5 Media Training and Publicity Tips for Small Business Owners

podcasts visibility era Oct 30, 2024
Kerry Barrett

Are you a small business owner looking to boost your visibility, grow your brand, and make an impact through media? Emmy-winning broadcast journalist Kerry Barrett, an on-camera coach with 25 years of experience, shares her top strategies for building a strong media presence. Kerry’s expertise lies in helping business owners amplify their message without the PR agency price tag.

We sat down with Kerry to ask her some questions about her career, what drives her, and her best advice for business owners looking to leverage media for growth. Check out her insights below, and don’t miss our latest podcast episode, Top TV Publicity Tips with Kerry Barrett, for even more expert advice. Tune in below! 


1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and what you do for those who may not be familiar with your work?

I'm an Emmy-award-winning broadcast journalist with 25 years of experience. I'm an on-camera coach teaching people to deliver compellingly on camera. I also help small business owners grow through media and PR without the PR agency price tag.

 

2. What inspired you to get started in your field, and what continues to drive your passion?

My journey started with fear—crippling, paralyzing fear of speaking in front of an audience. The irony? I became an Emmy-winning news anchor in one of the most cutthroat cities in the world, NYC. That journey taught me how to master the art of storytelling, commanding presence, and connecting with an audience. What drives me now? Watching business owners flip their own script, from feeling invisible to owning their story on the biggest stages, whether it's TV, podcasts, or digital media. Empowering others to stand in their spotlight keeps the fire burning.

 

3. What does Publicity & Media Training mean to you and why does it matter?

Publicity & Media Training is the lifeblood of visibility. It’s not just about getting your name out there—it’s about telling your story in a way that captivates, influences, and converts. It matters because the best product or service in the world means nothing if no one knows about it. Proper media training ensures you’re not just another talking head; you become the go-to expert, the name people remember.

 

4. What are the top 3-5 tips you’d give a small business owner who is looking for publicity & media training support? What should they know?

  1. Be crystal clear on your message: If you can’t explain what you do in a single sentence, no one else will understand it either.

  2. Know your audience: Tailor your message to who’s listening, not to who you want to impress.

  3. Practice storytelling: Facts tell, but stories sell. The media wants a narrative, not a commercial.

  4. Stay consistent: PR isn’t a one-and-done deal. Build relationships with media contacts and stay relevant.

  5. Prepare for the unexpected: Media appearances rarely go as planned, so get comfortable with improvising and staying calm under pressure.

 

5. Can you share a success story or a favorite moment from your work that really stands out to you?

One client came to me convinced they’d never shine on camera—they thought they were too boring, too stiff, too “something.” Fast forward a few months, they landed a TV segment and NAILED it. The producer even asked for a follow-up interview. Seeing someone transform from doubting themselves to stepping into the role of expert and authority? That’s the magic I live for.

 

6. Where do you see your niche heading in the next few years? Will media training continue like it is or will it change?

Media training is evolving with the speed of technology. In a few years, we’re going to see more emphasis on digital and virtual appearances—podcasts, webinars, live streams—and less on traditional TV spots. AI might even play a role in prepping clients, but the human element of connection and relatability will never go out of style. Authenticity is always in demand, and that’s where media training will continue to shine.

 

7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and how has it impacted your journey?

Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” Every time I’ve taken a leap—whether it was stepping on camera for the first time or launching my business—it felt terrifying. But growth and comfort can’t coexist. That advice is the reason I went from petrified to powerful on camera, and it’s what I tell my clients today.

 

8. How can people connect with you or learn more about your work?

You can find me on LinkedIn at  www.linkedin.com/in/kerrybarrett or on any social media platform (Instagram and TikTok are my preference) at  @IAmKerryBarrett.

 

 

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