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10 Questions with ... JJ Solomon 'Your Boy JJ'
January 16, 2007
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NAME:JJ Solomon 'Your Boy JJ'LAST WITH:CBS Radio/West Palm Beach -- Top 40 Rhythmic WMBX (X102.3); Urban AC WJBW (B106.3)PHONE:(561) 632-8905 direct (call now), cell (561) 506-5074 direct. FAX: (877) 570-4340
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
Career highlight, working both the Urban AC and Rhythmic Top 40 format simultaneously for five months, at WMBX and WJBW. Thank you Mark McCray!
Previously, I tripled afternoon ratings at Philadelphia shadow-market station WJKS (Kiss 101.7). My 13 years of experience also include stops at WAMO and WBZZ/Pittsburgh, WINX and WPGC/Washington, WXYV and WPOC/Baltimore and WOCQ/Ocean City, MD. I'm presently hosting a nightly Internet radio show on JHNRADIO (www.JHNRADIO.com).
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I treat every day like it's the real thing and not practice. I keep my outlook realistic and ask God for the peace of mind that helps me wait for His direction in my life. I reassure myself that I am normal and still have rent due on the 1st like everyone else. I am now working parttime as a hotel assistant manager. What better way to use the customer-service skills that announcing and being creative have prepped me for? I look at this as a programming strategy, allowing me to better understand the P1 audience. The better you handle a job like this, the better you understand your role on the mic. It's all about connecting with people.
2) Do you plan on sticking with the radio biz?
Yes, it's a wonderful roller-coaster ride, and I don't even like roller coasters! It taught me how to enjoy blessings and not indulge in temptations.
3) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Give more than you get. Respect the game. Crawl before you walk. Be more reliable than the best employee. Redefine what it means to be #1.
4) What's your best resource for finding out about job openings?
AllAccess.com job openings -- religiously. Like USA Today used to say, "Every day"!
5) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
After seeing it listed on the AllAccess.com jobs section, driving five hours in winter weather to drop off a tape and resume for the afternoon drive position at Citadel's WBHT (97BHT) in Wilkes Barre-Scranton, PA. I also put 96 Hershey's Kisses in a bag and applied for the night show job at WKST (96.1 KISS FM) in Pittsburgh when the station first signed on in September 2000.
6) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
The night show at Beasley's Power 96/Miami, to be their next radio star and triple the ratings in three months. I have learned a great deal from the Babalu Bad Boys who currently host the night show at CBS Radio's WMBX and used to work at Power 96. I have learned a great deal about the demographics of the region and how having reggaeton in regular rotation can work here. Palm Beach County has an extremely large Hispanic and bilingual population.
7) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied?
Fair to outstanding. Sometimes you don't feel as famous as you were when you call for the correct spelling or name of the director of programming -- yet another humbling scenario!
8) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
My highest parttime salary was at Clear Channel's WPOC (yes, JJ did country damn good) back in 1998. My last experience had higher pay than I expected, so I can say I am still pleased with the business overall.
9) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I am not a beginner, and my work ethic helps me stand out. I am a perfect plug-and-play candidate. From mornings to the night show, I get the job done with straight A's, using perfect positioning and constant promotion.
10) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
Yes. I am listening to my former station right now on two radios in my apartment (yes two). I am a fan of local, live radio first.
Bonus Questions
1) Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?
The Bible. Proverbs.
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