March 2, 2018

If you could go back to the beginning of your career and give your younger self a piece of advice, given the experience you now have, what would it be?

Rich Davis, KDWB: Sometimes you have to make a move along the course of your career that you might think is questionable, but it’s a path to get to where you really want to go. You should never regret anything, because every experience is something that will make you the programmer you want to become. You can’t second guess that stuff, you have to trust your instincts.

Frankie V, KSSX: Don’t rush your career, enjoy every minute of the market you are in!

Dan Hunt, WWPW: Send the PD an aircheck of your actual show and not what you think the PD wants to hear.

Mike McVay, Cumulus Media: Slow down and enjoy the ride. You won’t always be hanging out with Elton John.

 

Jonathan Shuford, WRVW: Check your ego and be patient.

Chris Michaels, FM100: Make yourself available to help with anything and everything needed. Be reliable, and learn something from everyone you work with. Network as much as you can, and be open to feedback.

Gina Gray, WERO: Take the offers and don’t be afraid of the move!

 

Mark Medina, Z100: Wear sunscreen.

Derrick “DC” Cole, WAEB: I would tell young DC to go into a deeper understanding of social media and how to really understand the best way to use it. I would also tell younger (and skinnier) me that “you don’t have to eat the free radio dinner.”

Sassy, WKXJ: Don’t sleep with that one particular artist but I know you’re going to do it anyway.

 

Fish Boy, WKRZ: Don’t be so stubborn and listen more.

Rob Roberts, WRQX: Calm the f down.

Max Volume, KOZZ: Less debauchery more focus!

 

 

Mase, WWCD: Become a lawyer or something like that.

 Heather Deluca, WSJO: Simple. Don’t second-guess yourself.

Kobi, WNRW/WLGX: Digital platforms and social media are going to be the next big thing and explode.

Jonathan Reed, WNOK: Your career is not more important than putting yourself first. Not more important than your health, happiness, relationships and growth as a person.

Reid, KZZP: Ask more programming questions back when I was an intern/part timer.

Java Joel, WAKS: Start a 401K now. Save as money as you possibly can. Pursue programming and/or mornings as soon as you can!

Mike Miller, WZFT: Know when to say no to a free meal!

Skywalker, WSPK: Put some more effort into the LIFE portion of the work-life balance equation.

Brian Mack, WXXL: Invest ALL of your time and resources into social/digital entrepreneurship.

Mike “OD” O’Donnell, WKRZ: To network more and be a little more patient on making changes at new gigs.

Joe Bermudez, Mass Movement Radio: You’re not as good as you think and there’s always someone better. Don’t get comfortable. There’s always someone younger and hungrier than you are and when you start to enjoy some success it’s easy to fall into a routine and forget that drive.

Rick Vaughn, Power 94.9: Be mindful of the bridges that you burn.

 

Rod Phillips, iHeartMedia: Think big. Now stop…and think bigger. You have all the resources around you to succeed at the highest level, so stop limiting potential. I wouldn’t have listened but that’s what I would have preached!

John Kuliak, Lava Records: The minute you sense that your boss is an asshole or a sociopath, get the hell out of there and go work somewhere else. There are quite a few jerks in this business, unfortunately. I could name names…

Matt Talluto, WYBR: Don’t have so much fun as a jock! Delve into programming sooner.

 Beata Murphy, KIIS: Mentor, Mentor, Mentor – So important to always have one and even more important to be one to someone at the same time.

Jill Strada, WFLC: If I could give my younger self some advice, I would tell her to remain a person of your word, honor your values and enjoy the ride because it is going to be an incredible one!

R Dub! Z90: Buy stock in Google, Apple, Tesla and Facebook. And also, the building has cameras!!!


Louie Diaz, WWWQ: Tom Cuddy once said as I was struggling on whether I should take a vacation “family first” Being career driven is great but we all need a balance. Family first.

Alex Tear, Y100/iHeartMedia Miami: Set your sites on your dream job, but don’t forget to enjoy the journey because there is no finish line.

Kobe, WWHT: Follow your passion, you live one life so don’t f it up by doing something you hate.

Bob Patrick, WXLK: Concentrate on the things you can control and what you can do to help the radio station. Also, if you’re going to leave food in the fridge, put the boss’s name on it. That way no one will take it.

Skip Kelly, WKSL: Save your money!

Jon Zellner, iHeartMedia: Don’t move to Fresno under any circumstances.

 

Dom Theodore, Radio Animal Media Strategies: Calm down and be patient, everything is going to turn out okay.

Chris K, 106.5 The End: To buy a few stocks in Apple before MP3’s came along.

Chris Mann, WERO: Pick another career other than radio (LOL). Listen more, absorb more, stay organized.

Kevin Kash, WIYY: Speak with confidence to be heard and hire an agent.

Next Week’s Question Of The Week:
Is there any big event in the entertainment, sports and related fields, that you have yet to attend but desire to do so, and why?
e-Mail your responses to: jodorisio@fmqb.com or bburke@fmqb.com