I never really thought of myself as a consultant. It never crossed my mind. But just in the brief time I’ve tried to be “retired” I’ve been in contact with several people who have wanted to speak with me about things I could do for their large company or small business.

What they’ve really wanted is for me to “share some secrets” with them about how the media works and how they can work the media.

So, why not? Why not help people who could benefit from the 35 years I’ve spent intimately involved in all forms of media? I think it could be a lot of fun, not only for me but for those who choose to work with me.

Here are just a few of the things that interested those people — and me!:

Messaging: I can provide assistance in print, audio and video work to help you get your message out. I can provide advice or can actually serve as a spokesman in all forms of media. And after so many years in newspapers, radio and television, I know how to handle crisis situations and how to put out fires. And I can teach you to do it, too. People know me as a sports columnist or a radio talk-show host. But my experience as the one-time editor of the Portland Tribune can help provide you with unique insight into what you can do to increase your chances of getting your story, or your side of the story, into print — or on the air.

Press releases: I can tell you — or your staff — why about 95 percent of those releases they write never even get read. There are better ways to get your story told, why not let an experienced storyteller explain it to you?

Knowledge transfer: Does your company have people nearing retirement who have a storehouse of knowledge about the firm’s history? You cannot afford to let that information go out the door. I can interview these people and provide a summary of their stored knowledge — providing experienced editing along the way — that can be used internally for years to come. I can be the conduit for valuable information you and your employees may need to avoid repeating past mistakes. I can write it in a way, too, that’s is good storytelling rather than boring dialogue so employees will look forward to reading it. This should involve not just the company successes, but its failures and missteps. Why were key decisions made? Why were certain strategies selected and why were others avoided? All of your company lore is invaluable. I can provide the interviewing and reporting skills to maximize it.

Deal making: I understand how to make partnerships happen and have done it many times. There are proven strategies that result in win-win outcomes that make everyone happy. If you need advice or someone to step in the middle and work things out, I’ve done that.

Facilitating: Having trouble shaping a mission statement, a policy or a strategy? Sometimes a facilitator, an impartial third party, is the perfect guide for a company or group that has lost its way or is mired in a morass of disharmony.

Positioning: Is your company positioned properly with the public? Does it have a positive image? Are you getting the maximum out of what you’re doing in the community? Do you think people understand how much your company contributes to the public good? Are you certain that your potential customers even know exactly what services or products you provide? If not, you need to explore effective ways of doing that.

Public speaking: Representing your firm in front of groups or in an electronic mode. I have done it for years and am at ease in front of cameras, microphones and large groups. Or, if you like, I can teach your key executives how to do a better job of communicating — with the media or with their own staff. And I’ll also reveal some basic little tricks that will make them popular enough with the media that they’ll be sought after as experts in their field.

Training: I can help your staff learn the basics of how to deal with the media in today’s world. And better still, how NOT to deal with the media. It’s as much an art as a science.

Obviously… writing: I’d take on major writing projects if they sound like fun.

In this market, does anyone else have my unique skill set? I don’t think so. And I can be a difference-maker for you — with direct contributions or by training your staff. A great coach doesn’t always have the best players. Sometimes he just gets the most out of what he has. And if you want to win, you must make certain that you’re maximizing what you have in your lineup. I can help you do that!

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