Finding Your Entrepreneurial Inspiration

By Benét J. Wilson, DJTF co-chair, Online Managing Editor-Business Aviation, Aviation Week Group

I am a journalist who has never been interested in following the entrepreneur path.  I just don’t have the desire or the mindset to do it.  But I know plenty of journalists who are thinking of or actually following their entrepreneurial dreams as a way to stay in the game as newsrooms continue with job cuts.  And I feel the Digital Journalism Task Force has a responsibility to help those follow those dreams.

Last week’s layoffs by Gannett and Media General brought up the entrepreneurial discussion once again.  My good friend — and partner in crime — Doug Mitchell is about to start year two of the New U: News Entrepreneurs Working Through UNITY competitive program.  Thanks to a grant from the Ford Foundation, New U helps journalists of color who want to become entrepreneurs by having them    participate in a national “boot camp”.  It offers training and one-on-one mentoring and a competition for start-up funding to assist news entrepreneurs in realizing their ideas.

This year’s National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention and career fair includes four workshops — including year two of Sheila Brooks’ day long “Creating Wealth in an Innovation Economy” session — on entrepreneurship at this year’s convention.  And NABJ has the first Ray Taliaferro NABJ Entrepreneurial Spirit Award winner.

But beyond the convention, what is our organization’s commitment to helping members fulfill their entrepreneurial dreams?  I’m inspired by the efforts of members including NABJ Secretary Roland Martin, Mike Green, co-founder of the Black Innovation and Competitiveness Initiative, Meta Mereday, Editor in Chief of Savoy Magazine, Retha Hill, Executive Director of the Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab at Arizona State University, Dr. Sybril Bennett, Associate Professor of the New Century Journalism Program at Belmont University, and Doug Mitchell, co-chair of NABJ’s Media Institute, co-director of the New U program and an adjunct professor instructor at the City College of New York’s Graduate School of Journalism. among others.

I thank Dr. Syb for sending me a great example of bible scripture Isaiah 11:6: The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.

NABJ historian Wayne Sutton writes at Black Web 2.0 about the entrepreneurial dreams of two 11-year-olds — Marci Lawson and Ben Brown — who pitched their ideas at the recent Triangle Startup Weekend in Durham, N.C.  Clips of their presentations are below.  They can be an inspiration to us all!

DJTF Offers Replay of NABJ Presidential Online Forum

By Benét J. Wilson, DJTF co-chair, Online Managing Editor-Business Aviation, Aviation Week Group

Last night, the Digital Journalism Task Force held an online forum for the candidates — VP Print Deirdre Childress, Treasurer Greg Lee, and Region II Director Charles Robinson — running for the presidency of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Our questioners were:

• Dr. Sybril Bennett, Associate Professor of the New Century Journalism Program at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., and Programming Chair for this year’s NABJ convention;
• Mike Green, Chief Information Officer and a co-founder of the Black Innovation and Competitiveness Initiative; he led award-winning online community engagement projects for the Dow Jones Local Media Group and is also a blogger at Huffington Post; and
• Mark S. Luckie, National Innovations Editor at the Washington Post, creator of the 10000 Words blog and author of The Digital Journalist’s Handbook.

We had a lively discussion on issues ranging from support for entrepreneurial journalism projects to expanding NABJ membership adapt to the new digital reality and the upcoming Online News Association’s annual convention this fall in Boston.

For those of you who could not attend the webinar is here.  Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, the last 20 minutes of the webinar were not recorded.  But there’s more than enough for NABJ members to get a full understanding of the candidates’ views on digital journalism.  Enjoy!

Join DJTF For An NABJ Presidential Candidate Online Forum

By Benét J. Wilson, DJTF co-chair, Online Managing Editor-Business Aviation, Aviation Week Group

On Monday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. EDT, the Digital Journalism Task Force will be holding an online forum for the candidates — VP Print Deirdre Childress, Treasurer Greg Lee, and Region II Director Charles Robinson — running for the presidency of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Digital journalism continues to quickly evolve and shape our industry, and we’re seeing an emphasis on all things digital at this year’s convention.  So the members of DJTF felt a forum to question the candidates on their knowledge on all things digital was in order.

I will moderate the event.  The monitor will be NABJ Elections Committee member and DJTF Treasurer Melanie Eversley of USA Today.  We will use the traditional Q&A format.

