Tweeting tips from the new American Underground @Raleigh on how to deal with the press is Lisa Jeffries (@LisaAtWRAL), WRAL.com’s marketing manager.

The editors of ExitEvent and WRALTechWire discussed with entrepreneurs ideas and examples how how best to generate publicity.

Laura Baverman (@laurabaverman) is editor of ExitEvent.

Rick Smith is editor of @WRALTechWire.

From advice about content to what not to do, the two engaged in a hour-plus discussion over pizza at the new American Underground shared office space in Raleigh.

Adam Klein, who directs the Underground, moderated the give-and-take.

Jeffries’ tweets – and one discussion – follow:

Be Ready – and Truthful

  • @laurabaverman on pitching media: “what’s the hook? What’s happening in your space?”… What makes the news relevant?
  • @WRALTechWire  ”if you send me an email, I will read it.” A cold email to Mark Cuban [which led to his investment in Durham-based Valisic] is 1 in a million, not with local reporters
  • @WRALTechWire: “absolutely do not lie” — “no comment” if you can’t answer at the time… Great comment from Rick Smith on being honest
  • .@laurabaverman: “think about the audience: Some want app reviews” not every media outlet needs the same story angle
  • @WRALTechWire  ”have FAQs on your website, graphics illustrations, who are your founders, what have they done” Be ready to go
  • @laurabaverman: “have content ready: photos, blog posts, releases, etc.” Be ready when media reaches out
  • @WRALTechWire’s Rick Smith: our mission is to cover the small and the large — stories today about [WedPics, Justin Miller] @ImJustinMiller and Lenovo

(Note: Smith added that small firms can be “mighty.”)

  • @laurabaverman: more multimedia coming to @exitevent

About Those Photos …

Comments about site content triggered an exchange between “CellBreaker” and Jeffries.

  • CellBreaker ‏Do selfies count? RT @WRALTechWire
  • @WRALTechWire those are the worst! Grab a friend with a real camera — everybody has one or two of those kinds of friends!
  • CellBreaker If you’ll be my friend then I’ll at least have one–or two, since I’m replying to two of you.
  • @WRALTechWire @CellBrkr @laurabaverman I’ve (@lisaatwral) got a fancy camera and I’m happy to take pictures of people who ask nicely!
  • CellBreaker Sweet! I’ll take you up on that.

(Note: ExitEvent, American Underground and WRALTechWire are all part of Capitol Broadcasting.)