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Bylined columns serve your interests, the media and today's readers
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For someone who works with representatives of the traditional media every day, this is a disappointing time. Great, experienced journalists are being laid off, replaced by junior staff members who are adept with new technology, but who don't have the context to share the deep background on today's complicated economic and policy stories.
During the next five years, we'll experience an industry shift similar to the seismic changes our society experienced as we transitioned to the industrial age. People are again being outsourced by new technology. We can only hope that the progress is worth the pain.
Meanwhile, with the media and their readers starving for good content, this is a great time for you to consider writing more bylined columns. There are several upsides for writers: you get your points across with minimal interference from our friends in the media, a column and photo generate far more visibility than the occasional quote; and you can position yourself as an expert on topics you want clients and prospective clients to associate with you and your organization.
Follow these five easy steps
Generally, bylined columns are easy to write if you follow these simple steps:
- Develop a creative lead and headline
- Generate a strong declarative or thesis statement, such as: "Now is a good time to take the time to write bylined articles."
- Provide convincing evidence. Give your top three to four reasons you believe your thesis is correct.
- Write a conclusion that ties back to the lead.
- Stick to 750 words or less.
You must be disciplined about avoiding salesy language. Readers don't want to be sold; they want to learn something you know a lot about that benefits them. Don't be afraid of offending anyone. Conflict is good. Reading different points of view is how we form our own opinions. If you don't have strong viewpoints, you are likely to be boring. If you have time, check out my latest bylined column, which appeared this week in the Southwest Journal: The bane of being an upper-bracket seller
You'll be surprised how quickly you can put down 750 words, which is less than two single-spaced pages. If you're interested in learning more - either through our training or coaching programs - just give us a call. We're happy to help.
Sincerely,
Lynn Ingrid Nelson + the rest of the LIN PR Team
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Lynn joins Arc Board of Directors
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 We are pleased to announce that Lynn Nelson has joined the Arc Board of Directors. Arc is a Twin Cities nonprofit with a mission "to secure for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families the opportunity to realize their goals
of where and how they live, learn, work and play."
An active volunteer on Arc's Marketing Committee for five years, Lynn has supported Arc on a variety of levels. She has also provided Arc with media relations and crisis communications counsel.
On May 20, Lynn was elected to the Board of Directors by Arc members, and she is looking forward to further supporting this great Twin Cities nonprofit.
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Meet new LIN PR Assistant Tameka Davis
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Tameka Davis is currently a senior at the University of Minnesota studying strategic communications. Tameka comes to LIN PR with experience as an event intern at WomenVenture and most recently as student event programmer for the University's campus-wide programming board, Minnesota Program and Activities Council (MPAC). She is also a member of the U's Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter.
Outside of school and work, Tameka enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading and spending time outdoors. Tameka is excited to join the LIN PR team and looks forward to meeting clients and associates.
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LIN PR Associate joins Padilla Speer Beardsley
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 Kirsten Lesak-Greenberg has been working as Lynn Nelson's assistant at LIN PR for the last year. During that time, Kirsten assisted in completing research, media lists, opinion pieces, news releases, release distribution and additional media relations tactics. She also designed and co-wrote the LIN PR newsletter, and edited the Web site.
Kirsten recently graduated from the University of Minnesota's School of Journalism and Mass Communication with a bachelor's degree in strategic communication and public relations. She was active in the U of M Public Relations Student Society of America as a member of the executive board and was also actively involved in planning and promoting the Relay For Life, which benefits the American Cancer Society.
May 22 will be Kirsten's last day at LIN PR. On June 1, Kirsten will join Padilla Speer Beardsley, a mid-sized public relations firm based in Minneapolis, as an intern on their Jim Beam account.
Kirsten's favorite part of working at LIN PR was the opportunity to work with Lynn and all of LIN PR's fantastic clients. She enjoyed working with each and every one of them.
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