Reaching business readers

In last Monday’s edition of the Columbis Ledger-Enquirer, a Knight-Ridder paper, the reporters on the features and business desks were given an opportunity to let the readers know more about themselves. Here is an example:

“I’m Christopher Boyce, a Chicago transplant working on the Ledger-Enquirer business desk.

“One of my grandfather’s favorite sayings goes, ‘Money isn’t everything, but it’s right up there with oxygen.’ Grandpa Boyce is a little eccentric, but the point he makes isn’t far from the truth. It’s also partly why I think business reporting is so important — we all spend money and look to control its flow in our lives and work. That’s my beat at its most basic level.

“I cover operations at Aflac, Carmike Cinemas and in Columbus’ entrepreneurial community through The Small Business Challenge. Together with expert consultant and columnist Susan Miller, I show the trials of owning a small business and how successful practices in small businesses are often similar to those in big businesses.

“After moving here two years ago, I quickly realized that business casual is a little more casual in Columbus. But the speed of business has been plenty fast for this Yankee and I look forward to another hectic year in a town that’s bigger than it lets on.
If you have a business tip or just want to talk business, call me at 571-8523, or e-mail me at cboyce@ledger-enquirer.com.”

I like to see media outlets do things like this. It helps the readers understand who is covering stories that they are interested in. And it also gives the reporter a chance to reach out to sources who may provide information.

If you want to see how the Columbus paper did it, go here.