It’s easy to talk to someone once and never call again. The likelihood, though, is that you’ll be talking to people over and over again. Don’t burn your sources, they’ll lead you to other stories and provide tips if you build a relationship.
Exchange cards
Whenever you interview someone, ask them for their business card and always exchange your own. Why? That way you have an accurate spelling of a person’s name and basic contact information. Buy a Rolodex, keep all your business cards together. Antiquated? Yes, but it also saves time you are looking to call someone quickly. Plus, a business card always works when the power is out.
Call back
You expect your sources to call you back. Your job will be contingent on them calling you back. So if a source calls you, call them back. Even if they call about something completely unrelated to a story.
Don’t get too friendly
Stay on the reporter side of the street. Don’t get too friendly with your sources. Don’t do dinner outside of work related duties. Don’t have drinks after work. Be cordial, but don’t be a BFF.
Protect your beat and sources
Don’t let other reporters burn bridges and don’t do it to them. If you have a working relationship with a source, protect it. Ask your colleagues to go through you and have you make the initial contact. In some cases, introduce them.
Honor your word
Have an appointment with someone? Show up on time. Follow-through is important. You need to trust your sources and they need to trust you. They won’t if you come off as flakey.
Respect ‘off the record’
Many times a source will not provide you information, particularly if they know if will put their job in jeopardy. If someone asks you to go “off the record” or asks that they only be used as background to confirm or deny something, don’t break that trust. It’s unethical, but it also is a reporter/source relationship killer.