---
title: "The Earned Media Model: Free Leadership Guide | Velocity"
description: A short framework for building a communication strategy that holds up in an AI-driven information landscape. A free leadership guide from Velocity Advisory Group.
image: https://coaching.velocityadvisorygroup.com/hubfs/Podcast%20Episodes/Podcast%20Assets%20%28Social%29/Guides/Velocity_AG_The_Earned_Media_Model_Social.png
---

[![Velocity Advisory Group](https://coaching.velocityadvisorygroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/00%20Brand%20Assets/Velocity%20Logo%202023%20Wide.png?width=169&height=44&name=Velocity%20Logo%202023%20Wide.png)Velocity Advisory Group](https://www.velocityadvisorygroup.com)

Free guide · Activating Greatness

# Results beget quality results.

A short framework for leaders building a communication strategy that holds up as people turn to AI tools for information.

- A three-question audit of your visibility strategy
- Three actions for this week, from writing with a real point of view to pitching earned media
- A quick-reference page you can pin up

## Get the free guide

The Earned Media Model · 8 pages · PDF

Trusted by **800+ organizations** across **25+ industries** since 2009

Rarely trueAlmost always true

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Results beget quality results.

The Earned Media Model

AUDIT YOUR VISIBILITY STRATEGY

GROUP A

**1**

**2**

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GROUP B

**4**

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GROUP C

**7**

## What's inside

### Why earned media matters more now

Where AI tools draw their citations, according to Headrick, and why one-and-done coverage no longer works.

### The habits behind it

Why strong, authentic writing separates leaders from AI-generated filler.

### Audit your own visibility strategy

Three questions on earned versus paid media, authentic voice, and consistency.

### This week

Three concrete actions, Headrick's take on hustle culture and failure, and a quick-reference page.

[Get the guide](https://coaching.velocityadvisorygroup.com/leadership-library/earned-media-model#get-it)

## Results and feedback from Velocity's leadership work

**30% to 8%**employee turnover in one yearBiopharmaceutical company

**+126%**strategic alignment liftBiopharmaceutical company

**95%**retention rate in a construction leadership programVelocity client

> “Now associates understand themselves better, and leaders have new tools to support their teams.”

Chief People and Culture Officer, healthcare products distributor

> “Velocity challenged our team and brought us together in ways that have paid immediate dividends.”

Managing Partner, accounting and advisory firm

## Why visibility fades

As people move from search engines to AI tools, the old approach to visibility leaves leaders harder to find.

### Paid Over Earned

Headrick points out that AI tools draw most of their citations from earned media, not paid placement.

### One and Done

AI tools also favor recent coverage, so a few articles followed by silence won't hold.

### Generic Writing

AI-generated filler is easy to spot, and it blends in rather than separating a leader from the pack.

## From visibility to voice

In Headrick's view, "PR today is more critical than it has ever been."

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### WRITE

Share an actual point of view in your own voice, not a polished corporate statement.

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### EARN

Pitch earned media opportunities consistently, and audit your public communication each quarter for gaps.

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### COACH

Velocity's leadership coaching helps executives sharpen how they communicate, so their voice is clear and consistent inside and outside the organization.

**In Parry Headrick's words:** "Just by sheer dint of having quality writing skills, you will separate yourself from the pack in orders of magnitude."

### Who this is for

- Executives building a public voice
- Marketing and communications leaders
- Founders and business owners
- Leaders who rely mostly on paid placement

## Make your voice worth citing

Download the guide, then talk with us about strengthening how your leaders communicate.

[Get the guide](https://coaching.velocityadvisorygroup.com/leadership-library/earned-media-model#get-it)

**800+**organizations led through change

**25+**industries

**2009**building momentum since

© 2026 Velocity Advisory Group.velocityadvisorygroup.com

[Get the guide](https://coaching.velocityadvisorygroup.com/leadership-library/earned-media-model#get-it)