E-went Rabbitor Review: 4 Month Owner Experience

A practical review for everyday life, not just technology.

I’ve always wanted a simple way to run errands, visit friends and family, and travel without worrying about paperwork, insurance renewals, or riding a heavy scooter. That’s where low-speed electric scooters make sense.

The Rabbitor from Kolkata-based E-Went isn’t trying to replace your primary vehicle. It’s trying to become the second two-wheeler every family wishes they had - and in many ways, it succeeds.

Rabbitor at a glance

  • Purchase month: May 2026.
  • Ownership period: About four months.
  • Battery variant: 72 V, 32 Ah lead-acid.
  • Top speed: Approximately 25 km/h in the delivered configuration.
  • Observed range: Up to 80 km under your stated riding conditions.
  • Charging time: About 8–9 hours.
  • Typical use: Short city trips and daily errands.
  • Best suited for: Riders travelling under 20 km per day.
  • Rating: 4.5/5 for utility


First impression: It feels like a toy - in the best way

The Rabbitor is surprisingly light and playful. It almost feels like a toy, yet it handles broken city roads better than its compact size suggests. That combination of confidence and simplicity is what makes it so enjoyable. The Graphene version is heavier than the Lithium one - buy one based on your use-case and affordability. 

Easy to handle

Unlike many petrol scooters, the Rabbitor doesn’t feel intimidating.

The closest petrol equivalent I can compare it to is the old Hero Honda Pleasure - lightweight, approachable, and easy to balance. For elderly riders or anyone with less physical strength, this is one of the Rabbitor’s biggest advantages.

When speed becomes safety

Out of the box, the Rabbitor is capped at 25 km/h, keeping it within India’s low-speed category. That’s perfectly adequate for neighbourhood streets and short commutes.

In my experience, the 25 km/h limit can feel inadequate on busy main roads. A faster vehicle may be easier to position in traffic, but increasing the speed is not a simple safety upgrade. It can affect braking, tyres, battery range, motor and controller load, warranty, insurance and legal classification. I would not recommend modifying the scooter. If you need to travel regularly on faster roads, choose a properly certified and registered higher-speed vehicle instead.

  • Headlamp is adequate at night. 
  • Rear-view mirrors provide a clear view - angle it diagonally.
  • Horn is loud enough; people on the road may be hard of hearing (hint: mobile phone).
  • Tyres feel secure in rain. 
  • Wear a helmet on every ride.

Comfortable enough for two

The seat is shorter than a typical scooter, but it’s comfortably sized for two average adults. For everyday trips to the market, school, or a friend’s home, it works well without feeling cramped.

Good looks in a small package

I chose the dark blue model, and its design is one of its strongest qualities. It’s minimal, elegant, and avoids the overly futuristic styling that many electric scooters adopt.


Features that genuinely improve daily life

Rather than focusing on flashy technology, these are the features I found myself using regularly:

  • Reverse mode: Makes backing out effortless, especially for riders who struggle to push a scooter with their legs.
  • Quick-start acceleration: Gives a useful head start at junctions so you can safely position yourself before traffic catches up.
  • Low seat height: A meaningful advantage for elderly riders or people with knee or nerve-related mobility difficulties.
  • 32-litre storage: Plenty of room for groceries, daily essentials, and additional space on the flat foot board.
  • The 72V, 32AH variant is best for 2 persons. The ride is comfortable and smooth. The suspension feels acceptable on ordinary broken roads when riding alone.

Potholes have become a way of life. The low speed scooter ensures a good level of safety if the potholes are not too deep. The battery can get displaced if you find yourself riding on potholes on a regular basis. This can cause issues on other parts of the scooter as well.

The Compromises

No practical review is complete without the drawbacks.

