Being Friendly Goes a Long Way

Though we live in a world where everyone wants everything yesterday, keep in mind that being patient and polite when it comes to handling a reporter still goes a long way.

When you call the newsroom, a simple "hello" is a good thing to say before you start rattling off how someone can help you. You don't have to engage them in a full-on conversation -- after all, they are busy -- but you can at least give a friendly greeting. Say "thank you" when they give you the information you need.

The moral of the story: reporters and editors are more likely to want to deal with you again if their memories of you are tainted with rudeness. And no one wants to reunite with a nasty attitude.

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media consultant with The Write Vision Group, Inc. With a background in print media, she has written thousands of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette consults with nonprofits and small businesses about how to get their programs and efforts in the news. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.