Page 18 - Radio_Ink

Stop

Struggling.

Get Smart.

Where Will The
Sign Up for

Next Big Talent
Radio Ink
Come From?

Frustrated brand managers are often heard saying, "I can't find Headlines
anyone," or "The same candidates keep applying," or "As an
industry, we have done this to ourselves." While it's true that the
pool of available air talent has shrunk (and that's another article), there Now
are creative ways to discover the best talent.
Here are eight ways to breathe new life into your search.
Possessing talent is more important than possessing experi-
ence. You can teach people how to do radio, but you can't teach them to • Delivered weekdays to your in box before
be talented. Find people who are outgoing, love the lifestyle, have a great
sense of humor, know the music, and can well represent your station. any other radio trade
Who at the radio station who is not on the air has the best personality?
I once asked this question in a market in which we had an opening. The • Up to date industry news
former receptionist is now the top personality in that market.
Wherever you go, any day of the week, you may meet someone whose • Articles and columns from radio’s best
great personality strikes you. On a recent market visit, while dining,
the PD and I encountered a waitress who just seemed to have "it." That managers, trainers and consultants
woman became a great part-time air talent.
Scour local comedy clubs. Are there local comics who would kill for • Who was hired? Who was fired?
a chance to be the second or third chair on your morning show?
Create meaningful internships. What does this have to do with air Job openings
talent? When Mike Krinik (now an EMI regional rep) was PD at WGGY in
Wilkes-Barre, he would give any intern who worked a certain number of • Free access to our World Famous lists
hours a shot on the air. From that exercise, he found more than one part-
time or full-time air talent. • Includes our “Breaking News” emails
Check with local colleges' media departments. There are over-the-
air and online stations within your community where you may be able to
find funny, talented people. Sign up at
Mentor to discover new talent. Programming meetings like CRS
and the Midwest Conclave have mentoring breakfasts. I've met some radioink.com/headlines
excellent up-and-coming talent at these meetings — who eventually
ended up in prime positions. today!
Offer a cash reward/signing bonus. I have had some success offer-
ing cold hard cash for tips leading to a talent who is hired. You can also
offer a signing bonus. This tactic has netted significantly better resumes
and airchecks.

Once you've identified candidates, be clear about what is offered and
what is not. While you want to paint the opportunity in the best possible
light, there should be no surprises for the prospect if you want to keep
JOEL RAAB him or her. Check non-listed references. Those folks might be more hon-
JoelRaabconsults30 est about the individual you're asking about.
Countryradiostations Finally, and I can't stress this enough: talent is more important than
inlarge,medium,and experience. New people may be rough at first, but as an industry we Keeping you informed, up-to-date and industry
smallmarkets.Hecanbe will have to train and build our next generation of players. There are no smart in just one email every day.
reachedatjoel@joelraab. shortcuts. This will take time, care, and plenty of attention. But the payoff
comor215.750.6868. And easiest to read on any device!
will be magnificent.

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