So I attended a freelancing workshop at the LA Times today, my first step toward pursuing my ambitions as a freelance journalist. I didn't know quite what to expect, whether this would be an informal gathering or a ridiculously formal networking opportunity, and so, armed with resumes and a notepad, I drove 10 minutes downtown to the imposing building and clacked my way across the front lobby to the press room on the first floor.
The other attendees represented a wide range of ages, experiences, and above all else, attitudes. It was easy to tell, based on the way that the other journalists interacted, who was there out of interest in the panelists' advice, and who was there solely for the sake of networking. A woman I befriended before the workshop began had been working as on-air talent in the Hong Kong market for seven years and had just recently moved back to the States in hopes of establishing her name here. Even so, though I knew that she was friendly because she was hoping to establish connections, her banter revealed that it wasn't the only reason why she was so conversational.
Even with so much experience under her belt - she had worked for several different stations within the States prior to her move to Asia - she genuinely wanted to hear about my own experiences, my internships, the stories that I'd covered in my few measly years as a "journalist." It was refreshing to meet someone who really took to heart the idea that journalism, at its core, is about always learning and asking and absorbing new ideas, not about competition and getting ahead and chucking other people under the bus if it meant getting the story.
I always feel pretty dang tool-ish at networking events, because though I know that the purpose is to establish connections with other writers, publicists and talent, I can't help feeling like I'm selling out a little bit every time I shake a new hand and talk about my accomplishments. It's not in the Asian American nature to toot your own horn, but in freelancing, it's really about branding yourself, your writing and your ideas, as well as acting as your own PR representative. All while staying grounded.
The panelists, comprised of freelance writers, videographers and editors, proved that it is possible to strike that happy balance, however. Albert Kim, who has written and acted as editor at Sports Illustrated, ESPN, Details, People and Entertainment Weekly, among other publications, was the most down-to-earth, normal guy I had ever met (relatively speaking, of course). He hasn't let success get to his head and is constantly on the lookout for the next step in his career - he's since switched careers to be a television writer.
What made these people so successful was that they kept their eyes on the goal and believed in the work they were doing, rather than doubting themselves and scuffling along just for the profit at the end of the day. They really believed in the story of the four-minute mile, of the British man who defied critics and ran a four-minute mile, and how, once that mental barrier was broken, tons of other people began to follow suit. The panelists talked about pushing past minor setbacks and temporary delays because the only thing that mattered in the end was having that final goal clearly imprinted in their minds' eye.
Suffice it to say, after today's panel, I walked away inspired. I really admire people who are able to make a living from freelance work - it speaks leaps and bounds of not only their writing skills, but also their people skills. I'm excited to get started.
