Phew is it August already? Let me give you an idea on how busy I have been, My goal was /Is to update my blog at least every Tuesday…yeah fail on that. This summer has been kind of a Birth by fire for me, July 4th I broadcasted all day, and did a trivia game show before the fireworks , it was really fun experience and something that I got into broadcasting to have that outside of connection. Since then its been non stop, our station had an amazing July and setting up for another great month in August. Needless to say I have been busy, very busy, enough that there are points where I dream about work, it’s a tough schedule though, I am up at 4 AM and there have been days when I haven’t been home til 4PM. Being in a new environment, needless to say its affected my social life, but that’s a sacrifice that I am making and sacrifice you might have to make too.
With the way radio is today, there is more than a slight chance you will have to move. When I got this opportunity here in Lake Placid the time between interviewing and moving was about a month. So I left in a hurry arranging where I would live, and packing. I left so quickly that I didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye to some people I became very close to after college. It weighed on my decision, but I decided to take the chance, and move on from the little bubble I surrounded myself with.
This was one of the toughest choices of my life, moving on is hard to do. We all make these little bubbles for ourselves, the hardest part of making them is popping them. I think when I got home from college I did my best to make my bubble thin to make this easier. See when you are in college the bubble is already thin. Its because you’re in an environment where its expected that you are going to move on. More than likely you and the people around you have their own goals and they expect you are going to move on too, so they aren’t surprised when you say hey I am going to have to move or return home after you get that diploma. When you go back home though the bubble is a little denser. There are friends who may not want to move or may have a goal that allows them to stay in the area, they are comfortable, their dream is obtainable in the area or maybe they have given up and decided comfort is more important than their dream.
The truth, being comfortable is an excuse, I always ask “Wouldn’t you be more comfortable 100 miles away from home doing what you love every single day, making an impact? Getting experience? Rather than coming home maybe living with your parents a little longer complaining about how the supervisor at the Best Buy got on you because you didn’t handle a return right…yeah have fun with that.” These people even though your dearest friends create that denser bubble because you become close, and it feels great, why would you want to leave this? Well the answer is deep within you, you know your area market by now and if its like mine, I needed to leave to be successful. I knew this so I continuously let my friends know, to help them understand my passion. I suggest that as you make strides in your career and as you begin to feel strongly about what direction and what level of success satisfies you, share it with your friends. Explain to them where you want to be, and explain to them what you are prepared to do. Don’t forget your family needs to know this as well. (See Previous Post Nay Say your Naysayers to deal with negative responses) …This is so important because it creates a support system, for when you do get that job, 2, 3 4 etc hours away. Also they won’t be alienated when you do leave, they will understand and support you as you get your legs underneath you and develop new friends in your new home. In the 3 months or so since I have made my way to this great area, I haven’t made many friends and it really has been the support of my friends from back in my hometown and college that has allowed me to really flourish and get through some of those days where you just need people around you, believe me your friends will be there for you.
It’s not easy for some, to break through these barriers, but its worth it Of course it is a sacrifice, find it deep down in yourself to make this sacrifice. And of course it doesn’t get easier when your heart is involved; a boyfriend or a girlfriend creates inner conflict. I was speaking with a friend recently who was worried about looking outside his area because of his girlfriend, he is unwilling to do the long distance thing. Who can blame the guy? I felt lucky enough to be single when I left to come to Lake Placid. Maybe my blurting out on first dates “I am looking to get in radio, and If I get an opportunity outside the area I am going to leave” for some reason was like kryptonite and the start of an awkward date that eventually wouldn’t lead to a second. I know it ruined my chances but I felt it was my duty to share because I have chosen to make broadcasting a major part of my life. Yes on some colder nights I regret that, and mornings don’t leave room for a lot of date time, but I know every morning when I wake up I made the right choice and this journey I am on will bring me into contact with the perfect women, yes it sounds like something a mother would say but it’s the truth. Even better can save that awkward blurt out for the 2nd date. I hope you have found that someone special that’s willing to let you go on your journey and experience your passion.
I know your situation might be different, but if you prepare yourself and the people around you it makes applying to jobs outside your comfort zone so much easier, and your chances of success really go up making you one step closer to that goal, that payoff…its closer than you think, even if it might be a little far away.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Recently one of my Idols, announced his retirement from Radio. Don Weeks long time morning host on 810AM WGY last Tuesday brought news I don’t think many could ever fathom. About half a minute later my mom instant messaged me. The moment she told me I was instantly transformed back to where my passion for radio started. Don Weeks had so much to do with where I am today, the passion I feel today, and the resolve I feel today. It brings tears to my eyes of the thought of him not being on-air.
Can you imagine the weakest point in your life? Maybe its right now, maybe it was years ago, or it has yet to come. The weakest point in my life was fourth grade through about seventh. I know seems funny, so young how is it possible? For the child of an abusive home and a little boy just struggling to read and write and keep with dyslexia, it’s possible.
