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CBS This Morning

January 4, 2021 By Debbie Bayes

Why the Work Phone Call is Back in Vogue

Coffee mug with an iPhone while working
Image by Derek Robinson from Pixabay

Surprisingly, the phone call has become a popular method of business communication by young people while working remotely as The Wall Street Journal reported in The Resurrection of the Office Phone Call. Apparently establishing more rewarding connections to decreasing digital carbon emissions are among the advantages of phone calls over video meetings, emails and texts.

During the pandemic, millennials discovered the benefits of communicating with colleagues, mentors, clients and prospects by phone and phone traffic has shot up. The work call provides an effective method for one-on-one discussions without concerns related to using Zoom such as what to wear, whether your background is tidy and appropriate or if the lighting is good.

A phone’s portability is another plus. You can talk while getting fresh air or moving around inside instead of being stuck in front of a computer.

When I started in public relations, reaching out to the media to pitch story ideas and guest recommendations by phone was a mainstay. However, once email became universal it has generally been the preferred method when initially pitching producers, writers, editors, influencers and bloggers.

I often find a hybrid approach of calls and emails is most effective during the follow-up process and cuts back on the number of emails exchanged. Once a media professional is interested in an idea, a phone call is an efficient way to build a rapport while confirming details concerning a proposed interview, product feature, or bylined article. Also, connecting on social media is a good idea to learn more about them and share their work.

With growing concerns about the environment, CBS This Morning’s “Eye on Earth” correspondent shared our reliance on IT for remote work negatively impacts the planet. We may not be commuting as much, but sending 100 emails leaves the same carbon footprint as driving a mile in a car. In fact, the BBC’s Smart Guide to Climate Change says making video calls over the internet has a much higher carbon footprint than do mobile phone calls.

More rationale in support of phone conversations was explained in an article in Scientific American. It discusses a paper slated for publication in the Journal of Experimental Psychology by Professor Nicholas Epley at the University of Chicago Booth School who studies social cognition and Assistant Professor of marketing and psychology Amit Kumar at the University of Texas. Their research indicates people should consider talking rather than typing to forge better connections and more satisfying interactions.

Another study with young children cited in The New York Times showed that telephone communication was just as effective as being able to touch and see a parent. “The clear implication is that you don’t need to literally see your loved ones and friends to feel your bond with them,” psychiatrist Dr. Richard Friedman writes in a recent op-ed.

As the iconic song reminds us, “Everything Old is New Again.”

Contact us to learn how we can help promote your brand with our hybrid approach and other effective strategies to amplify your marketing in 2021.

Filed Under: Consumers, General Articles, Journalism, Media, Public Relations Tagged With: 2021 integrated marketing, BBC, Business communications, CBS This Morning, media relations, millennials and work, pitching journalists, Scientific American, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, working remotely

October 21, 2013 By Debbie Bayes

New Chapters Abound for Books On TV and Radio Shows

Several books abound.How, when and where consumers buy and read printed books has definitely changed but turn on any television, radio, mobile device or computer and you’ll notice there’s no dearth of books or lively discussion about them.

Despite the growing popularity of e-books, e-readers and self-publishing, you may be surprised to learn that business for the publishing industry has been pretty good as it evolves to meet these challenges. Hear an interesting segment about the book business on NPR’s Greater Philadelphia station WHYY’s “Radio Times.”

So what does this mean for those in the PR business and for the clients we represent?

It means that even if you’re not a best-selling author with a new book such as John Grisham, Malcolm Gladwell or Elizabeth Gilbert don’t fret. Talk show hosts and producers may be interested in an interview for a variety of reasons.

Is the book timely or newsworthy? Will it offer ways to help people in their daily lives? Is it a memoir that will grab readers? Does it support a trend related to culture, food, health and wellness, the environment, fashion or our educational system? Will the author be speaking, performing, appearing at an event or doing a demonstration at a local public venue?

National television programs are either resurrecting former book segments or introducing new ones using social media like Twitter and Facebook to expand their reach and engagement with viewers online. Below are a few noteworthy media outlets and shows to consider however, many other opportunities exist for earned media exposure in both daytime and primetime.

MSNBC’s “Morning Joe”

This fall on MSNBC the “Morning Joe Book Club” launched reminding me of the neighborhood book clubs that many women currently enjoy. A new nonfiction book is picked upfront. Viewers are encouraged to read the book first and then tune-in later that month for a roundtable discussion with the author.

“CBS This Morning”

“CBS This Morning Reads” debuted last year to connect viewers with authors. They invite viewers to read, question and comment at their website about the books featured.

NBC’s “Today” Show

“The Today Book Club” launched last month. In keeping with its expansion into the social media arena as it’s done by adding Carson Daly and the “Orange Room,” their new book club features a Google Hangout where readers can personally interact with the author and readers.

The OWN Network

Oprah Winfrey relaunched her eponymous book club on the OWN network and in O, The Oprah Magazine, calling it “Book Club 2.0”  this time as an interactive, multi-platform reading club using social media.

NPR and Local Radio News/Talk Stations

Many local market radio stations interview guests on a variety of topics heard on-air and online. These segments are often repeated throughout the day or week. NPR affiliates and national programs feature both well-known and undiscovered experts and authors with in-depth discussions. Some of NPR’s national shows which feature authors include “Fresh Air,” “The Diane Rehm Show,” “Tell Me More,” “All Things Considered” and “MarketPlaceAPM.”

And who said book clubs are just for adults! NPR has a monthly book club geared for children’s authors and kids ages 9-14 called “NPR’s Backseat Book Club.”

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

This popular “news” show on Comedy Central often books authors as guests even those that are about serious topics. Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani education advocate who was shot by the Taliban and wrote “I Am Malala,” appeared on October 8.

—————

It’s an exciting time for authors and their PR representatives to literally “spread the word” and engage with book lovers and readers.

 

Filed Under: Consumers, Marketing, Media, Public Relations Tagged With: Book PR, CBS This Morning, Media Relations and books, Morning Joe, NPR, OWN, The Daily Show, Today, TV talk shows and books

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