How to Become a Relationship Columnist
Relationships are a hot topic online, in print, in discussion boards, in cafes and just about anywhere. This story will emphasize on giving general advice. You don't have to have a degree in counseling or education to become one, although it helps and may be mandatory for some publication, but some venues will not require this.
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Instructions
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How to Be a Relationship Columnist
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1
Research newspapers and magazines that have columns on relationships but no relationship columnist. This is one of those underrated hot topics that people look for, like horoscopes, that a publication may not think is important. If you can prove to the publication your credentials and how successful it's been for other relationship columnists, approach the publication to see if they're willing to give you a try. Note: Try using Google Analytics to see what kind of visits online relationship columnists get or contact the relationship columnists to ask them yourself.
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2
Organize a round table discussion about relationships and invite your friends and family to discuss their own issues. Strangers will more than likely show up to share their opinions and if they like what you have to say, may want to contact you directly. Developing an audience is an important part of being a relationship columnist. You can't walk into a room and just expect people to listen to your every word without some kind of track record or interaction with your potential audience. Expos are great places to set up these discussions, such as the Black Women's Expo that brings out large female audiences to network.
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3
Start a discussion board or blog with random questions you've been asked. Popular places like MySpace Groups and Yahoo Groups are great places to develop a listening audience to give feedback and ask questions. Sometimes people want to talk to someone other than those close to them to eliminate the judgmental responses. The advantage of asking a relationship columnist for advice is he may not know you. If he does, you can always submit a question under an alias or an unfamiliar email address to protect your privacy.
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4
Write about the experiences you've actually been through. People are skeptical of someone who wants to dish out advice but has never gone through the issues at hand. A woman who has been abused by her husband or a man who has been monetarily used by his girlfriend will be more willing to listen to a person who has dealt with physical abuse or opportunists rather than a relationship columnist who has no direct experience. Writing on popular discussion boards or public venues like Steps 1 and 3 work, but you can also consider writing a book if this is truly a passion for you. Books that touch people's hearts usually end up in book club groups or readers come out to support the author at book club signings.
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5
Start a radio show about relationships. It's pretty expensive to buy your own radio show, but there are websites like BlogTalkRadio that will let you have a radio show for free. Invite everyone you know to call in, ask questions, interact with others, and pass the word along. The best part about Blog Talk Radio is that shows can be archived so if someone misses an episode, they can always go back and hear more of your shows.
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Tips & Warnings
Giving advice in this category is informal and does not require credentials.
If you are presenting yourself as an expert in relationships, however, some companies may
prefer to hire someone with an educational background in psychology and/or licensing.
