Are You Ready for Permanent Work-from-Home Editorial Staffing?
Over the past three months, as most editorial staffs settled into temporary work-from-home assignments, it became apparent that many such jobs could become permanent. Several of my tweets in May reflected concern that full-time work-from-home reality would affect management policies.
Another subject of my tweets in the past month was how competitive editorial analysis efforts might increase. This situation has prompted me to offer a refresher to all on competitive analysis strategy. Policy changes in how things are done will more likely impact hiring, field trip activity, and technology twists.
Daily Tweet report and monthly summaries like this one allow you to stay tuned. If you like what you see here, subscribe to my twitter feed.
I have been asked by another publishing group to lead a workshop covering application of quantitative principles to competitive analysis practices. B2B meeting planners probably should do likewise. Many can use the review.
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) May 29, 2020
Four Issues to Address with Work-from-Home Staffing https://t.co/u2uj9Aqr3B
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) May 27, 2020
This latest Online News Association president’s letter is a gem worth reading. It covers lots of important ground, especially if more work-at-home temporary locations become permanent!! https://t.co/0U4FlktY6e
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) May 21, 2020
How will current B2B editorial management dilemma be resolved when it comes to career outlook for bright beginners? If you fill all slots with experienced candidates, can you promise immediate upward mobility to all?
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) May 21, 2020
My B2B book — Get Serious About Competitive Editorial Analyjsis — is now being offered at a reduced price. For more details https://t.co/tpUVZeL7EM Quantitative match-up of you vs. opposition is about to become more urgent.
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) May 18, 2020
At least 20% of each issue’s total content should provide infographics: flow charts, financial tables, step-by-step photo essays, checklists, other reference devices. The 20% target should be a cinch. But lots of mags miss the boat.
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) May 14, 2020
Overuse of “shotgun” editorial content will work against you during future competitive match-ups. The key give-away is chief editor columns that rarely tackle insider concerns. Another likely flaw: articles lacking instructive value.
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) May 14, 2020
Permanent full-time staffs working at home may not be the wave of the future for B2B editorial managers. But it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. There’s plenty of background info available. Here’s one example: https://t.co/P4EX0rupl5
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) May 14, 2020
One way to track editorial staff performance at any industry meeting is via a tailored expense account form requiring attendees to list all show-sourced articles planned (and the specific issue in which such coverage will appear).
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) May 13, 2020
Mediocre editorial publications have survived this long only because of inadequate competition. As many industries are beset by new competitors — especially where digital media is concerned — industry leadership will change hands.
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) May 13, 2020
If full-time editorial staffs working from home becomes permanent, job descriptions must be rewritten. So start now. Develop standards for reasonable average output per month expressed in pages or inches for each staff member.
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) May 13, 2020
In-house webinars beamed primarily at off-site editorial staffs could become a major training vehicle. Editorial managers could lead periodic online sessions covering everything from basics reviews to competitive match-ups.
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) May 12, 2020
What’s the future for J-school grads seeking B2B careers? Seems like the issue is unsettled. Will employers give priority to wooing bright beginner?. Or instead prefer to choose from increased number of experienced types?
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) May 11, 2020
I’d like to write an article for my Web site about how best to handle training entry-level editorial staff in today’s growing work-at-home environment. If available for phone interview, e-mail editsol1@optimum.net.
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) May 6, 2020
Any B2B publication that has developed its own ethics code should be thinking ahead about possible changes involving editorial marketing issues. National association ethics committees should hasten to do likewise.
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) May 6, 2020
Many job hats B2B editors have been wearing may soon be out of date. Here’s a review of where we stand now:https://t.co/saiUMTXXKc Some new developments on the horizon may force dramatic management changes.
— Howard Rauch (@fogindex8) May 4, 2020