15 Minutes of Fame

Editor’s Note: Justin spoke repeatedly of the power of engaging local radio and press to publicize our classes and encouraged teachers and students to think creatively about ways to spread the word about TCC.

Let me share how the San Antonio Express News came to recently publish an article about my class at a senior center and what happened afterward.

Denise Richter, a student who has taken my class three times, contacted Vincent Davis at the San Antonio Express News. She did this on her own, unbeknownst to me. Vince interviews people in the community doing something of interest and writes a Monday column about it. I should hire Denise as a press agent. I also could use a secretary, as my phone and email exploded with requests for a class. 

The result? An extra class now follows the existing one. I could have added a third class, but instead put those people on a waiting list for Fall classes.

If you don’t have a Denise, scan your local newspapers and magazines. Send a short write up about what you are doing, and where your classes are held. See if you get a return call. They need human interest stories, and you might be the thing.

Students are bringing the newspaper in and asking for my autograph. I am excited to see dear return students and introduce many new students to TCC. My 15 minutes of fame will soon be over, and I hope my TCC skills will be adequate to continue to draw people without another publicity blast. Hopefully the main result of all this publicity will be receiving the benefits of our practice.