Content marketing is one of the most preferred online marketing strategies. However, one problem exists. The amount of content available online is overwhelming. How can you stand out among all the competition? If you are not producing content to market your business yet, do you stand a chance?
To answer all these questions, Rocky Reichman, founder of Reichman Media and Editor-in-Chief of Literary Magic has agreed to do an interview with me regarding online content and content production in general.
Since Rocky is a young entrepreneur, I am super excited throughout this interview and he shared a lot about his experience as well as tips for fellow entrepreneurs. You’ll love it!
Introduction of Rocky Reichman
Wayne: First of all, Rocky, thank you for taking time out to do this interview with me.
Rocky: And thank you, Wayne. Congratulations on your BizSugar moderator appointment.
Wayne Liew: Thank you. 
Before we talk about Reichman Media, Literary Magic and your experience as a young entrepreneur, can you introduce yourself to my blog readers and maybe talk a little bit about what ventures are you currently involved with?
Rocky: Sure. My name is Rocky Reichman. In a nutshell, I am an entrepreneur, writer and tap dancer. Right now, I serve as Editor-in-Chief of Literary Magic, an online literary magazine I started at 15. I have 6 editors and a staff of about 20 writers and 2 web technicians to work with.
Rocky: I also created a parent company called Reichman Media where I do content writing, part-time consulting, editing and sometimes, marketing for a small pool of clients. In addition, I do marketing for Narobo, a robotics/electronics startup, where I am now CMO (Chief Marketing Officer). I am also writing my third novel (and trying to get the first two published!)
Literary Magic and Reichman Media
Wayne: Wow, that’s a lot of stuffs going on for you. Let us talk about Literary Magic. From what I read, Literary Magic is an online magazine for the literature crowd like writers and so on. Can you elaborate further on this?
Rocky: Sure. Our main target group is "literati". "Literati" means "people of letters". People who love words, like to read, that’s our crowd. "Bibliophages" – which translated literally, means "people who eat books", are also among our readers. What makes us different and the reason I started Literary Magic in the first place is to have an online magazine that covers the whole of the English language.
Rocky: Usually it’s either just literature – fiction and poetry, maybe book reviews and author interviews too, or linguistics. But we want to cater to the crowd that loves both, like myself. So Literary Magic is a place to find not only a great story, poem or review, but also articles on linguistics, etymology and grammar. We also hold writing contests to help display new talent. Two other attributes that help us stand out is our versatility of content and easy reading. Check out the content rotator on the LiteraryMagic.com home page to see how we present our feature stories. For more, click on the About page on the website.
Wayne: How does Literary Magic ties into Reichman Media? Do they complement each other in any way? Or both of them are just separate ventures that are independent of each other?
Rocky: Reichman Media is a parent company. Right now it is not important, but in the future I envision creating more websites and online communities, likely around the same writing and literature niches, and Reichman Media will serve to organize everything under one simple umbrella. But they are connected. My focus remains on Literary Magic. Later on I will work on creating new ideas and implementing them.
Development of Online Content
Wayne: Ah, OK. Can’t believe that there are more coming up for you. As you are in the literature and content field, can I have your insight on what do you see coming for online and web content as publishing content on the Internet has never been that easy?
Rocky: Great question, Wayne. Since I am no "expert", I asked this question myself to publishing professionals at McGraw-Hill, where I interned during the summer. So before I say anything, I need to credit their help.
Rocky: Publishing content has never been easier than it is now, thanks to new tools and technology. A big thumbs up to WordPress here. But if everyone is now broadcasting their messages, who will be left to listen?
Rocky: What is already happening is that more people are "able" to publish. However, what matters is, you need to publish great content that people want to read, and that you can attract an audience. So as far as the future, I think everyone will maintain their voice. There will be dominant players, like in every field, but at the same time, newer and small online media journalists will occupy niches.
Rocky: Going further, people will eventually call for more regulated online publications with higher standards. It’s quantity vs. quality. As the quantity of content available online increases, so does the need for a few quality content sources, which is why at Literary Magic, my editorial team and I work to ensure high standards. We want to give our readers what they deserve, which is the best content we find. This is becoming easier. In our case, we now get hundreds of submissions and contest entries a year, so we have the privilege to pick only the best for publication.
Rocky: To review: people will start congregating more around their niches and dominant players who can keep up high standards of quality, well-researched content will emerge too, likely as dominant players.
