The Communiqué PR staff recently had the opportunity to sit down with Seattle Business Magazine’s new Editor-in-Chief, Rob Smith, to discuss his vision for the magazine. Smith has overseen several prominent business publications in the Pacific Northwest. We look forward to what his dynamic leadership style, and his depth of regional business knowledge, will bring to the magazine.
1) What is your vision for Seattle Business magazine?
While I want to honor the stronghold Seattle Business Magazine has in the community, I am also looking forward to the future. I think there is an opportunity to emphasize the factors that are influencing growth in our region. For example, magazine coverage of Seattle Center Arena’s development, and its influence on lower Queen Anne, can demonstrate the business community’s impact on real estate growth.
2) What do you look for in a story?
I think the most interesting part of business reporting is the “why.” For me, it’s all about the impacts of the “why?”
3) What is your favorite thing about your job?
I have the license to meet and talk to interesting people. I get paid to be nosy. It is that simple.
4) What are your go-to news outlets?
CNN and Quartz. I also love how the Wall Street Journal breaks down a story; there’s a definite philosophy and pattern to the writing and reporting. Forbes is also one of my favorite business publications.
5) Number of unread emails right now?
6,000+
Bonus tip: pithy subject lines that are specific, relevant and regional help break through the noise.
6) Are there any work rituals that are critical to your success?
In my experience, it’s key to establish a balance between daily tasks and long-term goals. One way I do this is by writing down what I must accomplish daily while also keeping a list of bigger-picture goals handy. It keeps me focused on day-to-day activities and provides the structure to carve out time for more complex projects that advance our overarching business strategy.
7) What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My father was a banking executive and passed on some sage advice that I try to embody: “Instead of worrying about all the things you could worry about during the week, write down what is bothering you right now and stick it in a drawer. On Friday afternoon take a look, and you’ll see that most of the things you worried about on Monday don’t even matter by the end of the week.”