fame by getting asked to come back as a return guest.
Simplify complex concepts
Financial topics can be complex, so it’s crucial to simplify them for a broader audience.
This may be one of the single biggest obstacles to getting booked – or getting a return booking on a TV program.
Way too many financial experts sound like what I call “walking encyclopedias” and they just spit out facts, statistics, jargon, or obscure Wall Street terms.
TV producers and audiences don’t want this at all. Nobody cares how smart you are; they just want helpful insights and actionable steps they can utilize.
So instead of spouting out financial figures (which honestly, makes you less memorable on TV, anyway), try using analogies, examples, and storytelling techniques to make your insights more accessible and relatable.
Be engaging and personable
During the interview, make a conscious effort to be engaging and personable. Use a conversational tone, maintain eye contact, and modulate your voice to convey warmth, sincerity, and confidence.
All of this is part of “giving good TV.” You should come across as a real-life, likable person, not stiff or robotic.
Stay calm under pressure
Financial interviews can sometimes involve challenging questions or debates. Stay calm and composed, even when under pressure, and focus on providing well-reasoned, evidence-based responses.
It’s also important to stay calm when things go wrong – as they often do during live interviews!
What can go wrong?
You might be interrupted or cut short by breaking news. You could have technical problems during a remote interview and not be able to hear the host’s questions.
Even if you did a pre-interview, and thought you knew the questions to be asked, you could still have a journalist ask you totally off-the-wall questions, sometimes about issues or matters that have nothing to do with the topic you’re there to discuss.
Again, this is why media training is crucial to help you prepare for such circumstances.
Leverage visuals and data
Visual aids, such as charts, graphs, or infographics, can sometimes – I repeat, sometimes – be powerful tools for illustrating complex financial concepts.
If appropriate, use visuals to support your points and make your insights more digestible for the audience.
Follow up and build relationships
After the interview, follow up with the journalist or producer to thank them for the opportunity and express your interest in future collaborations.
Share the interview on your social media platforms and engage with the audience to answer questions or provide further insights.
Financial experts who excel in top-tier interviews can significantly enhance their credibility, visibility, and influence in the industry.
By implementing these strategies and honing your media skills, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a sought-after expert, offering valuable insights, and captivating your audience.
As you raise your profile, remember that practice, persistence, and genuine passion for your area of expertise are key ingredients for success in the media spotlight.