Rocky: There is much more on the subject to discuss, but I think I’ll cut it short here. One last thing: although Literary Magic is all about the "written" word, another trend that even we cannot ignore is video. Video is easier to consume. While books will never disappear, video will certainly become more and more common in online media. This serves as a caveat to the journalists of the future: be prepared. Besides writing skills, your ability to code or shoot a video will also serve you well in the future.
Tips to Become a Better Content Writer
Wayne: Yeah, video is definitely the up and coming form of media and in fact, it is already booming. Publishing content online is one way for entrepreneurs to brand themselves and to showcase their expertise. Can you share with us some tips on how to become better at content writing?
Rocky: Write, write, and write! Practice is the most important factor. Get a column somewhere, or start your own blog. Make sure you write something everyday. Also, work on crafting your "hook", which is the first thing readers see and it will decide whether they keep reading or leave your website, brochure or business.
Rocky: First, you need the "hook", a sentence or two that draws the reader in. If you are doing content writing for your website or business or in marketing, make sure you outline the benefits of your products and services clearly and concisely. These are not features or attributes that describe it, but the benefits people get if they buy or use it. At the end, always be sure to include a call to action and leave a link to your website, contact information or a "special offer".
Rocky: Also, go easy on the adjectives. Focus on your verbs. Verbs drive your writing, make it stronger, more powerful and easier for readers to consume. And watch your grammar, or else the Totalitarian Grammarian and sticklers out there will get you.
Rocky: To review: write, write, write!, find a venue for practicing your craft, learn how to write "hooks", focus on benefits to your readers if you are doing marketing content, don’t forget your call to action and make sure to always edit your work before sending it out. Not just for your content writing, but try improving your e-mails, tweets and other social media messages.
How Rocky Got Started?
Wayne: Nice tips there. Rocky, since you’re a young entrepreneur, this is a question that I’m sure everyone is eager to have your answer. What prompted you to start out as an entrepreneur instead of taking the normal route like other teenagers and why is it something to do with writing, literature, language and so on instead of other businesses?
Rocky: Well, to tell you the truth, I didn’t start out as an entrepreneur. I started out writing at the age of 12. Then I got into etymology and linguistics. I started exploring the other side of writing – the publishing side, and realized there was no place to go for someone like me, who loves the written word not only in its science form – linguistics, etymology, but its art form – fiction and other literature.
Rocky: So I started Literary Magic, and eventually it turned into a new venture for me. I like to label it as an "online magazine" more than a business, because while we have a readership and a sizable staff, I have not succeeded with the monetization of Literary Magic. We have made some money, but not a lot of actual profit. My goal now is to turn it into an actual business, assuming your definition of a "business" is an entity that makes a profit.
Rocky: Moving on to your next question about why I chose language and literature as my focus, the answer is easy. It’s because that’s my passion. It’s what interests me and something I would enjoy spending lots of time on, even if the rewards were small. And this is something I suggest to all fellow entrepreneurs: focus on your passion. Take what you like to do and build your venture or blog or business around that.
Why Aspiring Entrepreneurs Stay Aspiring?
Wayne: Thanks for reemphasizing the importance of passion because I see a lot of aspiring entrepreneurs looking at things that are making others the most money without realizing that these successful entrepreneurs are actually doing what they are passionate about. I’m sure that you know most teenagers or people that are around our age talk a lot about ideas and running a business but never really take any action. What do you think are the reasons why actions are not being taken?
Rocky: My father was a mathematician but I am terrible at math. However, I have realized an equation which any aspiring entrepreneur will understand. In fact, it is drawn from the simplest of mathematical formulas. A+B=C. If "A" is our starting point, your idea and "C" is your end result – money, fame, we’ll call it "Success" for now. What do you think "B" is? What else is required for you to succeed, besides the idea? The answer is "Implementation".
Idea + Implementation = Success
Rocky: You have to do something if you want to succeed not just with your website or business, but in life. Ideas are nothing without implementation. Lots of people want to do things. They may even plan out their paths to succeed. But they cannot achieve anything unless they get up, take action and do something. To quote the great young entrepreneur mentor Shonika Proctor,
A dreamer is someone who aspires to do something, an entrepreneur is someone who is DOING that thing.
Rocky: There are exceptions to this rule. Certainly. Even with implementation, your idea itself may not be sell-able, or the market may not be ready for it. Even if "success" to you is not about making money but just building something great, the only way to reach "C" is through action.
