My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Understand what motivates each journalist and tailor your approach to their specific incentives
Why It Works
Journalists need stories and sources. If you can consistently provide valuable information or access, they will maintain the relationship and give you favorable coverage when appropriate.
Prerequisites
How to Execute
Research what stories each journalist has written and what they care about
Identify what you can uniquely provide (access, expertise, insider information)
Start with small valuable tips or background information
Be reliable and honest - never lie or mislead
Understand their deadlines and constraints
When It Fails
When you're obviously trying to manipulate them, when you waste their time with non-stories, when you lie or mislead them even once
Real Example
“A startup founder regularly shares industry insights and introductions to other sources with a tech journalist. When the founder has a big announcement, the journalist gives them thorough, fair coverage because of the established relationship.”