Author: sm75wright

Here is my second vlog with the lovely Joy Ogude, talking diversity, TV, breaking down barriers and a little bit more about me..

Hope you enjoy it!

Simon x

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CQqEn36l82g 

 

So, I’ve branched out and made a video with the lovely Joy Ogude.. I’ve joined the modern age of vloggers. Don’t worry I’ll still be sharing hints, tips, woes and advice ranging from the practical to the “don’t get me started” in writing just mixing it up with a video.

Have a wonderful day, it’s Friday always a good time to look at how the week has been and to be grateful. It’s all about the journey as I think Miley Cyrus once sang.. 

  
Check out the video 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=zLkB3ZK8EmM

You are either out of work, desperate to get to the next level or simply the thought of your current job fills you with dread and the only way to get by is to eat far too much chocolate and buy clothes online at lunchtime, so you decide to take action, find a new job! When we make that choice, our mind often wonders from “I know I’ll be fine”, to “what if I’m not fine” to “oh my god I’m never going to find a job” and that cycle can go round and round in our heads until we do. This creates an unproductive sense of panic, which can have us over analysing our situation to such an extent that we are either not doing anything or not doing the right things

These are some of the processes that we go through that can hinder us. It’s about being aware of these and battling on through them. It’s your life, it’s your decisions as Miss Janet Jackson said once, it’s about taking control.

Stick with what you know

You’ve always wanted to be doing a completely different career, in fact you are so bored in your career and so far into your comfort zone, that you can do it all with out thinking, whilst slurping tea, sorting out an excel spreadsheet and discussing the details of the previous Friday nights office party. You know where your passions lie and you know what you want to do, but there is a barrier that is telling you a big “hell no” right to your face.  This barrier might be for a million practical reasons, “I’d have to take a pay cut”, “I don’t know how to do that job” but your heart keeps going back to it. Now if you want to be a brain surgeon that’s going to take a lot of training but if your ambition is to work in television, then start by thinking, how can I do that? Would those super organisational skills, excel wizardry and budgeting experience actually be a real asset. Too often we talk ourselves out of something because it seems scary, it seems impossible or we think we just might be really successful but that will upset the status quo and I’ll be different from whom I was before.. And do I want to do that…?  So mix up your job search a bit and go for the things your gut is telling you to go for, even if you don’t get the jobs, get concrete feedback and learn from it. Far better to have thrown yourself into it, than to stick with the same and bemoan the fact that you did nothing to change the situation.

I just need to tell myself I’m applying for stuff

We all do this, scour linked in and the Internet, casually see a job that we are interested in and just click on the link and there we are faced with a long application form. We ask ourselves can I really be bothered going into all that effort for a job I probably won’t get.  So what do we do, we rush through the applI cation, our aim is simply to get it completed, so we make a half hearted attempt. Then we think once we’ve got that out of the way we can reward ourselves with a glass of wine, or a packet of biscuits and the whole new season of Orange is the new black. What we are doing is we are creating a self fulfilling prophecy, we don’t think we will get the job so we don’t make the effort and then we don’t get the job. Applications are not a race, really take your time and reflect yourself in the best light, and if you really don’t want to do the job then don’t apply, don’t do it as a sense of numbers game, I just have to apply for anything mentality. As someone who has seen thousands of applications and cvs, you can really tell the people that have done their home work and taken their time and really want the job.  Yes, you need to apply for jobs, but do it wisely and put in your best effort for each job.

I bet someone else is going to get the job

I have seen this a million times and have even gone through this process myself, I won’t apply as I’m not good enough, someone else is going to get the job, or the popular “I bet they’ve got someone internally in mind for this job”. When you have these thoughts ask yourself “can I absolutely, honestly know that to be true?” I bet you can’t honestly say that that is definitely the truth. If you want to apply for that job then just blooming well do it. Don’t listen to those negative thoughts in your head. Equally and I’ve seen this a lot in television, other people can throw shade on your chances, “well Annie really deserves that job, she’s practically doing it and has been in the company for five years”. You need to block these comments out, be humble and diplomatic but still go for it. I’m a big fan of simply saying “the best person will get the job” that might be me, but time will tell. Don’t not apply for something because you think it’s going to annoy a friend, no one is owed or deserves the job they are applying for. Be grown up about it.

