Career Advice

Business reporters cover people and businesses typically capable of launching robust law suits. Learn how to protect yourself. (Image by "timokefoto" via Pixabay, CC0 Creative Commons)

How not to be sued for libel

One of the scariest communications a journalist can get is the notification of a lawsuit for libel. Not too long ago, a colleague was sued for statements backed up

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5 Services matching reporters with expert sources

Many journalists use services like Help a Reporter Out (HARO) and Profnet to track down experts or real-people sources. But these large, general-interest services have their shortcomings,

Big numbers are hard to visualize, but there are some easy tricks to help your audience relate. ("Calculus" by "fitrihandayani" via Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Making big numbers relatable

A calculator and some quick research can help you make enormous numbers more understandable to your audiences. Advertising research shows that millennials prefer a personal

up even the most meticulous writer. Here are common mistakes to keep on your radar. ("Question Mark Sign" image by Colin Kinner via flickr, CCO Public Domain)

Tricky punctuation tips for business writers

Even the most precise writers are occasionally tripped up by punctuation. That’s particularly true nowadays, when newsrooms are lean and reporters are often expected to copy-edit their own

One way to hunt down sources for business stories is using a sourcing service, if you know how to do it right. ("Obsolete Book" image by Jamie via Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

The desperate reporter: How to use sourcing services

Finding sources can be a pain for any reporter. For business journalists, it’s a particular challenge. You need to locate companies that have specific problems and experiences—construction firms  coping

How to start writing with numbers like a pro. ("Math" image by "pixapopz" via Pixabay, CCO Public Domain)

How to use numbers in a story

Numbers add information that is vital in helping readers understand the story you’re telling. If you’re new to business journalism, here are five easy tips that

There's a huge collection of free tools can help investigative journalists with everything from prison records to SEC filings. (Image by "blickpixel" via Pixabay, CCO Public Domain)

Free tools and resources for investigative reporters

It can take a reporter years to develop a go-to library of tools and resources that help filter useful databases, specialized websites and stockpiles of public records. Fortunately, a number

podcast mic

7 tips for better business interviews

Last year, I joined two long-time business journalist colleagues of mine—Randy B. Hecht and Robert McGarvey—on a webcast hosted by the American Society of Business

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The 2025 Barlett and Steele Awards are now open for submissions!
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