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10 Questions with ... Blake Powers
September 13, 2005
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NAME:Blake PowersLAST WITH:Infinity-KIMN/MIX100-DenverPHONE:H-720.374.8888 or C-720.313.8145
Please begin by giving us a brief career history:
Atlanta, Tampa, Denver, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Columbus OH, and Chicago fill-in!
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
* Simple! Keep a positive mental attitude ... and stay motivated! Believe in myself and the God given talents I'm fortunate to have, and the new ones I'll develop. It's just 'radio' ... not bRaIn sUrGeRy!
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
It's been g-r-e-a-t to take a breather from my normal 6 to 7 day week. Plus, from doing agency v/o characters, dialects, etc., many have encouraged me to start my own side business. I recently set up a home studio and landed a nationwide client.
3) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I hope "creative" will suffice! Once I sent my resume' and aircheck with BANANAS! The opening was for "2nd Banana" with a Miami morning show. In 1995, I took HAC VARIEY96/PITTSBURGH PD Bruce Gilbert's (now GM for ESPN/Radio) add in R&R, copied it to my cover letter, and creatively responded to every requirement. Plus, I believe I delivered it in a small colorful briefcase type container.
4) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
PM Drive or middays in HAC, CHR, or a Hot/Rhythmic AC. I have a strong background in all 3! I could possibly be part of a morning show also.
5) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)
So far, decent. Programmers and consultants are v-e-r-y busy. Pro-activity with patience is important.
6) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
About the same. If an employer truly wants you, they'll make a way. There are always creative financial ways to make it happen.
7) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs, how do you separate yourself from the pack?
By going above and beyond the normal call of duty! Besides 3 - 4 hours prep everyday, production, and usually being the most requested talent, I also help in other ways. I've written promos, sweepers, and have even taught AEs to write copy! Speaking of sales, I've been on m-a-n-y client calls and helped AEs close deals. It's m-u-c-h easier for sales to get a contract signed when the client meets a polished talent that'll be directly involved. Plus, I've contributed very successful promotional/sales ideas that have brought in A-L-O-T of additional revenue.
8) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?
Oh yeah! Now's the time to do so. I recently visited my parents in the south, met with some prospective employers, and celebrated my 2nd wedding anniversary in Puerto Vallarta.
9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
To continually entertain, inform, charitably help, and be a friend with my listeners. Plus, during my (5) years with Infinity/Denver, I earned (9) Colorado Broadcasting Association Awards, including:
2004 - "Best Afternoon Show"
2004 - "Best Commercial Spot Announcement"
2003 - "Best Mid-Day Show"
2003 - "Best Station Entertainment Personality"
2002 - "Best Mid-Day Show"
2002 - "Best Station Entertainment Personality"10) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
Myself? I'm my hardest critic. As in any field, it's important to find areas that could use a little improvement, and prepare to do so. Others? They're working, and I plan to be soon. Life? Real life doesn't revolve around radio and the many articles on "having a life" are so true. Have one, so you'll have many more ways to relate to your audience. Even with my normal work week being 6 - 7 days, I make time for some of life's little pleasures. Whether it's a movie, a new restaurant, or taking a different way home to see something new, it's all part of my life, and much the same for many.
Bonus Questions
Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
First, accept the fact that you gotta pay dues! One of the biggest complaints by programmers, such as my previous PD RON HARRELL (now PD of ABC's WDVD & WDRQ/Detroit), is that they can't find good responsible part-time help. So, apply for internships! It's a good way to learn what aspect of the business you'd like to pursue. If 'on-air' is your aim, ask to meet with your PD and explain your goal. Make it clear you're ready to 'pay-your-dues' as a 'board-op', or whatever will help you towards your goal. When you get your break, prove you're r-e-s-p-o-n-s-i-b-l-e! Ron Harrell used to tell me how part-timers would call him on a Friday afternoon saying "Aw man, I can't work tonight at midnight, because my girlfriend wants to go out!" What?! 7-11 would be better off with you! Too many instances like this have lead to VOICE-TRACKING! Yo! You wanna work in radio? Be cool and prove it!
Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?
"The Art Of War" by Sun Tzu ... a timeless classic on war-time strategy that's applicable to radio.
"The Bible!" Just remember, most motivational speakers/writers are simply rehashing what's been written for thousands of years. Plus, you can often get one for free!
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