I’m not right for the company because…

I’d love to work in tv but I’m not cool enough, not attractive enough, too dumb, too smart, too fat, too alternative, from the wrong background, I don’t look like anyone that works there, they won’t hire me because of my gender, disability, sexuality, race, accent, age etc etc. We have these conversations in our head about our perceived truths about working in a particular company but we’ve never worked there, so how do we know them to be true. We may know people who’ve worked there, who’ve had bad experiences, who have worked with difficult people and clashed, but that is there experience, not your own. Some of their opinions may be valid but that does naturally equate to you having the same experience. Sometimes the thing that you feel sets you most apart can actually be your greatest asset. Never be ashamed of who you are, or feel like you need to dim your shine, or posh it up to succeed, focus on getting the job, doing a great job and then let the rest unravel.

So don’t talk yourself out of it, whether that be due to fear of failure, fear of success or fear of change.. Your life is constantly changing so run with it and know it’s all meant to be.. Now put that cup of tea down, switch of those dancing cats on YouTube and focus on your future.

You are starting your career, you’ve hustled and interviewed, sat down for numerous cups of coffee with people and smiled earnestly and nodded in the right places and now it’s your time. You’ve got your first job in tv/advertising/Pr/ fashion/ digital (delete as appropriate) or you are taking the city by storm in a power suit and a serious hairstyle. That sense of accomplishment is often sat along aside a feeling of dread, I feeling of “will I fit in” or “will I have to change”. Life really isn’t Legally Blonde where a few bend and snaps, a congenial smile and a determination to wear pink coupled with being good at your job wins everyone round. Sometimes being good at your job isn’t good enough and anything that makes you stand out can be held against you, it can be like high school where only the popular survive. Now I am exaggerating but one of the things I’m asked is, how to maintain  who i am? How to I keep my authenticity in what to many is a fake and shiny world.

Here are a few hints and tips if you are feeling like Ugly Betty arriving at her first day at Mode in a poncho..remember as well she turned it around!

Appreciate how far you’ve come

Ok so you’ve been hired for your talent, you’ve been hired for who you are! That includes you as a person, your personality.  Give yourself a pat on the back and always remember, people rarely if ever get hired just because there was no one else or just because the interviewer thought you were a nice person. Remember you are also new, so take your time to get to know people, suss the office environment, see what’s going on. Don’t go in there lording it up or trying to be everyone’s best friends like Kesha pre rehab. Just observe, engage and you’ll find your way.

Is it really fake? 

Think about your perceptions before you start the job and ask yourself “do I know that to be true?” What you’ve gaged about working in that particular industry have you gained that from the tv, from the press, from friends and family, “Steven worked in TV, he became so full of himself” or “its cutthroat in the city, working all hours, drugs, strippers and lots of sums” They might be someone’s experiences but they are not your experiences. Even if you’ve worked in the industry for a while, you can have a perception of a new company based on what you’ve heard, that may turn out to be your experience but it also might not. I also think if you start a job with the mindset that the company and the people will be a certain way then inevitably I think you will be surprised when that doesn’t materialise.

Cliques

When you are new the attraction of cliques can seem like the answer to your prayers. A whole ready made group of friends that you can go for lunch with, go down the pub with, share your secrets with. Often when we start our careers we blur the personal and the professional. Don’t get me wrong you can make some wonderful friends at work I know I have, just be mindful that you are hanging out with people that are supportive of you and are authentic in themselves. I’ve seen many a young runner be devastated when the runner they thought was there pal has thrown them under the bus, or made out with their boyfriend, or cut them off because they are going for the same job as you. In the eyes of Managers you can be seen as part of a clique and that may make them believe that you take on the traits of the rest of the group. This doesn’t necessarily have to be bad, but it’s not great being seen as the bitchy group, or the party hard group or the lazy group.

