-
10 Questions with ... Mark Vanness
August 23, 2005
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:Mark VannessLAST WITH:94.5 WPST/TRENTON-PHILADELPHIA (Morning Show Host) W#1PHONE:215-269-9697EMAIL:Markontheair@aol.com
Please begin by giving us a brief career history:
From most recent to way back when: WPST (Mornings), WWHT/SYRACUSE (Mornings), WZPL/INDIANAPOLIS (Mornings), WWKX/PROVIDENCE (Mornings-Prod Dir), KRZR/FRESNO (Mornings-Promo Dir), KBOS/FRESNO (Mornings-Promo Dir), KZZF/FRESNO (O.M.), KYNO/FRESNO (Mids-Prod Dir), KSFM/SACRAMENTO (Overnights/ Morning Producer).
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
It's pretty easy for me since I am a naturally upbeat and positive person. I stay in contact with a list of great radio professionals who keep me up during the occasional low tide. My fellow "on the beach" pros and I have weekly R.A.A. meetings! Hi my name is MARK and I'm a radio-a-holic, Hello MARK!
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I dedicate every morning and afternoon to intense job location research! I'm spending tons of quality time with my son (my first) and discovering on a daily basis just how amazing these little humans are, and talk about show prep material, I'm going to burst! I'm polishing my "good husband" skills. I check my email a lot! I continue my low carb lifestyle; I find myself wearing sandals more often so toenail maintenance is more important than ever, and having fun with facial hair! I'm tuning my HTML and web design skills. I never miss an episode of OPRAH, ELLEN, and now there are even more hours in the day to watch the WEATHER CHANNEL.
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 wouldn't say that I am discouraged, just bummed I'm not getting up tomorrow morning to go into work. As for the business, radio used to be more about entertainment. Sometimes when you are knee deep in it...you can lose your focus. I've put myself in a position to observe this trend and not fall victim to it. I have had the pleasure of a few great radio marriages. I know that the right people are in my future again!
4) What is the best way to get your foot in the door?
By building and maintaining a network of real relationships that are everlasting so when the axe falls, doors are already unlocked. It's a crap shoot... the PD's mood, the day of the week, the position of the moon, humidity, does your package physically stand out... so many variables. I try to tailor each package to the individual (given what I can find out about them). How do you attract the attention of a stranger whose door the world is knocking on? If you figure it out, I want a piece of that action!.
5) So far what has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
ALLACCESS.COM! There is no better and timelier source for radio info. I'm just glad it's free! I lean on my buds in the business... people I know who can share what they know. I place a polite call or two to a consultant here and there (o.k. all of them). I send emails to every computer in America and I call everyone even if they are on the national do not call list! I'm considering carrier pigeons. If one shows up at your window, it's from me. Let him in!
6) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Drive Time! I live for the fast paced action! Music, news, traffic, weather, more music, laughs, spots, music, topics, bits, contests...I'm getting that tingling feeling! I love a good conversation, the highs, lows and laughs in a time-limit-free zone. I want to get back to doing kick butt original, imaginative, and inventive radio for people who encourage creativity and passion! In the future I would like to add APD to my resume. I have a plethora of knowledge, experience and I have a pretty good head for radio.
7) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)
Fair... You people in charge are very busy. I know that you have hundreds of interested parties applying for whatever situation you may have published. I understand that you can't get in touch with every single person who applies for your openings. I have had a nice number of important people get back to me and for that I am appreciative and will remember those acts of kindness and professionalism for years to come.
8) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
"You don't get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate!" - Mark Vanness
9) With consolidation (and Jack) there are definitely fewer jobs, how do you separate yourself from the pack?
By being memorable in every situation, on air, remotes, in the halls, etc! By being me. There is no one else out there like me! By doing the best radio I know how and by seeking every opportunity to make me even better.
10) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in radio?
I'm making zero right now so anything is better than that! In a few more weeks I can be had real cheap. My family and I will be surviving on a Big Brother/Survivor menu of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and rice!
Bonus Questions
Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
You must be willing to pay your dues, work the hours, sweat your butt off, get dirty! Learn from your mistakes and those made by others. Ask lots of questions! Learn every single thing about the business, from on air to sales to promotions to production and everything in between. The more you know about the biz the better team player you will be. And once you get past the golden gate just remember that there is no retirement plan. Your future is completely dependent on how smart you are today!
OPRAH or DR. PHIL?
OPRAH, please! OPRAH says: "Success happens when preparation meets opportunity!" That woman is a genius!
-
-