The questioners will be:

• Dr. Sybril Bennett, Associate Professor of the New Century Journalism Program at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., and Programming Chair for this year’s NABJ convention;
• Mike Green, Chief Information Officer and a co-founder of the Black Innovation and Competitiveness Initiative; he led award-winning online community engagement projects for the Dow Jones Local Media Group and is also a blogger at Huffington Post; and
• Mark S. Luckie, National Innovations Editor at the Washington Post, creator of the 10000 Words blog and author of The Digital Journalist’s Handbook.

The focus of this debate will be on digital journalism issues, although questioners reserve the right to ask general questions about NABJ.  Each candidate will have up to 3 minutes to read an opening statement, with or without a PowerPoint presentation.

Our panelists will ask three questions each.  Responses for each question will be in rotating alphabetical order.  Each candidate will have up to two minute to respond, and panelists will be allowed to ask one follow-up question.  After the panelists have asked their questions, we will open up the lines for members to question candidates directly. Five minutes before the end of the debate, candidates will be able to give a one-minute closing statement.

DJTF feels it’s important to have an NABJ leader that is comfortable in the digital world.  I hope you will join us and bring your questions.  The next direction of NABJ depends on it!

Conference Communication in the Virtual Age

By Dr.  Sybril Bennett, Associate Professor, Belmont University and inaugural executive director of the university’s New Century Journalism Program

Editor’s note: you can also see this post on Dr. Syb’s website, here.

I cannot believe it’s been almost a month since SXSW. It was my first time attending what has become a mega conference. It happens in three parts: interactive, film and music. I attended the interactive session March 11-15. More than 15-thousand people descended upon Austin, TX for a week of raucous fun and fellowship. The key to SXSW is relationship building. As we prepare for the National Association of Black Journalist’s annual convention in Philadelphia, August 3-7. I wanted to share some of the tools I used or at least heard about at SXSW. And of course, a few I’ve known about and haven’t had a chance to try.

Moo Cards-Moo cards are mini-business cards. They’re like Twitter. Twitter is micro-blogging, a shorter version of blogging. Moo cards are a smaller version of business cards. Be aware the print is tiny. Therefore, be considerate of the audience to which you plan to distribute. Don’t laugh, if you’re not 40 yet, as my Daddy often said, just keep livin.’

Hashable- post and share the people you meet via Twitter and get their contact information seamlessly. It will also show an accurate network of who you connect with the most. It’s a dynamic ‘relationship book’ updated with everyone you meet on the spot. You can also discover new people by seeing who your friends are meeting. You can create an inner circle to highlight members in your network. I tried to use this one a little. Still need to experiment. Oh yeah, this is a mobile app.

Beluga-is a mobile app allowing groups to communicate. One person creates the group. Consider it a room. Then he/she sends out an email invitation for others to join. Once you are a member, you can invite others as well. Then, you can share messages. You must have the app and be a member of the group. It’s a group IM moment. For example, you can let people know you’re hungry and at a certain restaurant or that you’re attending a really great session.

GroupMe-is a mobile app allowing groups to communicate with each other privately. It is based on your mobile number. This is why some opt to use Beluga. Many don’t want third parties to get access to their number. We used Beluga as our back channel to connect the Blacks in Tech group at SXSW. But GroupMe functions the same way.

QR Codes- can be used to embed your website address, contact information and phone number. It’s easy to do. Follow the link and try it. You will need to down load a QR reader for your phone. I have QR Reader, Microsoft Tag Reader, 2D Sense and LiveReader on my mobile device.

Bump –Unlike the fist bump making the President and First Lady news for cultural reasons, bumping iPhones or Androids can transfer your contact information virtually.

Google Goggles-allows you to take a picture of various things including landmarks, books and even business cards. When you take a picture of a business card, the information can then be stored in your contact information.

Color-is hot off the press and surrounded by controversy. However, when used strategically especially by journalists in breaking news situations, it can be useful. In addition, it may be fun at a professional conference. I experimented with it with my students. We learned that indeed you have to be in the same proximity with the other people uploading pictures. A stream of pictures is created and shareable and embeddable. I can see this being interesting for example at NABJ’s Salute to Excellence gala. Think about everybody with the app, taking pictures and stream is created. Then, we can share that stream to promote the organization. In addition, for breaking news, it will be helpful to news organizations to be able to show an event been covered from multiple angles, weather comes to mind. Privacy issues abound and the crowd has to self-censor. Of course, who wants their boss to see them in a compromising position? Well, come to think of it, cheaters and creepers beware. Watch this video of serial entrepreneur Bill Nguyen’s take on his latest invention.

