Courtesy of prosoundweb.com
Jello Biafra, a former lead singer for the punk rock band Dead Kennedys, once said, “Don’t hate the media; become the media.” The songwriter and political activist combined his bold ideas and artistic talent to impact the worlds of music and politics.
As you reflect on this year and prepare for the next, consider this: How will you become the media in 2015? Real change happens in your personal and professional life when you share your ideas with the world.
Identify one goal in your professional and personal life in which you want to make progress. Perhaps you want a better job or to promote a cause.
Now, list the people, resources, and actions with which you can make that goal happen. Be specific about how you will use communication to reach your goal. What action can you take or product can you make to speak to the world? What ideas, images, and strengths will you convey? What misunderstandings, assumptions, and weaknesses will you break down?
Here are some ways to create or revamp your message for the world. Which will add momentum to your goal?
- Article
- Artwork
- Biography
- Blog
- Book
- Brochure
- Business cards
- Case study
- Cover letter
- Email ad
- Facebook page
- Flyer
- Grant
- Header
- LinkedIn profile
- Logo
- Photograph
- Performance
- Press release
- Media kit
- Music
- Newsletter
- Radio spot
- Resume
- Signage for your place of business
- Speech
- Television spot
- Twitter account
- Video
- Website
Once you’ve nailed down your goal and the action you will take to reach it, set a deadline for yourself and ask someone to hold you accountable. If you have ideas but need help articulating them, consult with a writer. The right message with the right method will yield results. Share with me the results of your media in 2015!
Ella Hearrean of Stellar Communications is a Houston-based freelance editor and writer for companies, publishers, and other writers. Connect with her on LinkedIn or check out her website.