Amani Channel's presentation from the 2009 NABJ Conference in Tampa, FL. Channel shares tips and techniques to help journalists survive life after news.

1. Lost Your BeatLand on Your Feet2009 NABJ Conference Amani Channel www.visualeyemedia.com www.myurbanreport.com

2. About Amani Freelancer – Broadcast Journalist/VJ Graduate Student Award-Winning Video Producer Blogger – Social Media Practitioner Teacher-Media Trainer

3. Lost My Beat ‘97 Graduated from University of Florida BS Telecomminication:Production ‘97-98 WJLA-TV (Washington, DC) ’98-’06 WTVT-TV (Tampa, FL) ’06-’07 Black Family Channel (Atlanta, GA) BFC was sold in May ‘07

4. Landed on My Feet ’04-Present: Graduate School Univ. of South Florida ‘06 created www.myurbanreport.com ‘07 – Present: Self-Employed (Visual Eye Media) Freelance Reporting/VJ Produced Award-winning videos Media Consulting Public Speaking Teaching Contract Work

5. Keys to Success Focus on Passions Positive Attitude Education Networking - Relationships Professional Work Social Media

6. Identify Passions What do you love to do? What are your hobbies? What are your natural gifts? What are your strengths?

7. Positive Attitude Meditate on your goals Affirmations Visualizations Read books about Inspiring people Keep knocking, talking, searching

8. Education Training/Certification Graduate Degree License

9. Networking/Relationships Join professional organizations Attend business networking events Follow up/lunch/coffee/e-mail/social media Build a positive rapport

10. Professional Work Be an expert in the service you are offering Offer free advice/services Deliver on time and on budget Exceed your client’s expectations

11. Social Media Understand how to leverage social networks LinkedIN – Professional/Business Facebook – Personal/Professional Twitter – News/Branding/PR/Conversations Blog - Establish your personal brand - Community building - R.O.I. (Return on Influence)

12. Final Thoughts Job Opportunities: Web analytics, social media, community & content management. Build & expand your network. This is the time to expand your horizons. If you don’t adapt you will become obsolete. You are a moment away from your next opportunity.

13. Thank You! Amani Channel www.visualeyemedia.com www.myurbanreport.com achannel@visualeyemedia.com (404) 213-2121