Don't you find it interesting, this huge growth of "the prediction industry?"  It seems like zillions of people in media today are claiming this or that will or won't happen.  I've never done been one to buy into it, until my area of expertise came into focus as the target will-they-or-won't-they skepticism. So being a journalist, I did research, read a lot, scheduled a coffee meeting with my editor, accepted advice from Mike Greenberg and went outside to check the wind direction.  

 

Here's my outlook for 2011:  First, a disclaimer. The opinions expressed here are not those of management- mostly because it's better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission. In other words, Amy has more important things to track.

 

1. There Are Opportunities Out There

Ask yourself, "Do I simply want a job?  Or, am I looking for an opportunity?"  The difference is you can find a job.  In the approaching year, more people will look for their next chance at professional growth and factor that in to finding their next job.  I expect, for example, some in journalism will re-cast it as an opportunity.  Journalism can't thrive (nor survive, as we have witnessed) by just reacting to events. The new brands understand this and are opening doors to those who are available to take advantage. Look for continued investment in deeper news coverage by the newer brands while the older brands start to remember why they are here and step-up looking for partnerships with the newbies.  

 

2. D-I-Y (Do It Yourself) a.k.a "Entrepreneurship"

I know first-hand what a little bit of investment and mentoring can do for a motivated individual. Imagine what a lot of investment in ideas and the people behind those ideas could do?  Look for more "mom and pop" media related companies to develop and become known. The barriers to entry will keep dropping as long as you don't construct a barrier yourself, through bad fiscal management and overestimating how many people enjoy working for free.  More and more foundations are getting behind small, media-related business development and so is the federal government. Yes, those suits up here in Washington are wanting to give you money to help start up your idea.  Are you in line?

 

3. Multiple Revenue Streams

When people ask me, "So, what do you do?" My standard answer is, "I have three revenue streams, so I get paid to do what I enjoy doing."  I expect to hear variations on that theme more in 2011 because it is no longer taboo to have more than one job.  If you had multiple revenue streams 20 years ago, you had a problem.  Today it's almost expected.  How many of you who have one main source of income also have that thing you do on the side?  Look for more people do move that thing on the side to front and center in the coming year.