During my Tell Your Story training sessions, I lead the audience through the process of growing professional relationships with local news reporters. The idea behind the concept is that everyone – and every business – has a story to tell. The storytellers in broadcast, print and online news media are always in need of the next story. While they have numerous resources, a compelling lead is appreciated.

Positioning yourself as a resource, understanding what is newsworthy and pitching credible stories puts you in a great position to provide value.

Here’s how that value plays out. I work closely with newsrooms in each of the network affiliates in southwest Idaho. Rarely a day goes by that I’m not contacted by a reporter looking for a story.
My reputation as a story resource has risen to the point that reporters won’t only call for story ideas, they’ll call for interview ideas for a story they’re working on.

One reporter was working on a story about the impact of the Hispanic population on the local economy. The reporter called me asking for interview ideas. I pointed him in the direction of a Hispanic business owner and a contact within a radio station serving the Hispanic community. I was able to provide names and contact information. While I was not featured in the story, I was able – once again – to show my value as a resource to the local news gathering community. I cemented my name in the mind of that reporter – who is sure to call again.