life after journalism - secrets to success

Lost Your BeatLand on Your Feet

2009 NABJ Conference

Amani Channel

www.visualeyemedia.comwww.myurbanreport.com

About Amani

• Freelancer – Broadcast Journalist/VJ• Graduate Student• Award-Winning Video Producer• Blogger – Social Media Practitioner• Teacher-Media Trainer

Lost My Beat

• ‘97 Graduated from University of Florida– BS Telecomminication:Production

• ‘97-98 WJLA-TV (Washington, DC)• ’98-’06 WTVT-TV (Tampa, FL)• ’06-’07 Black Family Channel (Atlanta, GA)

BFC was sold in May ‘07

Landed on My Feet

• ’04-Present: Graduate School Univ. of South Florida• ‘06 created www.myurbanreport.com• ‘07 – Present: Self-Employed (Visual Eye Media)

Freelance Reporting/VJProduced Award-winning videosMedia ConsultingPublic SpeakingTeachingContract Work

Keys to Success

• Focus on Passions• Positive Attitude• Education• Networking - Relationships• Professional Work• Social Media

Identify Passions

• What do you love to do?• What are your hobbies?• What are your natural gifts?• What are your strengths?

Positive Attitude

• Meditate on your goals• Affirmations• Visualizations• Read books about Inspiring people• Keep knocking, talking, searching

Education

• Training/Certification• Graduate Degree• License

Networking/Relationships

• Join professional organizations• Attend business networking events• Follow up/lunch/coffee/e-mail/social media• Build a positive rapport

Professional Work

• Be an expert in the service you are offering• Offer free advice/services• Deliver on time and on budget• Exceed your client’s expectations

Social Media

• Understand how to leverage social networks• LinkedIN – Professional/Business• Facebook – Personal/Professional• Twitter – News/Branding/PR/Conversations• Blog

- Establish your personal brand- Community building- R.O.I. (Return on Influence)

Final Thoughts

• Job Opportunities: Web analytics, social media, community & content management.

• Build & expand your network. • This is the time to expand your horizons.• If you don’t adapt you will become obsolete.• You are a moment away from your next

opportunity.

Thank You!

Amani Channelwww.visualeyemedia.com

www.myurbanreport.comachannel@visualeyemedia.com

(404) 213-2121