Real Talk: Go digital or go home?

What do you need to work in media these days. Well that’s a good question and it can vary for sure. Some say that extensive digital knowledge is necessary for success. Not sure about that “extensive” part. Granted, knowledge of digital and social are very important indeed, given that they are an integral part of the overall media mix, but there’s more to it than that. While sometimes a specialty is critical, don’t underestimate the value of first hand experience from a wide range of marketing tactics.

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So, this begs the question: is a broad knowledge base of many things more important than intimate knowledge of a given discipline or two. With so many media professionals specializing in a specific silo, there is a growing lack of 360 integrated marketers. Knowing how the different aspects of media work together and complement one another is vital, but how intimately you involve yourself with every single element really depends on what your long term goals are.?

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Continuing to upgrade your skills is important, not minimizing that, but life is busy. Don’t let yourself get so stressed out thinking that you have to know everything about everything. This can lead you to a point where you’re not being effective at anything.?

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1. Find an area of media/marketing that you love
2. Be a sponge, stay up to date on new innovations and industry news so you are constantly aware of where your “specialty(ies)” is headed
3. Make sure to keep your skills upgraded accordingly so that you stay relevant
4. Shadow people at work to learn about other disciplines; knowledge is power
5. Ask lots of questions. To anyone and everyone
6. Learn from your mistakes and, with any luck, the mistakes of others
7. Take care of your mental well-being
8. Do your very best, enjoy the ride

It’s a long and winding road, so just make sure that you love what you are doing. Keep the passion alive.