Bitchiness

It’s very easy to be drawn into those “you’ll never guess what Sharon did on Friday night conversations”  We’ve all done it, the thrill of finding out about someone’s mishaps is often what bonds people together. I’d also say though if they are all talking about Sharon then the likelihood is they will talk about you at some point. In these situations and particularly when you are new, it’s hard to say “that’s mean, please stop talking about Sharon” because then all the attention is drawn to you and you have just highlighted to people that what they are actually doing isn’t nice. When this is done people react defensively or lash out. I’ve found myself in these situations and I’ve just kept quiet, I’ve kicked myself later at not speaking out but felt the safest way was to do that, to not condone the bitchiness but also not to draw attention to the bad behaviour. That is probably cowardly but navigating around the politics of the office it felt appropriate at the time.  Remember to like who you like, and be true to yourself, i was sat at work and everyone was talking about festivals and hipster bands, all great but I had not heard of many of them. When asked what gig I was next going to I replied Taylor Swift, which was met with derision but it was the truth and besides you can really sing along with Taylor.

Competitiveness

The work place is a competitive place and at times your values and ethics are called up to be accounted for.  Ask yourself honestly do you treat people the way that you would like to be treated? Blaming someone else but get you off the hook but it won’t make you allies. If you’ve made a mistake sometimes the best thing is to just be open about it. It gets tricky though when someone throws you under the bus for something that you didn’t do. React calmly and relay your version of events but remember karma is a bitch and they’ll get their just desserts in due time.

It’s ok though to be competitive, but be competitive with yourself. Challenge yourself to do better, make sure you are doing the best job you can. Then you’ll shine. Making someone feel insecure or belittling someone might get you ahead in the short term but in the long term it will be remembered and you never know when you need to relay on someone for a job. So play nice, be nice and compete with yourself. Do that in your way, people can say you are too soft, too trusting, too bullish, too whatever but focus on the actions that you are doing not on your personality. Your personality is fine, just look at your communication skills and think am I getting my point of view across in the most effective way.

Booze and drugs

The workplace can be a hot bed of booze and drugs, those we are all heading down the pub for a cheeky pint, can soon see you rolling home at midnight on a regular basis. It can feel that I need to be seen at the pub in order to be seen that I am serious about my job. It’s all about networking. What though if you don’t drink or don’t want to drink? You shouldn’t be made to feel that you have to, ask yourself how often are you prepared to socialise with work.? Don’t feel peer pressured into drink or drugs, I worked at one company where drug talk was as rife as talking about making tea. That really shocked me and having never taken drugs or never had the inclination to (I’m not being judgemental that’s just how I feel for me) I was made to feel like I was uncool.

Don’t  be apologetic for not wanting to go to the pub, just be honest about it, “I don’t drink but if love to grab lunch” short and simple usually works.

Work/life balance

The world of media can mean long hours, busy days and often difficult people. As deadlines need to be meet and tempers get frayed it can be easy to lose any perspective of work/life balance. When in reality this is probably the time that you need it most. Find time to relax, to do the things that you enjoy. When working on a busy production that can become your life, but if you just want to go home and exercise, or read a book or mediate for half an hour then it’s really important that you do. I think during these times its good when you can to see friends and family who don’t work in the industry. This will give you a real sense of perspective and also won’t draw you into work type conversations. It’s easy to head to booze or cake in these times but eating healthily and exercise will calm you, and fuel you to be more dynamic the next day.

So you may need to adapt to navigate the complexities of the work place, but always remain true to yourself. Focus on the work that you are doing and avoid a compulsion to be something that you are not. What really worked for Elle Woods in Legally Blonde was being herself, that’s what made her a hot shot lawyer after all!