Rocky: To focus more specifically on your question, the reason actions are not taken can include a plethora of variables, excuses and plausible reasons. A rough childhood, laziness, distractions and especially with all the content available today, it is so much easier for most people to consume content without ever creating them.
Rocky: But everyone is different. Some may be more prone to getting things done and taking initiative. These are certainly valuable traits for entrepreneurs. Even if you are not one of those people, work at it. Change your attitude and do something.
Rocky: Another reason why actions are not taken is because people lose interest or focus. For me, focus used to be a big issue before the past summer. I know from personal experience that having a lot of ideas is great, whoop-dee-doo, but you need to focus if you are ever going to get anything done. You can have multiple interests, yes. I still do. But make sure you set your priorities and have one thing as your main focus.
Rocky: For me, that’s Literary Magic, which is why I have only mentioned that today and left out any irrelevant projects. Please engrave my above equation into your head: Idea + Implementation = Success.
Internship Experience with McGraw-Hill
Wayne: Those are some very important advice for all entrepreneurs out there. Rocky, you mentioned that you are an intern at The McGraw-Hill Companies. How’s your experience over there and how did the internship make you a better entrepreneur?
Rocky: The experience was great. Not only do opportunities like this give you an inside work into business, marketing and publishing, but you are welcomed warmly and treated with respect, despite age or rank. That may be unique to my internship experience, but from what I’ve heard at McGraw-Hill, its people are its products. Not once was I asked to get coffee, if you understand my meaning.
Rocky: I should have mentioned before that it was working at McGraw-Hill that started to make me see my ideas as businesses too. Building and marketing your website are important, but so is monetizing, and I have still not succeeded in that regard.
Rocky: At my internship, I learned a lot about the importance of professionalism in corporate America (sometimes the hard way, folks). I was given hands-on experience working on projects and research reports, and was allowed to present my results to my peers and directors at the end of each summer.
Rocky: I intern with the Online Media team in their Marketing department, and usually, focusing on competitive analysis. For this past summer, my main project was a competitive benchmark report on business models in the architecture and construction industry.
Rocky: Besides etiquette and hands-on work internships like mine, it also gives you the chance to meet professionals and experts in many fields. I grabbed every opportunity I could to form acquaintances, turn them into a contacts or even friends, and able to interview many people for advice. Among them are marketing executives, an editor-in-chief and a former astronaut. I guess the best word to describe my experience is "funductive". It’s been both fun and productive.
Time Management Tips for Entrepreneurs
Wayne: Haha… Good to see that you are learning a lot instead of just being the coffee boy. Currently, you seem to have a lot going on, from your own ventures, upcoming ones to being an intern at McGraw-Hill. Can you share some tips on how do you manage your time because it is obvious that "lack of time" is a major excuse for those who are still sitting by the sidelines?
Rocky: First of all, make time. And make sure you have clear priorities in mind. Let’s say for me, Literary Magic and writing – clash. You need to think of a plan beforehand. Let’s face it. You will not have time to do everything every day. Something will need to be sacrificed. Just make sure you know what that is beforehand, to ensure that you make the right choice. For me, as I mentioned before, my primary focus is usually Literary Magic. Sometimes, if I am behind on one project, I might set aside a day in advance, so I can focus on getting it done.
Rocky: Another way to manage your time is to separate them. Especially if school is crushing your time, you might need to do homework on weekdays, then use weekends to focus on your venture or book. Right now, in my mind, I am not trying to do ten things at once and write, edit Literary Magic submissions and do this interview. The interview is on my mind. In the background, I have my primary focus for the day set, and on the sidelines, await my other projects. Also, learn how not to waste time. Stay far away from the TV. Very far away….
Contact Rocky Reichman
Wayne: Rocky, it’s been great to have you on this interview and not to mention all the great tips that you have shared. How can my blog readers learn more about you and get in touch with you?
Rocky: The best way is by visiting Literary Magic. Check it out. Read a story or learn something about the words we use to communicate everyday. I also maintain a personal blog at www.RockyReichman.com. You can follow my tweets with @RockyReichman. I also enjoy talking via e-mail, rocky@rockyreichman.com. Thanks for your time, Wayne!
Wayne: You’re welcome, Rocky. Thanks again for doing this interview with me.
Share Your Opinion About the Interview
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Photo Credits: indi.ca and Yuliya Libkina
