Tips & Tricks To Being
"Network Ready" At All Times

Tips & Tricks To
Being "Network Ready"
At All Times

Written by News Gal
🕒 October 24, 2018

I was at my first reporter job in Market 150+ when I learned a really important lesson.

I was covering breaking news that quickly gained national attention. Everything was going fine until I got a call from a producer with FOX News. She wanted me to do a live shot for them in a couple of hours.

Obviously I said yes. I was super excited. I thought it would be one of my big breaks in the business.

But then, I looked in the mirror…

angry diana ross GIF

I wasn’t network ready. At all.

I had thrown on a crappy outfit that morning, and my hair was a mess. I’m pretty sure I woke up late, and didn’t even wash my hair that morning.

I expressed my concerns to my photographer. He had been in the business for more than 30 years, and he was about to give me advice that would stick with me forever.

He told me that I should be “network ready” every day. He was right.

In this business we never know when our next big opportunity is going to present itself, and we always have to be ready for it. So how can you always be ready to take advantage of whatever situation is thrown at you?

Here are a few tips & tricks:

1. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.

meryl streep ugly shoes GIF by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

Yes, I’m sure you’ve all heard this one a thousand times, but it is SO true.

Always look your best. Make sure your hair is polished, your makeup is on point, and your outfit is professional.

When you get ready in the morning ask yourself if you look like someone who could go on national TV tonight and interview the President of the United States or the Queen of England.

If you look more like someone who is going to get asked for a hall pass in a high school, try a new outfit and put on some new lipstick. 

2. Have a bag with all your essentials.

I know sometimes things happen. You wake up late, you’re sent to cover an event on a farm before your main package, or you just feel like crap.

Sometimes you might not show up looking your best, but what happens if you finally get that chance to anchor? What happens when network wants you to do a live shot in 30 minutes?

Pack a bag with extra makeup, and hair supplies, and have a spare outfit at work or in your car. You don’t want to miss your chance on the anchor desk because you don’t have an appropriate outfit or your hair is a mess.

3. Take a deep breath.

just breathe GIF by chescaleigh

It can be overwhelming to be thrust into a situation where you’re going to be on network TV, or you’re anchoring for the first time unexpectedly, but don’t let your nerves get the best of you.

Slow down. Take a deep breath. Remember that you are a professional. You do this job every day.

Use any anxiety or fear you have as adrenaline to pump yourself up and do a great job. If you feel confident, you’ll come across as confident to viewers and managers.

4. Take any chance you get.

It’s your day off and your boss calls saying he wants you to anchor a show in two hours because everyone is sick. Jump at that chance!

Dont let self-doubt or laziness take over and let you miss your opportunity. You never know who is watching, and who is going to be impressed with your skills.

Remember, news managers take vacations, and they watch local news. You never know when someone in a top 10 market, or network, is checking out what’s happening in your market. Make sure you’re ready for it.

Hopefully these tips will help you shine when it’s your turn to be called up for a live shot or anchoring opportunity.

As for my FOX News live shot, it never happened. There ended up being more important breaking news. I’ve never worn that outfit again though, and I’m always ready for the next time I get the call. 

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