Getting A Gig

To those who say there are no jobs out there, don't be discouraged. It's true that there are fewer jobs, but there are still good ones out there.

Over the last few weeks, I've helped a jock move from a market in the 200's into a good gig in the top 25. I helped a newbie land a first-ever part time on air gig in his hometown - a large market no less. I'm working on helping a new voice person land some freelance work because his job doesn't pay squat, and because I think he's got great potential as a Hot/AC voice. (got any leads? email me)

HOW TO LAND A GIG:

9 times out of 10 it's the approach that makes a jock lose out on a gig. Think about it ... being talented on the air doesn't mean you're talented at selling yourself. Those are two different skills. Maybe you've got a great show, but your demo doesn't really reflect that. Maybe it's the fact that the PD received so many airchecks he didn't notice yours. Maybe your package didn't stand out enough. Maybe it never got listened to. ACK! It's frustrating, right?

When I find talent that I believe in, I try to help them to stand out. I coach their air work and critique airchecks until they've got something strong. And I try to use my network of friends to get their work listened to.

If you think by "network of friends" I'm referring to VP's and consultants, you're mistaken. I'm talking about people like you. It's the 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon. A station has a midday gig open & you'd be a perfect fit! Do you mail a package? Suuuuuuuuure... You and 4,378,674,137 other people. Good frigging luck! But what if you knew a friend of the PD? What if you knew a friend who had a friend of the PD's? That's how you get your stuff listened to, and ultimately, it's how you land the gig.

It's worth noting that the business world is waking up to this way of landing jobs as well. Hey, the economy is a mess. You've got to use whatever advantage you can get.

SIMPLE ADVICE: Do not rely on friends to critique your airchecks. They'll go easy on you when what you really need is someone to push push push you to the best you are capable of. Do not rely on anyone on the way down to review your airchecks. Do not rely on yes-men either. That's all bad news for you. Instead, market yourself like crazy! Find a list of 50 stations you admire. Mail packages to these PD's, and tell them you're not asking for a job... NOT ASKING FOR A JOB. You just want a super-honest critique from someone whose opinion you value. And say "hey, if you like the demo, can you pass it along to someone whose opinion you respect?"

How do I know this works? Because I've done it, and I've had it done to me. Also, pick up the phone and call other jocks. Why go it alone? Build a network of people who can help you - people you can help. Share bits, share ideas, and trade connections. You may have none - or very few - right now, but in time that will change. And never pass on the opportunity to make a friend.

At my first big job, I remember doing a bit I thought was funny. A jock in another market ripped it off the next day and I found out. Being young and stupid, I called him to tell him off... but when I got him on the phone he said "Thanks for the idea! That was great! Hey, I've got one for you..." Instant friendship. Years later I interviewed for a great gig, thanks to him putting a word in for me. I only ever got one job by mailing a package. Every other opportunity came by doing exactly what I am advising you to do.

REMEMBER: What goes around comes around... so start spreading some good stuff around. Best of luck!