We tried something new at our 2019 Super Niche event a couple of weeks ago, and it was awesome.
The inaugural Women in Publishing Summit kicked off on Monday March 18th to a sold out room of smart publishing peeps: young women just starting out in the industry, female managers and owners ready to share their expertise, and yes, some supportive male colleagues who get that women are a huge part of niche media success!
The Future of Media
The goal was simple: empower women in publishing with career skills and industry insights, plus connect Mentees with Mentors for career development.
We covered negotiation skills, and using feedback to foster communication at your company. We also had insightful sessions on entrepreneurial opportunities, managing work-life balance, and creating adaptive culture that drives company growth and develops amazing employees. Plus two lively discussion groups centered on job functions and career development!
All of the sessions addressed skills that younger women usually (maybe) learn as they go, and issues experienced female executives often struggle with as they advance. And all of these skills and insights also support media company growth — good stuff!
Here are my top 5 takeaways from this amazing day of connections and training:
1. Women have more opportunities than ever before in publishing.
Event management and audience development have traditionally been dominated by female employees. With the recent revenue focus on these departments, those job roles are now developing grounds and promotional ladders for women. Understanding digital tools and products is also an opportunity for design and sales roles.
2. Communication is critical for effective work and business growth.
Creating adaptive cultures with consistent and constructive feedback empowers employees to do their best work, and drives new ideas and innovation for your magazine and brand. Embracing changing markets, tech shifts, or economic challenges pulls teams together and creates new opportunities.
Quick stat: 78% of happy and engaged employees are brand advocates for their company. (KPMG)
3. Niche publishing is the perfect “beaker” for female entrepreneurs.
With its mix of creative and analytical thinking, and small teams/”many hats” in edit, sales, marketing, and operations, niche publishing creates the ideal environment for women to launch publishing careers. Whether starting their own magazine or thinking “like a boss” to advance their current company’s growth, niche media is creating serious female leaders!
4. Work/Life Balance is not just a catchphrase.
A commitment to work/life balance signals to employees that they are trusted and valued, and demonstrates empathy. Recognizing employees as people with lives outside of their work hours encourages personal and professional development. And it can take a lot of forms that work with your company demands and for your staff. Think remote work, flex time, policies that encourage “right to disconnect”, a culture of “time off” or sabbatical, and more.
Quick stats: A happy workforce can create a 37% increase in sales, 31% increase in productivity, and 19% increase in accuracy. (Shawn Anchor, The Happiness Advantage)
5. Women support women – and publishing benefits.
The Women in Publishing roundtables are the proof here. Female executives and rising stars talked about media career options, driving revenue, managing teams, handling communication challenges, and developing products…inspiring!
Huge thanks to all our Women in Publishing speakers and sponsors, plus our amazing attendees. And if you sent your female rock stars to the Summit, don’t be surprised at all the ideas and growth coming your way!
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More about Kristi: Kristi Dougherty is the Content Queen (VP, Marketing & Programs) for Niche Media’s unique and dynamic conferences and resources for niche publishers. She has worked in media since the heady days of dot com magazines in the 90s and managed B-to-B, consumer, and association publications and events. Kristi has spoken at many media conferences, including Niche. When she isn’t obsessing over email design and building the perfect event agenda, she is hiking, snowshoeing, cooking, reading and napping. Sometimes all in one day.
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Niche Media has the best events, education, and training in media! Our super niched-out events & content give target-audience publishers in the B2C, hobbyist, B2B, city & regional, and association markets the tools they need to build revenue, audience, and more.
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