During the Unity Journalists of Color Conference last week, the panelists on the “I Am My Own Boss” seminar set out to ease the fears and inspire the anxioius group of journalists attending the 8:30am session.

As moderator of the 90-minute session, my goal was to make sure we provided some practical advice to anyone who is currently running their own business, has recently been laid off or bought out or is just trying to plan for the future.  What was clear during the conference is that while there is a great deal of enthusaism about the craft of journalism and its mission, there is an equal amount of anxiety about the future of the industry.  That sentiment is echoed by media executives, veteran editors/reporters/producers and young journalists.

Thanks to Sidmel Estes-Sumpter, president of BreakThrough and veteran broadcast executive; David Honig, executive director, Minority Media and Telecommunications Council and the panel’s sponsor, Janice Bryant Howroyd, president and CEO of Act*1 Personnel Services and author of an upcoming book, “The Art of Work, How t Use What You Got to Get What You Want”.  

In three posts, you’ll read the advice of each of the panelists.  What’s clear from each expert is that they are driven to succeed by their desire to make an impact in what they do and to help others.  What’s critical are five basic steps:

* Take out a blank sheet of paper now and write down what you’re good at and what you need to do better.

* On another sheet of paper, write down a simple personal mission statement that describes what you personally want to accomplish with your life.

* Create a ‘board of advisors’ that become your mentors.  These are friends, family or colleagues who you can share ideas, brainstorm and who will challenge you to think and exceed your limits.

* Open your mind to the possibilities. Free yourself of your fears to explore what’s possible, and you’ll be amazed at how excited about your future you’ll be.

Now, read more from our panelists:

Sidmel Estes-Sumpter, David Honig & Janice Bryant Howroyd.

Some useful books: