Branding a radio station

Times are tough right now....there's no question about it. My roots are in radio. And much like every other business out there, competition is fierce. One of the things I feel is most important to successfully branding a radio station...other than the music of course...is the station imaging.

Radio station imaging is the "stuff" you hear in between songs that mark the identity of a radio station. It gives the station it's "brand"...much the same way any other product or service uses advertising to convey the message they want to deliver. Radio station imaging is the station's advertising for itself.

I'm a production geek. I love writing clever copy that gets into the mind of the listener and makes them think and feel "wow, I really love listening to this station". There are many techniques to achieve successful station imaging. The choice of music, artist drops, smart copy, and the list goes on and on.

I came across this video on YouTube recently that featured Dave Foxx. He is the creative services director at Z100 in New York City. This guy knows his stuff! He is a frequent contributor to the Radio and Production Magazine that I subscribe to and in this video he explains what successful and memorable radio station imaging is all about and how to get there...enjoy!

Jeff is the voice for Fantasy Buffet on Blog Talk Radio

I can now say that I am the voice of the "Fantasy Buffet" on Blog Talk Radio and the show is currently in negotiations to be broadcast nationally. Will they keep me on after they make the move??? One can only hope!!!

Jeff Voices Spot for O'Neill Honda K.C.

I was pleasantly surprised when Talent Unlimited sent me work to voice an ad for O'Neill Honda in Kansas City.

Car ads are always fun to do...at least for me. Have a great Memorial Day weekend and go buy a car from O'Neill Honda!!!

As luck would have it!!!

Well after due dilligence and countless auditions, I've landed another gig. I'll be playing the part of "the man" in a spot for the Kansas Lottery. Funny, the specs call for the guy to be excited and in awe after finding out he's won a shopping spree to Bass Pro Shops. It's interesting to know that your best performance comes out when the part calls for you to act exactly like yourself.

Either way, should be exciting and another great learning experience. I don't know yet whether the spot will record ISDN or if I'll have to drive to Kansas City. Once I find something out, I'll post it.

Now if only I could WIN the Kansas Lottery!!!!

Relentless passion to succeed....

You know when I first thought of getting into the VO world, I thought to myself, how cool would it be to work for myself and not have to answer to anyone or any organization. I can honestly say that I knew it would be tough....and it still is. But what's fascinating to me is the drive and passion that I've found within myself to want to succeed.

You hear it all the time from people. That your not good enough, or they'll throw up another road block as to why your plan won't work. There are some that toss words of encouragement your way....if only as a token of kindness and gratitude...it still makes you feel good about what you are tyring to accomplish.

This is what I've learned if you're considering jumping in to the voice over biz.

1. It is NOT easy
2. There are so many people out there that are just as good as you
3. There is no magic pill to make things happen quickly
4. You certainly have to believe in yourself
5. You have to be able to take criticism well
6. Find your niche
7. Network
8. Never give up
9. Have a business plan
10. Learn to fail before you succeed

These are just my two cents. Much of it has been said before and I'm sure all of it will be said again.

I find the hardest thing to do is talk about yourself or business. But it's a must. You have to be willing to go to all extremes to promote yourself if you want to earn rewards for the fruits of your labor.

I can say that after tirelessly sending out email marketing blitzes and online advertising, my first paying radio imaging gig came from a friend I know. That's also why networking is so important(see #7). I'll continue to search for my next gig and never look back.