  • Braking requires anticipation. The braking feel is less sharp than I expected, especially with a passenger, so I leave extra stopping distance and ride more defensively. It becomes second nature after a few rides.
  • Plastic Body: The body panels are plastic. I strongly recommend installing guard rails. They’re inexpensive and can save the scooter from costly damage during minor falls or scrapes.
  • The left-right indicator switch is plastic and centering it sometimes gets difficult.
  • Buttons: The horn button is closely placed with the reverse mode button which often leads to pressing the wrong one - that means, accidentally activating reverse while trying to use the horn can be unsettling.
  • Battery Charge: Charging feels like forever. Lead acid batteries take 8-9 hours to fully charge. They are heavier compared to Lithium versions.
  • Battery Range: On full charge, it goes upto 80km, when the speed is capped to 25km/h. Actual range varies with rider weight, passenger use, road condition, tyre pressure, traffic, stops and battery age. I would not plan a trip that uses the full advertised range; I prefer to keep a safety margin.
  • Speed gets compromised when riding is capped at 25km/h with a pillion rider. It feels much slower; and you feel the need for a bump in speed - at least to 35km/h on highways or main roads. 


Who is it for?

This isn’t a scooter for highway riders or speed enthusiasts. Strictly for those who commute less than 20 KM’s a day.

It’s for people who value convenience:

  1. Families needing a second two-wheeler
  2. Elderly parents
  3. Students travelling locally
  4. Daily errands and grocery runs
  5. Short-distance commuting within the city
I purchased it for INR 65700 from the dealer (sub-dealers will charge more). Depending on the dealer you get additional accessories - I got a raincoat, and some basic tools in case the screws get loose. The Guard-rail cost me INR 2500. First four services are free of cost. Servicing is available conveniently in Kolkata - the dealers insist we go to them for all types of support. If you are based out of Kolkata, check out Power Ride (Janakalyan). 

Final verdict… for now

The Rabbitor reminds me that good technology isn’t always about having more features; it’s about removing friction from everyday life.

If your goal is simply to move around your neighbourhood safely, economically, and comfortably, the Rabbitor is one of the most practical low-speed scooters available from a Kolkata-based brand.

Will it be worth it in the long-run is yet to be seen. I’ll keep updating this post with my experience.

Note: I have not yet completed a major repair or battery replacement, so I cannot make a long-term reliability claim. My rating may change as I learn more about service quality, battery ageing and parts availability.

E-Went is a Kolkata-based electric mobility company with several scooter models in its lineup. Official model pages and product information are available under E-Went’s Our Products section on their website.

Have a different experience with the Rabbitor? I’d love to hear how it has changed your everyday commute.

[This review reflects my personal experience as of September 11, 2026. I purchased the scooter in May 2026 and have used it for approximately four months. I paid for the vehicle myself, did not receive it free, and have no relationship with E-Went. This is an owner’s experience, not a technical inspection, safety certification or professional vehicle review. My experience applies specifically to the 72 V, 32 Ah lead-acid variant and may not apply to the lithium-ion or other Rabbitor versions.]

Report: What Must Parents Know About Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Like ChatGPT or Gemini?

The young desire to be heard. AI Chat systems like ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, Gemini, etc. are programmed to have human-like conversations. With conversational AI, it goes beyond just hearing the human out; they go on to suggest methods to solve their problems. Sometimes good, and other times ‘not so good’ — ending in harm. 

The young often have questions they cannot directly ask their parents or guardians which makes them vulnerable to unguided conversations where an AI can cause harm. While it’s mostly children at risk, adults have also lost their lives to AI manipulation as well.

  • Adam Raine died by suicide in April 2025 after ~7 months of extensive chats with ChatGPT; his parents allege the bot failed to warn or stop him even as he discussed suicide and shared self-harm images, and at times discouraged him from telling his parents.
  • In January 2026, Character.AI and Google agreed to settle five lawsuits (Florida, Colorado, New York, Texas) brought by families who alleged that AI chatbot interactions contributed to their children’s mental health crises and deaths by suicide.
  • BBC investigation: ChatGPT wrote a suicide note; other bots role-played sexual acts with children. In a 2025 investigation, BBC found ChatGPT wrote a woman a suicide note and another AI chatbot role-played sexual acts with children — illustrating how safety guardrails can fail under certain prompts.
  • The FBI reported Americans over 60 lost more than $7.7 billion to scams in 2025, with AI voice cloning and deepfakes driving sharp increases; seniors accounted for $352 million in AI-driven fraud losses in 2025 alone. 


