Recently, I’ve received so many e.mails from listeners all asking the same question, “Why are you no longer on LIVE 1055?” So this blog is, in part, to let you know what happened, and to encourage those who have found themselves sitting where I’m sitting. At Starbucks, looking for the next great job opportunity.
It’s been a month since I was laid-off (due to budget cuts) as assistant program director, music director, and afternoon jock on LIVE 1055. And as anyone who has found themselves out looking for a job, you know these times are not going to be easy.
Before I focus on the key element of this blog, I will set it up by saying that after being in radio for some 20+ years, I’ve learned (the hard way) that I need to save up money to live for about a year, while looking for my next radio opportunity. Also, I had to set up a game plan (such as my own budget cuts)and be ready the second I get the call from the boss saying, “Come see me in my office.”
Have that resume’ and mp3 of your show ready to be sent to the competition and other radio stations in the market, before you log off your laptop sitting on the desk you are cleaning out. Send a quick e.mail saying, ‘I was just laid-off due to budget cuts and was hoping to meet with you.’ Heck, when I was let go as interim PD and APD/MD/Afternoon Jock from KDON in Monterey, I was hired within 10 minutes across the street at CD93.
For me, this was easy because I never make enemies with my competition. I’m friends with others in radio. See, I truly love radio. I’m a fan of radio and disc jockeys and other program directors. Anyone who knows me, knows I love everything about radio. I am not ashamed to say that I am a radio freak. Just an example; If you have ever walked into my office at LIVE 1055, you would have seen thousands of radio station bumper stickers (some dating back to the 60’s) covering up two walls. I could tell you stories about those radio stations and what made them great.
Anyway, thankfully, less than a week after being laid-off from LIVE 1055, my friends at the Cumulus radio stations in Ventura/Santa Barbara picked me up and I’ve been doing some part time work at 95.1 and KRUZ@97.5, while giving me the opportunity to continue to look for my next programming job.
Networking is key. Let me strongly say this again. NETWORKING IS KEY!!! Network before and after the lay off. Sometimes I will see a job opening in the trades that is perfect for me, knowing that I am the right person for them. Problem is…we don’t know each other. Truth be known…for the most part…the person who gets that job is someone that networked his way there. Rarely have I gotten a gig I didn’t know someone on the inside or made myself known to them before hand.
When I suddenly and shockingly, out of the blue, lost my job at CD93 in Monterey, I was on the phone with Carlos Campos in Reno, who I met in 2001 as the tragedy of 911 was unfolding. I soon became the program director of MIX 95.5 in Reno.
Because of the relationship with Trace Nealy, while working with her at MIX 95.5, I was able to come home to work at LIVE 1055 here in Ventura.
I could go on and on and on with like stories about how networking is key.
Today, as I sit here on my laptop at Starbucks, going online looking for jobs, doing my homework (seeing if I know anyone at that radio station or someone in the know) and talking with radio stations about working there, the openings that look promising are the ones where we know each other. And there is one radio station where I would love to work with because I know them and like them. We’ll see how this plays out.
BTW: I want to make something clear. I’m still friends with everyone at Gold Coast Broadcasting (who owns LIVE 1055). Even with those who had to lay me off. Look, they are good people who had to make some hard decisions during these hard times. So there are no hard feelings. I get it.
In the meantime, I hope to hear from you. Feel free to comment below or e.mail me: radiomav@aol.com.