Correct! All of these can help you learn more and follow the money while covering the manufacturing beat.

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Correct! Broad economic measurements have a direct impact on manufacturing. For example, the automobile industry closely tracks what happens with employment, consumer confidence, and housing, since a car is the second-biggest purchase consumers can make, after a home.

Correct! Resist the urge to follow the pack. The story you don’t do often says more about your news organization than the one you do.

Correct! The roots of a company often determine its corporate culture and its manufacturing processes. Don’t be afraid to ask sources for recommendations of where to look for additional information.

Correct! These are all good ways to get your foot in the door and connect with factory workers.

Correct! Just because someone is quoted frequently does not mean they are a true expert – they may just be one of the easiest people to talk to. Do your part to find the real experts.

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Correct! Manufacturing is a beat where the inner circle may not speak to you, and you have to rely on outlying sources, so when in doubt about the validity of the information, err on the side of caution until you have an additional source or more information to go on.