“I think you’d be great at that job?” My friend said to be as we put the world to rights over a glass of wine and a bowl of fries.. Not our most healthy evening but a good friend and great conversation can leave you feeling empowered. A couple of days later I sat down to write my application, I went through the job spec, and my instant reaction was “oh I don’t have that, I can’t do that, why did she think I could do that job”. I’ll look at that application later I told myself. Suddenly those book shelves needed dusting, the bathroom floor needed mopping and those cupboards that had been totally fine for weeks needed reorganising. I was procrastinating to my best ability.. Combined with the wonderful world of social media I could find a million excuses to not do what I was supposed to do? But why was I doing this? I could easily fill in the application form, I am sure I could do the job, but there was my inner voice saying “you ain’t good enough for this” and then when I thought about getting the job I felt like I’d almost be a fake, and would be easily rumbled by everyone. Foolish I know but that upsetting the status quo stopped me from applying which I later kicked myself about.. 

It’s interesting people talk about fear of failure but often it’s fear of success which reigns predominately in people’s heads.. Why? Because if you are successful, things change, you become more accountable, people will react differently to you and your relationships will change. What we neglect to tell ourselves that this is always for the better. The journey we take in life should have been many twists and turns and at each turn a lesson should be learnt, you don’t want your whole life to be like being stuck on an escalator never getting to the first floor, do you?? 

The things that you want to change, often fuelled by the perceived wonderful lives your friends are having, dance around your head like moths at a window banging against the glass. You are so consumed by what’s not there you forget about the great qualities you have. There is so much i should and I want rather than I do and I am… Because if I change the way things are then I’m out of my comfort zone and your head is filled with what ifs.. Think less about what’s gone before and where you should be in six months time and ask yourself what can I do today.. Even if it’s just one simple thing then do it and then congratulate yourself, then set a goal for tomorrow and before you know it your life has transformed without you even realising it.

There is a song by Paula Cole called “Me” and there is a line in there that says, ” It’s me who makes the monsters, me who stoops my confidence”. You deserve success, all of you do, with that comes hard work but don’t be deterred by your internal saboteur.. Simply say hell yeah I’ll give it a go! 

Don’t be frightened by success, know yourself, stay focused and determined, and persevere.. Learn from it all and you’ll get where you need to go!

  

You’ve always been one of the gang, the first to get a round in at the pub, the first to laugh Whilst reminiscing about how that one drink after work ended up at a nightclub getting too flirty with Tina from accounts. You’re popular in the office, a person that is liked for who you are, but also because you do a good job. As a reflection of your hard work you are offered a promotion, amazing, everyone celebrates and says you deserve it. Before you know it you are back in that nightclub (although Tina has moved on) and you feel like Leo in Titanic.. “King of the world” .. But like Leo there is a sense of impending doom, not in a why didn’t Kate just shuffle up a bit on that bit of wood as there was room for two, but you think “can I bloody do this job?”

You turn up at work on the Monday morning waiting for the banter to commence, for life to continue as being “one of the gang” when you realise that Steve and Sue (your work besties) are now people that you have to manage. Can you still be their friend? How do you get them to do the job they are doing and still be their friend..? Is that even possible? It’s a difficult journey as in your eyes you think I’ve not changed but your boss is expecting you to deliver and your team to deliver and you are now not just responsible for your work but the teams work as well..  Your team still think you are one of the gang and some are going to think he’s going to go easy on us, or others might think you’ve got a bit too high and mighty or some might sit there in silence, judging and waiting for you to fail as they quite frankly could do a better job. So how do you gain credibility fast and respect but without losing your total identity.. Fun time Frank on Friday doesn’t want to be totally corporate spice come Monday lunchtime, it’s about finding the right balance.

Know what’s expected of you in the role

When you get that promotion, sit down with your boss and get your objectives, have a clear understanding of what you need to achieve and what the team need to achieve. Get timescales and make sure you know what’s expected. Ask questions, people will not expect you to know everything. Obviously you’ll want to put your own stamp on it, but be mindful of what has gone on before and make positive change rather than change for changes sake. Make sure that you take your team along with you during this cycle of change.. People react very differently to change and even though they have been your friends they may well be resentful of the sudden upheaval and may well be wishing things were as they were before. 