I remember those days vividly, the darkness was so dense it sneaked its way into my nose, the smell, putrid. I hated waking up because I knew there was nothing but sadness for my day, It was a struggle. I felt meek, useless and a waste. Then there was Don Week’s Morning show, with a mix of comedy, entertainment, kindness and warmth Don Weeks from his seat lifted me to take on that day. Many times I could only listen for a few moments, some days I would be even lucky enough to call in. I was in heaven, I had a voice, Don’s laugh cared, I was no long some meak useless waste, I was Paul Varga and my voice was being sent through the air and into the homes of thousands. I was more than just myself. In fourth grade I was expelled from my elementary school for hurting a teacher. I was sent for my fifth and half of my sixth grade year to a special class…That’s right I rode the small bus. I was tortured when I had to leave for school because I could no longer listen. I received a gift that forever changed my life from, Dick and Audrey Tschan members of my church in Saratoga Springs NY, A simple portable Boombox. About the size of a brick, maybe a bit smaller, that boombox was glued to the side of my ear… It would change my days, because I could listen. In the long run Don Weeks changed my life. Radio Changed my life.
This passion you feel is worth it. Are you going into this crazy world of broadcasting just for yourself, to be famous? Phew, If you are its so much more than that. The impact you have on the radio and really everywhere in broadcasting. Might be life changing to someone. Maybe you have some overnight shift, or maybe some off-air gopher role. But the work you are doing IS impacting people. That is why its so important to have your priorities straight. People talk about the death of radio, but they forget the impact it can have, an IPOD will never replace a living breathing soul, that can connect, and elevate someone who may have unspeakable problems, to a level that gets them through just one more day.
Think broader as you keep on with your search. Keep these people in mind as you struggle, maybe even yourself. Yes you may never know your impact or thought/ think you will/would make an impact, but wait until about the 2nd week you are on-air and meet someone who you lift up, daily. They might not even say it but you can see it in their eyes...Its amazing.
I need to go grocery shopping, but let me leave you with a quick tip:
Use LinkdIn to find and to connect with broadcasters on a professional level, show you are serious and ask questions to help your career, remember you aren’t a fan, you are a peer.
Enjoy some life today!
Paul
Can you imagine the weakest point in your life? Maybe its right now, maybe it was years ago, or it has yet to come. The weakest point in my life was fourth grade through about seventh. I know seems funny, so young how is it possible? For the child of an abusive home and a little boy just struggling to read and write and keep with dyslexia, it’s possible.
I remember those days vividly, the darkness was so dense it sneaked its way into my nose, the smell, putrid. I hated waking up because I knew there was nothing but sadness for my day, It was a struggle. I felt meek, useless and a waste. Then there was Don Week’s Morning show, with a mix of comedy, entertainment, kindness and warmth Don Weeks from his seat lifted me to take on that day. Many times I could only listen for a few moments, some days I would be even lucky enough to call in. I was in heaven, I had a voice, Don’s laugh cared, I was no long some meak useless waste, I was Paul Varga and my voice was being sent through the air and into the homes of thousands. I was more than just myself. In fourth grade I was expelled from my elementary school for hurting a teacher. I was sent for my fifth and half of my sixth grade year to a special class…That’s right I rode the small bus. I was tortured when I had to leave for school because I could no longer listen. I received a gift that forever changed my life from, Dick and Audrey Tschan members of my church in Saratoga Springs NY, A simple portable Boombox. About the size of a brick, maybe a bit smaller, that boombox was glued to the side of my ear… It would change my days, because I could listen. In the long run Don Weeks changed my life. Radio Changed my life.
This passion you feel is worth it. Are you going into this crazy world of broadcasting just for yourself, to be famous? Phew, If you are its so much more than that. The impact you have on the radio and really everywhere in broadcasting. Might be life changing to someone. Maybe you have some overnight shift, or maybe some off-air gopher role. But the work you are doing IS impacting people. That is why its so important to have your priorities straight. People talk about the death of radio, but they forget the impact it can have, an IPOD will never replace a living breathing soul, that can connect, and elevate someone who may have unspeakable problems, to a level that gets them through just one more day.
Think broader as you keep on with your search. Keep these people in mind as you struggle, maybe even yourself. Yes you may never know your impact or thought/ think you will/would make an impact, but wait until about the 2nd week you are on-air and meet someone who you lift up, daily. They might not even say it but you can see it in their eyes...Its amazing.
I need to go grocery shopping, but let me leave you with a quick tip:
Use LinkdIn to find and to connect with broadcasters on a professional level, show you are serious and ask questions to help your career, remember you aren’t a fan, you are a peer.
Enjoy some life today!
Paul
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Green is good in your pocket,, not your heart.
