One of my clients is a huge eTailer of RC products, a couple months ago I sent out a pitch/follow up email and got a response from Paul Hochman, the Today Show’s gear & gadget editor. Paul was looking for a particular product to feature on an upcoming green gadgets segment with Matt Lauer on the Today Show. Although my client didn’t carry the particular product he was looking for, I was able to locate the PR contact for that product. Needless to say, my efforts yielded a great response from Paul, the product’s company and the segment producer for the Today Show. Now, I haven’t called in that possible relationship, but the opportunity is there.

A fellow, former colleague and a local PR guru, Russ Page, recently blogged about the value of giving the media more than just pitches for your clients or products (read the article here), send them a tip on something that will build your relationship with them and increase their confidence in you as a true professional.

The second example also involves Russ. This same client I mentioned above has had some phenomenal success in the media with their products. In fact, one day Russ was listening to the best nightly news talk program in Salt Lake City, KSL’s Nightside Project, and they mentioned these little RC helicopters. Well, the sharp guy that I am — laugh now — I remembered that and when our client launched it’s own mini RC helicopters, one of my first pitches was to Michael Castner at the Nightside Project. That little interchange led to us being featured as guests on the show tonight, Tuesday, June 12, 2007.

My Two Cents: Although competition is great — it’s what makes the great ones great — don’t discount networking and helping each other out as professionals. In the end we all win and according to Stephen Covey, a win win situation is optimal.

In an effort to help smooth over a bit of a catastrophe at work, Poppa P apologized. That’s right, he said “I’m sorry.” And the power of those two words went a long way.

I say this as a professional communicator, I have spent a number of years learning how to communicate effectively, and persuading others to see my, or my client’s, viewpoint, but in the end, sometimes less is better. I know that there are times that if I had used these two little words with my wife I might have slept on the bed that night, or times when a friendship might have been preserved out of the use of these two little words.

My Two Cents: Rather than burn bridges or save face, just humble yourself a little–don’t get pushed over but be willing to recognize and admit your faults.