Always remember as well you’ve been given this job because you are the best person and are deemed capable. It’s very easy for us to look through rose coloured glasses at our previous roles where we were emerged in our comfort zone. Remember you were bored and wanted to be pushed, you are ambitious and smart and you can do this.. So avoid the cycle of doom where those voices in your head believe that it is some freak accident that you’ve ended up where you are.. Along with this comes the voices of paranoia.. You feel that you are just waiting to be caught out.. Well remember you are doing this job and you can do it well…focus on that.

Know what’s expected of the team

Have a clear idea of what your teams roles are and what is expected of them, are they achieving that? What other factors are going on to affect them… Even when you’ve been working alongside someone for years the shift in power can affect the relationship. Big Hellos and banter in the pub can be replaced with a frosty professionalism and so much shade it’s like the blinds are permanently drawn. Remember this attitude is about them and not you. Be professional don’t over compensate but also don’t change who you are..

Communicate, communicate communciate

Nothing breeds suspicion more in a team than a lack of communication. People love to gossip and speculate and innocent requests to do something can be seen in a multitude of ways. Give the team the biggest picture you can and be as transparent with them as you can. I’m mindful that this won’t always be possible but when a team know the reasons behind something they are more likely to get on board. 

Have regular meetings with the team both as a team and as individuals, be open with them and most importantly LISTEN.. Address concerns but don’t dismiss them, but at the same point ensure that the work gets done.. This is a tricky tightrope to cross.. You may well have a voice screaming in your head “just bloody do it!” Or pressure from your managers but listen, take on board, question and then empower them to do it!

Empower your team

Make your team feel as though they can be part of the change, that their ideas will be listened to and taken seriously. Listen to their ideas and get them to develop themselves, ensure that they come to you with solutions rather than expecting you to answer all the questions. Sometimes it’s much easier to just tell them exactly what to do but if you let them develop their own ideas and come to you with them and they know you’ll support them, well then you are going to have a more motivated team. Some people are reluctant to this, they want to stay in their comfort zone, to have a quiet life and that’s fine. Change can be a scary business but you just need to be open with them and get them to see the benefit in them stepping outside of their comfort zone.. Let them know you are on their side, you want to develop them and that you are open to their ideas.

Tell them what’s expected and when they don’t meet the mark

Make sure there is no ambiguity in terms of their tasks, be very clear as to what you want them to do, let them know when you need it done by and if appropriate tell them why you need it done.. At the same point if they are not doing what you asked then tell them. Not in a “don’t make me come over there!” In front of everyone else kind of way. Take them to one said and ask them why it hasn’t been done and what constraints they had, be open and honest but also let them know where they have made mistakes. Over the years I’ve spoken to so many managers who are scared of any form of confrontation who won’t tell someone they are not doing something. This results in the team thinking they can slack or simply being unaware they aren’t doing what they are supposed to. 

Equally when they do something good, beyond or are simply just super helpful then let them know.. We can often be sat at work unsure of what are bosses are thinking of us so if you feel they are doing a great job then tell them so..

Be human

You don’t have to totally change don’t come in on Friday as everyone’s mate and then on Monday as a cross between Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada and Alexis Carrington.. You don’t need to change your personality, you can still be you. Your team will respect the human side to you.. It’s a fine line as they expect you to be strong and together so don’t be all ” I really don’t know what I’m doing lol” but just be you.

The journey from colleague to boss can be a bumpy ride, but be clear, be open and remember you are good at what you do and the road will be much smoother! 

  

I hope you’ve all read that and sung it a la Heather Small or as Miranda and Stevie in the sitcom “Miranda”. For those who have no clue as to what that sentence means then please resource google and YouTube and feel free to have a giggle.

