In much the same way that Major League Baseball uses the All-Star Game as a natural break point between the first and second half of its long season, all of us in the media business can do the same thing coming off our own July 4th holiday break.
And in that spirit, I’ve thought a great deal about “the second half” and how to best use the next several months of the year to ensure its success. Economically, the up arrows have been prevalent throughout the year. The stock market has been heading north, retail sales have been strong, and many in radio are beginning to cautiously exhale. We sensed a more “return to normal” vibe at the NAB in Las Vegas this past spring. And despite the threat of rumored layoffs in radio, many broadcast companies have already reported better results than last year.
So what might we hope to accomplish in “the second half?”
Here’s my list. And as you all know, I’m not a psychologist or a career counselor – just a guy who writes a media blog. So feel free to hack it up, add to it, and offer up some debatable issues as we work together to help our companies, our brands, and our personal careers during the rest of 2013:
- Innovate something. What’s something new and different your brand can pull off during the rest of the year? It could be a promotion, a marketing event, or something new on the air. It might be a new personality hire or an addition to an existing show. But do something different and dynamic to shake up and invigorate your station – and your audience.
- Perform some hometown service. What’s a bona fide contribution your station or company will make that will lead to the betterment of your community in the second half of the year? It could be charitable, it could be a mentoring or intern program, it could be a “green” initiative. Use the second half to give back.
- Personal growth. What’s a way that you can grow as a person or a professional? There’s still time to take a class, go on a vacation to a place you’ve never been before, stretch yourself physically (run a 5K), or volunteer your services to a group that needs your help. Think about something that’s out of your comfort zone and try something new.
- Grow your Tech IQ. Sign up for Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Google+ or another social network that you’ve simply been avoiding. Buy a gadget or device that you’ve had your eye on, and learn how to use it and benefit from it.
- Read something outside of your normal zone. Put down that beach novel or Swedish serial killer mystery and read a book that stretches you. It could be about marketing, a great biography, a classic that you only read the Cliff’s Notes for in high school, or another genre that you generally don’t dip into.
- Meet new people. Many have learned the importance of networking but others are quietly toiling away hoping someone will notice. In a recent Game of Thrones episode, Tyrion (played brilliantly by Peter Dinklage) talked about the value of networking: “I try to know as many people as I can. You never know which one you’ll need.” That philosophy works in King’s Landing, and it will work for you.
- Do something nice for your family. If you’re like me, you’re busy as hell. My “second half” is already filled with numerous market visits, conferences, and other exciting events. But that also means more time away from home. Looking at your upcoming schedule, how can you carve out some special time for your family (or friends network) that is personal, different, and maybe even game-changing? Chances are, you’ve got people at home who put up with you, your career, your stress, and maybe even lots of relocations over the years. Find a way to thank them.
- Do something nice for yourself. You might not be taking care of yourself, so a little self-indulgence and a treat might be a great second half motivator. A guys/gals weekend, a concert or show you’ve been meaning to see, or even just a quiet relaxing drink on the patio. Take a deep breath, recharge those batteries, and get ready for the next six months of fun and excitement.
We’re looking for a great second half here at Jacobs Media and jacAPPS. We’ll be seeing many of you at The Radio Show in Orlando or PRPD in Atlanta (yes, they overlap in September, and we will be very present at both conventions). I’ll be presenting at the 25th Morning Show Boot Camp in Chicago this August, and of course, our “Summer School 4” at the Conclave next week in Minneapolis. We’re also excited to tell you that we’ll be partnering with Arbitron once again for their Client Conference/Jacobs Summit in December, so there’s another opportunity to learn from each other and network.
And we have another little “surprise” that we’ll be announcing shortly that has a distinct Motown flavor to it. It’s a definite stretch for Jacobs Media as we celebrate our 30th year in September. But if you don’t swing the bat, you won’t hit that home run. That’s our goal for our “second half.”
So here’s to a great rest of the year. Let’s finish strong.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
- Radio + Thanksgiving = Gratitude - November 27, 2024
- Is It Quittin’ Time For SiriusXM? - November 26, 2024
- Radio, It Oughta Be A Crime - November 25, 2024
An excellent, spot on hit list! REAL RADIO is powerful. We just have to tell that story and cover our bases. The innovation, local connect, compelling content, superb presentation news and information is a big part of it. Love of family, personal growth, continued learning, stepping up to the plate and pride in our profession is essential. Big things ahead, after the All Star Break. Thanks, again, Fred.
Clark, I’m glad it resonated for you. Thanks for taking the time to comment and read our blog.