Words For Hire

Business, PR, Marketing, Social Media 586.461.2103

You are here: Home / Business and Career / Breaking News

Breaking News

by

An example of a breaking news intro graphic
Image via Wikipedia

We interrupt this broadcast...When you hear those words coming from your television screen or radio, it is a signal that something unplanned has interrupted regular programming. In our own lives, an interruption in the normal broadcast is not announced in a soothing voice, it just appears and demands for you to stop and take notice.

This week, I had my own surreal experience with “breaking news” in a good way. I was presented with an opportunity to be interviewed for a story that will air on World News with Diane Sawyer.

Those that are media savvy are prepared for the breakneck speed with which this happens but I am not a media superstar who can think and talk on cue on camera. Yet, somehow I did it.

I have big plans for this year and none of them involved appearing on television yet when opportunity knocked, I answered.  In fact, I am not particularly fond of anything concerning a camera, but I ignored all of my excuses and fears and simply stopped to deal with the breaking news.

This experience has made me realize how often we may ignore opportunity because it knocks at an inconvenient time. I had less than 12 hours notice before spending an entire day in my home office with a reporter. There was no time to get my hair done, shop for new clothes, squeeze in an extra workout. Opportunity does not care if you are perfect, it only needs you to be ready.

My interview is part of a larger business story that is scheduled to air tonight. I will watch (with one eye open) and I guarantee that for the few seconds I am on, I will be anything but perfect.  Whether I look fat or not will be secondary to the celebration of stepping out of my nicely controlled comfort zone and giving in to the unknown.

How about you, when breaking news arrive, will you answer?

Special thanks to Dwann Holmes Olsen and Borders + Gratehouse, true Media and PR Professionals who have graciously mentored, coached and cheered me on. I could never have said “Yes” without them.

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Comments

  2. Karen, it helped starting me on my Journalism path first which then lead to Marketing and PR 🙂 It was a bit twisted, my way, but it got to a great place 🙂

    And I loved it cause I seemed telegenic to my own eyes 😛 I don’t really like myself in photos, but I loved what the camera was showing 😀 And yes, I did everything they told me not to: don’t look too much into the camera when you speak, it will spook you; look at the nice lady in front of you instead; don’t check the monitors, it might scare you…I did it all and had no problem 😀

    When it’s something new, that you’re not prepared for, I think it’s better to do what you feel like doing, what your instincts tell you and you’ll just enjoy every second of it.
    .-= Alina Popescu´s last blog ..Dear songwriters, an accent is cute, bad grammar is not =-.

  3. Alina, thank you! I love your story and what an incredible memory. Did that experience start you on your PR career path? I bet you were adorable!

  4. Hi Andrew, thank you! You are so right about being flexible in order to grow. It is not always comfortable, or convenient but it is where true growth happens and often amazing opportunity.

  6. Hi Heather and thank you honey! You are so right and I am learning so much from this experience. It’s been a roller coaster of excitement.

  7. Hi Fred and thank you! You make a great point when we plan big, while it can be startling to have something bigger happen we’re ready to roll with it. 🙂

  8. Oh dear Friar, I shall still share my cookies 🙂 Most importantly, I will not lose sight that I AM the little people, lol.

  9. Oh boy Robert it really does just barrel right at us doesn’t it? LOL! You either have to hop on that barrel and roll with it or get flattened like a pancake! Thanks Robert!

  10. Awww Conor, I completely felt that big cheesy smile and cherish it more than you could ever know! Thank you for being a friend and for your never ending support!

  11. Thank you so much Avil! I love that quote and it’s so true. I now know that prepared does not always mean “perfect” but simply prepared to leave that comfort zone and say Yes. 🙂

  12. Hey Shari! Thank you, thank you! I am so thankful that I had the opportunity and I have met some really incredible people as a result. Trust me I am completely humbled.

  13. Hi Lillie and thank you! I love the title of your post, made me laugh so hard that I had to pause for a moment. LOL! Gotta pop over and read the whole thing.

  14. Hi Kimberlee and thank you! It has been great so far, with tons of new contacts, biz opps and more media opps too, I will definitely share more!

  15. Hey Sean! Thank you, it’s so crazy and yea completely awesome. 🙂 This will be a good year for all of us, dusting off my pom poms!

  17. Thank you Sanyika! I am following your lead, you have been an incredible source of knowledge and inspiration! Amen and amen and standing in belief that it will be our best year yet!

  19. Karen, first of all congrats! And yes, like other have said before, I am sure you were just gorgeous and brilliant!

    This reminds me of the first time I was on TV. I was in high-school and our Latin teacher said we had to go to Bucharest after school to be part of a show. The host had decided to have a chat with students who were taking part in national and international Latin contests. It was no fun running from school to the minibus and then to search for the TV station headquarters. But the show itself was great. I don’t know how it was for others, but we had fun!