Seriously though it’s December, Christmas is around the corner, you are thinking “what on earth can I buy for Auntie Pauline?” , “how on earth did I devour that tin of quality street in the office?” And “I wonder if I’ll get lucky at the Christmas office party”. Alternatively you are probably far less superficial and are contemplating good deeds and pious acts. Either way this time of year is always a time of reflection. The act of looking back on the year gone by can be cathartic, troubling, empowering or frustrating or all of the above depending on the year that you’ve had..but it’s important to do it nonetheless. We get so wrapped up in the day to day that we are often unaware of how far we’ve come. We focus on the things that we don’t have or the things that we feel out of our reach rather than looking at what a journey this year has been. Even in the worst of times looking back you can think to yourself “how did I cope with that”, well you did and you are stronger for it.

The same applies to work, you are much further along than you were last year so be proud of yourself for that. Grab a pen and a journal and write down your ten biggest achievements in 2014. These are for you so don’t compare yourself to anyone else, these can be big or small things but things that have given you steps towards being a better you. You might have written 100 application forms, had 25 interviews and you may still be trying but I can guarantee that you’ve learned something from the process. Forget what your family and friends say what are you personally proud of, what’s affected you in a positive way.

Tell your friends and family why you are proud of them this year, it doesn’t have to be totally Oprah and there don’t need to be tears but a few kind words and acknowledgement can really help.

Looking back at the year, looking at the lessons and hurdles will ultimately set you up for 2015, so get your pen and paper out again and write your wish list.. What do I want to achieve? Don’t be so rigid that you have to stick to this so firmly but at the same point don’t be too flimsy that you disregard everything the next day. Look at the list and ask yourself, what can I do this week to start myself on that journey..? Remember it takes baby steps but you’ll get there.

Think honestly what’s made me happy this year (and I don’t mean liquor and one night stands) and what has made me feel less than myself. This simple task can help you see where your passions and help you to start living the life you want rather than the life you feel like you should live.

So grab a glass of mulled wine, get that NSync Christmas album on the iPod and remember a year gone by. Be honest but be kind to yourself,

Merry Christmas and thank you for reading my posts and making me proud this year!

We get so used to do something a particular way that it almost feels natural, as if it’s automatic. That’s just the way we’ve always done it. It’s often the same in our relationships at work, we think because the boss has called us into a meeting that we are going to be in trouble, we sit and whinge about how awful our job is but then when someone does the same “oh she’s so negative”. We get bored so we get judgemental “she should not be wearing that!” Or gossipy ” she went home with Tim in accounts .. So slutty”. These behaviours become the norm of any office, and we feel like we need them to get through the day at times. We predict and react in a way that confirms our judgements, “oh I told you she was a bitch” “oh I can’t believe I have to work late”…

This happens in work places all over the world but what happens when we take ourselves out of this negative spiral, when we really begin to change it up! If we live our days just doing the best and being the best person we can at work then you will start to see those relationships change and that toxic environment that seemed so integral and important seems to melt away. People may continue to behave in the same way but all of a sudden it doesn’t really matter anymore. You start to see the behaviour more about them than yourself, bitching about Tracy from accounts might make you feel included, but how does Tracy feel? And how would you feel if these conversations were being had about you.

It’s great to have friends at work, close friends and you have that solidarity that helps you get through the day, nothing like a bit of banter and a laugh to get you through the day. There is nothing wrong with that, but open your eyes see who else is in the office, come into work in the morning and say hi to everyone and smile! Now some people might look at you strangely, might not respond, might think “what’s he after” but do it anyway. Those that back stab and plot and speak only to those who can further their career might get up the ranks quicker, but already they are being divisive in the office. Better to be remembered as someone who is decent. You,never know who you’ll be working with in the future so be nice to everyone. There will be people you like better than others that’s only natural and some people who really get on your nerves but being polite and professional will always see you through. Focus on the work and what you want to achieve and all will come good.