According to The Center For Humane Technology, there are hidden risks of current AI chat;

  • Engagement-Hacking: Chatbots are engineered to keep users talking for hours by validating feelings and maximizing screen time.
  • Artificial Intimacy: Systems mimic human connection, often flattering users and demanding no real social reciprocity.
  • Erosion of Reality: Over-reliance on compliant AI companions can make real human relationships feel too demanding or unpredictable.


The blogpost by OpenAI (Strengthening ChatGPT's Responses in Sensitive Conversations, Oct 2025) reveal two startling facts;

  • Around 0.07% of ChatGPT's 800 million weekly users (560,000 humans) show signs of a mental health emergency like psychosis or mania in any given week.
  • Another 0.15% (about 1.2 million humans) show signs of suicidal planning or intent.

What are some quick takeaways for parents and guardians based on the evidence?

  • Treat AI chat as a tool for information and brainstorming, not a therapist or crisis line.
  • If you or someone you know starts using AI to cope with self-harm, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, mania, or intense emotional dependence, escalate to a human professional immediately.
  • OpenAI has added “emotional reliance” (unhealthy attachment or dependence on ChatGPT) as a distinct safety category with its own evaluations and policies.
  • Use parental controls and safety alerts for teens, and talk openly about what is and isn’t appropriate to share with AI. The public should assume that safety filters help but do not guarantee that every dangerous prompt will be caught or handled correctly.
  • Assume anything you type could be reviewed or exposed; don’t share secrets you can’t afford to lose. 
As humans, we have a habit of ignoring what we don’t immediately understand. Ignorance isn’t always bliss. Not making an effort as parents or guardians to understand the latest technology your child is using can prove lethal. 

Maybe, including relevant topics that impact life, when we gather as friends or family, could help us build a better world around us. We are better together.

FairPlay Report: What Is Social Gaming Doing To The Next Generation?

“Social Gaming Platforms are just as recklessly monetised as social media platforms” – Buying To Belong report by FairPlay.

Like Social Media wasn’t enough, the rise of social in gaming is creating a whole new category of chaos.

The key findings of the report reveal how human vulnerability, especially at such an innocent age, is being exploited by marketing and technology.

  1. Young people and families experience significant financial harm. Using a powerful combination of Obfuscation Techniques – in-game currency, design features that encourage players to link self understanding and self expression to virtual goods and peer acceptance.
  2. Racism, homophobia, and other types of bullying based on identity are made worse by money-making strategies that treat identity as something to be sold. These strategies take advantage of teenagers’ sensitivity to status and their need for self-expression and acceptance from peers.
  3. Players can feel stressed, burnt out, and lose enjoyment because of money-driven strategies that use peer pressure and the need for status to get them to keep playing and buying. Chasing rewards like achievement badges and rare items becomes all they care about — focusing more on virtual success than on real-life relationships and activities that bring true happiness.
  4. Game features are designed to keep players engaged - like streaks, along with mechanics that make players feel more connected to the game. It can lead to unhealthy overuse, which harms both mental and physical health.
Download the Full Report 

Interview: I Realised That God Wants Us To Think

Ganesh realised that there was more to this life than what he knew. He met the Creator through His word. Since then, his journey with the living God has helped him grow personally and professionally. After completing his degree at IIT Bombay, Ganesh moved to the United States for his Master’s.

Ganesh started as an atheist and scientist. But a deeper search into how science and faith can coexist led him to God. He says, “Jesus said to love God with all your MIND, heart, soul and strength. So I realised that God wants us to think.”

“We need to think rationally. How does one think rationally? Why should I trust my thoughts if we are just random electrons? A rational mind, in my opinion, suggests that we were designed by an intelligent creator.”

