How can team leaders help journalists build their professional network?

2 Facilitate introductions

Another way team leaders can help journalists build their network is to facilitate introductions to people they know or work with, such as editors, publishers, mentors, sources, or partners. Team leaders can use their existing network to connect their journalists with relevant and valuable contacts, and provide some background information and context for the introduction. Team leaders can also ask their journalists who they would like to meet or learn from, and try to find ways to make those introductions happen.

3 Model best practices

Team leaders can also help journalists build their network by modeling best practices for networking, such as following up, staying in touch, offering value, and building trust. Team leaders can show their journalists how they network with their contacts, how they communicate effectively, and how they maintain and nurture their relationships. Team leaders can also share their networking challenges and successes, and how they overcome or leverage them. By doing so, team leaders can inspire and motivate their journalists to network with confidence and professionalism.

4 Provide feedback and support

Finally, team leaders can help journalists build their network by providing feedback and support throughout the process. Team leaders can check in with their journalists regularly, ask them about their networking goals and progress, and offer suggestions and advice on how to improve or expand their network. Team leaders can also celebrate their journalists' networking achievements, such as landing a new source, securing a guest post, or getting a referral. Team leaders can also provide emotional support and encouragement for their journalists who may face rejection, frustration, or anxiety while networking.

Networking is a skill that can be learned and improved with practice and guidance. Team leaders can help their journalists build their professional network by encouraging participation, facilitating introductions, modeling best practices, and providing feedback and support. By doing so, team leaders can help their journalists grow their careers, enhance their skills, and enrich their stories.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?