Last week I had an article due and I was starting to panic because my sources still hadn't come through. I have never missed a deadline, but it looked like I would either have to write the story sans sources (not ideal) or wait for an email that might never arrive (even less ideal).Enter ProfNet to save the day. I sent out a query for experts on my topic and suddenly I had twice as many options as I needed. A friend asked me how to use it. Here's how simple it is:
- Register as a journalist.
- Create a short profile listing email addy, publishing creds, etc.
- Write a source query explaining your interview needs and filter according to geographical region, professional affiliation, subject area, etc. You can also do a search and target specific people but that's more limiting.
- Wait a day or two and (depending on your preferences) your email box will be flooded with eager PR people and sources vying to be interviewed.
- And here's the hard part... choosing who to interview for your article. Not that I've done this (or have I?), but it's a little like when you first register on Match.com and you're overwhelmed by all the options. Of course, not all of the responses will fit your needs so choose carefully!