Get visible in the media: turn your expertise into media opportunities

Direct aanmelden

You see experts being interviewed in magazines, invited onto podcasts or taking part in panel discussions. But have you ever thought: that could be me?

Many women already have the expertise, professional experience and stories that journalists are looking for. The challenge is often recognising what is interesting to the media, putting it into words and knowing how to get yourself on a journalist’s radar.

In this practical webinar, publicist and VIDM founder Janneke van Heugten will show you how to make the expertise you already have more visible to the media.

You will learn:

• how to identify the subjects you could be approached about as an expert;
• what makes your expertise relevant to journalists;
• how to present yourself clearly, without having to turn yourself into a ‘personal brand’;
• how journalists find experts — and what you can do to make yourself easier to find;
• how to approach journalists, podcasts and magazines yourself;
• how to recognise opportunities for interviews, podcasts and panel discussions;
• what you can do now to increase your chances of being contacted when your subject is in the news.

We will also look at why it matters who gets seen and heard as an expert. Media coverage still presents a limited picture of who holds knowledge and authority. More women making their expertise visible — including women of colour — means journalists have a wider range of experts and perspectives to choose from.

The focus of this webinar is practical. You do not need previous media experience, an enormous network or a polished media profile. You will leave with a clearer idea of what you have to offer journalists and concrete steps you can take to become more visible.

For: members of the Sisterhood Business Club – female entrepreneurs and professionals
Webinar language: English

Participation is free. By registering, you will also receive a free VIDM account, which enables you to make your expertise findable for journalists.

About VIDM

Media platform VIDM is the largest platform in the Netherlands connecting journalists and experts, with the aim of increasing the diversity of stories and experts represented in the media.

We make publicity more accessible to you. By showing you how the media work and by connecting you with journalists who may be relevant to you.

About the trainer

Janneke van Heugten is a publicity expert, adviser, speaker and director of media platform VIDM. While studying Public Relations, Publicity & Information, she worked in the press department of Amnesty International in Sydney. After a career in publishing, she went on to run the first PR agency in the Netherlands specifically for female entrepreneurs and experts.

Together with 30 media trainers, she has supported experts through VIDM since 2008 in positioning themselves effectively in the media. During the weekly interactive VIDM Media Lunches, she interviews journalists and editors-in-chief about their work.

Since 2007, Van Heugten has regularly appeared in the media to discuss the importance of better representation. In 2024, her book Vaker in de Media was published by Van Duuren Management.

What participants say about the trainer

Janneke provides an incredible amount of valuable insight and translates it into practical tips that you can apply immediately. The sessions organised by VIDM are always extremely informative and very well put together.
– Danielle Heemskerk

Besides the strong content, we were impressed by how quickly Janneke was able to identify the essence of someone’s story and translate it into practical tools for putting themselves out there. Janneke helped us clarify where each person’s expertise lies, how to focus on it and how to use it to become more visible.
– Vanessa Buisman

What a knowledgeable source of inspiration Janneke is. I don’t know anyone else who shares her knowledge and pursues her mission with so much dedication.
– Karen Walthuis

Janneke’s openness, enthusiasm and passion for her profession, as well as for people and society, are not only visible in her work and presence, but genuinely tangible.

It is almost impossible not to become enthusiastic when she is around.

She has an enormous network and extensive knowledge of language, presentation and media, which she not only possesses but is also very happy to share.
– Yvonne Snitjer

Janneke’s professional knowledge is as vast as ten football pitches put together. Her enthusiasm for her work shines through in everything she does and is one of the reasons why she is such a pleasure to work with. I can wholeheartedly recommend not only her VIDM platform, but also Janneke herself as a person and as a highly skilled professional.
– Kiki Scheepens

Janneke is exceptionally good at advising people on how to approach the media and generate publicity.
– Maria Punch

Janneke is amazing. She gives endless support and strength to others, puts experts in the spotlight and does so with such professionalism — asking the right questions, analysing and encouraging — that she positively sparkles when the spotlight is turned on her. Janneke brings light.
– Machteld Kooij

Thanks to the VIDM Media Lunches and the support of Janneke’s fantastic platform Vaker In De Media (VIDM), I achieved nationwide exposure for two great projects across several media outlets, including EvaJinek.nl, NU.nl and a regional newspaper.
– Stef Heijnen-Bakker

Thanks to the practical tips and explanations during the Media Lunches, I now feel confident approaching journalists myself and know how to do it effectively. Janneke makes everything very concrete, so I can actually put it into practice. And sometimes that suddenly creates a snowball effect.
– Marrit van Exel

Through her company, Janneke helped me position myself as a communications specialist without having to take a lengthy training programme. Being an active member of VIDM gives you access to a wide range of professional and practical workshops, webinars and tips from great experts that you can apply straight away. Through her weekly newsletter, Janneke encourages you to step forward and break through. Compliments.
– Petra Willems

Janneke was the keynote speaker at one of my events. With lots of practical examples and a concise step-by-step plan, she gave attendees a strong foundation for working on their own media visibility. Many visitors complimented me on her presentation afterwards!
– Rosalinda Nieuwboer-Cuvalay

I have come to know Janneke as an enthusiastic professional who really knows what she is talking about. She speaks in an engaging way and knows how to encourage others — including me — to become more visible in the media. She gives practical and useful tips that, combined with a little courage of your own, can help make sure the media find you.

I am grateful to Janneke for the eye-openers and the nudges in the right direction. If there is anyone who truly practises what she preaches, it is Janneke. THANK YOU!
– Ingeborg Dijkstra-Verbeek