The Pulse

How are you covering the holidays?

2009-11-08T19:30:00.000-08:00

We are looking for examples of new, fun, unusual ways to cover holiday retail stories.

According to TNS Media Intelligence, retailers have started their advertising and marketing campaigns .. their jolly assaults on the American consumer .. .earlier than ever.

This morning's Wall Street Journal: Retailers boost spending on holiday advertising

'Kmart began its holiday ad blitz 30 to 40 days in advance of when it started in 2008 and says it has increased what it will spend this holiday season, aiming to sway shoppers with the slogan "There's Smart and There's Kmart Smart." '

We'd love to showcase new and interesting ways to cover the holiday stories. Send us your ideas, examples and tips. Or share good ideas you see on the Web.

Email: Robin Phillips, Web Managing Editor

Orbitz seeks a travel editor, based in Washington D.C.

2009-11-08T19:02:00.000-08:00

Away.com/Orbitz Worldwide seeks an Editor to lead editorial efforts for Away.com travel guide products. Responsibilities will include ensuring editorial quality of product content, researching new destinations for coverage, training and management of external editorial resources, and coordination of expansion calendar with broader editorial efforts

Check out Away.com's Career Builder listing.

Investor's Business Daily needs LA-based witer/editor

2009-11-08T18:48:00.000-08:00

Investor's Business Daily is looking for someone who can do a fact-based analysis of the stock market, economy and business world.

In their JournalismJobs.org listing, they say:

'Investor’s Business Daily and its companion Web site, Investors.com, are seeking a strong writer/editor in Los Angeles to help produce a comprehensive daily roundup of business, national and world news.'

Live-blogging New Orleans workshop on Monday

2009-11-06T11:30:00.000-08:00

Our workshop on Monday in New Orleans will be full of tips for covering the economy and finding local people to illustrate your stories.

This daylong session will be hosted by The Times-Picayune. Presenters are:
Ron Nixon, projects reporter for The New York Times, on Covering the local impact of TARP.
Melissa Preddy, a former business reporter and, editor and columnist for The Detroit News, on using local businesses as a source for signs of recovery.
And myself, Robin Phillips, Web managing editor at BusinessJournalism.org, on using social media tools to find local sources for economic stories.

If you aren't going to be in New Orleans, follow along on our live chat on Monday. On Twitter, check out our updates at hashtag #BizJ.

Reporter needed to cover law and lawyer misconduct

2009-11-06T11:17:00.000-08:00

The Daily Business Review in Miami, Fla., is looking for a reporter to cover law firms and the business of law.

In the Review's posting on JournalismJobs.com, they said they are looking for a reporter to be responsible for covering news and trends in the legal business and lawyer misconduct/regulation.

10 tips for entrepreneurs, startups

2009-11-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

Time and money don’t matter (as much as you think) ... that's what they said.

10 tips for startups.

Saw this great post today about words of wisdom from Andy Sack who taught a 'Lessons Learned' session at an Entrepreneur University in Seattle this week.

Thanks to SerraMedia, here are Sacks' top 10 tips:

10. 5 years to create anything of value: While the overnight success stories get all the headlines and buzz, it generally takes a long time to build a company that has any value.

9. Focus on the first market longer than you think: Sack offered several real-world examples of startups trying to sell his Founder’s Co-op investors on new market opportunities. Every time his response is to continue to focus on the existing market until you truly dominate it.

8. Beware of shiny objects distraction: Most entrepreneurs know all about this. It’s a running joke at Serra Media, in a good way. We have exposed our tendency to get distracted by new opportunities and now openly mock one another to get ourselves back on track.

7. Avoid the rush to nowhere: Markets don’t change as fast as hype suggests they do. Don’t get yourself in a rush to where “everyone” says the market is going because, all too often, it will be a rush to nowhere.

6. Competition doesn’t kill companies: Early stage companies get killed by internal conflict, not external competition.

5. The customer has the answer: Sack suggested Outcome-Driven Innovation as an interesting and potentially important method to do product development.

