10 Questions with ... Kim Douglas

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started my radio career at WZZO/Allentown where I learned so much of the business and every aspect of it. Being from the Philadelphia area though, my goal was to be on the air here! I did that by landing a gig on the Barsky morning show on Y100. After a few years there, I transitioned to Q102 with Glenn Kalina. I managed to stay on the air through format changes in Philadelphia, also working at Star 104.5, B101 and WXTU. Most recently, I was part of the Barsky Team again, doing a male-leaning talk show on WYSP. While spending some time "on the beach," I continue to do part-time voice work and traffic from my home studio! In addition, I have gotten my PA real estate license and have been working hard at that for the past few years.

1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?

I find that eating right, working out (for me it's martial arts), staying in touch with what it is I'm striving for and surrounding myself with good, positive people works the best.

2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?

Working out, time with my daughter and being fairly successful at selling real estate in a very challenging market.

3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

What can I say, you never forget your first love, and for me ... that's exactly what radio is. I still feel like I've got some unfinished business!

4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?

This has probably been my longest stretch so far, not being on in a full-time capacity. Although continuing to do voice work and some part-time stuff keeps me fresh and in the loop!

5) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?

Knowing someone on the other side of that door.

7) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

Friends.

8) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)

I do believe for the most part, people are pretty real and professional. The people I've spoken to are pretty receptive to at least letting me know where they are and what's happening with their stations and the decisions being made.

9) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?

The fact that I've maintained a pretty solid on-air career in the Philadelphia market helps quite a bit. I'm a native of the area and realize the importance of bringing as much as possible to the table in today's environment. My background on air, as well as in promotions, and my understanding of the bottom line help as well. No matter where I work, I always bring clients to the station who believe in me and will spend money to advertise where I am.

10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?

If you love it, then do it! Just be aware, that like any business today, there are challenges, changes. Always just give your all, appreciate what you have and never take anything for granted.

Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?

I really do like self-help stuff. A couple of my favorites: "Think Big And Kick Ass" from The Donald, "Women and Money" from Suze Orman, and of course, "The Secret."