“The past is a different country. We don’t live there any more.” The LP Hartley quote is true.
The nature of our business has changed. That doesn’t mean you can’t still work and thrive as an on radio air personality, producer or journalist, but the way you approach the job is evolving.
My area of expertise is in training, coaching and developing talent, working to help people shape and create content and polish presentation techniques, plus helping each to become better, more compelling storytellers and to grow audiences. This will likely NOT change.
But being on-air, on the radio for some, may become just one of many ways you’ll make your living… But it is clear: “self starters” will be the winners.
The Future of Talent:
1. Become your own brand, market that brand in every way possible, reach out and partner with those where it makes sense, who also reach your targeted audience demo
2. Work across every platform.
3. Develop a following on your own.
4. Own your database, socials, etc. Own your own audience.
5. PARTNER with a radio station… Don’t depend on a radio station to give you the job.
6. Develop your performance. Prep. Get airchecked or learn to self check your work.
7. Work hard to create a performance worth hearing.
8. Be real. Do not be an actor playing the part of a presenter on the air. Don’t be fake. Individual, authentic, unique voices are what win.
9. Be versatile. Creative life encompasses many things. Fields where communicators also succeed have included Psychologist, writer, teacher, priest/minister/rabbi and lawyer…DJs also do remarkably well in certain sales jobs like real estate. Be persistent. Each experience will help you with fresh life experiences upon which to draw, when you are on the air.
10. Maintain a good attitude.
Nobody HAS to hire you. Remember, people tend to hire people they LIKE.
This topic is also addressed in the new book: beyondpowerfulradio.com
