Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their very own.
I began my journalism profession in 2004. Inside months, it was clear: the trade was altering — quick. Newsroom layoffs, finances cuts, and employees downsizing grew to become routine. Whispers of “impending cuts” was annual realities. Yearly introduced fewer assets, fewer colleagues, and extra strain to do extra with much less.
Ultimately, the tone of the trade modified utterly. We went from reporting the information to defending its very existence. I bear in mind being handed scripts to learn on-air, asking viewers to “help native journalism.” Think about reporting on the world whereas quietly campaigning to save lots of your individual job. It was humbling — and revealing.
That is once 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 had been frowned upon. Some managers even banned them. It was an odd contradiction: everybody knew the trade was shrinking, however nobody was allowed to organize for what got here subsequent.
So I did it anyway.
Over time, that company grew quietly within the background. And in the future, it was large enough that I did not want the newsroom anymore. I stepped away — and stepped absolutely into entrepreneurship.
What I did not anticipate was simply what number of of my journalism abilities would develop into foundational to constructing and operating a profitable enterprise.
Here is what translated — and why it issues to anybody navigating uncertainty of their profession at this time.
Associated: The three Largest Errors That Made Me a Higher Entrepreneur
Deadlines construct greater than self-discipline — they construct belief
In journalism, deadlines weren’t versatile. In case your phase wasn’t prepared by airtime, it did not go to air — easy as that. There was no “I am operating a bit behind.” That type 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. If you persistently meet deadlines—for shoppers, collaborators, and even your self — you construct a popularity as somebody who could be trusted. In a world filled with flakiness, that belief is uncommon and worthwhile.
Readability is probably 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 discovered find out how 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 searching for 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 will 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 be taught to learn physique language, anticipate reactions, and regulate your tone accordingly. Typically you be taught the exhausting manner — by saying the mistaken factor on the mistaken time. However ultimately, 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 group check-in, I depend on that very same capacity to gauge the room. Realizing 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 educated to assume 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 particular person, 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 good 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 pay attention. 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 group 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 worthwhile your outcomes.
Content material creation is not a buzzword — it is a each day apply
Earlier than “content material advertising” was stylish, journalists had been doing it on daily basis. Writing headlines. Filming segments. Recording voiceovers. Modifying clips. We had 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 information 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 essential. As a result of individuals do not buy primarily based on information — they purchase primarily based 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 stress? 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 educated to dig for sources, confirm information 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 tendencies, pull efficiency information, reference case research. That research-backed strategy builds belief — and helps shoppers really feel extra assured of their funding.
Associated: Why Entrepreneurship Is Higher Than Any Private Development Ebook
Writing is a enterprise superpower
In journalism, you write on daily basis. Scripts, voiceovers, headlines, tweets, captions. You discover ways to write tight. You discover ways to write with influence. 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 reviews. 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 final word group take a look at
Tv is not a solo act. Each present depends upon producers, editors, digicam operators, and anchors working in sync, beneath tight deadlines. If somebody drops the ball, everybody feels it.
That taught me find out how to lead beneath strain — and find out how to rent individuals who can deal with it too. In enterprise, issues go sideways. Purchasers change route. Launches break. The flexibility to remain calm, adapt and hold transferring is what separates amateurs from professionals.
The underside line
After I left journalism, I assumed I used to be strolling away from a shrinking trade. 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 abilities that helped me succeed on-camera helped me reach enterprise.
So when you’re in a career that feels unsure proper now, I will say this: look intently. You are in all probability constructing abilities that may serve you lengthy after your present position ends. You would possibly simply be gathering the precise instruments you will want for the following chapter.
Do not anticipate a disaster to begin your Plan B. Construct it now, even when it is within the margins. That quiet aspect venture, that weekend freelance gig, that small experiment — it is likely to be the factor that provides you safety when the job not can.