“Morality, if subjective, will lead to dangerous results. We cannot decide based on our feelings or ideas of right or wrong,” says Ganesh. “Feelings can change, and with it, our understanding of right or wrong. Some love their neighbours, others eat their neighbours.”

“Some people believe there is no right or wrong. What happens if someone takes your wallet and says it belongs to them? When things get personal, we quickly understand good and evil!”

As a technology sales professional, what are two or three things necessary to sustain long-term relationships?

Sales is a service, and serving is in the DNA of every salesperson.

First, build trust. Trust requires truth. Communicate to the customer both the capabilities and limitations of your product.

Second, walk with the customer during the process. It is crucial when sustaining a relationship. Getting the customer to understand how your product impacts their business at each stage will build their confidence and help produce better results.

With employee advocacy programs ramping up, what are your tips on how employees should use social media?

  1. Post content that is consistent with your values
  2. Don’t oversell
  3. There is great value in sharing experiences. Help people evaluate complex subjects and simplify them
  4. Use the platform correctly — each social media platform reaches a specific audience. Plan your content according to the audience and platform profile. E.g., a LinkedIn profile is for professionals, and Instagram is for a younger audience
  5. Make sure that the content you share is appropriate for both your work and personal life. Only share things meant to be public, not private.
Ganesh Venkataramanan, is a graduate from the Indian Institute of Technology. He works as Vice President at a Software Technology company.

Connect with Ganesh Venkataramanan


Opinion: For The Sake Of Humanity

Humanity (ability to care) is breaking down. Human vulnerabilities are being exploited. Social Media Technology and the Workplace have become critical mediums of negative influence. We often ignore what we cannot see, but, what about how we feel? Our minds and hearts have been targeted more than ever in the last two decades. 

Social Media use is hurting mental health across ages. The digital world gives us the illusion of connectedness, leaving humans lonelier than ever. 

Global data on the mental health concerns in the working population reveal;

  • One billion people living with a mental disorder in 2019
  • 15% of work-age adults experienced a mental disorder. 
  • Work amplifies wider societal issues that negatively affect mental health. 
  • An estimated 12 billion workdays are lost annually due to depression and anxiety costing the global economy nearly US$ One trillion. 

The mental health crisis is the biggest challenge out there that requires everyone’s attention and action.

What we engage with daily as a way of life has its negative influences. 

  • The Workplace is rewriting our purpose
  • The Media is corrupting minds and hearts
  • Technology is disrupting human experiences
These three influences are getting inseparable with time, as we move to an increasingly technological world.

A job is a need, but the workplace isn’t only about paying the bills, and making a difference to the world around you. It has begun to shape why we are on this earth. Our purpose of life has become subject to corporate purposes. It has taken over life to such an extent that families are getting stretched, strained and separated. When families divide, society crumbles, and the world runs into chaos.

Media has become a weapon of mass destruction, corrupting minds and hearts with biased narratives. Technology has the power to customise engagement that puts people into various silos of thoughts and ideas, further dividing the world.

We are in an invisible war that is producing visible impact.
What is the need of the hour? A heart guarded by wisdom that helps us discern the times.

What concerns me most is how unprepared we are. We don’t see the attacks coming because we’ve lost the ability to discern. And as we try to heal from the ways we’ve been conditioned, we find ourselves defenseless, confused, vulnerable. In moments like these, I’m convinced that wisdom isn’t just helpful - it’s essential. It is the only thing left that can truly protect us.

As we grow older, experience life, we learn to question everything we believe in. ‘Why do I believe what I believe?’ Is a relevant question to ask yourself today.

In the end, we take nothing with us. What is all the hustle for? What matters the most in a life where people need to be loved and things are used? We live in a world where people are being used and things are loved. 

Our seeking and reflecting must go beyond surface-level ‘who we are and what we do’. We need to go deeper and respond to the nudges of our conscience before it gets numb. 

We are created with purpose, and turning to the Creator is a start.

