I've been a consumer of this site for a while now, and have been impressed with how much support participants seem to give one another. After a lengthy career in Big Pharma IT and a couple of stints in Public/Community and Christian Radio, I'm considering a second career in Radio sales. Is this practical? Is such a change easier to achieve in a small or a large market; commercial (music or talk sales) or non-commercial (religious, community or public underwriting)? As a creative personality, I would want to use my own-air talent (at times) and production skills in campaigns. Is this atypical, or do others find it fulfilling (or economically necessary) to do the same thing?
Hi Greg,
We have 5 stations and some of our reps voice their own ads. I have, on rare occasion, had to be honest with them about their skill sets. But, some of my employees are very qualified and it saves the company money and gives us additional voices on the air.
BTW, we are hiring. just click here: http://www.radiosalescafe.com/forum/topics/don-t-even-bother-reading-this-one?xg_source=activity
We have been capturing ads from affiliates and there are 40,000 pieces of copy for thought starters. Just go to WikiCopy.com. Also check out FreeRadioTools.com
If you are looking for a customer management tool designed by broadcasters, go to InfluenceFM.com
Rick,
Thank you so much for responding. My apologies for not replying sooner. Unfortunately, Bullhead City is not on my wife's list of places she would like to live. Otherwise, I would love to formally pursue a position. Best of luck in locating the right person, and in keeping your enterprise healthy.
Greg, it's definitely possible. Not easy, but possible.
The not-easy part is that whether you're in a big market or a small market, you're likely to start with no account list or one made up primarily of cast-offs and dogs. You're going to have to go out and build your own book of business. I sold radio for 15 years, and 14 of 'em were good. The bad one was Year 1. There were plenty of days when I was convinced it was a lost cause.
It wasn't. But it took six months before I felt I had any momentum at all, and it was a bumpy ride for the next six. Year 2 was an absolute blast, however.
At this point in your career, are you willing to start at the bottom and build it up from nothing? That's a question I can't answer. If you are, and you can fight your way through that first year, there's money to be made.
Good luck!
