Personal Branding Blog – Dan Schawbel

Today I speak with Daniel Honigman about his transition from a typical role in traditional media (print) to a brand new role at a traditional media company as a social media coordinator.

Daniel is a Chicago-based writer, photographer, blogger and avid Mets fan. I first met Daniel when he was working as a staff writer for Marketing News (AMA’s publication). He has since transitioned into a completely new role in a different company. Right now he is a social media coordinator for the Chicago Tribune Online. So far in his new role he has leveraged social media to increase page views by 7% and increased overall brand presence for the site. Of course Dan has a presence on social networks, such as Facebook and LinkedIn. He also has his own blog under his brand name.

1) How has your age give you opportunities in the workplace, but has also been an obstacle for you as you have progressed in your career?

In the social media world, and even in the journalism world, age is an asset. Companies are looking for fresh employees with new ideas, and media companies especially are looking for ways to tap into savvy audiences.

But while it’s a good place for me to be right now, my career path won’t be completely paved with gold. If a company is looking for someone with 5-7 years of experience, I don’t have it. Seven years ago, I was a pretty typical, hormonal high school junior.

2) How has your writing developed over time and has blogging helped hone your skills?

Brevity is next to godliness, especially on the Web. While I haven’t blogged as much I would like lately — it comes with the territory of being a working stiff — I’ve immersed myself more and more in Twitterland. While blogging helps me maintain focus on several topic areas, I feel Tweeting keeps me honest.

3) What is different about your previous role at Marketing News, from your new one at the Tribune? How has your old job prepared you for your new one?

At Marketing News, I worked primarily as a reporter and blogger. My news judgment became better, and I picked up some tips from the marketing business.

As a social media strategist for the Chicago Tribune, I’m constantly in the social media realm. My news judgment has become much sharper, because I know what works on the Web. I know the type of content people want, and I know how they want to receive it. In short, my journalism experience has made helped me in the social media realm, and through my social media experience, I’ve been able to help journalists remain relevant.

4) What is your personal vision for the brand called Daniel Honigman? What steps and sacrifices are you willing to make to get there?

Ahh, the personal brand. My blog, DanielHonigman.com, is a professional blog with a personal twist, and that’s how I want to be known in the business world: a hardworking guy who takes a blue-collar approach to his work, all while enjoying an epicurean lifestyle.

It’s a lifestyle which isn’t easy for most 24-year-olds to maintain, but my cigar blogging pays for itself. Pretty lucky, I’d say, as cigars are something I’m passionate about.

As far as sacrifices go, well, I’ll know what to do when I get there.

5) What 3-5 tips do you have for people in college right now trying to find themselves?

• Have an open mind. Be willing to try new things. Just focus on doing the best work you can.
• Network. The job you definitely won’t get is the one you don’t know about.
• Passion. Be as passionate about your work as you are about your hobbies.
• Most of all, HAVE FUN. Do it for yourself, but you don’t want to be known as a workaholic who doesn’t know how to relax.