I am always intrigued watching Yoda in star wars. He is essentially the baby of E.T and Kermit The Frog yet he one of the biggest characters arguably in American Cinema, He has a lot of memorable lines but this one has always stuck out to me
Yes I know this is broadcasting and we aren't fighting Darth Vader, and even though a microphone does wield a certain amount of power, its certainly not a lightsaber, and even though some ego's may be inflated no one can move objects. Why I like this quote and brought it up because it really defines the struggle of finding a position in broadcasting. There are alot of feelings that can cloud your mind and make your search much worse. You need to avoid these, but there is something even more deadly that will get you off your path, jealousy.
Jealousy takes many forms, and will come in many incarnations in your path. It might be good looking classmate that seems to sparkle on Camera more than you think you do. It might be someone with a deeper, smoother voice. You will competition at every level, and whenever there is competition there is jealousy, there is people who get consumed by it and let it cloud their mind. These people will fail, and never achieve their full potential because they are to caught up in the Why not me? and other various excuses.
I am certainly no angel when it comes to the "Why not me?", I remember driving home from work on many occasions and hearing a talent I thought was bad...Huffing and puffing my face would get green. It would subside, however I know for some its not the easy. I urge you to find a way to effectively deal with the green monster.
This may sound a little coincided but the first way I began to deal with my own jealousy issues, is understanding that other people might be jealous of me. Those people might be the guy coming on after me at the station or maybe my best friend. This created a realization and I started being more humble, not overly touting awards etc etc, what I found was this allowed me to still be competitive but also look at the search as a team mentality, allowing me to open up and get true support from the people I need it to, and give true support to other who needed it too. As friends of mine started getting opportunities, knowing they support me just as much as I support them made for less jealousy and more celebration.
Another great way to overcome jealousy is to ask questions, like most things in this world education and knowledge solves alot. If you want to know how someone got a gig, talk to them about it, Maybe it wasn't their skill right now, it could be they have alot of upside, Maybe it was their personality something in the interview process, that made them stand out. Could be that they knew someone, getting to know that person to could never hurt. So do a little study if you are jealous of that person, find out why.
There are plenty more ways, but be true, and be honest with yourself. Don't let the fear, anger and jealousy of this search harden you into a bitter desperate person. You can achieve your goal, and your passion, it may take time but when you get there will you be able to enjoy it, if you're on the dark side?
I hope you had a great weekend, Monday starts a whole new week! Thanks again for the read.
Paul
.. A Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware of the dark side. Anger, fear, aggression; the dark side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny...
Yes I know this is broadcasting and we aren't fighting Darth Vader, and even though a microphone does wield a certain amount of power, its certainly not a lightsaber, and even though some ego's may be inflated no one can move objects. Why I like this quote and brought it up because it really defines the struggle of finding a position in broadcasting. There are alot of feelings that can cloud your mind and make your search much worse. You need to avoid these, but there is something even more deadly that will get you off your path, jealousy.
Jealousy takes many forms, and will come in many incarnations in your path. It might be good looking classmate that seems to sparkle on Camera more than you think you do. It might be someone with a deeper, smoother voice. You will competition at every level, and whenever there is competition there is jealousy, there is people who get consumed by it and let it cloud their mind. These people will fail, and never achieve their full potential because they are to caught up in the Why not me? and other various excuses.
I am certainly no angel when it comes to the "Why not me?", I remember driving home from work on many occasions and hearing a talent I thought was bad...Huffing and puffing my face would get green. It would subside, however I know for some its not the easy. I urge you to find a way to effectively deal with the green monster.
This may sound a little coincided but the first way I began to deal with my own jealousy issues, is understanding that other people might be jealous of me. Those people might be the guy coming on after me at the station or maybe my best friend. This created a realization and I started being more humble, not overly touting awards etc etc, what I found was this allowed me to still be competitive but also look at the search as a team mentality, allowing me to open up and get true support from the people I need it to, and give true support to other who needed it too. As friends of mine started getting opportunities, knowing they support me just as much as I support them made for less jealousy and more celebration.
Another great way to overcome jealousy is to ask questions, like most things in this world education and knowledge solves alot. If you want to know how someone got a gig, talk to them about it, Maybe it wasn't their skill right now, it could be they have alot of upside, Maybe it was their personality something in the interview process, that made them stand out. Could be that they knew someone, getting to know that person to could never hurt. So do a little study if you are jealous of that person, find out why.
There are plenty more ways, but be true, and be honest with yourself. Don't let the fear, anger and jealousy of this search harden you into a bitter desperate person. You can achieve your goal, and your passion, it may take time but when you get there will you be able to enjoy it, if you're on the dark side?
I hope you had a great weekend, Monday starts a whole new week! Thanks again for the read.
Paul
Thursday, June 10, 2010
So you have a face for radio....
Its been about three months since I started here in Lake Placid, its a small area and you bump into a lot of listeners. As you begin your search for radio you gotta take steps to be able to market yourself as someone who is comfortable and pro-active in public. I know I try to make this to all broadcasting TV and Radio but today is going to be a little more centered around radio.
