Editor's Note: Step Out of Bounds To Move Ahead

Enjoy a preview of the Creative Selling editor's note from the March issue of MacDonald.

Newspaper advertising today requires sales professionals to take on tasks that they may never had to deal with before, such as selling print and online ads or working both inside and outside sales. Most professionals are very proficient at one skill rather than both, which can cause problems when the newspaper industry is changing.
As an English major on the brink of graduating, I have focused my efforts on mastering multiple skills to make myself a more flexible job candidate. One of the challenges I took on was a minor in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. I have enjoyed the coursework because it involves subjects I enjoy; however, my professors ask me to solve problems that would never come up in writing classes.
To overcome the difficulty of subjects like Environmental Hydrology, I have to spend time going to help sessions to ask questions and work with classmates on assignments. Even though I might not become a hydrologist in the near future, I’m learning new ways to deal with any kind of situation.
Likewise, while you are working on ways to improve advertising rates and hone your selling skills, do not be afraid to ask for help. Collaborate with your coworkers and your sales manager to meet goals for the paper. Learn how to incorporate ideas into multiple situations.
And remember, the most difficult part of this challenge is dealing with trial and error. It took failing a few environmental questions before I fully understood how to apply the concepts in various problems. You will make advertising and marketing mistakes along the way as well, but if you keep an open mind and do not get overwhelmed it will all work out.

To problem solving,

Kaye Maloney
Editorial Intern