4. Two numbers to focus on: Customer acquisition cost and Lifetime Value (LTV) of each customer. If you’re not tracking them, start.

3. GFA: Be, or get, aggressive. Amid a stream of (well-placed) F-bombs, Sack delivered some really sage advice. Thinking you’re aggressive and actually being agressive are two very different things. Plow through, be frugal and don’t wait for someone else to make it happen.

2. KISS: Yes, Keep It Simple Stupid. See No. 7, 8, 9 as for reference.

1. Time and money don’t matter (as much as you think): Factors like time and capital really aren’t as constricting as you think. For support, Andy showed a video from Tina Seelig at Stanford that I’ve blogged about before. I’m a big fan of her concept of not framing problems too tightly. It really is the best lesson an entrepreneur can learn.

Wanna get started?
Here's a package of information from our recent entrepreneurs workshop about journalists as entrepreneurs ... life after the newsroom.

SABEW names Mexican CEO as keynote speaker

2009-11-05T17:13:00.000-08:00

The chairman of one of Mexico’s biggest business conglomerates, Ricardo Salinas Pliego, has agreed to be a keynote speaker at the SABEW annual conference in Phoenix next March, the Society of American Business Editors and Writers (SABEW) announced.

Salinas Pliego, chairman of Mexico’s Grupo Salinas, ranked in 154th place on the 2008 Forbes magazine list of the world’s richest people.

The conference will be held in downtown Phoenix on March 19-21 and will include a special focus on North American integration, including immigration, a sensitive topic where business and social interests intersect.

Salinas Pliego is one of Mexico’s most storied businessmen. His booming companies are involved in retailing (Grupo Elektra), media (TV Azteca and Azteca America), pension fund investing (Afore Azteca), banking (Banco Azteca), insurance (Seguros Azteca) and cellular phones (Grupo Iusacell).

Registration is now open for the annual conference.

Here's more on Salinas Pliego.

Learn tricks for freelance success

2009-11-05T09:53:00.000-08:00

If you're eager to launch a freelance career or want to craft story pitches that sell, check out this online 5-week course from JournalismJobs.com

You'll learn from Eric Butterman, a former editor at Folio: and Travel Agent magazine, who has written for Glamour, Men's Fitness and countless other titles.

"Learn how to write the best email pitches possible, be good on the phone and actually sell articles. Butterman students have sold stories for $1,000+ before the end of this course and credit it with helping them land jobs at top publishing companies such as Hearst and Bonnier."

The cost is $185 and the class will run every Monday between November 16, 2009 and December 14, 2009.

For the full details click here.

Web opening at The Street.com

2009-11-05T09:44:00.001-08:00

The Street.com has posted several job openings this week. Here's another one.

The financial media company is looking for a manager to oversee its Web site. You must have experience in a Web environment and grounding in financial news.

The person hired will "coordinate with other news managers on the daily site lineup and oversee the homepage and other key site sections to drive growth in page views by maintaining a vibrant and fresh lineup of multimedia stories."

If you're interested, check out the full posting.

Biz reporting in Japan

2009-11-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

Here's your chance to take your business reporting skills overseas.

Dow Jones is searching for an experienced financial journalist to work on its bond desk in Japan. You must be fluent in Japanese and they'd prefer if you have some experience covering the country's financial markets.

The position could involve management of several reporters and will require a journalist who can produce both feature and breaking news.

For more information click here.

Calling passionate banking reporters

2009-11-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

Are banking, finance and breaking news considered your three loves? If so, check out this reporting job at the Nashville Business Journal.

The open slot is for you if "you’re an aggressive and experienced newspaper reporter ready to cover the unprecedented upheaval in banking and finance and the controversy surrounding the TARP program."

The Journal prides itself on getting the story first - both in print and online. In this role, you'll be expected to write for both editions.

