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I began my journalism profession in 2004. Inside months, it was clear: the business was altering — quick. Newsroom layoffs, finances cuts, and employees downsizing grew to become routine. Whispers of “impending cuts” changed into annual realities. Yearly introduced fewer sources, fewer colleagues, and extra strain to do extra with much less.
Ultimately, the tone of the business modified fully. We went from reporting the information to defending its very existence. I keep in mind being handed scripts to learn on-air, asking viewers to “assist native journalism.” Think about reporting on the world whereas quietly campaigning to avoid wasting your personal job. It was humbling — and revealing.
That is after I realized I wanted a Plan B.
About eight years into my 15-year profession as a reporter and anchor for Canada’s largest personal broadcaster, I began constructing an actual estate-focused advertising company. Quietly. Within the newsroom, aspect hustles have been frowned upon. Some managers even banned them. It was a wierd contradiction: everybody knew the business was shrinking, however nobody was allowed to arrange for what got here subsequent.
So I did it anyway.
Over time, that company grew quietly within the background. And at some point, it was large enough that I did not want the newsroom anymore. I stepped away — and stepped absolutely into entrepreneurship.
What I did not count on was simply what number of of my journalism expertise would change into foundational to constructing and working a profitable enterprise.
This is what translated — and why it issues to anybody navigating uncertainty of their profession in the present day.
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Deadlines construct greater than self-discipline — they construct belief
In journalism, deadlines weren’t versatile. In case your section wasn’t prepared by airtime, it did not go to air — easy as that. There was no “I am working a bit behind.” That form of real-time strain trains you to ship it doesn’t matter what. And extra importantly, it teaches you that different individuals are relying on you to ship.
In enterprise, that very same mindset is a aggressive benefit. While you persistently meet deadlines—for shoppers, collaborators, and even your self — you construct a status as somebody who will be trusted. In a world stuffed with flakiness, that belief is uncommon and precious.
Readability is essentially the most underrated communication talent
As a journalist, my job was to take one thing difficult — laws, economics, crime stats — and make it clear, quick. I realized the right way to break down concepts so {that a} viewer with no background data might nonetheless perceive the story.
That talent carried straight into enterprise. Purchasers aren’t in search of extra info — they need readability. They need somebody who can clarify issues in plain language, with confidence and precision. If you are able to do that, you may win consideration and loyalty, even in crowded markets.
Studying the room is a enterprise talent, not only a social one
Each newsroom has an unstated power. Some days are tense. Others are collaborative. You study to learn physique language, anticipate reactions, and alter your tone accordingly. Typically you study the onerous means — by saying the improper factor on the improper time. However finally, you get good at it.
That emotional intelligence grew to become important in enterprise. Whether or not I am in a gross sales name, a shopper pitch or a workforce check-in, I depend on that very same means to gauge the room. Understanding when to talk, when to pause, and when to pivot is not simply good to have — it is the way you construct rapport, shut offers and lead individuals.
Your visible presence sends a sign — whether or not you prefer it or not
In tv, the way you present up is a part of the job. Lighting, clothes, posture, eye contact — all the things issues. You are skilled to suppose visually since you’re being seen, not simply heard.
As a enterprise proprietor, I carried that ahead. Whether or not I am on a Zoom name, recording video content material, or assembly a shopper in individual, I take into consideration how I present up. Not as a result of I care about superficial polish, however as a result of I perceive that presence builds credibility. Folks make snap judgments. Being intentional about your look — your power, tone, physique language — is a part of your model.
Asking sensible questions results in higher outcomes
Nice interviews do not occur as a result of the journalist talks lots — they occur as a result of they ask questions nobody else thought to ask. They hear. They dig. They assist the topic get to one thing actual.
That talent set applies nearly all over the place in enterprise. Whether or not I am onboarding a shopper, hiring a brand new workforce member, or troubleshooting a marketing campaign, asking considerate, open-ended questions makes all of the distinction. It results in insights, not simply solutions. The higher your questions, the extra precious your outcomes.
Content material creation is not a buzzword — it is a each day observe
Earlier than “content material advertising” was fashionable, journalists have been doing it each day. Writing headlines. Filming segments. Recording voiceovers. Modifying clips. We have been creating each day, on deadline, with high quality and consistency.
After I pivoted into enterprise, that content material muscle was already constructed. I might write quick. I might shoot video. I might discover the story angle. That made constructing a content-driven company a lot simpler. However extra importantly, it helped me talk my worth persistently — by blogs, movies, emails, and social media.
Storytelling is the bridge between info and emotion
On the core of each newscast is a narrative. That does not change in enterprise. In truth, the necessity for narrative is much more vital. As a result of individuals do not buy based mostly on information — they purchase based mostly on perception.
Whether or not I am crafting a model technique, writing a gross sales web page or scripting a webinar, I am asking: What is the story? What is the pressure? What modifications by the tip? Who’s the hero? Storytelling is not fluff. It is construction. It is the way you assist individuals care.
Analysis earlier than you communicate — it builds credibility
Journalists do not get to make issues up. We’re skilled to dig for sources, confirm info and again up each declare. That intuition — to validate earlier than publishing — translated instantly into enterprise.
After I make advertising suggestions, I do not depend on intestine feeling alone. I cite traits, pull efficiency information, reference case research. That research-backed method builds belief — and helps shoppers really feel extra assured of their funding.
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Writing is a enterprise superpower
In journalism, you write each day. Scripts, voiceovers, headlines, tweets, captions. You discover ways to write tight. You discover ways to write with affect. And also you discover ways to match your voice to your viewers.
In enterprise, that is been probably the most helpful instruments I’ve carried with me. Clear, persuasive writing helps throughout the board — web site copy, e-mail campaigns, pitch decks, shopper studies. Particularly now, when a lot content material is AI-generated and generic, human writing that is sharp and intentional actually stands out.
Working beneath strain is the last word workforce check
Tv is not a solo act. Each present is dependent upon producers, editors, digicam operators, and anchors working in sync, beneath tight deadlines. If somebody drops the ball, everybody feels it.
That taught me the right way to lead beneath strain — and the right way to rent individuals who can deal with it too. In enterprise, issues go sideways. Purchasers change path. Launches break. The flexibility to remain calm, adapt and hold shifting is what separates amateurs from professionals.
The underside line
After I left journalism, I assumed I used to be strolling away from a shrinking business. What I did not understand was that I used to be strolling into one thing I might been getting ready for all alongside. Entrepreneurship wasn’t the other of journalism — it was the evolution of it. The identical expertise that helped me succeed on-camera helped me reach enterprise.
So when you’re in a occupation that feels unsure proper now, I am going to say this: look carefully. You are in all probability constructing expertise that can serve you lengthy after your present function ends. You would possibly simply be gathering the precise instruments you may want for the subsequent chapter.
Do not anticipate a disaster to start out your Plan B. Construct it now, even when it is within the margins. That quiet aspect undertaking, that weekend freelance gig, that small experiment — it is perhaps the factor that provides you safety when the job now not can.
