Today, possibly more than ever, you must realize you are not alone in this crazy and unpredictable business environment. Each day, a new bump, twist or challenge comes along. But your membership in America's Newspapers can make an incredible difference.
As the tariffs loomed and arrived, I heard a familiar song dancing in my head. While you might hear The Beatles, I hear Joe Cocker — but the sentiment of “With A Little Help From My Friends” is what we all need to internalize: You are not alone.
One of the most valuable benefits of participating in America's Newspapers is the ability to get to know and make friendships with who I consider the smartest people in the business. While I will never consider myself in that category, I know how to pick up the phone or drop an email for advice. And then, importantly, I listen and learn.
As the tariffs presented themselves, I reached out to more than a half-dozen newspaper leaders, literally coast to coast. And guess what? They were eager to help and share their thoughts.
This is an example of what I consider America's Newspapers' secret sauce: the opportunity to build lasting friendships and relationships with people who are so dedicated to our industry that they are always willing to offer advice and suggestions.
This is a blessing and advantage for you during challenging and uncertain times.
No one does their best work in a vacuum. The best leaders understand their role is to gather ideas, opinions and perspectives and then make decisions. In my case, that is literally the story of my life and career.
I promise you the best ideas I've ever had likely came or were shaped after asking others for feedback or their thoughts. And even more ideas died before seeing the light of day for the same reason.
Back to tariffs. One friend shared a letter they were sending to their commercial print clients. Another suggested a timeline for price increases that would coincide with the pricing of newer, higher-priced newsprint. Another suggested that a knee-jerk reaction could send the wrong signals to customers and employees, instead suggesting a communications strategy to help take the angst of the unknown out of the situation. Essentially, cool heads while under fire.
What is the right answer? The truth is a little bit of everything I generously heard from more than a half-dozen smarter-than-me friends. And guess what? I feel better. My level of angst, now armed with information and ideas, dramatically declined. Furthermore, my newspaper, employees, and community are better off because they will likely get a better outcome.
Friendships and relationships are among the most valuable and critical elements of our professional and personal lives. America's Newspapers is not only a representative body of newspapers across our industry but also a collection of some of the smartest, most willing-to-help people you will ever find.
Life is better when you realize you'll be better off With A Little Help From Your Friends.
Leonard Woolsey is president of Southern Newspapers, Inc., and president and publisher of The Daily News in Galveston, Texas. He also serves as president of America's Newspapers.