    Sometimes the greatest things that ever happen to us require us to take action in a few hours, maybe a few days if we’re lucky. And no, no one cares if we’re perfect in appearance, they only care about what we know and what we can do.
    .-= Alina Popescu´s last blog ..Building relationships: Threats never work =-.

  20. Karen,

    Congratulations on your television appearance – testimony to how well respected you are!

    Unfortunately, success is rarely built on convenience, and in order to reach our full potential, we must be willing to be flexible and pursue opportunities when they arise – without waiting to start on that comfortable, convenient note.
    .-= Andrew´s last blog ..An important lesson from the fall of Tiger Woods =-.

  25. It doesn’t matter whether we think we’re ready or not – life is gonna come right at us anyway. As you so eloquently pointed out, it’s in how we respond that counts.

    YEEHAW, congratulations and a big ol’ tip o’ the hat to ya, Karen!
    .-= Robert Hruzek´s last blog ..Ready For Takeoff =-.

  26. Hey Karen,

    Congratulations. That brought a big cheesy smile to my face 🙂

    You deserve it richly and I hope it’s the first of many.

    Conor

  28. Karen:

    Congratulations on your interview. I’m so excited for you. I sent the link to my aunt for her to see. In these times, “You can!” is a much-needed message. It was POWERFUL.

    Thanks for saying yes!
    Shari

  33. I love how opportunity knocked and you answered, so many times we allow what we “don’t know,” “don’t feel like doing,” and “aren’t ready” for stop us from receiving exactly what we need to boost our belief, fortify our faith and go to the next level. So super proud of you my fellow “MediSTARR” – keep rising to the occasion and may 2010 be your best year yet!

  34. It really is exciting that this has happened for you so early in the year! It definitely is a fabulous New Years blessing and a real preview of more good things to come! Keep at it, and I just know you’ll achieve greater and greater success!

    I can certainly relate (though on a much smaller scale) to your New Years achievement, as I, too, have decided to stretch myself in a new way this year. I decided to post my first-ever video of myself on my blog, as a New Years message to my readers and have just done that. It was wonderful, scary, and exciting, all at the same time!

    It can be frightening to put oneself out there for all the world to see, hear, examine, and assess; but I decided to simply go for it! This is, after all, the woman whose posts they’ve been reading for the past three years, and I think my readers will be able to accept me as I am, imperfections and all–though, of course, I will work on improving my delivery for future videos! Simple as my achievement has been compared to yours, it’s also felt exhilarating!

    Here’s to greater and greater growth for both of us in the New Year!

  36. Jeanne, it is exciting and yes it feels wonderful to start the New Year stretching. I expected good things this year but this definitely surpasses my expectations! I am ready and say bring it on! 🙂

  37. LOL! You are my indie biz heroine and continue to inspire me with your go-getter spirit to own it! This is for all of us!

  39. Karen,

    This is indeed exciting! I’m so proud of you for deciding to accept the challenge, step out of your comfort zone, and take a risk! As they say, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained”! Isn’t it a wonderful feeling to have successfully stretched yourself in a new direction in the new year? May this interview be just the beginning of many more exciting opportunities to come!

    Best wishes,
    Jeanne

  41. Wendi, lol! I am honored that you are going to watch TV on my behalf. Isn’t it amazing what’s in store for ALL of us. Our gang is growing up! 🙂 BTW, your new site is BEAUTIFUL! I will stop by and visit a while.

  42. Andrea, lol! Of course with advanced notice, I would have starved myself for days, gotten my hair done and booked a facial, but alas… lol. It is exciting and I believe this is going to be a great year for all of us. xoxo

  43. Hi Michele! You are so sweet! I still can’t believe this is happening but it is a huge blessing and an awesome way to start the new year! Hugs to you! 🙂

  45. Karen,

    OMG – great news! You are so cute, worried about how you look (although I’d do the same thing)…I want to hear the interview – what they asked you (if it was intelligent or not) and your thoughful and insightful answers! *I don’t have a TV or else I’d watch it. I wonder if I can see it streaming??? 🙁

    Mazel Tov to you! What a way to kick off 2010!

    Kisses,

    Andrea

  46. Karen,

    I am so excited for you and I am also so proud of you! And I will be sitting in front of my TV ( I think I still remember how to turn it on…See how special you are???) To cheer you on.

    Remember back when we were just a wee little gang of baby bloggers? I’m going to point to the screen and say to John…See her? I remember her back when……..

Trackbacks