10 Questions with ... Bill Harman

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Another email: jharman@columbus.rr.com

I got into radio back in high school and thought I could do that until I found a real job ... which has never materialized. I've worked mainly in the Midwest and Florida, but the stop in Austin was wonderful. I was one of the early champions of contemporary instrumental music and the Smooth Jazz format. I helped with the implementation of the genre in both Canada and Australia.

I'm currently produce and host a three-hour audio story of cool and mellow called the "Harmonic Lounge(r)" (www.harmoniclounge.com). It's a commercially eclectic weekend show for AC, Triple A and Smooth Jazz. It's on four terrestrial radio stations and one Internet station with plenty of room for growth and it's syndicated through Rocket Media. It's designed to add value and opportunity to unused weekend dayparts with unique programming that's compatible in today's landscape. I have a demo package for anyone who might be interested.

I'm also working with my syndication company to start a contemporary jazz 24/7 Internet station based in Columbus; that should get off the ground in the next couple of weeks. I believe the music is still viable and I'm looking forward to implementing my ideas to create a new direction and content that will resonate with both listeners and advertisers alike.

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

I look at this as an adventure and another challenge, as I have most of life. I have learned two things in my travels ... and that is (1) everything changes; and (2) everything ends. I believe if you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got, so I'm going to embrace the change and try to shape it to my advantage. My wife (Sherry) keeps me motivated and focused. I started my concept for the show before I hit the beach and think the present environment is better than ever for the program. It keeps me moving forward in a very positive way. You really have to look at every day as the miracle it is; I learned a long time ago that any day above ground is a good one. I'm a glass half-full kind of guy and I'm grateful for my friends, experiences and that I've made it this far.

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

I've dropped 25 pounds by getting myself and the dog out the door on a regular basis to walk. We bought a house back in 2007, so there's a huge list with a short budget for the money pit. Sherry also runs a real money-making business (the Lounge has not made a buck so far) out of the house, which means we are partners in both what I do and what she does. Two of our three adult kids have moved back home with the third on the way later this year. Two of them will graduate from Ohio State in the fall and I expect them to get good jobs to support me and their mother the way we deserve to be supported (I also believe in world peace, Santa Claus and the tooth fairy). I read a lot more than I've ever done and have educated myself more at this time than ever before. I've done a lot of that by simply shutting off the TV or reading while my wife watches. The production and process of the show is a lot more time-consuming than most would think. I also try to find some time for a nap every now or then, but that's not working out the way I want.

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 believe that the industry got away from what got us to the ballgame. At one time we were the most creative medium going, but now it's all about the bottom line and the heck with product. No matter what the technology or delivery source is, the whole thing is about content and choice ... and for the most part, radio is giving neither. I simply don't listen a lot anymore because there's nothing to entertain or inform. Terrestrial radio has some real big problems that should have been addressed years ago, but I also think that radio is not going away anytime soon ... and it will change and adapt to this new world.

I'm very excited about the possibilities on the web, especially when the technology and structure becomes more coherent. I believe that when you can get all those creative outlets through a simple box where you work, in your house and while you're on the road, then there will be new rules for the whole game and that game is changing every day.

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

So far there's been no other choice. My quest for a real job has not gone well and not for a lack of trying. I hired a couple of career coaches, redid the resume and looked at any option that moved. It's just a tough environment for any job right now (especially if you are trying to transition into something else) and it's probably not going to get better before next year. The smart idea to re-brand myself and add a new coat of paint did not hurt. In fact, it taught me a ton on how to work the show. I would like to think that there is something else out there that I could do, but as long as I'm happy and we can pay the bills, then it all works out. This has put added emphasis on my program to succeed and right now the best scenario is for me to go downstairs to the studio in my bunny slippers and make it work that way.

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

I was downsized mid-November 2007 and have been out since then, so you do the math. I have never been without a job for so long. I'm very lucky that we did our homework long ago on setting up our financial foundation. We also have very loving families and friends who support us in any way they can when we need it. It also helps to pay it forward. We give what we can when we can because no matter how bad it might seem, there is always someone else out there who is far worse off than we are.

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

Okay, campers, pay attention because it's all about networking. Things are so tight and weird at the moment that the more folks you know, the better the shot you have at getting noticed and being asked to join the party. You have to have a great attitude. You have to be persistent. You have to be positive. You have to be realistic. And most important, you have to try again and again and again. Do not give up because you can find a way if that's what you want to do.

7) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

Is this a trick question? Of course it's All Access. Also see #6 above. I also look at a ton of blogs and websites to find out other ideas. Information is power and you might be surprised what you pick up that will give you an idea that will lead to something you really want to do. Remember that the status quo is the enemy of growth. Be able to think out of the box, but also be ready to color outside the lines and if you don't want to think out of the box, think on how you can grow your box into something better.

8) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)

There is no courtesy level almost anywhere. There is nothing but a big black hole where you apply and then hear nothing else ever again. I was amazed not long ago when a GM e-mailed me to let me know that I was chosen to continue in the process of picking their next PD. I did get another e-mail letting me know how that process worked out (did not get the job), but I sent him a thank you letter for the courtesy and consideration. That's someone who I would like to work for. I don't care how busy you might be; if someone shows interest in doing something for you, just don't ignore them. We're in the communication business and everyone deserves to know where they stand, or the outcome of what they went after and reading it in the trades does not count.

9) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?

I arrived on the beach because of budget cuts after 12 years at my position. The way salaries/benefits were is almost non-existent today. Radio is not taking care of those who create the magic and content day in and day out. Aren't your people the best assets you have? I had not had a raise in almost two years and got one a couple of weeks before I was let go (the first time it showed up was on my severance) and that raise wasn't even 3%. I love what I do (my wife calls it my mistress); I'm good at it and I am very lucky to do it, but don't hurt the ones who are helping you -- and that includes programming, sales and all the support staff.

It's still at the point that many feel lucky that they have their jobs and they should be grateful to their employers that they are still in the budget. No one should have to live like that in any business. I know times are tough, but let's solve the problems by thinking smarter, working harder and treating everyone so they want to do more, rather than having them do just what they have to do to get by and keep the gig.

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

The whole thing today is about networking and educating yourself to be able to adapt and move forward in the change ... and I let that go. That will never happen again! I'm now always trying to reach out and that includes in any way that I can, whether it's giving or receiving. I'm educating myself in more ways possible through my reading or through my participation. I want to do what I can to make this a better place and hopefully I'll leave it that way when I'm gone.

Care to contribute a low-cost recipe to our "ON THE BEACH" cookbook?

My wife's Cherry Cheese Pie is almost better than ... well, never mind!

• 1 9" graham cracker pie crust
• 1 8oz package of cream cheese
• 1 15oz can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1/3 cup of lemon juice
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1 can of cherry pie filling

Let cream cheese stand at room temp until softened. Beat until fluffy (Love that line). Gradually add milk while stirring; stir until thoroughly mixed. Add lemon juice and vanilla extract; stir until well mixed. Pour into prepared crust. Chill 2-3 hours before putting pie filling on top. In my house it just serves me but in yours, you can probably get it to seven or eight.