Weird week, right? With July 4th falling right square in the middle of the week, it’s a crap shoot as to which days people have off/take off. Maybe that’s apropos of the confusing times in which we live.
I think of Independence Day as “halftime.” The second half of 2018 will soon be upon us, there’s a lot on our plates, and we’ve got some pressing business to attend to.
Somehow, as America celebrates its 241st birthday tomorrow,, and it’s looking every bit as old and tired as the years indicate. Maybe that’s because a lot of very fundamental questions are somehow outstanding, no matter which side of the aisle you’re on.
You’d think by now, we would have figured this stuff out. But a big part of the challeng is that whatever tribe, group, camp, issue, or cause you’ve chosen, there are likely as many of you who are diametrically opposed.
Our forefathers, foremothers, patriots, and military fought hard for this democracy. And now we’re stuck with it.
And so the questions remain on this July 4th:
Who are we? What do we stand for?
That’s a lot to ponder this week, this weekend, and whenever you get a spare moment. Amdist the fireworks, family, friends, burgers, baseball, and barbeques, there’s a lot going on in our worlds and in our heads.
There’s something to be said for turning off Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, and CNN this weekend, as well as taking a little Facebook and Twitter vacation during these hot, humid days of early July. It might be easier to answer the questions without the steady barrage of voices and tweets.
Or maybe you just want to address those same questions about your radio station or the company you work for, because no matter whether you’re in San Francisco, South Bend, or Savannah, if you can’t provide that level of clarity about your brand, you’ve got a much harder task at hand.
Who are we? What do we stand for?
As someone who has consulted and engaged in research and strategy sessions for hundreds of stations and many companies over the last four decades, broadcasters typically end up in one of two camps.
You either know your mission, your position, and your audience – or you don’t.
And radio stations and the companies that own them are a whole lot easier to program, manage, market, navigate, and even pivot when you’re confident about where you stand and where you’re going.
Google Maps, Alexa, and Shazam cannot answer those questions for you. There’s no app for that. You have to figure them out for yourself.
These are the times when clarity and common sense matter, so I hope you’re successful at achieving both as we return to work on Monday to start the second half of 2018.
I wish you a wonderful 4th and whatever time off you can negotiate with your employer. Enjoy “halftime,” and we’ll be ready to take on the challenges, dragons, and holy wars on the other side of this weekend.
We’re taking tomorrow off, and plan on being back Thursday with a fresh post.
That’ll give me time to review the answer to those questions:
Who are we ? What do we stand for?
No one said it was going to be easy.
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Clark Smidt says
“You either know your mission, your position, and your audience – or you don’t.” Fred, you said it all in the talk up! Safe, happy, productive 4th.
Fred Jacobs says
Back at you, Clark. Thanks & have a great 4th yourself.
Dave Grosenheider says
Congratulations on your recent honor, Fred. Well deserved. Great post, too. Mid year is a great time for reflection. Our Mission? What We Stand For? A Day Off? Our station vehicles will be at parades, at remotes for fireworks stands, providing music for the evening fireworks. Our News Department will be on call. Old & Tired? Not us? What a great role we can play in being optimistic about the rest of the year, the future, and what’s good about our Great Country. Thanks for all that Jacobs Media does in flying Radio’s flag!
Fred Jacobs says
Dave, thanks for those kind thoughts and your inspirational comments. Holidays like this are a great opportunity to hang out with and connect with listeners and the larger community. Congrats on a great game plan and thanks for reading our blog.
Screamin says
Ready for a pep talk in the locker room of your mind and get ready to come out for the second half and be ready to win!
Fred Jacobs says
Scott, I’d be happy to play on your team! Have a happy, healthy weekend!
Bob Foster says
Far too many radio stations fail to conduct qualitative research with their P1s. The P1s told us how they connect with our station in an emotional way. That is our brand. We leverage it daily. As a result, the station is growing when other AMs are flagging.
Fred Jacobs says
Looking listeners right in the eye and listening to them is an important first step in asnwering these questions. Thanks, Bob.
Bob Stroud says
For starters, give the listener 10 great classic rock songs to do with “America” on Ten @10 you’ve got ’em right where they want to be.
Happy 4th Fred!
Fred Jacobs says
But, of course! Enjoy the holiday, Bob!
Tom Yates says
As always, thanks..eloquently stated…. enjoy as much of the holiday as you’ll allow yourself
Fred Jacobs says
Ha, ha (you knoew me too well). All the best to you, Tom.