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10 Questions with ... Crash Poteet
November 25, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
PD at 96.3 KSCS and 96.7 The Texas Twister in Dallas, 101.9 The Twister in Oklahoma City, 98.5 KVOO in Tulsa and MD/mornings at 93.3 Jake FM in Oklahoma City.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I stay focused mentally by reminding myself that a career interruption is only temporary. I continue with a normal workday routine that includes getting up at a set time and "working my brand" from my home office. I stay connected with contacts, keep up on the trades and spend an hour or more a day brainstorming new ideas (particularly promotions) that could be useful when I'm hired at my next position. I also revisit recent files for evergreen promotions, imaging, marketing ideas and programming concepts that I've created and implemented at previous stations and finesse them for use at my next opportunity. I've even been known to pull composite audio from previously programmed stations along with my own air work from the library and "aircheck" it. It's all about getting better and building on experience.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I was fortunate enough to have the summer to spend helping my father with some medical issues including a 150 mile round trip commute daily for treatment. He is now in the clear. If there was a single positive that came from being "On The Beach," this was most definitely it.
3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Yes, without a doubt. I have been in the business since the age of 14 and have never wanted to do anything else.
4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
Other than a couple of months a few years ago, this would currently be the longest stretch. I have been fortunate to not spend much time in my career transitioning between positions.
5) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Word-of-mouth from colleagues (see above regarding staying in touch with contacts) and boards such as All Access are great resources. Staying visible at industry events like the Country Radio Seminar and NAB can be helpful as well for networking and keeping a high profile.
6) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I once took a page from the record label/artist promotion manual and sent the person doing the hiring a pair of custom whisky shot glasses. They had the logo of the market's sports team on one side and a written message on the other that said "Give Crash A 'Shot' As PD!" I didn't get the gig but I am sure the decision-maker will always think of me when they are drunk!
7) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
It's been a bit disappointing. When tasked with hiring as a PD, I always tried to make it a point to respond in some fashion to all applicants even if the posting was an obligatory EEO. I've been amazed at how large the "correspondence abyss" has become. It'll serve as a continued reminder to me in my next position as to just how much a courtesy e-mail response or callback can mean to an applicant.
8) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?
At the end of a phone interview I was asked by the person conducting it, "Hey, on the down-low, you don't know of anybody hiring do you?"
9) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I believe that you (as a brand) need to work on the same things a PD or marketer works on to differentiate his/her station or product from its competitors. Spotlight your strengths, your differences and the benefits that you and your experience can provide. Demonstrate how you are unique and why you deserve a chance more than the next candidate. Make sure your presentation is polished (aircheck, resume, website, references) keep tirelessly campaigning and don't let discouragement hold you back.
10) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
I spend time daily monitoring stations across the country and taking notes on formatics, imaging, momentum, jock presentation and anything else that could prove to be useful to me in a future situation.
Bonus Questions
Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?
I have recently become a fan of Tom Asacker's "Business Of Belief" and have always enjoyed reading anything by Seth Godin.
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