Tapping Associations

Washington Post reporter Emma Carew’s article about a boost in direct sellers helps readers understand why they may be getting more invitations to such events.

Most of the companies she cites aren’t publicly traded, which means gathering information can sometimes be tricky. To balance her piece, she cites data from the Direct Selling Association.

Today’s Tip: Use associations to help with your reporting.

These groups often track numbers and can give you broader perspectives on what’s happening in some industries. You can search sites such as Weddle's and the American Society of Association Executives to find associations.

Report Details for Depth

Steve Proffitt, a reporter at KAWC in Yuma, Ariz., offers listeners squealing wheels, analogies and irony in his segment about GM’s new testing site in Arizona. He turns a business piece into an entertaining segment that still offers all the details that the audience wants: 100 jobs, free land, etc.

Today’s Tip: Ditch the shirt and tie and have some fun.

Business reporting doesn’t have to be boring. Liven your stories with great details that help create images for your audience. For example, Proffitt describes the bumpy test site as a “highway engineer’s nightmare.” Combine the “show don’t tell” and “report with your senses” rules to gather details that will paint pictures for your readers.

Look for the lighter side

AP writer Chip Cutter’s article on people doing their own auto repairs offers a lighter note in the midst of earnings season and economic reports.
The article talks about people attempting to repair cars themselves only to wind up spending even more money. It fits in with many of the “how people are faring in the economy” pieces out there, but the writing style, examples and quotes move the piece along quickly. With nine sources and about 800 words, the article serves as a 30-minute sitcom in the middle of a lineup of dramas.

One note: The story could have been strengthened with sales information from a publicly traded auto-parts retailer such as AutoZone Inc.

Today’s Tip: Keep your ears open when you’re in the Y locker room or the local coffee shop. An anecdote from one person may turn into a brite or trend piece with further reporting.