Week 6 Reflection
This week’s readings truly allowed me to dive deep into my goals as a journalist and what I may wish to do as a part-time “side hustle” alongside a potential corporate media career.
I truly can say that since my first internship in strategic communications at a DC-based public affairs firm, I knew the 9–5 life was something I enjoyed. As most entrepreneurs usually say the opposite, I thrive off routine and being able to separate work from play and building a schedule suited toward all I wanted to accomplish.
Prior to reading and listening to this week’s works, I would’ve told you that my side hustle would’ve probably been working front desk at a boutique fitness studio or clothing brand for some extra cash and for the added benefits. I had never considered how my personal interests outside of my work world could actually be incorporated within it.
Listening to the podcast for this week I was able to gain better insight on how Substack allows people to truly profit off things that benefit their niche interests as well as provide service to their readership. In light of what we read last week on service journalism, I realized there is a real area for growth within my niche area that could truly benefit others while having some fun along the way.
I’ve mentioned in previous posts how the fitness and wellness media arena is pretty crowded and doubted my ability to reach my target audience in a space where so much information already exists. But when I think about the payment aspect of Substack I am slightly discouraged seeing as most young women in college probably don’t have the expendable income to spend on a newsletter when so much free information already exists.
While I am still worried about these components, the readings gave me a better sense of how to present my ideas and format the issues people have in a way that could make them want to subscribe. As mentioned in “The Secrets of a Successful Newsletter,” I understand that if truly hit the niche category of young women who are in their “life after sports” phase, I can connect to a strong readership. I realize the key is getting vulnerable and personal, and that those who are struck by my own stories will serve as the core of my own readership. As was said on the podcast, it’s not always about how many subscribers you have, but how engaged your subscribers are. While I know my niche is quasi-specific, I know that if I had stumbled upon someone’s story like mine when I was a high school senior or college freshman, I’d surely like to learn more, even if it cost me a little bit along the way.
