Career Advice

Own your style but don’t get owned by it

There’s a level of writing development and individuality that many if not most reporters try to achieve—personal style. It’s a unique form of expression that

Stop falling for off-the-record interviews

Hearing from people who ask for interviews off the record has become a regular part of business journalism. In my experience, that’s most frequently done

Trust is a the heart of the DOL's new fiduciary rule. Here are three big stories to develop for your readers. ("Handshake with smile" by Vilmos Vincze via Flicker, CC BY 2.0)

The freelance writers’ guide to networking

While journalism requires a certain willingness to talk to strangers and interview sources, many writers are introverts who’d rather not spend their downtime schmoozing. But,

Don’t use sources who are phonies

If your experience reporting is anything like mine, you’ll constantly hear from people who want to be sources and their reps. It may be in

Watch sources for lying

Finding good sources can be a challenge and chances are you spend a good amount of time looking for them. You want someone with knowledge

Pin down interview subjects

In business journalism, you can safely bet that most—almost all, even—interview subjects have an agenda. Company executives want to project an image that will satisfy

Be sure vendors have what they claim

A long time ago, I was in a software distribution business with a large audience of software developers and engineers. Much of my time was

The reporter’s interview checklist

Interviews with subject matter experts and “real people” give media coverage color and credibility. But if you only have 10 minutes with an expert, how

Search

Get Two Minute Tips For Business Journalism Delivered To Your Email Every Tuesday

Two Minute Tips

Every Tuesday we send out a quick-read email with tips for business journalism. Sign up now and get one Tuesday.

Our free eBook has gotten a makeover!
It now has expanded topics and downloadable chapters.