digiRadio

2012-01-22T07:37:00.001-08:00

Testing a new app

Share!

2011-03-02T09:43:00.001-08:00

You hear this term “share” from the moment that you start interacting with other kids at a young age. Parents teach you to share from day one and enforce it for the rest of your lives. It gets engraved into your being every single day. So why isn’t it a surprise that you want to share everything about your daily lives in the digital world? However, sharing your lives is not the topic of discussion of this article. We will instead cover the relevance of sharing other things that you find on the web with your friends and family through social media.

One of the greatest opportunities you have as a broadcaster is surrounding your radio station with brand ambassadors. There are always discussions in studios about who is discussing your brand with their friends. I am here to tell you that it has never been so easy to accomplish that with social media. Question: How many websites have you personally been to in the past week that you saw the “like” on Facebook link on it? Facebook has made it so easy to share content from other sites with your friends on Facebook. So does your website have a “share” or “like” tab on it? When you are posting about concerts, updates, and other things related to your station, there should be a “share” tab so that your brand ambassadors can click to tell their friends easily about what is important to you at any given time.

Let me put this into prospective for you. Let’s say that you have on average 1,000 people visit your website everyday. You posted a new TobyMac concert on your website and John Doe clicks that he “likes” it and shares it with his 300 friends on Facebook. Out of his 300 friends, two people on John’s website “likes” it. One of John’s friends has 110 friends and the other has 210 friends. Let’s say in the unlikely event that those two friends don’t have anyone “like” it. Than you just repost your event with your brand attached to it to 630 more people then you expected. That is a 63 percent increase in people seeing your event through the use of Facebook.

The great thing about that additional 63 percent increase on your event is that it came as a direct endorsement from a brand ambassador. If your friend told you about this really cool pair of shoes that went on sale, are you more likely to buy it than if you saw an ad for it on TV or radio? Of course you are. Your 63 percent increase came from friends telling friends to go see TobyMac which gives the endorsement more meaning and likely better results.

As the digital world continues to grow, “sharing” is going to become the norm on the web. We need to be implementing the same sharing strategies in the mobile app world as Facebook and Twitter have done in the social media and web world. This concept will continue to evolve, so figure out how you can utilize this tool to build up your brand and “share” away.

Pull the trigger on that App already!

2011-02-16T15:48:00.000-08:00

It is no secret that you are being pressed in the mobile world. Whether it's by consultants, staffers, media, or your listeners, everyone wants you to be aggressive in the mobile world. So what's holding you back? Why aren't you pulling the trigger? For many stations, its your budget, but for few its “why” and “what?” Why should I and if I do, what will it look like? Being interactive on a phone is not an easy thing to wrap your head around and for many programmers, its almost impossible. So let's start with the facts.

Currently, in the United States 31 percent of cellphone users are carrying a smartphone, equaling 73.3 million people walking around with those overly addicting, social media craving, textaholic machines. In 2015, there will be an estimated 43 percent of cellphone users carrying a smartphone. That means we know for a fact that there will be continued growth for the next 10 years in this area.

What if I told you that you could by a radio transmitter for $6,000 with the clearest sound in a town where I could guarantee growth by more then 200 percent over the next 10 years. You would jump on the opportunity. The mobile world is similarly no exception. You need to start investing resources into where your listener is, and don't believe that your listener “Becky” isn't carrying around a smartphone because statistics show that she probably is.

Now let's say you're ready. You want to jump on it and create the new coolest app. Being interactive on the phone can be tricky so what do you do to make your app “sticky” so the user keeps coming back for more? Figuring out what kind of things your audience is into is not so hard. Post it on your Facebook page ... wait, did I say Facebook.? Your audience uses Facebook? How can we incorporate something in our app that is interactive with social media like Facebook and Twitter?

Do you have a “Listener Party” or does your audience like to pick the music? Figure out a way where they can rate the music through the app so they can feel like they have some control over the music played on your station. Prayer centers, blogs, and other ways they can share their findings on your app with their friends – these are the things that will make your app stand out from the rest. You need your audience to be interacting with the app because if its just a music stream, then they can get that from one of a 1,000 apps in the market that play music.

You have a huge opportunity to be a leader and be innovative. Stop wasting time and start brainstorming and strategizing.

