A View from 360 Degrees

An excerpt from the about section of Comcast/NBC’s “The More you Know” website reads: For more than two decades, NBCUniversal’s Emmy award-winning The More You Know public service campaign has given viewers easy-to-use, concrete, manageable steps to help set realistic change in motion.

A great concept when it comes to the world of PSA’s that has certainly been impactful. You are probably thinking already where is this going. Well, I want you to apply that same concept to yourself when it comes to your role of creating content especially video. It’s time to address “The More you Know.” How much do you know that’s actually helping to spark improvement? Is your knowledge helping the company reach its goals of quality and relevancy?

Screen Shot 2014-01-08 at 1.46.33 PM

Over the past 13 years, I have been fortunate to work in broadcasting and media in various capacities. I have been a part of the digital evolution of the internet and the changing landscape when it comes to how things are created and shared. Something that’s hard to summarize when you’ve lived it.

I can look back with certainty and come to the conclusion that it has put me in the position I hold today — Co-Founder of a company that specializes in social media and video production. Our strong suit is visual storytelling, something that is supported by 11 years in television and a handful of years doing freelance video projects. Would I have guessed I would be where I am three years ago? Not at all. Did I ever plan to work in TV? Nope, but it has been an exciting journey.

When I started in television, the idea of posting stories to the internet was a new concept and that wasn’t even that long ago. When I left, whole broadcasts were available online.  Now, station websites and social channels are a source of 24/7 news and information. My first exposure to populating content to a website took place in 2003 during my first full-time job. From there, things took off in multiple directions.

Screen Shot 2014-01-08 at 1.47.30 PM

I was pretty much self-educated when it comes to shooting video after absorbing tips from a few senior photographers at the station. I will be forever be in debt to them for giving me a solid foundation when it comes to the fundamentals. I of course enjoyed writing stories and being on-air, but the job demanded much more than that.

Over the years since, I have strengthened my skills when it comes to visual composition, editing, writing, shooting and on-air delivery. Reps are a big part of growing, but you still need to critique, observe and indulge in different areas of the process. I have been a yes man most of my life and that has led to competence editing on four different editing platforms and exposed me to different types of situations. A mentor told me a long time ago, say yes and go figure it out. That might be scary, but it’s a great way to promote personal growth. Hint: it should be something you already understand a little.

You might say well you were forced to do all these different things. There is a yes and no aspect to that question. The yes is that I was forced to add different tasks and aspects to my plate. The no pertains to the fact that I didn’t have do it well and could have probably slid by just fine doing a mediocre job for the immediate future.  However if I would have ultimately settled for the status quo, I can say with confidence that I wouldn’t be in a position to lead a company that is growing in so many areas. It doesn’t make it any less challenging, but it does add a sense of peace in truly believing in what you’re doing for clients. It’s a confidence that I can carry into a conversation every time I look a client in the eye. I relish the ability to see things from a 360 degree view when it comes to video.

Staying relevant is part of the game and because I accepted the challenge of learning new things, I continued to be a valuable ingredient in somebody’s plan. I became versatile.

My goal of this blog wasn’t to share all the things I’ve done — but rather share the positive of learning multiple skills well. I am a proponent that you should specialize in one thing, but there is no reason that you can’t be really strong in other related areas. It may take time, but don’t frown on the idea of picking up something new. Having a complete view of the process is critical when it comes to being a consummate team player. You’ll also have a greater appreciation for what others are doing. It will keep your stock high within the company and add credibility when dealing with clients. Bringing a 360 degree view is immeasurable. Start working on developing yours.

 

SHARE ON:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Subscribe to the Spiracle Media newsletter to stay up to date and informed with all our latest content.

get in touch

Please take some time to tell us about your latest project or partnership that we can help you with. You can also call us at 1-844-774-7225. If this is a job inquiry, please send an email directly to info@spiraclebuzz.com.