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What do you do if you want to connect with potential sources as a journalist?

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Connecting with potential sources is a cornerstone of quality journalism. Your ability to unearth stories and present them with depth often hinges on the relationships you foster with those who hold key information. As a journalist, you might wonder how to bridge the gap between a name on a page and a meaningful conversation. This article will guide you through the nuances of reaching out, establishing trust, and maintaining a network of sources that can elevate your reporting to the next level. Remember, every source you connect with not only brings a single story but also a gateway to further insights and a broader understanding of your beat.

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Falguni Mahajan

Building India’s First Student- Run Impact Consulting Organisation @ Mandonna | Business Head at Ashi Creation
Silvia Pikal

Section Editor at CIM Magazine

1 Research First

Before you ever make contact, it's crucial to do your homework. Understand who your potential sources are, what they might know, and why they would want to share information with you. Look into their background, previous public statements, and areas of expertise. This preparation not only informs your approach but also shows respect for their knowledge and time. When you finally reach out, your familiarity with their work and interests can help break the ice and lay the foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship.

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Silvia Pikal

Section Editor at CIM Magazine
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Read any columns or think pieces they've written, take a look at their LinkedIn posts and all the interviews they've done. It's important to demonstrate you will be asking them fresh questions about their body of work instead of repeating the same questions they get asked over and over again.

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2 Initial Contact

Making the first move can be daunting, but it's essential. Craft a personalized outreach message that's clear, concise, and respectful of their time. Explain why you're reaching out and what you hope to learn from them. Be transparent about your intentions and the potential impact of their contribution. Email is often the preferred method, but don't discount the power of a phone call or even a well-timed direct message on a professional networking platform, if that's where they're most active.

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Silvia Pikal

Section Editor at CIM Magazine
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If you're not getting an answer, see if you have any mutual friends or contacts who can put in a good word for you that you are a reputable journalist who will tell a good story.

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3 Build Trust

Trust is the currency of any journalist-source relationship. Be patient and understand that trust is built over time. Always follow through on promises, whether it's sending information you offered or respecting their wishes for anonymity. Be clear about how you will use the information they provide and stick to your word. A source who trusts you is more likely to offer valuable insights and become a long-term ally in your reporting endeavors.

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Silvia Pikal

Section Editor at CIM Magazine
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Be open about what the article will cover, what topics you'll be asking about in the interview and what the fact-checking process will be like. This helps put sources at ease.

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Vasant Laplam

Independent Data Journalist
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I start interviews by giving my source a short, but honest biography of myself. It helps set the tone of the conversation, making it more personal and less stilted.

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4 Provide Value

Remember, relationships are a two-way street. Consider what you can offer your sources in return for their help. This doesn't mean compromising your integrity or offering favors; rather, it could be as simple as providing a platform for their voice to be heard or sharing your own insights on a subject of mutual interest. By being helpful and informative, you position yourself as a valuable contact in their professional network as well.

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Falguni Mahajan

Building India’s First Student- Run Impact Consulting Organisation @ Mandonna | Business Head at Ashi Creation
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You’ll be able to network effectively when you give the other person value as well. Make it a fruitful and constructive relationship that will facilitate you for long term

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5 Stay Engaged

Once you've established contact, don't let the relationship go cold. Keep in touch with your sources even when you don't need something from them. Share articles you think they might find interesting, congratulate them on professional achievements, or simply check in to see how they're doing. These small gestures can keep the connection alive and ensure you remain at the forefront of their mind when they have information to share.

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6 Respect Boundaries

While building relationships is key, respecting boundaries is equally important. Recognize when a source isn't interested in engaging or when they need space. Pressuring sources or overstepping can damage trust and close doors. Always be mindful of their comfort levels and privacy, and never push them to share more than they are willing. A respectful approach not only upholds ethical standards but also sets the stage for a professional and enduring relationship.

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7 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?

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What do you do if you want to connect with potential sources as a journalist?

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1 Research First

2 Initial Contact

3 Build Trust

4 Provide Value

5 Stay Engaged

6 Respect Boundaries

7 Here’s what else to consider

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