10 Questions with ... Steve Bryant

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Great background for Talk radio -- 15 years on-air at QVC. I was their "electronics" and "entertainment" host; three years, hosting The Steve Bryant Show on WCOJ/West Chester, PA; three years as VP/Talent for Scripps Networks; three years as writer/producer/character on the Jay and Randy Show on WCHE/West Chester, PA.

Currently, I write and produce song parodies and comedy bits for national and local radio shows around the country as well as the cable TV news channels. With my ability to write and produce my own parodies and bits along with my talk-hosting skills, I would make a lot of money for a station that hires me. Advertisers and listeners love me.

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

First and foremost, I spend time with my wife, my church and world-class dogs. I also write and produce topical material. Most of my parodies wind up being played on hundreds of radio stations along with the cable TV news networks.

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

I am an avid songwriter, guitarist and close-up magician, practicing all three a great deal. These talents help to make my personal appearances a lot of fun.

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.

Radio is a business ... show business, but a business nonetheless. Business always evolves, as has radio. There will always be a place for a talented, team-oriented person like myself. Granted, it's not easy to find a place in the "new radio business model" these days, but it's not impossible.

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

Yes. I want to join a creative team and help them to grow.

5) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?

This is it. Three years.

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

Totally disregard the phrase "no calls" on all help wanted ads. Yeah, nothing a PD or Station Manager likes more than a call from someone he or she doesn't know from Adam. Or, if you want to try something effective, go to all industry functions and network in person. In these times of social networking, people seem to forget the power of "friending" someone in person.

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

I rode a "Killer Whale." Seriously. The video is on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y519uL0ZPxk. It was an incredible experience but it didn't work.

8) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?

I want to be a talk host in a market where I would really bond with my listeners and new community. I'm not a Conservative or Liberal; I'm an issues-oriented talk entertainer. I don't endlessly criticize or praise the government, going on ad infinitum about politics. I lampoon pop culture, politics and the media, creating entertaining parodies and bits about all subjects to entertain my audience. I'm a talk entertainer.

9) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?

"Was all that stuff you sold on QVC just crap?" Yeah, I often risk my reputation for the sake of selling "crap." QVC has much-higher-than-average quality standards and an impeccable reputation. That HR person wanted gossip and I disappointed them.

10) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?

My musical, writing and production talents enable me to create really professional song parodies. I lead with them on my demos. Plus, I have several comedy videos on YouTube and I always include the URL or a DVD if I'm sending a "hard copy" demo.

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

Anything from Brian Tracy, Zig Ziglar, or my latest book (my fourth) "Selling the Way America Buys."