Its weird for people to know you and you not know them, and for some it makes them very uncomfortable. Radio used to be a very faceless medium, you had no clue what your favorite host looked like, and when you found out well it was quite the surprise. This of course is where the joke "Hey has anyone told you, you have a face for radio?" Well the world has changed with facebook, websites and multi-platform marketing, radio personalities are more visible then ever. This is why as you develop your voice, you also develop your image or public presence.
An image is important, many times in our generation, we see image as being a totally fake facade. As you develop your image, avoid being fake however choose what you want to put out there. An Image to me is all about boundaries. Keeping whats for personal and other things open like a book. For example, in public I avoid being sarcastic, a main stay in my private life, but I do feel comfortable sharing stories about my family and embarrassing stories about myself. Its hard getting the right formula down, and I am far from it, but its alot easier when you get out and get your hands dirty.
If you are out of the field, look into promotions, and the events you do pretend you are on-air when you are speaking with people (Don't say this out loud, people might think you are overstepping) Also volunteer. In many communities there are great opportunities to volunteer in a way that puts you in front of people. When you find these chances take full advantage, act like you are at a live remote, and let your personality and the image you want shine bright.
Its essential you learn this, with so multi-platformed the world is, you need to feel the confidence of being in public right away. You might not go on a bunch of events but people will have access to you like never before. If you lack that confidence its going to suck adjusting. Its going to affect your on air work too, you will question your connection with the audience which will drag you down. So even if you have a face, body, mole, smile, lazy eye for radio, believe in yourself and be just as comfortable in front of the mic, as you are behind. It will take you far.
I hope you are getting alot from these posts, please feel free to add comments and share!
Time for bed but first a quick Tip
Tip: Dress always like someone can see you. If you feel good you sound good, it can make the difference on an early morning!
Its weird for people to know you and you not know them, and for some it makes them very uncomfortable. Radio used to be a very faceless medium, you had no clue what your favorite host looked like, and when you found out well it was quite the surprise. This of course is where the joke "Hey has anyone told you, you have a face for radio?" Well the world has changed with facebook, websites and multi-platform marketing, radio personalities are more visible then ever. This is why as you develop your voice, you also develop your image or public presence.
An image is important, many times in our generation, we see image as being a totally fake facade. As you develop your image, avoid being fake however choose what you want to put out there. An Image to me is all about boundaries. Keeping whats for personal and other things open like a book. For example, in public I avoid being sarcastic, a main stay in my private life, but I do feel comfortable sharing stories about my family and embarrassing stories about myself. Its hard getting the right formula down, and I am far from it, but its alot easier when you get out and get your hands dirty.
If you are out of the field, look into promotions, and the events you do pretend you are on-air when you are speaking with people (Don't say this out loud, people might think you are overstepping) Also volunteer. In many communities there are great opportunities to volunteer in a way that puts you in front of people. When you find these chances take full advantage, act like you are at a live remote, and let your personality and the image you want shine bright.
Its essential you learn this, with so multi-platformed the world is, you need to feel the confidence of being in public right away. You might not go on a bunch of events but people will have access to you like never before. If you lack that confidence its going to suck adjusting. Its going to affect your on air work too, you will question your connection with the audience which will drag you down. So even if you have a face, body, mole, smile, lazy eye for radio, believe in yourself and be just as comfortable in front of the mic, as you are behind. It will take you far.
I hope you are getting alot from these posts, please feel free to add comments and share!
Time for bed but first a quick Tip
Tip: Dress always like someone can see you. If you feel good you sound good, it can make the difference on an early morning!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Neutral not the gear you're going to catch your dream in!
The great thing about the broadcasting and media profession is that it really is like a great big family. I could sit here all day and speak from my experience but I solicited advice from others to ad to it, I thank all the people who have made comments and taken the time to contribute, in the future I hope you will do the same when you reach your goal.
From the comments so far, I really want to make something clear to you, Passion only takes you so far, if you put your gear in neutral to wait for something to come along. There are no guarantee in this business and if you truly and have a passion you gotta floor, it you have to make sacrifices and you have to make smart moves that will allow you to achieve everything you want. I am going to glance over some themes because I want to dive deeper into them in later posts.
Education, is so important, you experience so many things in college that will really make you a better broadcaster, you will meet more diverse people, gain an understanding of different cultures.
A great point brought up in comments over LinkedIn by Joseph Mabus,
"What I always find is most helpful when I don't have work is to work anyway. I am not about to wait for a recruiter to tell me when it is okay to do what I love."
There is a feeling when you are out of something you have a passion for of helplessness, as I've talked about before, you will feel lost and points, but if you stay busy it gets you ready, it keeps you in shape. There are alot of opportunities in field,
Youtube, a great way to be seen, if you are looking to go into television, its never to soon to start even if you're younger keep at it, post vlogs, little reports on things going on in your neighborhood, a flip camera, basic video editing equipment and a cheap microphone for voiceover work of your story.
