Four Traits to Look for in Prospective New Media Hires

As the world becomes more and more connected, you’re going to need to begin investing in new media. And looking for a new media guru is worlds different than finding an accountant or a sales representative, for example. It seems that the foam rising to the top is comprised of a specific set of traits that are well suited this “new world,” and these traits are sometimes things that you generally would consider as negative attributes for a traditional hire.

Kathryn Vercillo cites the following traits, and it’s important to take note of these, because this is the type of competition you need to size yourself up with when you wish to compete in a specific market niche with your content online.

1. Advance Planners: On the web, things always happen five minutes in advance. This means that your new hire should possess the predictive and prognosticative traits that personify the web.
2. Web 2.0 Addicts: These people know what it takes to size up competition, measure results, and respond online. They use the whole suite of tools online, including RSS, social bookmarking, analytics, and a range of toolbars, software and scripts.
3. Feedback-sensitive Individuals: These people are able to synthesize and take into account a variety of feedback sources — from clients to employers, even online fans.
4. Smart Folks Who are Socially Awkward: Having a good in-person charm is not essential if the person has the smarts. Bloggers work ideally as individuals and don’t need the teamwork traits that many traditional hires may need.

Web 2.0 image by tobiaseigen [cc, 2.0]