10 Questions with ... Robin Marshall

NAME:Robin Marshall LAST WITH:WQCD/NYC CD101.9 PHONE:(631) 462-2656 EMAIL:Robin@Robinmarshall.com WEB:www.robinmarshall.com & www.JayneFM.com

Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...

In a nutshell, I've been on the air for 19 years -- all of them in NYC. I image stations across the country, as well as internationally. A good portion of my income is from voiceovers, and I'm the creator of a new syndicated show called Jayne FM. This is the first time in all these years that I've been fired! I feel strongly initiated. Thanks for having me!

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

I yell at my kids and kick the dog. If you knew me, you'd know that is the farthest thing from the truth! I love almost everyone, and keep my rose-colored glasses clean and clear. The glasses are what keep my attitude "positive."

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

I'm the creator and voice for Jayne FM. I write and record as much as I can. Jayne's a syndicated show through Envision Radio and Zapoleon Media. The character of Jayne is really the "soul" of Robin, so I get to say what's on my mind and blame it on her.

3) Some people get discouraged or enlightened with the business when they actually step out of it for a while. Tell us your observations from the outside.

I grew up in radio, so I know it for what it really is. I saw my dad lose his job many times, and then he landed at KDKA for 25 years. So, I've seen both sides ... and I figure when I grow up, I'll choose another profession at some point.

4) Do you plan on sticking with the radio industry?

Yes. It's where I belong. To last 19 years in the #1 market , I think I'm good enough to continue trying. So there! Can't keep me down!

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

Never say never. I will do whatever it takes to get to what I want, as long as I remain respectful, tactful and not hurt anyone else. But please don't ever tell me, "You can't do that!" To me, it's a phrase that means "Hmmm, this person just doesn't get it."

6) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?

Funny you should ask! My first job in radio, was here ... yes, you heard me right...here in NYC. I lied through my teeth, with a fake aircheck and fake resume, and walked into WAPP, NYC's Rock n Roll station, all because I had a record that I was trying to get airplay on. Figured if I was on the air, maybe I could get a few spins? It worked! What I hadn't counted on was that eventually I'd give up the singing and stay on the air!

7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Learning how to do my own production for Jayne FM. I'm so un-mechanically inclined that it's quite a coup for me to not have to rely on someone else to get it done ... AND the fact that the show got picked up by Envision Radio ... and that Guy Zapoleon and Mark St John thought it was strong enough that they wanted to be my partners... all this from MY PRODUCTION? YES! Quite an accomplishment! Don't tell anyone, but the only way I know how to produce is by ear. I don't know what anything is called. One time, a producer said to me, "You've compressed the file too much." I didn't know what the hell he was talking about! Not even a clue! I know a little bit more now ... but not much! Sounds good, though?

8) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?

YES. I always called myself "Robin" while on the air. It was an ongoing battle with my PD. He insisted I call myself "Robin Marshall' instead, because without the last name it was unprofessional. I told him many times, it showed warmth to use just the first name. More personal, and that I was only trying to talk to one person at a time. I should have listened to ME.

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

The minute you open the mic, don't forget who you are, be respectful to whom you're talking with ... and have a great time! If it's not fun, it's the wrong place for you to be.

10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?

Sadly, it won't. I'll be just as trusting, and just as stupid! Just like you ... and you ... we all keep coming back! We all want to believe! It's okay. I know you get it.

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

YES! "TRENDS" by Tom Peters. Time to realize who the majority of your buying public is, guys! Read the book! It'll change your life.