This list is not exhaustive. This is just a snapshot of what’s in my brain at the moment. Please feel free to comment and share your wisdom. Collective intelligence should always be leveraged.

Who Are Your Digital Gurus?

By Benét J. Wilson, DJTF co-chair, Online Managing Editor-Business Aviation, Aviation Week Group

On Jan. 26, the Digital Journalism Task Force held a joint webinar with Knowledgewebb entitled “10 Steps to a Tech-Savvy You.” Owner Amy Webb went through 10 terrific steps that anyone could take right now to enhance their work.  The notes to that session are here, and you can also take a look at the Twitter chat here.

Step #8 is Find Your Digital Guru, and this one really struck me.  I thought about how much I’ve developed as a digital journalist, and how much further I need to go to continuously improve my craft.  And I think about all the gurus in my life who have gotten me to this point.  I started my digital journey at NABJ’s 2006 convention (my first one) in Indianapolis.  That’s where I sat in on sessions with the Washington Post’s Mark Luckie (former owner of the 10000 Words blog) and Arizona State University’s Retha Hill.  It was the wisdom they imparted there that got me on the road to blogging.

But I didn’t really get into the whole package until almost a year later, in June 2007.  I was covering an airport marketing/communications conference at a beautiful resort in Tucson, Ariz.  It was the last session of the conference’s second day.  Most people had left for happy hour, pool time or a visit to the spa.  But those of us who stayed and listened to Josh Hallett of the Hyku blog and Voce Communications were given a real treat.  Hallett spent his time showing the possibilities of social media in our work and the tools available to help.  I was transformed.

And it also helped that Hallett is an aviation geek (check out his aviation-related photos at his Flickr account) like me.  We spoke the whole time after the conference.  A month later, we met up at the BlogPhiladephia conference, where he introduced me to many social media/new media folks.  After that, I spoke at his BlogOrlando conference for the next two years on how journalists could use social media for their work.  Thanks to Hallett, I was linked into a community of really cool people doing cutting edge stuff that has greatly helped me in my career.

But there are some great gurus within NABJ that are always willing to help fellow members.  You can check out some of them and other journalists of color doing cool things in the multimedia play pen here.  But some of my current NABJ gurus include:

• Dr. Sybril Bennett, Associate Professor of the New Century Journalism Program at Belmont University and chair, NABJ convention Programming Chair
• Doug Mitchell, NABJ Media Institute co-chair; Entrepreneurship/Career Coaching/Project Management/Media Consulting/Classroom Teaching
• Gina Gayle, photojournalist and professor of practice, Univ of Southern Mississippi
• Dr. Michelle Ferrier, Associate Professor at Elon University and founder, LocallyGrownNews.com
• Mario Armstrong, Tech show Host, Commentator, Digital Lifestyle Expert, Small Biz Tech Advocate
• Natalie McNeal, Southeastern Regional Editor AOL City’s Best; owner, Frugalista website

I have even more outside of NABJ, including Amy Webb.  But by following and befriending gurus, you only improve your own work.  And here’s a gentle reminder: you have until Wednesday to take 30% off the normal $129 year-long subscription to Amy’s Knowledgewebb site.  Use the code NABJDIGI. You won’t be sorry!!

REPLAY – NABJ Programming Committee Answers Your Workshop Proposal Questions

By Benét J. Wilson, DJTF co-chair, Online Managing Editor-Business Aviation, Aviation Week Group

We had a lively discussion on what is expected for proposals on workshops and panels at this year’s NABJ Convention and Career Fair.  Programming Chair Dr. Sybril Bennett and NABJ VP-Print Deirdre were available to answer questions and lay out their vision for this year’s convention.  You can listen to the replay here.  Proposals are due to the national office by Feb. 1; you can submit yours here.

NABJ Programming Committee Answers Your Workshop Proposal Questions

By Benét J. Wilson, DJTF co-chair, Online Managing Editor-Business Aviation, Aviation Week Group

Back on Jan. 11, the Digital Journalism Task Force produced a BlogTalkRadio show on this year’s convention and career fair.  The show featured convention chair Rod Hicks, programming chair Dr. Sybril Bennett and Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists President Sarah Glover,  who all discussed what members can expect at this year’s event.  We also took questions from members interested in submitting panels and workshops.

