Journalists
Get the “in” side scoop. Find and research the people and information that will make the story.
The right source can make-or-break the story, but you often have to rely on luck to find that expert or insider.
Whether it’s the inside scoop from a company or substantiating a rumor, having the right source makes all the difference.
LinkedIn Helps
- Use Advanced Search to find the right contact at the company. Sort the results by degrees away from you and then request an Introduction from one of your connections so that the source will be more comfortable with you.
- Let the story come to you! Keeping an up-to-date, robust profile ensures that potential sources will find you when they are seeking to tell their story.
- Ask a private question to your network to find the right inside connection or piece of information.
As a reporter it can be hard to build a personal brand name since your outlet’s corporate brand is so strong.
This makes it more difficult to attract and pursue freelance assignments and writing projects such as books, etc
LinkedIn Helps
- Use your LinkedIn profile to promote your personal website, book, blog, or latest articles to give the breadth of your work more coverage.
- Include areas of expertise and interests in your profile so editors can find you with freelance work.
- Connect with colleagues past and present, individuals you’ve interviewed in the past, etc so you have a broader base for your work and more windows through which new opportunities can find you.
- Answer questions in your areas of focus to showcase your knowledge, build connections, and increase your exposure.
It can be difficult to constantly come up with fresh story ideas, especially when up against non-stop deadlines.
LinkedIn Helps
- Use Answers to see trends by browsing the topics people are discussion to get a feel for what’s going on and ask questions directly to members of the community you write for.
Gathering background information ahead of an interview is important, but is time consuming and difficult.
LinkedIn Helps
- Look up your interviewee’s LinkedIn profile to quickly digest their professional and academic history to provide context for further questions, etc.
- Look for common connections to either warm up your conversation or as a source for additional background information.