Market Your Station To The Community ... The Online Community That Is

2011-02-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

It’s interesting that we have a local promotions staff, local underwriters and sales staff, and local stream teams. But what about the other community? As the Internet radio world expands and more and more individuals are going to mobile apps to stream in their cars, Internet car radios, and other functions that take them away from actually turning the dial, we need to continue to concentrate at growing our brand in the digital community.

I have said time after time how important it is for you to set up your digital assets and hire a sales team that only concentrates on selling the digital real estate you have set up shop on. We even talked about the “Other Program Director” in an earlier issue of CMW. This is no different. Having someone that focuses on being your Promotions Director for just the virtual world is just as important as your Promotions Director is in the local community you reach. In some cases, that might even be more important. Some consider the role as “Brand Manager” the same as the Promotions Director, which is okay if set up that way. A Brand Manager does exactly what it sounds, manages the image of the station and how individuals portray it. The online community is continually expanding through the works of Social Media, Search Engines, and community involvement on your website, so it is important to have someone overseeing your brand online.

Marketing within the online community can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming, but it has never been easier to target a specific demographic for your station's individual needs. Using ad opportunities like Google and Facebook, you can target a demographic so particular that you are paying for exactly who you want to reach. You need to have someone on staff that is constantly running promotions and having “conversations” with your listeners and viewers on Facebook and Twitter. Make sure that your staff is consistently blogging. Have some “sticky” content on your website that you know people are going to enjoy

so they will be more inclined to come back for more. Once these things are in place, start targeting your demographic and invest into online advertising. The more your demo sees your brand, the more likely they are to try it out and if it’s “sticky,” you may just land a new listener, and they could be from any part of the world.

Terrestrial radio will continue to decrease as Internet radio and mobile apps increase. Someone needs to be in place on your staff that is going to do your online promotions. If you are part of a larger market station that has a promotions director, they are probably too busy working in the community to focus on your online landscape. So invest in someone that you can trust and is going to represent your brand and go for it!

Moving Forward In 2011 - Part 2

2011-01-13T13:35:00.001-08:00

Last week I discussed getting an interactive mobile app for your station in the new year. Now I'll cover social networks and what you need to do to maximize interaction here...

It's the social media world and we have learned its growing and not going anywhere. if you believe that your audience isn't active on any of these, if not all of these mediums, then you are mistaken or living in the dark. Each of these social media tools have their own benefits and figuring out how to use them this year that's going to help your connection with the listener grow. Many stations are utilizing the benefits of Facebook to be a place to connect on a more personal level with their audience by communication, and offering exclusive content. But radio just can't figure out the other social media giants and how to utilize them.

Myspace has a teenage demographic that we assumed had officially disappeared, but the site actually grew significantly in 2010. Myspace has become a mega hub for music. And what do you know, you work in music. More and more artists are utilizing Myspace to upload music and hope that it will result in larger sales - it did. Last year the average artist that was on Myspace selling goods, saw an increase in revenue of just over 6%. How can we utilize this music hub to our benefit?

Twitter continues to grow and most stations have a twitter account. But it is connecting with their Facebook and is copying the same updates across both platforms. Stations need to focus on how to use Twitter to communicate with an audience that might be completely different then your Facebook audience.

What is Foursquare? This website made huge leaps in 2010 and became one of the fastest growing smartphone apps across all mobile platforms. Foursquare is a location-based social media site that allows users to check-in at places and compete with their friends and users on who can check into more places. This past week, I received free chips & salsa from Chili's and a free french toast breakfast wrap at a gas station, just for checking in. Figure out how to connect with your audience using this location-based software by doing contest and partnering with local businesses.

The last thing that I want to do is touch base on your website. People still visit websites and it is essential to provide the content that your audience wants to see (or hear). Make it visually appealing, but also make it a content-rich site. Offer different options on how to listen to your online stream so you don't segregate your audience. On the back-end of your site, make sure that you are making it easy for your staff to update things without having to be a programming expert. This will keep content fresh and more interactive and help maintain the site with staff that don't mind doing it. Its 2011 and its time for innovation so start brainstorming and get out of your comfort zone. It's more fun that way anyway!

Moving Forward In 2011 - Part I

2011-01-06T13:52:00.000-08:00

Moving Forward In 2011 - Part I

Happy New Year! It's 2011 and now you are back at your desk looking toward the future! You're hoping and praying that again this year you can stay on the airwaves. We saw many of our friends in the industry lose their jobs in 2010 and I want to try and make sure that you are not part of that list in 2011. The first step you need to make in that direction is to step out and get creative. Start believing in innovation then you will be fine. Let's get started.

