It Only Takes One Yes …

The journey of a radio career, or a career on any audio platform, has never been easy. But every personality has a chance to succeed if there’s passion and patience. I have a coaching client who recently reminded me of how self-motivation and the ability to comprehend are weapons against the odds and the nay-sayers who constantly cast doubt about working in radio.

Determined …
This woman has spent the last 2 years working a full-time job and also working part-time in radio hoping for a chance at something better in this business. She even resisted the temptation of moving back home with her parents to save a little money. Her moment has arrived -- a PD in a top 50 market responded to her inquiry about an opening. He asked her for another demo and for her to use his station’s approach to on-air procedures. That’s when I got a call for some help.

Air Talent: I have a chance at this job, and I am nervous and excited. The PD sent me a link to listen to his station so I fit with the direction of what they’re doing. I just finished editing and I’m sending you the air-check. Let me know what you think.

Coach: Hold on, let me check my e-mail. I see it. Don’t go away, I’ll listen right now.

Air Talent: Okay

Five minutes later…

Coach: First of all, you sound nervous. Take a deep breath and relax. Your approach to content is fine, but you sound a little off. You don’t sound like the recent demos you’ve done. When you normally talk, your voice is very expressive and has variation to it. Your energy levels are fine, but you need to feel the words you are saying. Talk to me, not at me. Go back and listen to the demo from 2 weeks ago that I told you sounded great. In that demo the way you used your voice and presented content was so on target. Then re-record and send me another air-check today. I know how important this is to you, so I will listen and get back with you right away.

Two hours later…

Air Talent: I am calling you to let you know another air-check is in your e-mail now.

Coach: I was about to call you. I’ve already listened to it. This is more like it. You’re starting to feel your words and use your whole voice like you do on the phone with me. Hold on to this demo but go record another one.

Air Talent: Okay. I’ll get on it right now. I’ll touch base again after I’ve sent it to you.

Two hours later….

Air Talent: Hey Sam, look in your e-mail. I think this one is a little better than the last one.

Coach: Hold on while I listen. Okay, I’ve listened, and I have only 1 question. Did you follow the station’s on-air procedures of identifying the station and the placement of content in back sells in the talk-breaks adjacent to commercial breaks?

Air Talent: Yes.

Coach: Then you nailed it, you sounded great with your verbal presentation, the use of your voice, and your content was concise, funny, informative, and you sounded so relaxed. Your energy levels were perfect and blended with the tempo of whatever song you were either talking over or back-selling. Great job, send this to him and let me know what happens.

One week later…

Air Talent: That air check did the trick. They did a Zoom call with me and now they want to fly me in for an in-person meeting. I’m excited and nervous. But I’ve got something else to tell you. I sent that same demo to another PD and he called me today. He’s interested in me for his station too.

Coach: I guess when it rains it pours. But one job opportunity at a time. Try and stay calm and focus. Let’s get you ready for your fly-in. Believe me, no one flies anyone in these days unless they’re serious about hiring them. Let’s talk later today about this other job possibility.

Keep At It …
Never give up on a dream because of what others say. Remember, to be in this business it takes passion, compassion, humor, self-motivation, adaptability, some guidance, the ability to learn, tough skin, and patience.