By Walter Sabo
A.K.A. Walter M Sterling, Host
Sterling Every Damn Night, WPHT, Philadelphia
Sterling On Sunday, TMN
A surprising number of talented radio stars have been fired. Never understood why this is morally sanctioned between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The spreadsheet MBAs know it’s coming, a Halloween surprise would be kinder.
These suggestions might make the path to employment faster:
• No more stigma. Every industry has had massive lay-offs and job consolidation, being fired is not a reflection on you.
• The people who will help you are those who have already hired you. A prior employer wants to be proven-right. They want to see you succeed to validate their own decision. Make the list of everyone who has hired you, and call them. Don’t text or email. Call them. Ask for ADVICE. Not a job. Advice. They know your strengths and weaknesses. Ask who they know, who you should meet and what your approach should be.
• Present solutions, not a CV. Identify the exact company or person for whom you would like to work. What are their problems? Write down your solutions. Package it pretty. A written presentation of ideas is something an employer has to “deal with”—a CV can be filed. You don’t want to be filed, you want a meeting.
• In your meetings, demonstrate superior knowledge of the company and express nothing but joy for your prior employer.
• You don’t want a “job” you want to participate in a solution.
• Skip the job postings, those are already filled.
• John Molloy’s book Dress for Success is correct. Every single word.
• Study your social network of people outside of radio. Think of all of your connections and relationships. Who do other members of your family know? You may realize that you have connections to major advertisers, community big shots, bankers, investors, ad agencies, media buyers. Contact them and ask them for advice. You may hear, “I was at a community meeting with the president of a radio company…” Or, “We buy a lot of time on radio…” Try it.
• Finally don’t be stupid. Post nothing. Nope, not that.
• Time off is a gift at this time of year. Embrace the moment.
Consultant Walter Sabo A.K.A. Walter M Sterling has a nightly show “Sterling Every Damn Night” heard on WPHT, Philadelphia 10:00 pm – 1:00 am. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs Sundays 10:00 pm – 1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at waltermsterling@gmail.com or Sabowalter@gmail.com.