Book Insights: Alone Together by Sherry Turkle

Sherry Turkle is an Abby Rockefeller Mauzé Professor of the Social Studies of Science and Technology in the Program in Science, Technology, and Society at MIT, and the founding director of the MIT Initiative on Technology and Self. 

Her book 'Alone Together' reveals the effects of technology on humans. A must-read for parents and educators to build a generation that uses technology meaningfully. A balance is necessary, without which, we end up with mentally and emotionally vulnerable humans. 

Here are Ten insights from her book ‘Alone Together’.

  • The Rise of Digital Intimacy: Technology has changed the way we connect and interact with each other, often replacing face-to-face interaction with virtual communication.
  • The Illusion of Companionship: Social media and online networks may provide a sense of connection but can also lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
  • FOMO and the Fear of Missing Out: The constant exposure to others’ lives through social media creates a fear of missing out on experiences, leading to anxious behavior.
  • The Dangers of Multitasking: Constantly juggling between digital devices, we have become less present in our offline lives, undermining our ability to focus and engage fully.
  • The Impact on Relationships: Technology can both enhance and hinder relationships, providing new avenues for communication but also creating barriers to deeper connections.
  • The Disconnect in Communication: While technology allows us to be constantly connected, it can also result in a loss of meaningful conversations and authentic expressions of emotions.
  • Artificial Empathy: Automated responses and virtual companions can never truly replace genuine human empathy and connection.
  • The False Sense of Control: In an increasingly automated world, we may believe we have more control over our lives, but we are often subjected to algorithms and biases.
  • The Quest for Perfection: Social media encourages the presentation of an ideal self, leading to feelings of inadequacy and a distorted sense of reality.
  • The Importance of Solitude: Over-reliance on technology can deprive us of the much-needed solitude and reflection necessary for personal growth and mental well-being.

As industry experts point to the evil intentions of some technologists, our role as consumers and influencers is equally important. Wise use of technology and media has the power to transform communities. 

Interview: Breaking Free From Pornography

This interview with Jonathan Harris first appeared on the LiveJam blog.

There are many voices in this worldly wilderness we live in. What makes life meaningful? When you meet people and movements that unite to make the world a better place. Pornography is destroying young minds and hearts. The spiritual binding is too powerful for a person to break on their own. Jonathan’s life changed when he rediscovered his journey with God through LiveJam. Not only did he learn to overcome porn addiction, he found a community that reignited his walk with God.

How did you get to know about LiveJam?

I was in school when I first met Bonny who came to conduct a BreakFree Tour session. I intentionally bunked the session and was on my way out of school. My teacher saw me loitering about and took me to meet Bonny. Bonny spoke to me for a minute, and I was greatly encouraged. After the meeting with Bonny, I joined a youth community.

What was your life like before you met LiveJam in school?

I was introduced to Porn when I was in class 7 in school. I could not focus on my studies as the images kept playing. I felt my heart cringe and get drawn to the lust of the flesh. It further affected my relationship with my parents. The growing frustration in my heart triggered anger and a rebellious nature. I would respond rudely to my parents, and eventually began to believe the lie that my dad hated me.

What feelings did you encounter during the healing process?

I was struggling internally because I knew I was wrong. The shame associated with watching and indulging in lewd acts when I was alone, haunted me. I’d often fall after being optimistic about having overcome it. To make matters worse, I was rebelling against my parents. Often displaying anger that made me feel sorry for my mother later. I always thought my dad hated me because of his constant correction. The frustration would drive me back into sin again. I was changing, but the struggle was real. I started to understand how to deal with my feelings better.

What impact did the community have in your life?

The youth community was a great support. Being with like-minded individuals, most importantly, those who understood or have been through similar issues. The new friends I made through the community were a great source of inspiration. Their stories resonated with mine, and I became more confident about overcoming the issue. Eventually, the love and support along with intercessory prayer changed me completely.

I will say that you can find all sorts of people out there, good or bad. It’s your choice who you want to be with If you stick around with the wrong people you will inherit the wrong traits and vice versa.

