Editor to journalist: Find something else to do
WIth apologies to Seth Godin, who inspired this post:
I often get asked by budding journalists how to break into the business. Here is my newest best advice: Don't.
The business is too tough. Do something else. Seriously. Go into PR. Go to grad school. You must be good at something else. Figure out what it is and do it.
Now, if you clicked the "Continue reading" link, you're in luck. You ain't buying it and you shouldn't. The ones who didn't follow the link should get out of the business; they aren't cut out for it. They can go whine and cry over there.
Truth be told, it's a wonderful time to be a journalist. But this isn't the media world it was during Woodward and Bernstein. It's not even the same media world that existed when you decided on your major. So if you're not ready to live in an environment of change, of advancement, of a leveling of the playing field, then join the other group.
If you're still with me, here's my advice: Embrace journalism and exploit skills you have that people need. If you are smart, there are plenty of things that people need you for.
What are you best at? Quoting Godin: As I wrote in The Dip, you’re either the best in the world (where 'world' can be a tiny slice of the environment) or you’re invisible.
We have specialists here. We have people we turn to when we want a specific touch on a story. They are the best in the world -- our size world -- at what they do. Are you an investigator? A word stylist? A person who sees indelible patterns where others see mist? Do you routinely talk with people about what you the journalist can do for them? Do you have an idea on how to adapt social networks locally?
Are you a journalistic entrepreneur, not only coming up with good ideas -- lots of people do that -- but figuring out how to do them? If I Google your name, are you the first return? Do you make your work digitally accessible -- with links, audio, video & comment enabled -- because it expands journalism? Do you have a Rolodex of sources -- real people, not PR folks or talking heads -- that keep you flush in local story ideas, ideas that are unique? Are you an explorer, someone who takes a chance and tries a new technique or a new technology?
The old way is fading away faster every day. Success is based on learning new things, working differently, talking with people about what they want and need, and understanding how you can help.
What is your edge? What are you remarkable at? How are you milking all the tools, techniques and shared knowledge out there for free to become the best at something? It's there for the taking.
It's the only way you'll survive and it'll be a helluva fun ride.
Comments (2)
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Dude, you had me scared there for a minute as I imagined thousands of young journalists suddenly trying to make it as poets.
Now if you don't mind I must go check my blood pressure.
Posted on February 25, 2008 10:42 PM
John, you make a good point about focusing on strengths.
Posted on March 1, 2008 3:06 AM