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4 steps to building a creator-journalism business
By Kris Seavers, NPCJI training program coordinator
One of the biggest obstacles to becoming an independent journalist or creator is having the confidence to start.
Here are four important lessons for aspiring and current creator-journalists from the Institute's and URL Media's "News Reimagined: The Creator Journalism Summit" held earlier this month.
Take a chance on yourself. Michael Jones, founder of political news outlet Once Upon a Hill, shared a belief that “choosing yourself,” rather than waiting for external permission or validation, is the way to create opportunities.
Do you believe you can give a talk, write a newsletter, or secure a brand deal? Do it, he said.
Use your story in your brand. To lay the foundation of your business, embrace your founder role and use personal narratives to strengthen your brand.
"You are more interesting and worthy than you think,” said reporter and co-founder of The Independent Journalism Atlas Ryan Y. Kellett.
Build systems to fuel habits. Develop systems to sustain work habits, even on days when you don’t feel like working, or when you’re tired.
“I love the mundane,” Jones said. “I obsess over the ordinary. The things that people don’t want to do are the things that I love.”
Don't undervalue your work. “If in doubt, add [to the price],” Kellett said. “It almost never changes whether someone pays.”
Jones says having a niche sets you apart: “Go deeper. That’s where the magic is. That’s where the money is.”
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