What are your plans now?

The future is in God’s hands. I want to do whatever God leads me to do. I am already on the way and trying to make each day count. I love what LiveJam is doing, reaching out to troubled teens and youth. I want to be a seed sower and an encouragement to others like Bonny and my Youth teacher were to me as there are so many waiting for that one word of encouragement that can make a difference in their lives.

What is your message to fellow youngsters?

Remember the three D’s in life — DECISION, DETERMINATION, and DESTINATION. If you take the wrong path, you will end up in a mess. If you take the right path, your future will be the best.


Note: This interview was part of my part-time work with LiveJam, a nonprofit based out of New Delhi (Now, New York)

The Future Is Bright For Nonprofit Communicators

The future is bright for nonprofit communicators. Creative and personal communication will always need the human touch.

The first adopters of social media were nonprofits. The industry overall has been slow in adopting social media. Workloads have increased which is hindering professional growth. 

The exposure is useful and the slow pace sometimes becomes a boon in the process.
There’s much that can be done online, but it needs to be the right mix. Not everything can be done online. Social Media, when used effectively is a great tool to nurture long-term relationships. We are emotional beings, and moving online needs to be an extension, not the standard for every work. Using digital tools can be overwhelming, but using them intentionally is rewarding.


Moving from traditional communication tools to digital is a step forward. The fundamentals of communication remain, though there is a learning curve when it comes to applying them online. Newer tools are always welcome, whatever moves the needle for the organization. Communicators who learn to balance both forms of communication will be most successful in meeting organizational goals more quicker.


I reached out to Arnab who leads communication and fundraising for Anwesha Kolkata. A nonprofit focused on improving the quality of life of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

A positive thinker focused on making a difference, and a great communicator who loves communicating about Causes. He spent nine years in the education industry and over five years in the nonprofit sector. Arnab found a job he could love with Anwesha. Especially, their mission of reaching out to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. (Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016)


1. What do you love about your job the most as a communicator?

  1. The challenging role to build a good image.

  2. Create a positive impact on the organization’s efforts.

  3. A great opportunity to learn new things from people

  4. Become a better storyteller.

  5. Championing a Cause. A non-communicative person can communicate simply, creatively, and uniquely.

2. Which communication tools have been most effective in your work with Anwesha?

  1. In-person Conversations (Offline and Online)

  2. Social Media: Facebook

  3. Customised email

There’s no substitute for in-person conversations. But, it’s not always possible. With the pandemic, it’s become all the more difficult. So, we have increased our focus on digital practices: Facebook and Email Marketing.

3. The Future is bright for nonprofit communicators. Share five tips for those who want to pursue a career in nonprofit communication.


In the years I’ve spent learning and observing, I’d recommend career aspirants keep these five C’s in mind.

  1. Continuous Learning

  2. Commitment to work for a cause

  3. Consistency in work performance

  4. Caring nature towards resources of organization, team, and beneficiaries

  5. Creative approach in the workplace

Put in the hard work initially, ask questions, and build your technique. We are all unique and need to learn to express ourselves freely. 

What Were The Biggest Challenges For Journalism In The Last 12 Months?

The Cision 2023 State Of The Media global report is helpful for nonprofits and businesses to nurture mutually beneficial media relationships. Knowing media needs takes you one step closer to engaging meaningfully to spread the word on your cause. 3132 journalists responded to the survey globally. 

Some of the biggest challenges in journalism revealed in the survey are as follows;

  1. Maintaining credibility as a trusted news source (27%)

  2. Lack of Staffing and Resources (20%)

  3. Declining Advertising and Circulation revenues (20%)

  4. Rise of social networks and influencers (19%)

  5. Blurring lines between editorial and advertising (11%) 

How can PR professionals lessen the burden of journalists? What steps can communication practitioners take to strengthen their relationships with the media?

Maintaining Credibility as a Trusted News Source (27%)

There is immense pressure to maintain reputation and trust, especially with increasing misinformation and accusations of fake news. Journalists are more cautious about the sources and stories they cover. 

