10 Questions with ... Lady BG

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I was actually interested in television at first, but soon after earning a Bachelors Degree in Mass Communications, my first gig in the business was in radio. The plan was to work on my craft behind the mic until I landed the TV job, but one radio gig lead to another and another, starting at WCHS and WKAZ in Charleston, WV, then to WWWZ/Charleston, SC, KHYS and KBXX/Houston and WJLB, WDMK and WGPR in Detroit ... and wow, time flies! I'm a former MD, APD and afternoon-driver! I've done every on-air shift -- overnights, middays, evenings, late nights ... and I was even part of a morning show in the late '90s. In addition, I'm a voiceover talent and member of SAG, and most recently I was cast as a core detective (extra) on the new crime drama Detroit 1-8-7, which airs on ABC Tuesday nights at 10. Pause your DVR and you just might see me!!

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

I get plenty of rest, I pray, and argue with my husband!

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

I've been doing some extra work (background acting) on the new crime drama Detroit 1-8-7 starring Michael Imperioli (Sopranos) and James McDaniel (NYPD Blue) ... very interesting!

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

Know someone!

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

Even though radio is still in a slump, the most effective tool for me has been staying in contact with friends and colleagues who are still working in the industry, and of course, the popular radio trade and company websites.

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

I called the production director at WVAH-TV every two weeks for six months! To avoid my calls, he hired me!

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

I would love to have another on-air gig with music, programming and production responsibilities.

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

Some people get back with me, some don't ... not too many people take the time to reply, but even when they send the automated response, it excites me! Sad.

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

Salaries are definitely lower. I don't think radio will ever be the way it used to be, however I'd do what I love for half of what I used to make ... We all know that you can always hustle in radio to make up the difference!

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

I can multi-task! My strong point is that I'm an effective adult communicator and experienced radio personality who can jump in the production room and produce and voice my own spots and promos, knows Selector, can groom talent and work a crowd! What more do you need?!

10) Where do you see yourself in five years? 10 years?

Near a beach ... but not "on the beach."

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

My favorite new diversion is shopping at the dollar store, Dollar Tree to be specific ... Everything at Dollar Tree is $1, which really separates them from the rest, and you really CAN get just about everything you need at Dollar Tree! I sound like their spokesperson. And in some markets, I hear, they offer fresh organic vegetables ... imagine that!