Reflections
It's my eldest daughters' 23rd birthday today (I have another who's turning 17 in a month) and while I'm not a man who looks backward and yearns for what was, I AM man who looks forward and dreams a little.
My girl is studying music at MSU in Denver, and getting her degree this summer. What next? Who knows. But you could say the same about just about anyone right now.
Today, Dr Fauci announced that even with the vaccine, he's suggesting it's NOT in the least bit OK to dine indoors. Not that I want to get political, or care what the good doctor says (I've pretty much ridden my own horse during this event), but my first question is - will we ever see an old fashioned normal again?
This leads me to the advice I gave my daughter today, even if she didn't ask for it (which, she didn't). I told her that no one else has to set standards for you, and no one else can label you. You know who you are, and you know what's in your heart, and in your soul. Her mom and I raised her with the belief she could be and do anything - and we meant it. But now I take it a step further.
There are people in life who want to hang THEIR label on you. Never allow that - not only walk your own walk, but be who you know you are. People respect an honesty and integrity they can see and feel. It's what will draw people to you, draw them to your music, draw them to want to be part of what you create.
The same could be said for all of us in the radio biz. Sure, there's a huge element of salesmanship that's involved. Acknowledged. But starting today, clients are approaching EVERYTHING in a different manner than they did pre-COVID. And it's up to us to stand up for something, to be a place where clients can go to get honest answers and a depth of knowledge and understanding they so desperately need now.
That's not to imply we, in radio, never delivered that before. But the landscape was different, and our own image was not as important as what the client wanted to do. Today, the client knows - actually DEMANDS - what they want. We get that - so we need to be who we are - trusted, smart, insightful, creative, and driven with the single focus to make our clients successful again. This recovery will take time - but don't let ANYONE brand or define you as anything other than what you define yourself. THAT will go a long way to inspiring confidence in the eyes and minds of the client. Do that and people will follow you.
Happy 23rd birthday sweetheart. Be your best, don't waiver - stay strong, stay principled, and the rest will come.