Let's say you've called a reporter with some ideas for stories about financial planning, and they seemed interested. Congratulations! First, pat yourself on the back. It takes intelligence and gumption to come up with ideas that reporters like.

Next, consider how you are going to follow up. Reporters are usually working on several stories at once, and unless they are coming to meet you today, there's still a considerable chance that it will fall through the cracks. You need to try, without being annoying, to keep that story at the front of their mind.

If your call went great and the reporters interested tell her youll send something by fax or email to summarize what you discussed. Whether you send a fax or email, keep it brief and on point. Dont use it to raise new topics close one deal first!

After youve had a good call, or sent something to a reporter, follow up about a week later. If you get no response, assume the ideas either dead or filed for later consideration. No amount of follow-up calls is likely to change this cold truth and it will actually lower your stock. Dont be viewed as pestering if the initial idea doesnt fly, wait a while, then float a new one.