I’ve gotta give a tip of the hat to Tom Laco of Handyman Advantage in Raleigh.
Tom is a PRstore client (we designed his Web site) who had the guts to call out a syndicated columnist for what he felt was an inadequate answer to a reader’s question. In a fit of righteous indignation, the enraged journalist…are you ready for this?…agreed.
Nicely done, Tom. Nicely done.
Universal Press Syndicate columnist Mark Hetts, a.k.a. Mr. HandyPerson, publishes a weekly tips column for ’round-the-house projects. When a recent advice column on finding an honest handyman overlooked professional handyman companies like Handyman Advantage, Tom took Mr. Hetts to task.
To his credit, Mr. HandyPerson took full responsibility for the oversight. He published Tom’s letter in full and even cited Tom and Handyman Advantage by name — a rarity in the syndicated column business.
Kudos all around.
So, what’s the lesson for you? Simple: Don’t be afraid to engage a journalist in conversation. As long as you’re courteous, most reporters will appreciate your feedback — even the criticism.
You might even get some publicity out of it.