Ignites looking for retirement industry newshound

2009-11-04T08:20:00.000-08:00

Ignites, the leading publication covering the mutual fund industry, is seeking an experienced and accomplished journalist with five years of online trade journalism experience to cover the retirement and variable annuity industries.

In the company's JournalismJobs.com listing they say:

"We are looking for a smart, enthusiastic team player who can consistently break news and has a proven ability to meet daily deadlines. Ideal candidates will have an in-depth knowledge of the retirement industry, including the leading companies and product trends. "

You have to sign up but you can get a look at Ignites here.

Who benefits when a newspaper closes?

2009-11-04T07:43:00.000-08:00

The Phoenix Business Journal takes a look today at what the fallout may be in Arizona when the East Valley Tribune closes down.

"The East Valley Tribune’s demise leaves The Arizona Republic as the sole daily newspaper in the 12th-largest U.S. media market. But media and advertising experts don’t see the Gannett Inc.-owned Republic gaining on the advertising side of the equation because of the Tribune’s closure at the end of the year."

The reporter goes on to ask people whether a city can financially support even one newspaper.

"Jennifer Maggiore, CEO of Maggiore Consulting and Marketing, said the Tribune’s soon-to-be-former advertisers and readers may go to online sources rather than to the Republic."

We've heard this before. The story, which is bylined "Staff Report", quotes an advertising agency, but does not quote any advertisers or any readers for that matter.

I know this is a story about our industry, but it is important to make sure that any business story should start from scratch, no assumptions, do the reporting.

This story does not tell me what reaction the consumer -- advertisers or readers -- has to the newspaper's closing. I still wonder what they are planning to do for news and advertising.

Turn your casino love into a writing gig

2009-11-03T12:35:00.000-08:00

Check out this job only if you're a enthusiastic reporter who could spend days immersed in the casino industry.

This posting calls for a writer and researcher for an electronic newsletter that covers the casino industry for investment professionals and corporate level executives.

This is not a byline role, but a chance to learn about the industry within the confines of a small-group setting.

*Photo by Flickr user jimg944

An open spot at the San Diego Business Journal

2009-11-03T12:21:00.000-08:00

If you're the total package - an experience business reporter who can break news stories and still carve out time for enterprise pieces - check out this open reporting position at the San Diego Business Journal.

The publication wants a reporter to cover the commercial real estate, construction, real estate development and related environmental issues, and hospitality and tourism beats.

If you want more information on the San Diego Business Journal, check out the pub's Web site.

20 reasons the economy is so bad .. or "stinks"

2009-11-03T09:38:00.000-08:00

The Street's Doug Kass has come up with 20 reasons the economy stinks.

Now, before you say, I've heard them all before. Or, I don't want to be preached at. Or even I just can't think that hard this afternoon, think 'Yo Momma' jokes. Yep, here's a teazer from Kass's 20 reasons... :

20. The economy is so bad that Barack Obama changed his slogan to "Maybe We Can!"

19. The economy is so bad that Sarah Palin is only shooting moose for food, not for fun.

18. The economy is so bad that when Bill and Hillary travel together, they now have to share a room.

17. The economy is so bad that instead of a coin toss at the beginning of the Super Bowl in February, they will play "Rock, Paper, Scissors."

16. The economy is so bad that Angelina Jolie had to adopt a highway.

Wanna play a-round? USGA looking for copy editor

2009-11-03T09:06:00.000-08:00

It's not retirement. It's still journalism. And it's working within an industry. Why not?!

The USGA, United States Golf Association to those few who do not know, is hiring a copy editor.

The association wants someone to fact check, proof and oversee all USGA communications.

Business editor needed in Tacoma

2009-11-03T08:52:00.000-08:00

The Business Examiner in Tacoma, Washington, is looking for an editor to lead a team of business journalists.

Here's the JournalismJobs.com listing. Business experience is preferred but not a must. A creative streak is key.

What can Twitter lists do for you?

