How to connect more with freelance journalists
I’m writing this from a stylish hotel on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. It’s the afternoon, I’m tucked up in bed, a cup of green tea by my side, and as I look out beyond the room’s black Crittall-style doors, all I can see is a constant stream of rain. It looks like rainy season has arrived early. Let’s just say that being caught in torrential rain whilst kayaking on a nearby river this morning wasn't an Instagram-worthy moment as I tried to save my phone and belongings from being drenched, nor was the sad attempt of hiking back to my hotel (think drowned rat). I was completely soaked and quite relieved when a tuk tuk pulled over.
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You might see it on LinkedIn. Or you might know from me banging the drum about it here. But many journalists, particularly freelancers, are struggling. It’s very very tough out there.
People regularly ask me how they can build relationships with journalists when they are busier than ever and while I share lots of advice during my workshops, I wanted to share some other ways of connecting more with freelance journalists (beyond pitching):
+ For example, could you work with a freelance journalist in any capacity? For example, does the brand you work for need a copywriter, or someone to edit a report? This is a great way to help out a journalist and get to know them a little bit more.
+ Does your company need PR/media training and could a journalist in your sector come in and do that?
+ Similarly, could you pay for a journalist to come in and do a ‘Learn about them/Q&A’, in which you, of course, pay them for their time, but also use it as an opportunity to build a rapport with a journalist and learn more about how to pitch them stories that they actually want in their inbox. Plus, they’re more likely to respond to your email in the future.
+ Could you recommend them for freelance work that you’ve come across through your network or on social media? Seen that another brand is looking for someone to edit a report or produce a podcast? Recommend them.
+ Could you suggest them for panels, talks and/or to host events, etc?
+ And don’t forget to help come up additional story ideas for them, which I wrote about in a recent LinkedIn post.
By helping them find work, suggesting them for gigs, and paying for them to do a workshop or host a panel, it’s helping them keep their journalism alive (and not having to find an alternative career).
I’ve said it before but for me, every time someone buys a workshop ticket or my online course, or books a private session or a Power Hour and so on, it makes it possible for me to survive and continue doing the kind of stories that I deeply care about. So, thank you if you have ever worked with me in that capacity before. If you have already taken the course or workshop but would like to support me, you can always buy a ticket and I can pass it on to someone who can’t afford it. I am back in June (damn) and will be available for private sessions online and in-person.