Looking to draw new customers and boost your reputation? Grow your business through free media exposure.
In my workshop, I'll share media pitching secrets I've gained through years of experience. You'll learn how to become the dream guest that media will call on again and again.
"Melissa's pitches and TV segments are industry best!"
— Television producer, CTV
You’re a thought leader. You have a valuable message to share. But how do you become the go-to expert on TV, in print and other media outlets?
If you want to land a spot in a TV show or magazine or podcast, you don’t need a PR firm. And you don’t need to be an established media personality or a professional writer. Editors and producers are always seeking fresh faces and new content. They're looking to educate, entertain and inspire their audiences. And they need your stories, your perspective and your expertise to do it.
HOW I CAN HELP
I have unique, behind-the-scenes experience in both receiving pitches and pitching to the media. For almost 20 years, I fielded thousands of pitches as a newspaper reporter and video producer in almost every topic from arts to business.
When I launched my own financial literacy business, I leveraged all of my knowledge about storytelling and pitching and became one of media’s most sought-after money experts.
Some places I've been featured...
On top of landing a regular gig as the resident money expert on Canada's number one daytime television show, The Social, I’ve been featured on every major national television network. I’ve had hundreds of media spots, including U.S. outlets like Forbes and Business Insider; most recently, The Drew Barrymore Show flew me to New York to film in studio with Drew.
In this 90-minute virtual workshop, I’ll share industry best practices for landing sought-after media appearances.
BONUS SPECIAL GUESTS: You'll hear from top industry leaders and decision makers. (This is incredible access to insight that even some publicists cannot get.)
WHY ARE YOU SHARING YOUR SECRET SAUCE?
Two of the questions that I'm asked the most is: What is your pitching process? How did you land a spot on The Social? This workshop is my opportunity to answer these questions.
I have a degree in communication and I believe in the power of our voices. As I teach my kids, sharing is also a gift to yourself. I’ve made it my life’s work to improve the world by sharing information. I stand behind women supporting women and amplifying marginalized voices. I can't think of a better way to make an impact than spreading the knowledge that I've gained over the years.
I’ve delivered pitch seminars to hundreds of people -- from content creators to real estate agents. I understand the media and the pitch process and I want to help others get the attention and recognition that they deserve. You have a voice. It would be my honour to help you share your wisdom and passion with the world. A public relations specialist or company can cost you thousands of dollars per month or for a single campaign. But you can learn the secrets to becoming your own publicist and build your own invaluable relationships with editors, producers and hosts. More and more, decision makers are passing over traditional press releases and looking for more authentic content -- content that comes from YOU.
You’re already a star. Let’s get more people to see you shine.
"I am very grateful. I invested nearly $15,000 in traditional PR this year and got more from this two-hour [workshop] than I did from that."
— Chelsea, workshop attendee
What you'll get from this workshop
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You’ll set yourself up for stardom by honing your message, your elevator pitch, your bio and your online presence.
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You’ll have a better understanding of how to find the right person to contact and how to tailor your pitch to your audience.
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You’ll learn how to craft a timely, compelling pitch that will jump out at editors and producers.
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You’ll have insight into the news cycle and industry insider do’s and don’ts.
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You’ll learn how to stay on an editor’s speed-dial.
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You'll hear directly from top media leaders about their decision-making process and what gets their attention.
How much will this cost?
Hiring a PR professional can cost thousands of dollars a month. And media coaching packages also start in the thousands. I'm offering this 90-minute workshop (with unlimited replays for 90 days) at a one-time cost of:
$350 USD (~$470 CAD)
View the replay of this exclusive workshop
About Melissa
Melissa is the resident money expert on Canada's leading daytime television show, CTV's The Social and one of media's go-to finance sources. Over the last 20 years, she has covered a variety of subjects including crime, politics, terrorism, arts and business for the National Post, the Toronto Star and The Globe and Mail. She has profiled survivors of the Rwandan genocide, investigated nanny abuse in Hong Kong and interviewed thousands of subjects, including heads of state, royalty and celebrities such as Hugh Jackman and Carrie Fisher.
"Practical, accessible with experience-informed tips and guidance. Of course, [Melissa's] energy, sincerity and generosity were so lovely. She made me feel energized and inspired!
— Zara, workshop attendee
Frequently asked questions
Q. Will you be having another live workshop soon?
I had planned to run this workshop again but the stars did not align. (Also, getting three powerhouse leaders -- editors, producers, etc. to agree on a time can be challenging!) Because so many of you kept asking for it so I've made the recording of the workshop available for replay so you can access the information AND the special guests.
Q. Do you offer personalized consulting or take on clients?
While I am humbled by these requests, the truth is my full-time job is empowering people to grow their wealth. And pitching media is a big part of that job. The market rate for consulting can be thousands of dollars and I want this to be accessible to you. The best way that I can share my wisdom and expertise is by providing this workshop and showing you how to be your own publicist.
Q. Is this webinar an introduction to a second course?
This, I promise you, is NOT one of those marketing gimmicks disguised as a webinar with basic information. (I've sat through so many of those and I'm still mad.) The Media Darling workshop is a stand-alone webinar; it's a passion project in response to so many of your requests. I truly want to give you valuable information and tools that you can use right away. No tricks, no upselling.
Q. Who is this webinar for?
Anyone who's ever dreamed of appearing in the media. Maybe you're a small business owner, a freelancer, an author, an entrepreneur, a medical professional, a researcher. If you have an expertise, or a message, or a product or service to share with the world, I'd like to help.
Q. Do you believe in paying for a PR specialist?
Absolutely. I have great friends who are incredible full-time publicists and media relations specialists. They are worth hiring for their experience, contacts, relationships and expertise. I respect the crap out of them and they are worth what they charge. But when I was starting out, I couldn't afford to hire a publicist for thousands of dollars -- I was quoted $10,000 for a single campaign with no guarantees. The pandemic has been tough for people and many small businesses and entrepreneurs have launched ventures in these challenging times. This workshop is for those of you who are willing to put in the work to grow. I hope you grow to a point where delegating to a PR specialist is an easy investment.
Q. Who are your special guests? Hints please!
That's a surprise! It's my privilege to know amazing people in the media and PR industry and I've spent decades building valuable relationships. I'm BEYOND excited to have a few of them participate.