“Going Mobile” is a term that needs to be left in 2010. Many stations embraced getting new apps for iPhone and Android devices. However, its now time to step back from your apps and look at them critically. Are they benefiting the listener? How is your app different then the other Christian radio stations? What new things can we do to better our app? Can we make money with it? These are all very important questions that you should be asking yourself going forward.

Don't settle on an app that just plays your music. Get interactive! Also, step away from the app world for a moment and consider the benefits to creating a mobile version of your website. Would it benefit your audience to have a mobile website that is separate from your app? Being mobile has never been so inexpensive and so easy. Think strategic as the last thing you want to do is redo everything in a few months.

Your social media plan should include Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, and Myspace … we'll cover them all next week.

Monetizing your mobile future

2010-12-08T12:27:00.000-08:00

Monetizing your mobile future

Is radio really ready to take hold of its future? As we approach 2011, many radio stations are still behind the game when it comes to their mobile future and the last thing I want is to see are Christian radio stations get behind in the mobile world and watching potential revenue go down the drain. It’s important for radio to analyze your future in the mobile market and what you need to get there.

This year, in the US, mobile advertising is said to be approaching $800 million dollars. By the end of next year it will be over $1 bilion dollars and by the year 2015 a whopping $5 Billion dollars. If you are not thinking about how this will affect radio, then we have a serious issue. Having a marketing plan for your digital assets, with a heavy focus on mobile, is not an option but a real necessity. Moving forward with your 2011 mobile marketing plan, think through these questions:

1) What do you currently have? (Apps, mobile, website)

2) What would you like to have?

3) What does your current budget look like in creating new digital assets?

4) If you are short on funds, how can you come up with a budget? Maybe a digital partner?

5) How will you monetize your new digital assets? Pricing?

By asking yourself these questions, you should be able to go into the new year with specific goals to execute in the mobile world. A simple app will not do. For about a $1,000 though, a new basic app could be created for you to be able to stream your station, connect with important websites and social media sites and have an ad management system to monetize the application. Its important to plan out your goals and surround yourself with the right people to make sure that the project gets done in a timely manner. Too many stations will try to find the cheap way out by hiring someone internally, or a friend, and then have to wait six months to complete the task they first requested.

Now the biggest push back that I receive from stations in this quest is money. This should no longer be the case, as there are too many businesses out there that would be willing to help your station by up fronting the needed budget (around $2,000-$5,000) to create a custom app for both the iPhone and Android. By doing that, you would agree to give them free banner ads on your new app for the next six months at no cost. Trust me, it will work. A major radio station in a large market partnered with a company that was willing to provide $10,000 to develop custom apps (very nice custom apps), if they would simply put their logo up in the corner as a partner. If you need an app, then you should be willing to do the same. So start asking.

Now you have your app and maybe even a mobile website, but you may not be sure how you are going to make any money from it. That’s okay! It’s time to train your underwriters. Get some outside help from digital consultants. As a digital consultant, I spend time following advertising trends and costs to help you set up a realistic pricing sheet for your partners and how to execute on it. If your station does not have underwriters, then look for alternative solutions such as commission only companies that will monetize your apps for 30 percent of the profits.

I don’t want to sound like a broken record when it comes to radio stations executing on developing a mobile strategy, but its becoming a necessary move in the digital world we live in, and I don’t want to see any radio station be left behind. So get moving and start planning.

The "Other" Program Director

2010-11-17T10:11:00.000-08:00

As radio continues to grow and new positions are being created, you need to start looking at the "other" program director. I'll tell you what this is in a but. Your digital content is becoming more and more crucial as we continue to develop what the digital radio world is going to look like. Currently, digital content is handled in a couple of different fashions:

1) On-Air talent takes the lead and posts what they are doing or what's on their mind.

2) A webmaster/designer is uploading content and talking with your listeners via various digital media outlets.

In some cases, the current Program or Promotion Director will take part in overseeing the digital content by discussing with talent what kind of campaigns will be running, what to focus on, and in some cases what to discuss through social media. For most mid-size to larger market stations that are investing into digital space, you need to really consider hiring a Digital Program Director (DPD) that will manage everything digitally. The Two Program Directors will work together and create compelling content that will align on-air programming and digital content, but the DPD will know what kind of things will work or not work on the web or via social media. The DPD will be in charge of creating new content, campaigns and contests set up for the digital arena only.

