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10 Questions with ... Joe Raineri
August 19, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I entered into the radio business late in life. I was a realtor. When the market crashed in 2007 I had to find a new career quickly. I went to the Connecticut School of Broadcasting and managed to find a board op gig right after graduating at a local Adult Standards station (WSVU). Within a year, I worked my way up to APD and then created and hosted the station's morning show. After two years, I was contacted by WRMF to join their morning team. I spent the last three years anchoring our morning show to #1 consistently in West Palm Beach. Unfortunately, just last month our morning show was disbanded and I was let go.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
Probably the hardest thing to do after being let go. However, once the initial shock and disappointment subsides, you realize it's time to get back at it. Every day I accomplish one thing. Whether it's writing, networking, putting airchecks together, sending out a resume, etc. Accomplish one thing every day. It's so important to keep your mind active and positive.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
If there is anything you have ever told yourself you need to do more of, or something you wish you had time to try, DO IT! Take advantage of the time you have and do something for yourself. Spend more time with the family, get to know your neighbors, play more golf and finish all the things around your house that you just never had time to do before. That's what I'm doing.
3) Some people get discouraged or enlightened with the business when they actually step out of it for a while. Tell us your observations from the outside.
It's amazing how much clearer things become when you take a step back. The saying, Y can't see the forest from the trees" is so true. The first thing that you realize from an on-air perspective is that you do play a role in peoples lives. There is a certain comfort people get from hearing your voice every day. It is a great honor to be in a position to affect people by the things you say. As an on-air personality, never lose site of this. Make every break like it's your last. Make it count!
4) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Absolutely, as long as I'm surrounded by people who LOVE creating GREAT radio and want to win. That's what I want to be a part of.
5) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Radio is a creative medium. So be creative in how you reach out to people. Also, be persistent. Don't just sit back and wait for the phone to ring. Follow up and stay in front of potential employers. You never know what's going to happen.
6) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
You guys are one of the first sites I pull up every morning. All Access is a tremendous resource for what's going on in the industry and for job opportunities.
7) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
More time actually. Every morning I wake up and listen to the top morning shows from around the country. It's amazing how different you'll listen to radio now that you have a chance to step away from it. I've learned a ton from listening to other shows. I would highly recommend you do the same to learn from it.
8) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?
Yes. A very wise individual once told me that in this business; never take a job for the money. He said if you're good enough, the money will come. And I'm a firm believer in that.
9) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
First ask yourself, "How bad do I really want to be in this business?" If the answer is more than anything in this world, then you're on the right track. You have to have passion. You have to want it more than the next guy or girl. You have to be willing to put in the effort and the time to become great. Have an understanding of everything involved with media. The more you can do will only help open a door for you to get into this business. And lastly, never give up!!
10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?
It's going to change everything. Life is about lessons and the kind of life we lead will be determined from what we take away from those lessons. I'll certainly never take anything for granted anymore. Being #1 will never be enough for me. I will continue to ask myself and the people around me, "How can we make this even better?" I will never sit back and wait for things to happen. I will everyday from here on out, get off my ass and make it happen.
Bonus Questions
What's your handicap now that you've had time to practice?
I went from a 22 to a 12. Thank you.
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