There are a lot of folks out here who want to get creative with their careers. Nowhere is this more true than with academics.
University professors are oftentimes perfectly situated to leverage the #sidehustlelife.
You’re doing research, already seen as an expert in your field, and regularly speaking in front of crowds–all good things when you’re looking for multiple streams of income as a speaker, consultant, or public intellectual, right?
On this #ThursdayThoughts episode of the Shontavia Show, I answer a question from a faculty member who wants to take advantage of his position to become an “academic entrepreneur” while keeping his day job at his university.
I provide three suggestions on how to do this–obviously I didn’t go through EVERYTHING but I think we covered a lot of ground.
My basic suggestions:
(1) Read your university’s conflicts of interest policy;
(2) Create an easy-to-digest message; and
(3) Position yourself as an expert on your own platform and on other people’s platforms.
Show Highlights
00:56 BJ’s question about establishing yourself as an academic entrepreneur
03:02 Tip #1: Read your university’s conflicts of interest policy
04:54 Tip #2: Create an easy-to-digest message
05:37 How the COMPASS Message Box can help you create a clear, public message
07:51 Leveraging TheConversation.com to get published in places like TIME, US News, Newsweek, Scientific American, and elsewhere
09:44 Tip #3: Position yourself on your platform and others as an expert in your field
For more, check out the full episode below.
Show Notes
Build a website you’re proud of in 9 steps: https://shontavia.com/build-a-website-youre-proud-of-in-8-steps/
The Message Box by COMPASS: https://www.compassscicomm.org/message-box-workbook
The Conversation: https://theconversation.com
My articles on The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/profiles/shontavia-johnson-203059/articles
The OpEd Project: https://www.theopedproject.org/
Help A Reporter Out (HARO): https://www.helpareporter.com/
Questions and Action: Building your academic entrepreneur brand
 After you’ve had a chance to watch the video, I’d love to hear from you in the comments section!
Please answer the questions relevant to your current situation:
1. Have you pitched yourself to The Conversation? If you’re wondering how to craft a successful pitch, check out The OpEd Project (link above).
2. Do you own a platform where you can showcase your work, like a website? If not, check out my article about creating a website you’re proud of to get started.
Please give as much information as you can in response to these questions. I’d be happy to share more tools and resources that help you get what you want.Â
Check out the show notes at the end of this page for a few resources from this episode.
Thank you so much for joining me on this roller coaster of an experience.
I am eternally grateful that I get to do this work with creators, entrepreneurs and innovators like yourself.
                                                                 Let’s continue to make it happen,
