Last year at this time I made some predictions about the upcoming year. Reading them over, I think I was close on the first two: More women are starting companies. Of the 14 NewU fellows for 2011, 11 of them are women. And, based on live chats, blog postings and thousands of conversations in 2011, more people are thinking first about opportunities and then finding the job that meets their expectations.   

Here is my personal list for the year ahead, things I want to do and on the record:

More...

Collaborating. In 2011, and mostly through the UNITY NewU Entrepreneur program, I met some amazing people in a cornucopia of career spaces and geographic places. Right now it's especially important for entrepreneurs of color to build--and in some cases re-build--communities. Journalists need to talk with angel investors and venture capitalists and vice-versa. I'll continue to find a way to identify initiatives large and small, create an open but competitive infrastructure, bring them to a single table and have them converse. 

Same...

Conversations and continue along a path with those whom I already engage. In December I wrote four letters of recommendation for four different mentees who had four different career goals. These are people who met my criteria and through social networking, I follow them and they me. They have good ideas about what they want but need an ear to vet those ideas. Plus, I can learn things too, and because I already know them, the talk is easy (most of the time) and beneficial for both of us.

Less...

Volunteering. Sounds cold doesn't it? I'll explain through one example: I work hard to stay connected to all those people on my Facebook and LinkedIn accounts. I can say that in total, I actually have the cell phone numbers of three out of four people connected to me. I spent a lot of time during the past 10 years building that network and assisting companies and local stations to recruit and hire talented employees. Then, last year I woke up and realized (1) that's not really my business model and (2) people were getting something for nothing. So, I seriously cut back.  

Moreover, companies need to get serious about a professional development plan for existing employees and consistently dedicate dollars and designate individuals to recruit on their behalf. The best agents are the people who already work there--assuming a great environment exists.The D-I-Y approach to building an ideal staff isn't effective long-term because hiring ultimately is highly dependent on strong and diverse external relationships; if you do not have them, you won't get good people or keep them. I've helped a lot and in very specific circumstances will continue to, but it will no longer be "what I do." My 2012 will consist of launching big-thinking initiatives, manage media-related projects, teach young(er) people about good radio journalism (can't help it) and be a guide.

I have other things to work on. But, I don't want to over-promise and set the bar too high.  

You shouldn't do that either.

Merry 2012.

doug@knowledgewebb.net

 *Chantal de la Rionda edits this blog