So when you find yourself getting into that negative spiral think to yourself “change it up” no I am not a victim, I choose to work here, I enjoy what I do and the people are great.. Or if it is awful in your head to work there then start putting out positive steps to change your career.. The worst thing you can do is fall into a work funk of negativity all you will then do is over analyse everything and turn situations into a drama. Believe me I’ve been there and whilst it can be fun and dramatic to do that, all you do is perpetuate your victim status.. Everyone is against me! You can find comfort in that but long term it keeps you right where you don’t want to be.

Changing it up can be hard as you are so used to your mind thinking a particular way. Some people practice positive affirmations, some like to break their day with exercise, some people just take a deep breath and think what would Oprah do? Whatever works for you. If this is not a job you enjoy think of this as part of your journey your to quote a Carrie Underwood song “your temporary home”. That can push you forward to think about your calls and to put steps out there to achieve them.. Don’t talk yourself out of this by thinking of every excuse which ultimately comes down to feelings of “not good enough” keep on keeping on and you’ll get there! Have faith in yourself!

So you’re a researcher, you’ve undoubtedly passed through the rite of passage of being a runner, or maybe that specialism in 19th century Russian literature has propelled you to your first researcher role. Either way you’ve got the job, you are well chuffed and you are raring to go! So what is going to make you stand out amongst the crowd? How are you going to play the game but be seen for all your hard work?

Here are a few hints and tips to get you noticed for all the right reasons, and get you on the right path for a long and wonderful career in television.

Triple check everything

Check check and triple check everything. Don’t rely on a whim or a hunch or a google search. Verify your facts and at least if possible with a variety of sources. Your producer will expect this and I know it sounds like common senses but you’d be surprised. Have you ever been sat at home and watched something and know the programme not to be factually correct, not often I imagine but when you do, you really remember. No doubt as well these times are usually accompanied by a string of letters to Points of view and the Daily Mail. If you are wanting to make a great first impression then get the detail right. This is even more especially important on consumer shows or current affairs shows, where incorrect information can result in legal action. If you are unsure then ask someone, ask how they would go about it, but make sure this doesn’t become a common occurrence as it will make you look incompetent.

Get to know your contributors

A contributor can look amazing on paper, that professor from Oxford to talk about Greek history for your BBC 4 doc, well this guys super qualified, the woman with OCD, but addicted to having sex whilst wearing oven gloves, brilliant for the obs doc.. They might well be, but dig a little deeper than an initial chat and some information. The team will expect and insist on this but sometimes when deadlines are looming and you want to get a contributor quickly you can go with what’s easiest. That can backfire on you. Always meet with people and screen test them, someone can be wonderful in person but put a camera in front of them and they can clam up, act strange, or talk in a fashion that really isn’t them. Now you know that, and you know to do that. Talk to them in a lot of detail about themselves, what they feel comfortable talking about, put the contributors at ease, be their friend. You are often the first person they meet and often the person they feel the most comfortable with. When you get bits of information, it’s imperative that you share this with the Producer, ie “Mary is ok with talking about this, but not this, or she feels better with only two people around when she is being filmed. Make them feel safe and that they are not being exploited. Sometimes it’s good to get them to reassert why they have agreed to do the documentary, what they want to go out of it. This gives them a bit of control and also makes for a better working environment.

The best researchers are the ones that are the most empathetic and the most socially aware. They know how to read a situation and how to respond in the most appropriate way. There is nothing more off putting for a potential contributor than a researcher who has no interest in them or patronises them or makes them feel stupid. You won’t always get on with your contributors and you won’t always be treated that well by them. If you show them respect though, value why they are there and do your homework about them, then the production will run much more smoothly.

Don’t rely on google

One of the pet hates of many a Series and Exec Producer is the researcher’s reliability on google. The need to stay at their desk surfing the net for information rather than pick up the phone and engage with people. Now many of the producers will have researched pre the launch of google and most will say there is no better research than speaking to someone, many people, going to libraries, checking records, verifying facts, and doing it all again. It’s often whilst doing this that you can come across new contributors or find different angles to the documentary that you would not find on the internet. By engaging with the experts you are more likely to find hidden gems and facts. So make sure your Series Producer sees you on the phone, surrounded by books and ultimately passionate about the documentary on fly fishing. Be passionate, have ideas but always back it up with evidence.

