Two of my favorite things: small business and journalism. I love media, I love hard work and I love working for myself – even just technically.
In a post on his personal blog, Adam Westbrook, a British video journalist, linked to a news:rewired post titled, “Ten tips for would-be online journalism entrepreneurs.”
All of the tips can be applied to any business idea, but I feel their first piece of advice is poignant no matter what job you choose to do:
Decide what your ultimate goal for your business is. Is it a) to make you rich or is it b) a lifestyle choice, ie a business that will give you a reasonable income and the lifestyle you want, where you want it? If a) is your sole aim, think seriously about basing your business on something else other than journalism.
I know that it’s the holiday season and I should take some time to relax, even if relaxing means salon quickbooks, making picture frames for Hotel Indigo’s LEED certificate and maybe, just maybe, finishing the gd fence. I want/need to start working on some new Flagpole stories but I can’t get the old noggin focused on anything serious.
Here are the few ideas I’ve been thinking about or have been asked to consider writing about.
1. Reef Balls – a local business sells these reef fixers as an alternative to less ecologically friendly methods of beach habitat restoration. As someone who enjoys the odd deep sea excurison, fishing optional, I appreciate what this company is up too.
2.Rumors of labor problems in an ACC department, but first hand confirmations are not forthcoming; email inquiries to possible sources have proved fruitless, so it’s a little too anonymous to go anywhere at this point.
3. A really special, probably long-term researched profile on a local personality. I’m keeping this one under wraps not because it’s mind blowing or anything – he’s an average joe – I’m just really enamored with the guy’s work and I’m not ready to have my opinion of him sullied or his projects proved average just yet.
No matter what I choose, I can’t seem to concentrate on research or serious writing of any sort. Blogging, screwing around in Final Cut, cleaning house, looking at the dog – much better options for my vacation.
Lone reader, do you have any story ideas for me, preferably short ones? I don’t have a working video camera right now, so I’m thinking print. Feed me.
I’m glad I sat down and wrote this post. I’m feeling less grey matter fogginess. I think I need to lay off the kava.
