Last week, I was on Sky Business to talk about personal branding alongside Trevor Young, author of microDOMINATION: How to leverage social media and content marketing to build a mini-business empire around your personal brand.
We were interviewed by Nigel Freitas on the “Technology Behind Business” show. I’ve already written a lot about personal branding so I won’t repeat that here.
In case you get the opportunity to be interviewed on the telly, here are my DOs and DON’Ts.
DON’T assume they will do your hair and makeup. Some shows, like Sunrise, will give you the whole works so that you look like a Glamazon. Not all shows have the budget to do this so make sure you’ve done your makeup before you get there.
My tips for television: Mascara is your best friend. It gives your eyes definition and helps them to stand out. Concealer is your second best friend, don’t leave home without it. And powder is also vital because you can get pretty shiny under those studio lights.
On air with host Nigel Freitas and Trevor Young
DO turn up early. You don’t want to be rushing through the door as you’re about to go live on air. This will give you a chance to check whether you have lipstick on your teeth. You also get to watch the guest who is on before you so that you get a sense of the kind of questions the interviewer might ask.
If you’re driving, find out your parking options well beforehand so that you’re not frantically looking up your iPad for parking stations when you should be sipping tea in the studio, getting ready for your close up.
DON’T wear black particularly if your hair is dark. You’ll end up looking like a dark blob with a little face somewhere in the middle.
DO remember to go to the loo beforehand. It’s hard to concentrate on the tough questions if you’re busting.
DON’T wear super high heels. Studios can be located in large precincts and you may have to walk a fair bit (over lots of cables) before you get to the filming area. You don’t want to break an ankle just before you go on air and no one gets to see your fancy shoes anyway. Plus, if you do topple over, you could end up providing the audience with a money shot that no one wanted to see.