Voiceover sites,blogtalkradio, internet radio stations. These are great opportunities for you to stay sharp, and develop. You can get cheap audio editing software and many macs come standard with some sort, Also Blue Mic's Makes a great product thats a USB Microphone so you don't need any fancy hookups, and can find the snowball for less than $100... check it out
If you are like me though, you need cash, and many of the above don't pay. Make sure that when you search for out of field jobs that you can apply them to your resume to make yourself look the most attractive. This will also allow you to practice and maybe diversify yourself. Getting a constant paycheck gives you the ability to be picky about what you are applying for maximizing you are applying your skill set properly.
With Radio being so diverse and really a station needs you to be diverse, I would try a hand at a sales job, This will give you valuable experience and another hat to wear. I wouldn't have been able to afford my current position, if I didn't have a little sales experience. Yes I sold one insurance policy but I've taken the training and immediately applied to to AD sales...which is tough right now.
I would suggest some sort of call center experience, yes its a little monotonous, and may make you a little depressed but, its good money, and really gives you unparalleled practice, interacting people. This will benefit you in finding out information you need quickly, it will give you those phone skills, to convey thoughts and ideas. Also it will give you an appreciation for sanity, you will meet some characters.
Finally but surely not last, Take some time to make sure you are on the right path. Every month evaluate the decisions you are making. This will give you time to reflect, write something down and make sure you are meeting benchmarks.
Alright 4 AM is coming quickly, but I appreciate your read a quick tip before I go.
Tip: Keep up with study habits, Chances are you won't get paid to do showprep or any sort of outside info at the office, so you will have to take it home with you, so keep up on time management, it will mean better success for you and your show.
Have a good night!
Paul
From the comments so far, I really want to make something clear to you, Passion only takes you so far, if you put your gear in neutral to wait for something to come along. There are no guarantee in this business and if you truly and have a passion you gotta floor, it you have to make sacrifices and you have to make smart moves that will allow you to achieve everything you want. I am going to glance over some themes because I want to dive deeper into them in later posts.
Education, is so important, you experience so many things in college that will really make you a better broadcaster, you will meet more diverse people, gain an understanding of different cultures.
A great point brought up in comments over LinkedIn by Joseph Mabus,
"What I always find is most helpful when I don't have work is to work anyway. I am not about to wait for a recruiter to tell me when it is okay to do what I love."
There is a feeling when you are out of something you have a passion for of helplessness, as I've talked about before, you will feel lost and points, but if you stay busy it gets you ready, it keeps you in shape. There are alot of opportunities in field,
Youtube, a great way to be seen, if you are looking to go into television, its never to soon to start even if you're younger keep at it, post vlogs, little reports on things going on in your neighborhood, a flip camera, basic video editing equipment and a cheap microphone for voiceover work of your story.
Voiceover sites,blogtalkradio, internet radio stations. These are great opportunities for you to stay sharp, and develop. You can get cheap audio editing software and many macs come standard with some sort, Also Blue Mic's Makes a great product thats a USB Microphone so you don't need any fancy hookups, and can find the snowball for less than $100... check it out
If you are like me though, you need cash, and many of the above don't pay. Make sure that when you search for out of field jobs that you can apply them to your resume to make yourself look the most attractive. This will also allow you to practice and maybe diversify yourself. Getting a constant paycheck gives you the ability to be picky about what you are applying for maximizing you are applying your skill set properly.
With Radio being so diverse and really a station needs you to be diverse, I would try a hand at a sales job, This will give you valuable experience and another hat to wear. I wouldn't have been able to afford my current position, if I didn't have a little sales experience. Yes I sold one insurance policy but I've taken the training and immediately applied to to AD sales...which is tough right now.
I would suggest some sort of call center experience, yes its a little monotonous, and may make you a little depressed but, its good money, and really gives you unparalleled practice, interacting people. This will benefit you in finding out information you need quickly, it will give you those phone skills, to convey thoughts and ideas. Also it will give you an appreciation for sanity, you will meet some characters.
Finally but surely not last, Take some time to make sure you are on the right path. Every month evaluate the decisions you are making. This will give you time to reflect, write something down and make sure you are meeting benchmarks.
Alright 4 AM is coming quickly, but I appreciate your read a quick tip before I go.
Tip: Keep up with study habits, Chances are you won't get paid to do showprep or any sort of outside info at the office, so you will have to take it home with you, so keep up on time management, it will mean better success for you and your show.
Have a good night!
Paul
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Naysay your Naysayers...
Last night I had a dream about an ex girlfriend...well not just any ex girlfriend if you asked me she was the one...In fact she is a big part of why I ended up at Curry. We had many flaws in our relationship,but one big one is that she was always presenting me with plan B...Now its important to have a plan B...mine was to get my masters and maybe law school, and become a lawyer and do something in constitutional first amendment rights,(Plan C was the run for public office) (Plan D was the open up a restaurant) but a Plan B. should be just that a Plan B. only exercised when Plan A is no longer possible and you've tried everything.
