Credit: @Jon Tyson.
To reach tight deadlines, I can't just email all the time, sometimes I have to forgo this stage and just call the contacts that I have gathered.
I find this task to be mortifying. However, moving outside of your comfort zone is necessary for journalistic development as daunting as it might be.
It is important to not be discouraged as a journalist. You must understand that if you don't ask, if you don't call, if you don't post, the answer will always be no.
My advice is to ignore the fear and just dial. It won't be easy but wouldn't you rather know if you are going to be accepted or rejected-rather than just assuming that no one would want to talk to you.
You can only grow in confidence through practice, some I am going to make the effort to dial, email and reach out to any potential interviewees no matter what the outcome may be.
Persistency is key in journalism.
Don't be afraid to reach out as you might just be making a useful contact for future articles and publications.
I'm off to send more emails and call potential interviewees- it's time that you do the same.
Jennifer Smith- "Make sure everyone and their mother has your cellphone number."
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