I have been testing an interesting service designed to increase my exposure to the media. The service is called ProfNet and it offers an interesting twist on the traditional method of seeking publicity through press releases. Journalists and free lance writers use Profnet to find experts to use for quotes and background in news stories and features. I am one of those experts. The journalists log in to Profnet and posts inquiries (and example post might read – "I am looking for an expert to discuss company policy on employees who cash out 401(k) plans early"). For a monthly membership, I receive three or four of these leads by email four times a day. If one of these leads relates to something I can speak to, I respond directly to the journalist by email to set up an interview. At sign up, I was able to choose several areas that relate to my areas of knowledge, so I do not get leads about subjects where I have no understanding. So far, I have been interviewed by PayPal radio and I have an interview with a free lancer who writes a bi-monthly column for the New York Times. I have only been testing this service for a little over a month, but so far, so good. [tags] Profnet, PR Leads, Dan Janal, public relations, publicity, Paypal Radio [/tags]