Broadcasting takes time and to alot of people its a waste of time.To others it seems borderline insane, they don't comprehend it,in my case I got the whole "radio is dying." I think my girlfriend at the time didn't believe and that my career path was suitable for her, it wasn't going to provide for her. She really played up on my Plan B's her family would always joke "Are you sure you don't want to be a lawyer thats the only way you could cloth her" her taste for Tiffany's and designer clothes and selfish nature almost ruined my budding passion.
I am glad we aren't together anymore, she served her purpose bringing me to the place I needed to believe, which makes her very important in my journey. In your journey you are going to come across, so many nay sayers, some will be a random person you meet at a party, some will be family, some will be your significant other. Their tactics will be different, here are some examples
The Smirker You know half smile, the kind you give a three year old who gives you an amorphous blob on a paper and tells you excitedly "Thats You!".In this case that half smile is saying awww thats cute, but get real kid.
The Honest Naysayer: Sometimes naysayers will cut the grizzle off the steak and go right for the gusto, the out right laugh and dismissal usually follows the sarcastic Ohhhh Reeeeaalllyy? These are the best because usually they are the best to dismiss.
The Joker This is a mix of the Honest Naysayer and the Smirker...I should also name this, family members, because more than likely a joker will be someone close to you, they don't want to make it seem like they aren't supporting you so they joke about it, and move on quickly. Sometimes the Joker can make you feel the worse, because its the people you rely on the most for support.
The Lawyer This is usually a close friend or family member and I call them the Lawyer because frankly they are laying down motion after motion, argument after argument to get you to dismiss your case for your own future. This one will leave you drained so make sure you have some Gatorade on hand.
I could go on and on, you will encounter many different types of nay-sayers on your journey, there will always people who won't, can't or don't support you because the truth is they don't understand your passion. It's going to hurt alot when you don't feel this connection with some, and it will get worse after being rejected and not in the field for awhile and might make you a little depressed. It did for me. The important thing to take in consideration when dealing with naysayers is why they are being nay sayers...Sometimes its because in frank terms they are just douchebags,most of the time its because they care about you, they want the best for you and they don't want you to get hurt. They want to see you succeed... So show them you can succeed, by turning the off switch every time great Aunt Mable talks about how you would do much better being a manager...or every time for the hundredth time you hear "Even though you have a face for radio, you should become a lawyer" etc etc and achieving your passion and justifying it. The people who really care will quickly get into your camp. Use your encounter with a nay-sayer as a way of reaffirming your passion, use it as a time to communicate with them why, and how you are going to achieve them, if it doesn't convince them, maybe it will give you a chance to reaffirm yourself.
Alright almost time for bed but before I go another tip:
Share your goals, on Facebook, Twitter anywhere. This will allow your visibility to go up and sometimes turn up great leads for you to pursue, you never know who knows who, in your social network.
Keep at it and thanks for the read!
Paul
Broadcasting takes time and to alot of people its a waste of time.To others it seems borderline insane, they don't comprehend it,in my case I got the whole "radio is dying." I think my girlfriend at the time didn't believe and that my career path was suitable for her, it wasn't going to provide for her. She really played up on my Plan B's her family would always joke "Are you sure you don't want to be a lawyer thats the only way you could cloth her" her taste for Tiffany's and designer clothes and selfish nature almost ruined my budding passion.
I am glad we aren't together anymore, she served her purpose bringing me to the place I needed to believe, which makes her very important in my journey. In your journey you are going to come across, so many nay sayers, some will be a random person you meet at a party, some will be family, some will be your significant other. Their tactics will be different, here are some examples
The Smirker You know half smile, the kind you give a three year old who gives you an amorphous blob on a paper and tells you excitedly "Thats You!".In this case that half smile is saying awww thats cute, but get real kid.
The Honest Naysayer: Sometimes naysayers will cut the grizzle off the steak and go right for the gusto, the out right laugh and dismissal usually follows the sarcastic Ohhhh Reeeeaalllyy? These are the best because usually they are the best to dismiss.
The Joker This is a mix of the Honest Naysayer and the Smirker...I should also name this, family members, because more than likely a joker will be someone close to you, they don't want to make it seem like they aren't supporting you so they joke about it, and move on quickly. Sometimes the Joker can make you feel the worse, because its the people you rely on the most for support.
The Lawyer This is usually a close friend or family member and I call them the Lawyer because frankly they are laying down motion after motion, argument after argument to get you to dismiss your case for your own future. This one will leave you drained so make sure you have some Gatorade on hand.
