Industry Spotlight is the name of a new series of weekly interviews dedicated to highlighting the behind the scenes players in the entertainment industries.
At the bottom of every Industry Spotlight interview, I leave a note stating that if anyone wants to recommend an individual to be interviewed then to get in touch. On that note, this spotlight has been recommended by the lovely Silver Fox.
Reem tells me about a successful young lady who writes for multiple different websites and one who carries an elegant display of confidence when she is conversing with her network on Twitter. After a short spell of research I agree that Becca Caddy is clearly motivated, inspired and gives off a positive aura to all those around her.
I am delighted to publish this week’s Industry Spotlight piece with Becca Caddy.
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Becca and I guess my standard line is that I’m a freelance writer specialising in tech, style and popular culture.
However, I also do a lot of other bits and pieces, like produce web copy, manage blogs and online communities and talk to start-ups about how they can build and enhance their online reputation.[singlepic id=20 w=320 h=240 float=right]
I also launched a new project last week called Behind the Looking Glass, which is basically a style and beauty website with a conscience.
How did you get into this industry and why did you chose this path??
I left university with a BA in english language and literature and no clue where to go or what to do. I decided to stay in the safety of education and completed an MA in public relations and communications.
I was lucky enough to get a full-time job as soon as I finished and worked in the exciting yet stressful world of online PR for nearly two years, advising clients such as Sony Ericsson, First Direct and the NHS. Although the role involved a lot of writing, it just wasn’t enough anymore, so I handed my notice in without anything else lined up (to get “the fear”) and thankfully found a job as a copywriter at a branding consultancy the day after!
For six months I wrote copy for Asda about sweets and cakes, before leaving to write daily editorial for Reputation Online, a spin-off publication of New Media Age. I stayed there for six months before leaving to take on other freelance opportunities and have since picked up some really interesting work.
Was this how you had planned things to go or are you capitalising on opportunities and simply rolling with it?
I always knew I wanted to write, but that’s it. So you could say I’ve rolled with it, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t worked hard, I’ve just never had a specific goal in mind.
We’re in a new era where anyone can create opportunities for themselves. Do you agree?
Definitely. But never under-estimate the importance of working hard and putting the hours in.
Would you rather have 100,000 twitter followers to market to or an extra £10,000?
An extra £10,000 without a doubt. I’ve made some great friends and connections on Twitter, but it’s never been a numbers game for me and don’t think it necessarily needs to be for brands either.
What one thing can you not live without?
For someone that loves technology this will seem like a weird one, but it has to be my Filofax.
I have to have everything handwritten and stored in the same place, my finances, diary, contacts, to-do lists, EVERYTHING.
Of course if I ever lose it I’d be unbelievably screwed, but what can I say, I like to live dangerously.
If you wasn’t in this field, what would you be doing?
Forensic linguistics. I love language and will probably study linguistics in more depth when I’m a little older.
With so many talkers and gamers out there claiming to be experts and influencers. Do you consider yourself a smooth talker, a real talker or a don’t talk to me i’m not a talker?
I’m definitely not a smooth talker and can’t bear to be around people who are. A lot of the time I’d say I’m a real talker, but I have no shame in admitting that at times I don’t like to talk at all. I think there’s a big misconception that to do well you have to be loud, outgoing and extrovert when really that’s not the case.
Name three people who have inspired you in your life.
- My mum because she’s so strong and independent she puts Beyonce to shame.
- My fiancé because he believes in me.
- And um…Chuck Palahniuk because the last two were a bit too cheesy and intense. I like his stories, his style and his f*** you attitude.
If you were a superhero, who would you be?
Lisbeth Salander. She’s classed as a “superhero” now, right?
What does the future have in store for you?
Fun. Happiness. Success. I’ve spent far too much of my life worrying about what the future will hold, I’m just going to work hard and make the most of every opportunity.
And finally, if you could give one piece of advice to young creative minds, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to ignore everyone else’s advice and go with your instincts.
As pointed out above, take a look at Becca’s latest invention Behind The Looking Glass. Get to know her better by following her on Twitter and check out her website which is www.beccacaddy.com.
[ok] If you want to suggest somebody who you believe needs a spotlight shone on their head, drop me a line via the contact page or hit me up on Twitter. Thanks[/ok]