The Art of Networking

Kennedy Coopwood, contributing writer for Ed at Indiana, gives you tips on how to network!

Everyone networks. Whether you realize it or not, even you network. Anytime you refer your friend to a specific hairdresser, ask your friend to put in a good word for you with a job or someone of interest, or when you take down someone’s number for more information, you network. Networking is the easiest most effective tool for you in your life and carrier. Don’t “know how to network”? Ed at Indiana has got you covered.

When it comes to networking, the most important thing to remember is to always take down the name. Establishing a connection with someone is easy for us, editors-in-training, as we understand the importance of making a lasting impression. Once you meet and greet and exchange the smiles, never hesitate to get contact information.

Stay in touch with your connections. Example: If you frequently visit the hardware store and the staff starts to recognize you, make sure you recognize them in return. This way, the next time you come in, you have people ready to assist you. You may even get new info on deals, references to other customers who actually specialize in the area of repair you are looking for, or even better, discounts! If that doesn’t get you excited about networking, I don’t know what will.

The best thing about networking is you don’t know how much anyone could be of use until you actually use them. When it comes to the corporate world, it’s pretty black and white. An executive producer of a film would be great to provide insight on production, a photographer would be great to talk to if you have an interest in the photo industry and a magazine editor would be a great source for enterprise journalism and the magazine business. These types of titles are references, but when you’re talking to an editor and they mention they used to be a dancer and still keeps in contact with people on Broadway, now you have a double reference!

It’s all about communication and relationship. Don’t be afraid to build a reputation for yourself. Networking leads to career building and development, and while you strive to become the best editor you can be, always remember, networking is the key.

Top 3 Writing Platforms for young journalists

Sierra Vandervort, contributing writer for Ed at Indiana, gives you a list of online writing platforms that you can write for.

As aspiring editors, we know how important experience is in this industry. People will fight tooth and nail for a good internship, and our resumes are constantly stacked with our latest pieces. But what we might not know is the sheer amount of different resume boosters right within your grasp.

Besides the IDS and INSIDE magazine, there are tons of online publications available for you to get your hands on. Send a resume and a quick hello to any (or all) of these top three platforms and you could be well on your way to a goldmine of experience.

1) Elite Daily:

As one of the top writing platforms for our generation, Elite Daily has been growing exponentially in popularity. With over 1.2 million followers, Elite Daily offers young journalists an audience bigger than our wildest dreams. They also make it super easy to work around a college kid’s schedule. As a contributing writer, you’re free to pitch and write articles at your convenience. Have a week full of exams? No problem, so you don’t publish for a couple weeks. Major dead week? Even better. You can submit three articles in a day. They’re not all guaranteed to get published, but if they do you can be sure your work will be seen by a lot of eyes, which is great for getting your name out there.

2) The Huffington Post:

Surprise! The Huffington Post has a blog. They invite young and experienced bloggers alike to join their team of esteemed wordsmiths. As one of the biggest names in publishing, working with HuffPo is a great way to further your career and get you noticed. Plus, you never who could be reading your work.

3) Thought Catalog:  

They’re the source of 50% of the articles you see on your Facebook feed, and they want writers like you. Thought Catalog is different in the sense that they don’t necessarily hire “contributing writers.” They take submissions from young writers and decide to publish based on content, opinion and relativity. That being said, many young writers have contributed dozens of articles in an attempt to get their name in ink. It’s a great first start if you’re more into feature ideas.

The bottom line is, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. We’re at the point in our lives where, arguably, no press is bad press. Get your name on a byline. It doesn’t matter if it’s at TeenVogue.com or Auto Universe. You’re a writer – so write.

 

Embracing the Voice and Personality of a Magazine

Kennedy Coopwood, contributing writer for Ed at Indiana, gives you tips for how to find the voice and personality of a magazine. 

With so many magazines out there in the world, how do you fit right with just one? What can you do to set you in good standings with that particular magazine and brand? How will you stand out among others who have the same drive and who may even write or edit better than you do? The answer: Target your writing to a specific magazine.                                                                                                  Your cover letters, your sample writings for the magazine, even the way you present yourself should reflect that you are perfect for the job. Embrace the magazine as yours. Here’s how you can do that…

• Do your research.

Find out what the magazine stands for. Figure out why the magazine was created and why people read it. The voice of the magazine is what keeps people reading. Study the style. Look at how articles are developed and printed. Sit down, take some time out of your day, and read.