I could go on and on, you will encounter many different types of nay-sayers on your journey, there will always people who won't, can't or don't support you because the truth is they don't understand your passion. It's going to hurt alot when you don't feel this connection with some, and it will get worse after being rejected and not in the field for awhile and might make you a little depressed. It did for me. The important thing to take in consideration when dealing with naysayers is why they are being nay sayers...Sometimes its because in frank terms they are just douchebags,most of the time its because they care about you, they want the best for you and they don't want you to get hurt. They want to see you succeed... So show them you can succeed, by turning the off switch every time great Aunt Mable talks about how you would do much better being a manager...or every time for the hundredth time you hear "Even though you have a face for radio, you should become a lawyer" etc etc and achieving your passion and justifying it. The people who really care will quickly get into your camp. Use your encounter with a nay-sayer as a way of reaffirming your passion, use it as a time to communicate with them why, and how you are going to achieve them, if it doesn't convince them, maybe it will give you a chance to reaffirm yourself.
Alright almost time for bed but before I go another tip:
Share your goals, on Facebook, Twitter anywhere. This will allow your visibility to go up and sometimes turn up great leads for you to pursue, you never know who knows who, in your social network.
Keep at it and thanks for the read!
Paul
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Love is nice, Passion will get you an oppurtunity
When I was searching for a job, I would lay awake at night and just think. Sometimes it was a pitty party I won't lie, I would sit there and whine to myself, and say things like "Poor Paul, you almost had that one, Poor Paul you are so talented, Poor Paul you work so hard." Sometimes it was anger words that probably aren't the best to use. Most of the time though I thought about my passion, and those were the most sleepless nights.
Passion is such an interesting word, its a lot like the word love, depending on where you put, how you use it and how you say it can really make the word. Love and Passion are two different things that have similar symptoms. I've spent about a million times more nights awake over passion then love. Passion is essential to success anywhere in life but especially in broadcasting. If you want to succeed in broadcasting, ditch the love, reserve it for your family,friends and for that special someone, because they will love you back, broadcasting won't.
Unlike most professions loving what you do isn't enough in broadcasting because unlike other professions there isn't a ton of on-air gigs,in the current state of regional news sources from cable companies and voice tracking on-air gigs are like oasis's. When an oasis appears on the horizon comes around everyone and I mean everyone applies. In conversation I was speaking with my boss to find what made me stick out, I feel lucky to be even able to take this opportunity, not only did broadcasters from around the country apply, those looking for a career change did too, even a brain surgeon. Yeah thats right a brain surgeon. Everyone wants to be an on-air personality there is the myth of high pay and lots of fame...don't believe me? You will be shocked how many people will say "If you ever need a co-host or a guest I think we would be great together!" when you get your first opportunity. After a few days of people finding out I was half expecting my grandmother to say it. This phenomenon is why passion is so important, because you need to prove you are more thirsty than these other people. If you just love broadcasting its not going to get you anywhere but another rejection, but after a few of those you won't be loving it so much anymore, and you will probably quit.
Developing a passion younger is important because you are going to have to start at the bottom of the totem pole, but when you have the passion to learn, to watch and to adapt, you will never get a single cup of Coffee in your life, because you'll be more valuable than that...you might have to pick up lunch a few times.
I think I made my point, passion will be a running theme throughout my writing because there is so much more to explore. I have some show prep to do, but I want to end this with my first tip, these tips are sometimes mine sometimes stolen, but only tips there is never one way to accomplish your dreams.
Tip 1: Don't do it for the money,and don't go into broadcasting with the perception there ever will be money. because simply put you're never going to get you opportunity when you're thinking 100K and you are only going to be crushed when you think 50K, and you'll feel lucky when they say 25K. I remember a conversation I had a good friend of mine Nancy when I was working with Radio Disney going into my Junior year of college, when I remarked "oh yeah I see no reason I shouldn't be making 50k right out of school..." her response kind of upset me at the time...paraphrasing "Honey, you're an idiot if you think that." but thats back when I loved broadcasting and my passion was still budding...three short years later I can defiantly say, I was beyond naive. Who knows though...nothing is set in stone. Keep at it and if you get that share, please share.
Have a good night
Paul
Passion is such an interesting word, its a lot like the word love, depending on where you put, how you use it and how you say it can really make the word. Love and Passion are two different things that have similar symptoms. I've spent about a million times more nights awake over passion then love. Passion is essential to success anywhere in life but especially in broadcasting. If you want to succeed in broadcasting, ditch the love, reserve it for your family,friends and for that special someone, because they will love you back, broadcasting won't.
Unlike most professions loving what you do isn't enough in broadcasting because unlike other professions there isn't a ton of on-air gigs,in the current state of regional news sources from cable companies and voice tracking on-air gigs are like oasis's. When an oasis appears on the horizon comes around everyone and I mean everyone applies. In conversation I was speaking with my boss to find what made me stick out, I feel lucky to be even able to take this opportunity, not only did broadcasters from around the country apply, those looking for a career change did too, even a brain surgeon. Yeah thats right a brain surgeon. Everyone wants to be an on-air personality there is the myth of high pay and lots of fame...don't believe me? You will be shocked how many people will say "If you ever need a co-host or a guest I think we would be great together!" when you get your first opportunity. After a few days of people finding out I was half expecting my grandmother to say it. This phenomenon is why passion is so important, because you need to prove you are more thirsty than these other people. If you just love broadcasting its not going to get you anywhere but another rejection, but after a few of those you won't be loving it so much anymore, and you will probably quit.
