You Control Your Audio Future ...

Having passion for what you want in this business is the first step towards your goal. The journey of a radio or an audio media career has never been easy, but every personality has a chance to succeed if the passion is there.

See the Bigger Picture ...

Do not let anyone trample on your dreams. For years I've heard how impossible it is to make it in radio, but the same can be said for many businesses. The good news is that these days there are other ways to make a living communicating to the masses -- podcasting, YouTube, stand-alone streaming, apps and that's just a sampling of the brave new world of audio media ... same skill set, just different delivery systems.

Radio Skills Can Open Other Doors ...

A job in radio or related audio media platforms can lead to a nice living or become a gateway to another profession that requires a great communicator. The other keys to succeeding in this business: compassion, humor, self-motivation, adaptability, some guidance, tough skin, wanting to learn, the ability to read, an ego in check, writing ability, patience, desire and sacrifice.

You Control You ...

The only control an air personality has on ratings, or other form of measurement, is how he or she does their job. Over the course of employment, the quality of a jock's show will go up and down depending on a lot of factors. However, there is such a thing as performance regardless of the numbers. The key is to put yourself in a position to sound like your show is a winner.

The Best Approach ...

It is a matter of knowing how to concisely entertain and to realize you are there to accessorize the music. You must let go; you can't be uptight and sound great on the radio. To learn your craft, start listening to old and new demos of those considered successful and carefully examine everything they say or do. I am not saying copy their style, but to find ways to incorporate and work on your skills. Also, find someone who can work with you on your show. Self-discovery through the experience of others is the best way I know to grow.

It All Starts Here ...

Your voice is an instrument and a powerful tool; learn how to use it. All non-visual audio media platforms are for theater-of-the-mind. A voice is capable of conveying motivation, energy, humor, hope, affection, worry, passion, desperation, want, terror, fear and happiness. The sound of your voice paints the canvass, it provides the periods, question marks, commas, excitement, and transitions from one thought to another. In radio, there are ways to do things and even better ways to master them.

What I Was Once Told ...

At one of my first radio jobs after college, an OM told me that overnights or midday would the best shifts suited for my talents. He said that I lacked the sound to do any other shifts -- especially afternoons or evenings. I'm not sure where he is today, but if he remembers me and is reading this, after Amarillo, I did evenings in Chicago, San Francisco, St. Louis and Detroit. And that's all I have to say about that.

Navigate Around Obstacles ...

The power of your own energies can propel you towards whatever you want to be. If you know what you want, go for it. Stay on your path and find a mentor or someone who can help you plan and focus on what you're trying to achieve. Most important, don't get frustrated, but stay determined. There will be times that you will be at a low point in your efforts, but don't let it get you down. Trust and believe in yourself. Detours happen; reroute and stay on course.