Get Inspired: Have A Life

There are somethings you can do to strengthen your on-air presence that have nothing to do with actual radio skills. 

If you are on-air talent it is essential to keep your content fresh and current. There is no better way to do this than to go out and live a little. I know this can be a challenge if you are a student or on a limited budget. Hopefully if you are working at a station they can help you out by giving you tickets to events etc.

With social media it is very easy to immerse yourself in your online life. Would you want to listen to this? We sit behind a computer and mic as a job, it is easy to gather your prep without leaving the studio. But, it is not that interesting (and most anyone can do it). Take in a show, go to a game, visit the park, see a movie. Getting out will make your shows more interesting and will help you connect better with your audience. 

If your station is hosting an event, go. I have met so many on-air personalities that do not take part in their own stations promotional events. You are most likely going to have to talk about it anyways, why not experience it and know what you are talking about. Not only will the experience give you invaluable information, it will help you connect with your listeners. Listeners will better connect with you on-air if they experience you off-air. 

As a huge radio nerd myself, I love listening to people I have met or know on the radio. It gives you a "I know them" moment. And, it is always humbling to meet the people who essentially write your pay checks. 

If you are trying to make yourself Facebook famous, there is no better way to get likes than to take photos with your fans and have them post them to your page (or you can take them and post them). People will like you, even if they don't like your station. If you are attending an event, let your fans know. Invite them to come out if you are hosting. We are living in an age where you can make yourself into a seudo-celebrity. Why not? It will make you more valuable to your station and it will impress potential employers. 

I will write an additional blog in the future going into more detail about social media integration in your work. Also, there will be an upcoming feature blog discussing the best ways to learn a new city or town if you have just moved away for work.

Back to the point. If you are leading a boring life, it can reflect in your work. If you are working in radio, it is more than likely that you are a social person. Use your social skills to your advantage and get out and experience life as your listeners live it. If you are working at a station than it is more than likely that they can help you our with tickets and finding local things to do. 

It you are working in a small town it can be more challenging to find things than a big city. Look at traditions in the area, are there local beaches people frequent? Where do people go sledding in the winter? When does the local university/high school hockey team play their major sports? 

It may take some research at first, but it is worth it. If you can reflect your format with your activities, even better. Post what your doing to your social media (blogs, Facebook, twitter). If you aren't trying to invite people out to join you then post it afterwards. Plugging where you are and what you are doing beforehand may be useful if you are are getting paid to promote an event or it is for your station. 

I guess it all really goes back to the local point from a previous blog. Local content is key for engaging your listeners and proving a computer can not do your job.