Developing a passion younger is important because you are going to have to start at the bottom of the totem pole, but when you have the passion to learn, to watch and to adapt, you will never get a single cup of Coffee in your life, because you'll be more valuable than that...you might have to pick up lunch a few times.
I think I made my point, passion will be a running theme throughout my writing because there is so much more to explore. I have some show prep to do, but I want to end this with my first tip, these tips are sometimes mine sometimes stolen, but only tips there is never one way to accomplish your dreams.
Tip 1: Don't do it for the money,and don't go into broadcasting with the perception there ever will be money. because simply put you're never going to get you opportunity when you're thinking 100K and you are only going to be crushed when you think 50K, and you'll feel lucky when they say 25K. I remember a conversation I had a good friend of mine Nancy when I was working with Radio Disney going into my Junior year of college, when I remarked "oh yeah I see no reason I shouldn't be making 50k right out of school..." her response kind of upset me at the time...paraphrasing "Honey, you're an idiot if you think that." but thats back when I loved broadcasting and my passion was still budding...three short years later I can defiantly say, I was beyond naive. Who knows though...nothing is set in stone. Keep at it and if you get that share, please share.
Have a good night
Paul
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
About 3 Months on the Dial
Its quite beautiful to be living your dream. I never thought I would be where I am. If you asked me a few short months ago.."How close are you to even putting a foot on the right road?" I would have said, About a year if not more. In fact I didn't know, and truthfully I was down and out on my own dream.
Its a terrible feeling. One of the worst things and I have no clue even in this economy why people don't I remember getting started out of College after accomplishing so much on that level, it sucked to be kicked in the ass out the door, with a how'd ya do, thank you ma'am and mountains of debt and nothing to hold onto. I spent the Summer after college getting rejected from Opportunity, after opportunity. I made the worse decision of my life to settle on a job....selling life insurance, to be honest I sucked real bad at it. Then watching football one sunday I heard a little factoid about Chris Redman Backup QB for the Atlanta Falcons (His ESPN Player Page)Who quit football for a time and sold insurance for some time, turns out he sucked and came back to football. It boggled my mind, but made me even more antsy to get to my dream and where I wanted to be...So I kept search and after holding down a job at a call center for 3 months, I finally got my opportunity where I am currently. I'll talk more about the time in between later on in other posts, but tonight lets get to the meat of it all and my reasons behind this blog.
When you feel like a failure there isn't alot of places to turn to, you can't turn to your friends when they are struggling too,especially after you talked up your dream, its hard to turn to professors, and its even harder to turn to mentors. So for young broadcasters out there, young people who think they might want to turn to broadcasting as a career, I hope you read this blog ,follow my progression and my observations and turn that back into your own passion to keep moving forward to get that first opportunity for yourself, so one day you can look back and know you did something that not many got the chance to do, and that's follow your passion.
I'll go more in depth Tomorrow on the idea of passion and start giving you some tips so you can survive being a young broadcaster in this competitive time.
See you then!
-Paul
Its a terrible feeling. One of the worst things and I have no clue even in this economy why people don't I remember getting started out of College after accomplishing so much on that level, it sucked to be kicked in the ass out the door, with a how'd ya do, thank you ma'am and mountains of debt and nothing to hold onto. I spent the Summer after college getting rejected from Opportunity, after opportunity. I made the worse decision of my life to settle on a job....selling life insurance, to be honest I sucked real bad at it. Then watching football one sunday I heard a little factoid about Chris Redman Backup QB for the Atlanta Falcons (His ESPN Player Page)Who quit football for a time and sold insurance for some time, turns out he sucked and came back to football. It boggled my mind, but made me even more antsy to get to my dream and where I wanted to be...So I kept search and after holding down a job at a call center for 3 months, I finally got my opportunity where I am currently. I'll talk more about the time in between later on in other posts, but tonight lets get to the meat of it all and my reasons behind this blog.
When you feel like a failure there isn't alot of places to turn to, you can't turn to your friends when they are struggling too,especially after you talked up your dream, its hard to turn to professors, and its even harder to turn to mentors. So for young broadcasters out there, young people who think they might want to turn to broadcasting as a career, I hope you read this blog ,follow my progression and my observations and turn that back into your own passion to keep moving forward to get that first opportunity for yourself, so one day you can look back and know you did something that not many got the chance to do, and that's follow your passion.
I'll go more in depth Tomorrow on the idea of passion and start giving you some tips so you can survive being a young broadcaster in this competitive time.
See you then!
-Paul
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