Nine Must-Have Items to be Media-Ready Polished in a Pinch
It's just another Manic Monday. You're knee deep in emails and putting out fires left and right (🎵 and now you wish it was Sunday 🎵 Ha!). Suddenly, you get a call from a local journalist or news station requesting an on-camera interview about a hot new trend in your industry...in one hour. While you're thrilled that your PR efforts are paying off, you look like a complete hot mess, from your frazzled mane to your grimy grin.
So what's a super-busy owner, CEO or public relations director to do? As with anything, proactivity is the key. I've listed my top must-have on hand items to have when you need to be camera-ready in a hot second.
A smile speaks a thousand words
Must-Haves:
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
Get your pearly whites ready for a million dollar smile! Brush, floss and rinse away any stray parsley flakes left over from your that pungent (but totally tasty) garlic bread from lunch. Your interviewer will thank you for being a minty breath of fresh air!
Favorite Finds:
Smooth it out for the mane event
Must-Haves:
Hairbrush or comb
Hairspray
You may never know what each day brings. If there is zero time to look in front of a mirror, you may not even notice that your hair is just as frazzled as your schedule. Keep a hairbrush or comb handy to tame your mane when the media comes calling. If your hair is prone to flyaways, use a little hairspray to put those strands back in their place.
Favorite Finds:
Make it up
Must-Haves:
Powder
Chapstick, lip gloss or lipstick
Before you read on - yes, this applies to BOTH men and women. One thing to keep in mind is that nearly every TV set is in HD, which means every little blemish, pore and patch of shine will scream on the screen. Polish off your look with some light powder over your forehead, nose and chin. Add some moisture to your pout by applying Chapstick, lipstick, or lip gloss to finish off your face.
Favorite Finds:
Ready, set, rock that interview
Your personal brand and the brand of your company comes across in all mediums and on-camera interviews are no exception. The picture you want to portray goes beyond your company message points and seamless interview skills. You want to demonstrate that you take pride in both your work, your business AND your appearance. Stash away these few items in an empty desk drawer and you'll be ready and set for a last-minute 3....2....1!
Have any other must-have items to add? Leave your favorite go-to's in the comments section!