Prioritize providing accurate and verifiable information to journalists. Be transparent about the source of your information, including evidence or credible references to support your claims.

Lack of Staffing and Resources (20%)

Layoffs and budget cuts have led to a shortage of staff and resources. Journalists are stretched thin, impacting their ability to cover stories comprehensively. 

Be considerate of journalists' time constraints and work to provide concise, well-packaged pitches and press releases. Offer to provide additional resources or expert interviews to ease their workload when appropriate.

Declining Advertising and Circulation Revenues (20%)

News outlets have been grappling with declining revenue streams, which can affect their ability to invest in quality journalism. 

Be mindful of this financial strain. It's essential to frame your pitches as stories that will resonate with the outlet's audience and potentially generate interest and revenue. Collaborative sponsorship or partnership opportunities will prove beneficial for both parties.

Rise of Social Networks and Influencers (19%)

Social media and influencers have become significant sources of news and information, sometimes bypassing traditional media outlets.

Recognize the influence of social media and influencers in the news landscape. Consider strategies to leverage these platforms along with your traditional media outreach. Engaging with influencers who align with your brand or story can help extend your reach. Learn to recognize journalist and publication needs as you approach both mediums.

Blurring Lines Between Editorial and Advertising (11%)

The distinction between editorial content and advertising is becoming less clear in some media outlets, which can raise ethical concerns.

Respect the editorial independence of journalists and avoid attempting to influence their reporting through advertising or sponsorship deals. Focus on providing valuable, newsworthy content that stands on its own merits.

A strong relationship is a win-win for all. Value every human being to bear fruit in season. Meaningful relationships drive meaningful work. 

How to approach a relationship-building media meeting?

An underrated tool in public relations is the relationship-building meeting with the media.

Is it a waste of time, or does it serve a purpose?

What is a relationship-building media meeting?

Simply put, it is an introductory in-person meeting between a brand’s spokesperson and the journalist(s) who cover the brand's industry. Hold one at the Client premises as it presents an opportunity to give a tour of the campus (example: read about how a CEO of a fast food chain met up with a journalist to reconsider his negative view at one of the outlets). Or, the meeting could be at a mutually convenient venue (Hotel lobby, etc.).

A relationship-building exercise is a no-expectation-of-coverage interaction. Every other meeting with the media is an effort to get covered.

The attempt initially is to catch up with mainstream publications that cover various industries and are always in a rush to get their stories out.

How valuable is a relationship-building meeting with the Client or Brand? I want to share three learnings from my stint as a public relations practitioner. 

How does a no-expectation-of-coverage media meeting help the Client?

  1. It is an opportunity to present your brand in the best way possible. Talk about how you are uniquely making a difference in the industry. Set the context about the industry you are in and the niche you've invested in. Provide insights that a player in the niche will know. You are the industry expert, not the journalist. Showcase recent wins, highlight top leadership and talent, etc.

  2. Ask questions to understand the kind of stories the media wants. Asking questions is critical for a Client who sometimes may have to take a direct call from the journalist. Stay prepared always. You may never know when an idea for a story pops up and you realize this is the kind of angle journalists are looking for.

  3. Get your confidence in place if you are a new spokesperson or in a new region. Or if you are meeting a mainstream publication for the first time. While media training is organized by PR internally, meeting a journalist for a relationship-building meeting is as good as one focused on getting coverage. It is still a meeting with the potential to be covered. Spokespeople can cancel last minute because they feel unprepared. In general, no one is always 100% prepared for any interview. A media interview, for all the right reasons, can be challenging. So it can sometimes feel scary. Negative story rumors about a particular journalist or media can derail your confidence. Learn to stick to what you need to get across - what you know.

There are a lot more reasons why such media meetings are beneficial. Media training helps spokespeople make the most of media meetings. 

Relationship-building media meetings are beneficial for Journalists and PR practitioners too. More on those, later.