Update: Editor-in-Chief's Job Offer

I'm sorry this post is a day late, but here it is.

In my March 29th post, I wrote about an Editor-in-Chief's job offer I received. I was a bit hesitant and took a few weeks to make up my mind. Like the little guy in picture, I was left scratching my head -- what to do? What to do?

Well, I finally decided and I'm not going to accept the offer. Why not?
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What about the work-from-home ebooks I keep promising? Software problems. Am having the bugs worked out as we speak so they can be back up before day's end.
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As flattered as I was, I thought about all I'd have to give up to take this position and I decided that, although it was a fabulous opportunity, it wasn't a fabulous opportunity for me. Why?

1. My Career: I've worked pretty hard to get to this point as a freelancer. I would have had to cut back on a lot of that -- possibly losing long-time clients in the process. It's not the clients I feared losing so much as the rebuilding I would have to go through if the position didn't pan out.

As many of you know, publishing is a very demanding industry and start-up magazines have a high failure rate. While I believed in the project, it was not something I was willing to pour my heart and soul into. It wasn't a passion. I was excited about the opportunity more than the project itself.

A venture like this needs -- at a minimum -- goo-gobs of passion, along with a heck of a lot of hard work. I'm a hard worker -- that was never the problem. BUT, the sustaining passion was not there.

2. Life Choices: A few years ago, I wrote down what I wanted out of life -- what was important to me. I did this so that I could structure my life in that direction.

I'm an entrepreneur at heart and tend to be a bit schizophrenic in the things I want to try. One day I want to start an online company selling ethnic art (did that), the next I want to start a virtual recruiting firm (did that to a limited degree) and the day after that I want to be a magazine publisher (even wrote a business plan for that).

After reading a book about writing down life goals to make them happen, I did this to keep myself structured and focused on what I really wanted out of life.

Regarding work, a few of the things I wrote was stability, working less hours and the option of retirement at 50. I'm not saying I will retire then, but I want that option if I so choose.

This opportunity ran contrary to all of these life goals. As previously mentioned, start-up magazines have a high failure rate (there went stability); require long hours; and you must put those in over a period of years.

Once I realized all of this and compared it to my life goals, it sealed the deal for me.

I've learned a few things about myself in this process, which I'll expand upon in another post. BUT, perhaps the thing that stood out most to me is how important it is to have a life plan. Write down what you want and continually remind yourself of it.

Life pulls you in so many directions that it's easy to get off track. Knowing what you ultimately want -- having a picture of what your ideal life would be -- will keep you focused on the end goal.
Tomorrow's Post: Even though I'd promised to address The Thinking Blogger's Award post along with this missive today, I'll do it tomorrow. Deadlines, deadlines!

Best,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
InkwellEditorial.com
InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com
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Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com.
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How Blogging Led to an Editor-in-Chief’s Job Offer

I’ve been blogging since 2005. I do it consistently, eg, 3-5 times a week, and dispense helpful information (at least I do my best too).

As I wrote in last Thursday's post, blogging recently led to a career-changing opportunity. A client I’d done some consulting for offered me a position as Editor-in-Chief of an industry start-up magazine.

Good for You; What’s that Got to Do With Me?

I write of this offer, not to brag, but to impart how blogging can lead to opportunities you never knew existed. BUT, for this to happen, there are some “rules” you should adhere to.

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Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com to learn how.
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NOTE: Rules is in quotation marks because these are just from my personal experience and the feedback I’ve received from readers and clients alike. As far as I know, there is no industry standard (although, as I type this, I’m thinking maybe I could start one).

“Rules” for Blogging that Advance Your Career

1. Longevity: What do I mean? Consider the following:Almost every society teaches that to advance, education is the key. As a recruiter, I can tell you first hand that there are many jobs that can be done without a college degree. A degree is your access card. Without it, you can’t even enter the game.

BUT, many employers will not even consider candidates without a degree. The point? A degree says that you are disciplined enough to finish a course of study over and beyond a high school education.

Spending two or four years of your time and money to acquire more knowledge proves to potential employers that you have initiative, drive and dedication – and have hopefully picked up some key knowledge along the way.

What does this have to do with blogging? My point is longevity. In my opinion, you should blog – consistently – for a year before you even think about trying to use your blog to promote yourself.

There are many blogs that have been abandoned long before the year mark. Just think how this would reflect on you if you decided to quit.

Much like getting a four-year degree, blogging consistently for at least a year tells potential employers a lot about your drive, initiative and dedication.

2. Voice: I recently picked up a new client who read my blog. He didn’t ask for samples or anything – just gave me a job. Why? He said he liked the tone of my blog – the fact that my personality got through.

This is such a subjective concept, but what I took from that is to be yourself in your blog – but adhere to rules of decency (ie, no profanity or blasphemous rants (eg, sexist, racist, etc. comments)).

What you put into the blogosphere is there forever – even if you discontinue your blog. Don’t censor yourself, but do think if this will come back to bite you in the butt 3, 5 or 10 years from now.

3. Write Coherently: I recently received an email from a potential client about writing some articles for his organization. When I asked him why he chose me above all the other freelancers who were available on the site where he found me, he wrote back:

"I contacted you because of the quality of your articles, which I think are very good."

Again, this is not to brag, but all I do is adhere to basic rules of grammar and form cohesive thought patterns. Much like writing a term paper in college, blog posts should make sense. Ideas should flow logically from one point to the next.

Some blogs appear to be written by people with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). They flit from topic to topic with no thought for the reader.

Now this is fine if it’s personal and you just want to “rant space.” If this is the case, say so. However, if you are blogging to advance your career, think about potential employers/clients who may discover your posts. Will they reflect negatively or positively on your writing ability?

4. Advertise Yourself: While my job offer came out of the blue, advertise the fact that you are for hire in your blog. Do it with every blog post. This is something I need to start doing.
How to Advertise Yourself on Your Blog

Sample Blog Advert Jane Smith is a copywriter whose niche is business and finance. She produces brochures, web copy, e-books, sales letters and more. Clients include accountants, financial advisors, mortgage brokers, etc. For a full list of clients, see www.JaneSmith.com/clientlist.htm.

Ms. Smith can be contacted directly at 212-555-3456; info@JaneSmith.com; website: www.JaneSmith.com.

Blogging is not a fly-by-night trend; it’s here to stay. So, add it as a marketing weapon in your career-advancing arsenal.
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Copyright Notice: May be reprinted with the following, in full: Yuwanda Black is the publisher of InkwellEditorial.com: THE business portal for and about the editorial and creative industries. First-hand freelance success stories, e-courses, job postings, resume tips, advice on the business of freelancing, and more! Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com to learn how.
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Editor-in-Chief Position

Well, as I alluded to yesterday, an incredible career opportunity has come my way. The owner of an architecture firm I've been consulting with has offered me an editor-in-chief's position, with ownership stake.

I would have equal input on the content, design, marketing, staffing, etc.

So, why my hesitation? It's a start-up industry magazine. If you know anything about publishing at all, then you know that it's a lot of work -- and risk -- up front, with no guarantee of a payoff. I'm just not sure if I'm up for that kind of challenge at this point in my life.

I'm thinking about it -- and will make a decision in two weeks.

Advice? Feedback?
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Launch a Profitable Freelance Writing Career in 30 Days or Less -- Guaranteed! Log on to InkwellEditorial.com to learn how.
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