I’m posting this so that attendees at this year’s International Radio Creative & Production Summit have a place to share their experiences at this year’s event.
I’m especially interested in hearing what specific principles and techniques you’ve already been able to put to use in your workplace.
But if you’re an attendee, say whatever you want as long as it’s relevant to the Summit. (And anyone else can jump in with questions, should any occur to you.)
Comments on this entry are closed.
Dan,
This was the first summit that I could come to. I am so pleased that I spent the money to do so! I was so involved in what was going on that I did not turn in my evaluation sheet, I apologize for that. The only one comment that I would have made different from the others is, I am a one man show in my market. I sell it, write it, produce it and that can be tough. In my market, the one client that I was having trouble with, with nobody to bounce ideas off of is a masterplanned community being developed in my area. With the economic downturn, I was hoping to get some ideas on how to turn negatives into positives… and I am stuck…… Perhaps on the next summit you might add a segment on a brainstorming session for markets like mine. In the copy writing segment I was dead, other than what I had already written and I needed ideas. Not that I did not appreciate the ideas, I had already done that with this client. Unfortunately, I came away from that segment feeling like I had failed again, not to come up with something new. Now, I realize that I am in a small market and this might be an isolated situation having to sell, write, voice and produce. So, you deciede. Even though we have the second largest cluster in the state of AZ, it is pathatic as far as quality staffing.
I loved the summit and will be back next year to learn more, and meet more people. Too many that I met did not have cards and yes, I am in the group that would like a list of those who attended. But, yes, I realize abuse can happen and I respect that. I work 60 to 70 hours per week and it is tough…
Thank you for what you do. In my case, teaching an old dog new tricks….
Best to you and all that read this
Renee Beebe
White Mountain Radio
KRFM 96.5, KSNX 935, KZUA 92.1, KVWM 970, KDJI 1270,KVSL 1450
Phone 928-368-8100
Cell 928-205-8296
I did not submit the ads that I had done for them, perhaps I should have, for a different perspective on this. But I was hoping for a brainstorming session, because I have none where I am at.
Renee — I think you're overestimating the rareness of your situation. Many account execs in all size markets sell and then write their spots. Often — too often — their voices end up on those spots. They don't usually produce the spots too, though.
You do yourself a disservice and you limit yourself if you think of yourself only as a "small market" radio person. Radio advertising is radio advertising. The numbers vary according to market size, but the fundamentals both of selling and of advertising don't change.
Don't be so hard on yourself. If you're finding it impossible to come up with a fresh & effective new campaign, step back and ask:
"What is the human story here?" Not, as most people assume, the human story of "how I started this business," but rather the human story of "how will people's lives be better as the result of this product or service?"
Dan,
This was my 12th Summit. As has been the case every previous year, I picked up several valuable ideas that I’m putting in to practice. Here’s just one example, from Pat Fraley: Read through a piece of copy without any acting inflections first before attempting a performance, so I avoid locking in poor acting choices before I know where the story is going. I started doing this with the very first script I received at the end of the day on Saturday, even before I got home.
It was also great seeing Dick Orkin, and hearing from him, again. There’s something truly special about the work the two of you do together.
Perhaps the best moment of all for me this year, though, was my moment in the spotlight during the Critique-a-Spot-a-Thon. You and Dick together gave me a much needed kick in the pants. As I noted on my evaluation form, I have to stop allowing myself to be lulled into complacency, making only “safe” choices. I really needed that reminder. I very much appreciate that you both held me up to a standard higher than I’ve been holding myself.
Be well,
Bob
I thought that “read it through without performing” tip was very valuable, too.
Re: your performance: When you are so good at one particular style, it’s so easy just to play it safe and repeat what you’ve already done so successfully. After all, that’s working really well for you, right?
The only problem is you don’t grow that way. It’s when you put yourself in uncomfortably an unfamiliar situation that you’re most likely grow. As you’ve heard me say many times, “Comfort is the enemy of creativity.”
There’s something truly special about the work the two of you do together.
I think it’s because Dick idolizes me so much. That’s my interpretation, anyway.
If you watch the little video of Dick and me elsewhere (August 14) on this blog, look real closely for some very subtle moves by Dick. My favorite is his response to my saying, “So it must be pretty exciting to be back after all these years.” His reply begins, “Not esp – ” and then he switches gears to cover up his real feelings.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Summit this year. I particularly enjoyed presenting and interacting with all of you PRACTICAL-MINDED pros. My mantra this year to my students is, “You want a job or a hobby.” I am pleased when I am challenged to deliver the goods. I especially relish working with pros like Bob Souer, Janet Ault, and Pam Tierney, who keep me on my toes.
With Fond Regards to All, Pat Fraley
Pat – Whenever I turn the proceedings over to you, I relax. In fact, when possible I just sit in the back of the room, learn a lot, and experience the joy of learning from a pro. (My only complaint is that you never call on me to come up on stage for the exercises/ demonstrations).
I have a question for Bob Souer: did your blog benefit from a bit of “bounce” after the ringing endorsement you received from Nancy Wolfson?
Steve,
I have seen some additional traffic to my blog since the Summit. No doubt a bunch of that is thanks to Nancy’s very kind comments.
But, honestly, the biggest bounce in traffic to my blog of all time has taken place in the last 24 hours, I suppose because there are all of a sudden a lot more people searching for voiceover information after Don LaFontain’s death.
Be well,
Bob
Dan –
What a wonderful service you provide to people who want HARD CORE TOOLS and SOLID CONTENT.
And what a sharp, lively, organized crowd your sharp, lively, organized self attracts.
It was an honor to participate in how you give folks directly applicable tools with which they were able to upgrade skills & immediately up their $$$-earning potential.
I thank you and each and every attendee who made this experience positively TOP DRAWER.
Cheers,
Nancy Wolfson
Braintracksaudio.com