Week of May 7, 2007

Friday 05/11, 2007

Is it better to be a GM working for a big company, or small? Public or private? This week we are looking at the differences. On Wednesday (5/9) we looked at the good reasons to work for a small company. Today...the bad!

• Are you related to the owner? If not, remember, you may be working for the idiot son/daughter. The idiot son/daughter has kids. You will hire them and pay them well. If they don't succeed, it's your fault.
• Consider marrying into the family. Then hope you outlive the "old man." Now there is job security! Very Nice!

Thursday 05/10, 2007

Is it better to be a GM working for a big company, or small? Public or private? This week we are looking at the differences. On Tuesday (5/8) we looked at the GOOD reasons to work for a big company. Here are the bad reasons,

• If you don't like the way the company is run....too bad. What they say, usually goes.
• There is usually a political element to big companies. The promotion ladder will be harder to scale because you compete with many "golden boys" that may not be you.
• You will be managed by people that may not be as smart as you. Ask any big company GM. They will be sure to tell you.
• Compensation is usually via a policy. Raises are pre-determined. And usually smaller.
• Big companies usually mean risk adverse. They have more to lose, and image is important. Many times legal has the final say regarding controversial issues.
• Marketing, promotion, programming, and internet policy will be determined by others in the organization. Usually it's not you.
• Change above you? Look out! You could get caught in the politics.
• It's all about making the number. Period!

Tomorrow, the bad of working for a small company.

Wednesday 05/09, 2007

Is it better to be a GM working for a big company, or small? Public or private? This week we will look at the differences. Yesterday we gave you a few tips on working for a BIG radio company. Today, here are the good reasons for working at a small company.

• Many smaller companies are in smaller markets. If lifestyle and short commutes are attractive for you, chances are you can give up the big towns.
• The "boss" is usually a phone call away. Have a great idea? Go ahead, call him/her. They will give you the answer right then and there.
• There will be a chance at equity if you excel.
• Less people mean more chances for you to become indispensible. No corporate ladder to climb.
• Compensation policies are more liberal. Big companies usually have annual reviews. Many smaller companies don't.
• Depending on the owners debt, it is easier to get promotion, research and marketing budgets approved right away. Medical benefits may be better if the owner is older.
• Locally owned means quick decisions against a big company competitor.

Tomorrow, what are the BAD reasons to work for a big company? Find out right here!

Tuesday 05/08, 2007

Is it better to be a GM working for a big company, or small? Public or private? This week we will look at the differences. The answer is not easy. Here is a quick way to see if the grass is greener on the other side. Is a BIG company right for you? Here are the GOOD reasons.

• You like working in a major market. Most (not all) big companies have stations in major markets.
• You appreciate support. HR, legal, pension, accounting, even your cell phone will be handled for you.
• In many cases, the medical plan is cheaper for a large family. (but not always better)
• You don't mind answering to a regional VP. Not the company president. You may also have a VP of programming, sales, and internet to answer to.
• Buying new cap-ex items and premium office space are usually part of the plan.
• You don't mind decisions made at the top. The decisions you make will need to be approved "by corporate."
• Compensation policy's and performance reviews will be on a regular basis. There is a good chance your paycheck won't bounce.

Tomorrow, bigger is not necessarily better.

Monday 05/07, 2007

Now that the Imus suit has been filed, (and leaked) it suggests that talk radio talent contracts must look different from the usual "jock" deals. What if your local morning show (talk or not) said something that would galvanize the community outrage? Remember, what Imus said did not violate FCC rules. One of the seven dirty words is NOT "Hoe's". How to protect your station from damage? As with any deal, the contract and agreement with talent is made BEFORE THE CONTRACT IS SIGNED. NOT AFTER. Make sure you protect the company from future lawsuits by writing language that is easily understood, very clear, and concise. Then, follow through on the contract when something happens. This lawsuit may set the tone for a new round of language in on air contracts. Make sure YOU, as a GM, address it BEFORE the ink is on the page.

Is it better to be a GM working for a big company, or small? Public or private? Tomorrow, we will examine the differences. Right here on All Access.com