Be multi skilled

In this day and age it’s essential to be multi skilled. If you can shoot and edit amazing, you will be much more helpful on a shoot. If you have web skills then great start thinking about different platforms for the content. If you don’t drive, you are also at a distinct disadvantage. It doesn’t mean that you won’t get work but may limit some opportunities available. Think as a researcher, think outside the box. “Oh we are filming abroad and I speak the language” That could save on a translator. One of my former trainees whilst working on a hard hitting current affairs doc in Central America was the only person on the team who could speak Spanish. This saved so much time and also helped with the local fixer. She also gained instant credibility with the contributors and ultimately their trust. You’d be surprised by how your passion and knowledge for something can really help a production. A researcher on another current affairs programme on pay day loans had previously worked for a similar company and gained access and trust immediately. Simply because she’d been there, she knew the right questions to ask and was seen as “one of us” rather than some snotty researcher from a giant corporation. Don’t down play that, it’s essential when dealing with people.

Come up with alternative solutions

Production can change with the wind, contributors can drop out, access can fall through, budgets can be cut and weather can stop filming. The best researchers always have a back up plan and always come up with alternative solutions. So have that “save the day” mentality. Be careful not to tread on people’s toes or take over too much, but do try and save the day. Think about different locations for shooting, is there someone else that can come in and be filmed at short notice? Not always possible but if you’ve been speaking to a number of people it might be. Don’t be complacent and don’t think oh my job is done now. Think always how best can I help this production.

Be a team player

In television team work is essential. Long hours, time away filming, quite frankly people want to work with people that they know and trust. That are easy to get on with, can muck in and that can just really get on with it. Don’t be particular about what you will and won’t do. If everyone is busy and you’re just stood there, then pick up that kit, help out. Even just make some busy and stressed people cups of tea, that truly can be something that paints you in a great light.

Support the runners

You’ve undoubtedly been a runner, you know what it’s like. Sometimes it can be really shitty. Oh yes and you remember the condescending researcher who in some perverse universe thought they were Lady Mary Crawley and you were there willing servant. Well don’t become that person. Just because someone has treated you in that way doesn’t mean that the cycle has to continue. Be a wise friend, make sure they do what they need to do, but pass on some tips of your own from your running days. You can also get them to make your job easier, they will often be dealing with contributors and you can find out all sorts about a person just simply from their journey from reception to meeting you. People are more likely to chat to runners and this in turn can be a source of good and useful information when working with them.

Smile through it.

The hours might be long, the information that you need is not easy to find. The item that you spent ages on has been dropped for whatever reason. The producer is having a bad day and taking it out on you. We all have those days and all you want is a large glass of wine, a bowl of chips and a good friend to bitch to. It’s all part of the production cycle and you have to remember to smile through it. We can get wrapped up in the importance of our own little world but hey you are not on the front line at warm or saving lives in ER, it’s only telly. It can be so reaffirming on a stressy day just to take a deep breath and say that to yourself over and over again.

The production manager is your friend!

On any production always remember make the production manager your friend. They are the heart and soul of the production, the logistics, the money, the nurturing support figure and the one who has everyone’s ear. They are often overlooked in the hustle and bustle if editorial egos, but they do have a lot of power. Take time to get to know them, make their life easier. Think about ways to do things more cost effectively and reflect that I your research, none of this “I’ve been doing some research in Antigua ” for your documentary on pork pies.. The PM can also be the key to your next job and next gig. Series producers and talent managers will often go to them for feedback on researchers so don’t piss them off.

Right you are ready to go, you’ll be brilliant researchers. It can be stressful, it can be full of egos, but it’s a hell of a lot of fun! Enjoy, be professional and keep everything focused on the end programme. Then you’ll be really proud.