So as the deadline for proposals fast approaches, we thought it would be a good idea to do another show on Monday, Jan. 24 from noon to 1:00 p.m. EST.  This session will feature Programming Chair Dr. Sybril Bennett and NABJ VP-Print Deirdre Childress.  Are you still working on a catchy title? Do you have a question about finding the right panelist? Do you want to make sure your proposal is relevant for this year’s theme: “The Power of Now: Claiming Your Destiny?” This session will allow members to ask those questions and more to help fine tune that final proposal.  The call-in number is  (347) 989-8344. I hope you’ll be able to join us!

Replay: NABJ Members Review The 2010 Online News Association Conference

By Benét J. Wilson, DJTF co-chair, Online Managing Editor-Business Aviation, Aviation Week Group

Earlier today, the Digital Journalism Task Force held a BlogTalkRadio session on this year’s convention.  Our panel, which features convention chair Rod Hicks, programming chair Dr. Sybril Bennett and Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists President Sarah Glover,  discussed what members can expect at this year’s event.

We also had questions from the audience.  If I were to give a theme to the call , it would be PROPOSE IT! We had several questions suggesting panels, and Sybril Bennett says if you want that workshop, then propose it.  Good luck!!

NABJ Wants Proposals For Philadelphia Conference

By Benét J. Wilson, DJTF co-chair, Online Managing Editor-Business Aviation, Aviation Week Group

Yesterday, the National Association of Black Journalists put out a call for presentations for its annual conference Aug. 3-7 in Philadelphia. This year’s convention is looking for presentations “that will teach current and future journalists new, relevant skills and push them to execute their professional goals,” which matches this year’s theme, “The Power of Now: Claiming Your Destiny.”  Proposals are due Feb. 1.

Dr. Sybril Bennett

The Programming Committee, headed by Dr.  Sybril Bennett of Belmont University,  wants to see  innovative, educational and entrepreneurial proposals from the membership this year. This year, NABJ is striving to make the Convention and Career Fair  the premier venue for digital journalism education and career development presented by the nation’s leaders in media, business, arts and entertainment and technology.

 

Professional journalists, students and educators will participate in full- and half-day seminars designed to strengthen and enhance their skills. Workshops throughout the five-day convention will highlight journalism ethics, entrepreneurship, specialized journalism and transitioning journalism skills to book publishing, screen writing and media relations.

To this end, the Digital Journalism Task Force is holding a BlogTalkRadio session Tuesday, Jan. 11 from noon to 1:00 p.m. on this year’s convention.  Our panel, which features convention chair Rod Hicks, programming chair Dr. Sybril Bennett and Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists President Sarah Glover, will discuss what members can expect at this year’s event. Bennett will also offer guidance on what she and the Programming Committee will expect for this year’s workshops and panels.  We’ll also leave time for your questions.

Next DJTF Event: NABJ Members Review The 2010 Online News Association Conference

By Benét J. Wilson, DJTF co-chair, Online Managing Editor-Business Aviation, Aviation Week Group

EDITOR’S NOTE: The NABJ Digital Journalism Task Force and the NABJ Media Institute recorded our Oct. 29 webinar  “Video Storytelling for Journalists.” You can listen here for free. You need to register to hear  the full webinar.

Right on the heels of our successful Video Storytelling webinar, the Digital Journalism Task Force and the NABJ Media Institute are moving ahead with another program.  The Online News Association held its annual conference here in Washington, D.C., Oct. 28-31.  Several NABJ members were there, so DJTF is doing a BlogTalkRadio show on the event Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 8-9 p.m. Eastern time.

Now in its 11th year, the ONA conference has become one of the must-attend shows on the journalism circuit because it brings together a virtual who’s who of digital/multimedia journalism.  There are also representatives from  community/content editorial, programming, design, education and traditional and new media outlets.  To quote the Journalism.co.uk website:   “Also this year hundreds of participants converged from all around the world to meet and learn about the latest software and hardware tools for content management, search and distribution platforms, to discuss advancements and challenges in the industry and to network face-to-face in order to share best practices.”

Panelists for this show are:

• Dr. Sybril Bennett, associate professor of journalism at Belmont University;
• Sarah Glover, staff photographer at the Philadelphia Daily News and PABJ President; and
• Doug Mitchell, chair of NABJ’s Media Institute, co-director of the Ford Foundation’s New U entrepreneurship
  program and an adjunct professor instructor at the City College of New York’s Graduate School of Journalism.

The panelists will discuss the workshops they attended at ONA, what they learned and how that knowledge needs to be used to help NABJ members stay relevant in the newsroom. We’ll definitely leave plenty of time for your questions.  I hope you can join us!!