2009-11-02T09:47:00.000-08:00

Over the last 48 hours, Twitter has rolled out its lists to all users. As I joked on @BizJournalism on Friday, I didn't realize there was so much filing with this job. Compiling your personal lists takes some time and organization.

Now that everyone has the ability to add lists, there are a lot of questions about how they are useful.

Here's a nice, simple guide to Twitter lists.
Twitter lists: Suddenly Asked Questions.
And Mashable's how to use Twitter lists.

I think it is easy for Twitter to mimic high school, and I know we'll all be looking around to see who has put us on their lists, how many lists we're are on. You know, checking out who are the cool kids.

But once we let go of that popularity frenzy, I plan to gather lists of lists: Other business journalists, sources from different industries, analysts.. in other words, people worth following.

Join in. I'll share lists here and on Twitter. Send them my way if you see cool lists ... you can just @reply to @BizJournalism. I'll find them.

Here's a start:

People who tweet about Governance
Auto communities
Microsoft.

and here's a non-Twitter list of analysts on Twitter.

Jump on the environmental beat

2009-10-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

If you're looking to get your start in environmental reporting, check out this entry-level staff writing position at Environment & Energy Publishing.

E&E, which is based in Washington D.C., describes itself as an "an online daily that is the leading source for comprehensive coverage of environmental and energy politics and policy."

In this role, you'll collect and summarize news and also write original pieces for the Greenwire section of the site. You'll get experience writing on deadline and learning the depths of public policy while gaining ground on the environmental beat.

A job combining video and financials

2009-10-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

Are you a video storyteller who loves financials? If so, there's a part-time gig at the New York Financial Press for you.

This job posting calls for a part-time junior video editor, a role that could become a full-time position next year. You must have some software skills that include knowledge of final cut pro and other media management software.

Curious? Check out the job post here.

Want to be a professor? Fellowships still available

2009-10-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

We want to make sure you don't miss this chance:

Monday is the deadline to apply for an all-expenses-paid-fellowship worth $2,000 to attend either of these seminars from Jan. 5-8: Strictly Financials or Business Journalism Professors.

Strictly Financials is for business journalists who want to hone their skills in analyzing companies' financial statements, SEC documents and other financial data. The Business Journalism Professors Seminar will cover how to teach a college-level business journalism course.

Fellowships cover the full cost of training, lodging, materials and most meals. In addition, fellows receive a $500 stipend to help offset travel and other costs.

The two seminars will run concurrently during Reynolds Business Journalism Week at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Another highlight of the week will be a panel discussion with the legendary investigative-reporting duo of Don Barlett and Jim Steele, along with the 2009 winners of the Reynolds Center’s Barlett & Steele Awards for Investigative Business Journalism.

Opportunity for writer/researcher in New York

2009-10-29T15:26:00.001-07:00

Here's an interesting post I came across today for a writer/researcher based in New York. It lacks in details, but my curiosity was piqued.

"Media company run by best-selling author and television journalist seeks highly intelligent, organized individual with outstanding writing and research skills. Journalism experience and knowledge of finance a plus, but not required. Exceptional compensation and benefits. Please send resume to: editresjj@gmail.com"

To see the original job post click here.

Hartford Biz Journal seeks creative editor

2009-10-29T15:19:00.000-07:00

The Hartford Business Journal, a 16-year-old weekly business to business newspaper serving Capitol region business executives, is looking for an editor.

The editor should have experience managing a team and "knows how to deliver news in an urgent and compelling style to our business readers in a multi platform suite of products."

For more info click here.

Columbia sees 39% hike in journalism grad school applicants

2009-10-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism saw a 39 percent increase in applications over the last year.

That's to spend $43,527 for a 10-month program for a master’s degree in an industry that is constantly the topic of debate ... a debate over its future.

There are 453 students currently enrolled in either a part-time or full-time program at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Those are the successful ones among that 39 percent increase in applicants.

More on Columbia's success in this Spectator article.