What I learned from changing careers and training for the Boston Marathon.

Every person working in Television news has a plan B.  Actually, every person working in TV wants to have a plan B but is working too hard chasing stories, meeting deadlines, tweeting, and going LIVE and LATEBREAKING to come up with a Plan B. I knew I wanted to leave television news, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I had the good fortune of not having to leave and thought I could easily shift to PR, Media Relations, or Corporate Social Responsibility. I was wrong.

Many in the community knew me as a TV meteorologist, reporter, and anchor but few in the business / nonprofit sector knew the skills required to be successful in a television career.

Here was my plan: Network 

In television I worked Saturday-Wednesday so I could network on Thursday and Friday.  I was also committed to running the Boston Marathon in April of 2012 for a favorite non-profit. I would train normally then go for long training runs early Friday morning. The plan was to work my network as a way of transitioning to a new career all while working a training schedule to run the Boston Marathon. Networking and training were the same. I had two dates floating in my head Monday April 16th, Patriots Day also known as Marathon Monday and September 23rd 2012, the date when my contract expired. (Hold ON, I was also getting married in August. I knew I was forgetting something)

It is said  “If you want to go somewhere, it is best to find someone who as already been there.”  That was my plan for running and networking. On the morning of November 11, 2011 I started my marathon training with an 8-mile run then I suited up for my first networking opportunity. Peter had worked in television, now he worked for the largest healthcare employer in the city. This meeting allowed me to start thinking about my skills and market how they could be transferable and valuable. Before I left he gave me 3 names and promised to make the email introductions. Coincidently Peter also sat on the board of the organization that runs the Boston Marathon. I took this as a good sign for both.

Networking was easy for me. I made the time, did my homework, suited up and showed up. I worked my way around the city, taking in most suggestions. I even cold called people I admired. Training was the same. I made the time, followed the training plan, laced up, and ran around the city. I was motivated to leave broadcasting but not clear on where I wanted to land. I was open to possibilities. I knew my skills. As I networked I was getting better at communicating these skills and realized the next job wouldn’t be my last job. I knew it didn’t have to be The Perfect Job.

April 16, 2012 was one of the hottest Boston Marathon’s on record.
I trained all winter, put in the mileage, and was physically and mentally prepared.

I was not prepared for the record heat so I changed my racing plans as the mercury soared.I started in Hopkinton, running the 26.2 historic miles in a time that would never be listed in a record book. Goal #1 done. As a runner you train for the race, as a marathoner you run your race.August 9, 2012 also involved a race.

We planned a 5k called the Race to the Altar on the morning of our wedding. That afternoon, looking over Newfound Lake I got married.

 Networking slowly morphed into job interviews that resulted into one job offer. 52 weeks of networking, talking with over 100 people, running over 1,000 miles is how I transitioned into a new career. On January 21, 2013, I signed off from local TV news and started my new job two days later. I went from a successful career in local news to the Chief Advancement Officer at the Forsyth Institute. I went from being on television to senior management of a non-profit biomedical research institute.

I was use to working in front of the green screen now I work in an office, represent the Forsyth in the community, have direct reports, manage a budget, and involved in strategic planning. What a change.

 What did I learn? 

1. BE MOTIVATED: Why end a successful career to pivot to another. You have to be clear about why you are doing this. It is risky.
2. HAVE A PLAN: I talked with plenty of former broadcasters about how they transitioned and followed their advice. I talk with runners all the time and follow their lead.
3. KNOW YOUR SKILLS: I knew I would never become an astronaut, and I knew I couldn’t run a sub-3-hour marathon. I knew my skills and I learned how to brand and market
4. KNOW THE MARKET: I listened more than I talked. I was willing to hear about opportunities, take suggestions, and act. Running is all about being willing.
5. USE YOUR NETWORK: I was open to network with anyone; however, I wasn’t going to waste anyone’s time. I was prepared, eager to learn, and most importantly appreciative.
6. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS: I kept track of whom I was speaking with, taking their suggestions when appropriate. I kept a work sheet of my meetings and careers/jobs that were suggested. I wrote dozens of resumes and cover letters, and over 100 thank you notes.

 The hardest thing to do in changing careers and training for a marathon is taking the first step. I never look over my shoulder during a race and I haven’t looked back since the transition. I still seek guidance in person and on LinkedIn.  Some of the best comes from Hannah Morgan Career Sherpa , Bassam Salem and Gary Vaynerchuk