Just as the PD is meeting with talent, the DPD will also work with talent and develop their strategies for making digital content appealing to the listener. But how do we for our new DPD, you ask? "We are barely making budget as is." This is a great questions. For the stations that are serious about their digital presence, they are actually experiencing no issues with building their digital staff. I have seen many articles that have discussed what five new positions will there be in radio in the future. This is actually a thing of the past because most radio stations should now have the following digital staff:

1) Digital Program Director (DPD)

2) WebMaster/Designer - Uploads content and makes everything visually appealing

3) Digital Underwriter/Sales Rep

The idea that this whole digital radio fad is going to blow over is borderline ridiculous. Radio has changed radically and if you are not on board then you should quickly catch-up as your competitors are probably well ahead of you already. In 2009, while traditional on-air sales revenue wad down nearly 17%, digital sales was up over 11%. Now as the economy has strengthened a bit in 2010, we are seeing reports that traditional sales have increased along with digital sales moving up. Your Digital Sales Rep should be able to maximize the opportunity to sell and as long as you have the right tools set up like a Ad Management System on your website, you should be good to go.

You also should be highly involved with social media, looking at mobile applications, along with reports that are showing unique click-throughs and impressions. By having these tools available, the sales rep should be able to maximize your ad possibilities by selling ads through digital real estate.

Times are tough, especially for listener-supported stations. As you continue to see traditional sales fade and listeners are less and less interested in your terrestrial station, you need to look to the future for opportunities and a different approach from even a few years ago. Change is happening throughout media, so embrace it and invest in it. If you don't your station will not survive.

You can find this article available weekly through Christianmusicweekly.com (CMW)

We have webspace, now what? Part 2

2010-11-11T09:13:00.000-08:00

Last week we discussed your radio station’s website and how it needs to be a true reflection of your station and its listeners. I also covered the visual elements of the site and trying your best to give the viewer content that they can’t find elsewhere. Now, here’s Part Two ...

How to monetize your website is becoming more and more of a topic of interest when talking about your website. Let's face it, as we continue to go more digital, spend money to go digital, we want to figure out how to make money from going digital. The number one issue with station websites are those that are still utilizing Google AdSense because the site owner believes that you are making money from it. If you are not familiar with AdSense, good. Don't concern yourself with it. But for the stations that are still using it, ask yourself when was the last time your received a check for more then thirty dollars in a month's period from Google? You haven't. Remove it off your site because all it does is created clutter and makes your site less visually appealing.

Make sure your site has some sort of ad management system in place to use for ad sales and self promos. Also be sure that the ad management system can provide you with reports for your clients that include click-through rates and impressions. Even if your site's traffic is limited, I guarantee that you can sell a banner on your website for at least $50/month. Imagine being able to do that with 10 rotating banners. Now your website is making you $500 every month with little work.

Lastly, watch the ad placement of your banners and make sure the ads are visually appealing to the site and match the overall look of the site. The last thing you want is for your ads to take focus away from the things that are most important. Can you have a huge banner going across the top of your site? Absolutely, as long as it matches the overall look of the site. It can't draw too much attention away from the rest of the content on the site. If you can incorporate all of the above, your website will be a portal now to your airwaves, not the other way around. So utilize it, invest in it, and most of all take care of it. It's your future!

We have webspace, now what? Part 1

2010-11-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

You need to get the notion out of your head that listeners always find you first on the radio and then visit your website. Those days are over. Individuals stumble over websites all the time through searches, links, social media and many other ways. So what do you need to do to make your website unique in the marketplace?

This past week, I had the opportunity to work alongside a board of individuals on what makes up a good Christian radio website. Unfortunately, we viewed so many websites that were not living up to the board's expectations of what a great radio website should be. That brought us to one conclusion, “It doesn't matter how big your radio station is, we all need help in figuring out what will make our web presence great.” Now don't get me wrong, there were stations that were exceedingly appealing to the eye, and others had some great individual elements, but almost all were lacking things that could take the site from good to great.

So let's start with the visual elements that make your site different from others. First and foremost: know your audience, your community and your surroundings. I visited a website the other day that had a background of the most beautiful mountains. When I asked the station why they had mountains in their background they stated because it was visually appealing. The issue was that they were in a major city where the closest mountains were almost a thousand miles away. Yikes. Sit down with your staff, designers, and developers and figure out what makes you, you. If you live in a creative community, then make something creative. If you live in the middle of nowhere, then you don't need a website because there is no internet. Just kidding. Research a little before just doing anything. It needs to meet the viewer where they are at, and that is in your city or town. Not in some gorgeous location most have never been to.

