Cris Hay-Merchant, APR

@BUBruins Go Grace!

Steinmetz punches ticket to NAIA Indoor Championships bubruins.com/x/ftluo

@PRcarly Great perspective.

When should you follow up on a PR pitch that got radio silence? Too early and you're annoying. Too late and the moment's gone. The answer depends on three things: publication cycle, story urgency, and your relationship with the journalist. If you're pitching breaking news to a daily outlet, follow up within 24 hours. If it's a monthly magazine, give them a week. Urgency beats politeness when the story has actual legs. For evergreen pitches, here's a framework I use: Day 3: First follow-up. Add a new angle or data point, something that strengthens the original pitch. Day 8: Second follow-up. Pivot to a completely different approach to the same story. Day 16: Graceful exit. Acknowledge this one isn't landing, offer future value, keep the relationship intact. The secret isn't following up more. It's following up better. Each touchpoint should add genuine value. If your follow-up doesn't make their job easier, you're doing it wrong.

Well done, Bruins! Congrats to all. #BruinPride

@PRcarly 👏 This is refreshing. So many people think you should say "yes" to every opportunity. I do not.

In 15+ years of PR, I've learned this: The word "No" protects your client more than the word "Yes" ever will. The difference? One builds reputations. The other chases headlines.

The BU Volleyball team is ranked #7 in this week's NAIA Coaches' Poll. Up next for the Bruins is a match-up with MSU-Northern (Friday at 6 p.m.) and #1 Providence (Saturday at 3 p.m.) Both matches will take place in the BU Fieldhouse. t.ly/kBl-y

@thinmanx11 Go Bruins!

👀 #🐻🏀🔥

@PRcarly Love this and I will steal since you offered :) Thanks!

Steal this 3-email follow-up sequence that’s landed my clients in Nashville Business Journal, Inman, The AI Journal, and others last quarter (works for evergreen stories, not breaking news): 📧 EMAIL 1 (48 hours after initial pitch): Subject: Quick follow-up: [Topic] story Hi [Name], Wanted to circle back on the [topic] story I pitched [when]. I know your plate is always full, so no worries if you missed it. I found this [specific data point/study/trend] that adds another layer to the story—thought it might be interesting for your [specific section/beat]. No pressure if timing isn't right. Or, if you're working on something else where [Expert name, why they matter] can be of use, just let me know. [Your name] 📧 EMAIL 2 (a week after first follow-up): Subject: Different angle: [New angle on same topic] Hi [Name], I know I reached out about [original angle], but wanted to float this by you instead. What if instead of focusing on [original angle], [expert] looked at [completely different angle on same topic]? Especially with [recent news hook/trend], this could be timely for [specific upcoming issue/section]. [Expert name] could speak to both the [specific aspect] and [specific aspect]. Worth exploring? [Your name] 📧 EMAIL 3 (a week after second follow-up): Subject: Last check-in + here if you need me Hi [Name], I know the [topic] story probably isn't a fit right now -- no worries at all. That being said, please keep [expert name] in mind for future [relevant beat] stories. They're always great for quick thoughts on [specific expertise areas]. Talk soon, [Your name] ___ TAKEAWAY: Your goal isn't to get every journalist to respond; it's to adopt a systematic approach that respects their time while maximizing your chances of getting coverage when the story is truly right. It’s not so much about persistence as it is about adding value at every touchpoint. Questions? AMA in the comments 👇

Bellevue volleyball is ranked No. 5 in the second Coaches' Top 25 Poll of the season naia.org/sports/wvball/…

Trending up: @Bellevue_Soccer moves up to No. 6 in latest NAIA Coaches' Top 25 naia.org/sports/msoc/20…

@thinmanx11 Happy birthday to Mrs. ICE!

Happy Happy birthday to my SweetPea, I'm so very Blessed and Grateful that we chose each other. #birthdaygirl🎂💖 #lovewithoutalimit

No. 5 @BUBruins vs. No. 19 @DiggerAthletics ⏲️ - 6 PM 📍 - Bellevue, NE 🏟️ - BU Fieldhouse 📊 - t.ly/gVTiY 📺 - t.ly/Ljn5N Partners: @BellevueChamber @SarpyCounty

Congrats to @BellevueEsports for capturing the Proton Collegiate Kickoff Championship. National champs! #esports #ApexLegends

Tune in tomorrow for the finals! We will make an announcement to remind you!💜

@thinmanx11 Happy anniversary!

Love is.... celebrating my anniversary with the love of my life 💖 #lovewithoutalimit #💍🥂 #BlessedAndGrateful

@BellevueEsports Woot! Cheers to you, Bruins!

🏆 CHAMPIONS 🏆 Your Bellevue University Esports Apex Legends squad are your Proton Collegiate Kickoff Champions! 💜💪🏾 Featuring: Muffins • Vodery • Jukezy • JoseM #BellevueUniversity | #ApexLegends | #CollegiateEsports

@thinmanx11 That's awesome! Way to go, Bruins!

Let's gooooo!

Tex's double lifts Bruins past Mount Marty bubruins.com/x/stxzr @BU_WomenSoccer

Bruins post 1-0 home win over CUNE bubruins.com/x/7kd7h

Chamber Night Out | Sep 10 Catch the Bruins at home! WSOC vs Doane | 5:30p (Renner Dennis) VB vs Dakota St. | 6p (Fieldhouse) MSOC vs Concordia | 7:45p (Renner Dennis) FREE for Chamber members – just show this post! Full schedule 👉 bubruins.com/composite @SarpyCounty

@BUBruins @BU_WomenSoccer Woot!

Second half rally lifts @BU_WomenSoccer to comeback win over DWU bubruins.com/sports/wsoc/20…