The term ‘guru’ gets thrown around a lot, but the media oracles at Rhizome are the real thing. Formerly of Fleet Street and hailing from such giddy heights as the BBC, the Daily Express and Investors Chronicle, the brains behind Operation Rhizome know their stuff. There’s no one better to teach you the tricks of the trade. And if you’re friendly, they’ll give you the inside scoop.
Author a monthly blog for the Huffington Post, write a comment for a front page splash in the Metro or grace the FT’s pink leaves with your wise words… You’ll be writing on your client’s behalf, but getting coverage in the world’s most-read media outlets (as is our wont) means millions of people will be looking at your copy.
At Rhizome, we deal in decent news stories. Sifting through statistics, researching clients and scanning news feeds for golden nuggets that journalists will like soon become second nature. Learn to sort the wheat from the chaff and you’re a winner for life.
The scent of fresh dumplings floats on the breeze, Berwick Street Market flogs noodles and salt beef bagels and a frosty post-work pint is right on your doorstep – it’s bad news for your bank account, but our Soho office will see you chomp your way through the best working day cuisine available.
One minute you’ll be crunching data, the next you’ll be whisking up an advice column – at Rhizome you’ll have no choice but to try your hand at everything. Fancy yourself a bit of a Renaissance (wo)man? Come join the party.
Now this is a good one. Tempting journalists out for media briefings sometimes means lining up some serious bait, so booking a table at one of London’s best restaurants is the way to go. Pick a place and practise your smuggest smile – I guess it’s just part of the job…
We look after a broad range of clients who work in everything from property and financial services to tech and motoring, so it’s up to us to sound like we know what we’re talking about. Whether you’re writing a feature on the future of UK manufacturing or knocking together tips on how to buy a second hand car, you’ll quickly find you specialise in just about everything.
Once you join Rhizome, the clock strikes writing skills-o’clock (and yes, my personal style is a work in progress). Hone your prose, polish your punctuation and build a bank of puns: mastering the art of writing clearly and simply is an accomplishment you’ll value forever.
A busy journalist with a hangover and a hearty sense of self importance will have few qualms about slamming the phone down on you, but pitching to reporters is central to our job. If you can charm them into considering the story, you’re laughing. Sweet-talking is the gift that keeps on giving.
Friday afternoon at Rhizome HQ means cracking out the booze. The office fridge is well stocked with fizz and dark & stormies, and we’d hate anything to go to waste.