Now let's address content. What will you provide to your listeners that they can't get somewhere else? What makes that information unique? In some cases, having an interactive prayer center is helpful to your listener. In other cases, having your on-air personalities provide a service (blog) about a topic that is of interest to your listener is paramount. Creating content that is unique to your station will make your site “sticky” and keep inviting people back for more. Here is one thing for you to think about when considering how to make your website successful. What kind of things do you look for in your homepage when you turn on your computer. Many of us still have yahoo.com or a custom Google page as our homepage. Mine consists of the weather, news articles from key websites, a couple of blogs I follow and a few other things. What do you have offer to make your website someone's homepage? Does that consist of geo-targeting weather when someone from one of your station's cities visits? Is there content that is being provided that is of special interest to your listeners like how to save money? Figure out exactly how to make your site relevant to your target. In some cases that could involve putting together a “Listener Focus Group” that will give you the insight into exactly what they are searching for.

Next week we’ll finish up your webspace, with Part II.

Stop Broadcasting and Get Involved

2010-10-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

I believe that stations understand how important it is to be engaged in social media. I have never met a station that has told me, “I just don't think the whole Facebook thing is for us.” Or better yet, “Our listeners don't want that.” You have come to believe that social media is essential to your organization, so you ask your on-air talent to start tweeting more, using Facebook to interact with listeners, perhaps even starting a blog. But what does this all mean in light of the big picture? There is no doubt that Ford Motors is the most successful car company presently when creating action plans of how to utilize social media to their benefit. They don't just target their market, start spamming, and broadcasting message after message until they consumer bites. Ford listens to their target market, they engage with the people that are purchasing their product and they listen to their complaints as well. Then they come up with new strategies to attack issues head on.

How is Christian radio any different? In many cases, you believe that it is our duty to post upcoming events, point people to our website, and then use Facebook to ask people to follow us on Twitter when all we are doing is copying the same status update from Facebook to Twitter. These are all things that I see a majority of radio stations doing. It is time that we start creating compelling content that will get our listeners engaged with social media. Ask questions, go to your listeners Facebook pages and wish them a happy 7 – 0 birthday, get involved in their issues by telling them you are praying for them when you see they are dealing with something difficult. I am not saying to stop telling your listeners about upcoming events, but instead of 11 – 1 broadcasting, get more interactive. If you see a status update on one of their pages like, “What is everyone doing this weekend? Plans? Comment by saying, “Come visit us at the Matthew West show this weekend!” It is time to start treating Social Media as one person having tons of friends and communicating with them. This goes for Twitter as well. When communicating on Twitter, it is time to get all the Facebook/Twitter connection apps halted. Don't allow the same thing to be updated on both sites all the time. Use Twitter in a different way.

For example, WayFM in Nashville uses traffic updates through Twitter. They might only have a couple of hundred followers, but they are providing content that those 200 hundred people really value. Its about providing a service that is different that your listeners really enjoy utilizing and feel connected to. Lastly, its important for your on-air personalities to have blogs and to talk about things that are on their mind because people look to personalities as leaders in the community. But have them create more content and provide things that are going to make your website “sticky.” There is a personality in Florida that teams up with a fantastic chef in the area. He cooks with him on the radio once every couple of weeks and then follows that up on a blog that is all about the personality and recipes. This is where great video content can come into play. If someone videos a talent doing a mini cooking show, your listeners are going to be engaged and they are going to come back for more.

If you keep rebroadcasting messages to your listeners, they are going to tune you out. You need to focus on creating compelling content and getting involved with their lives. Before social media, it was near impossible to contact a hundred thousand people a day. But through social media you can connect with them every day without fail. Occasionally, go to someone's wall and ask them how they are doing. Get connected. Get involved.

Growing digital listeners via Facebook

2010-09-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

If you have ever spent any time on Facebook playing with all the games, applications, and variety of widgets available, then you may have noticed options on the social network that you might be able to utilize for your organization. Companies and organizations build applications for people on Facebook to play, connect with other people, and also to have fun. Some are not revenue generating opportunities while others are. For example, last year a highly addictive game called Farmville made almost $10 million in six months. The game is set up to be free, but people can purchase additional dollars to build their imaginary farm with using real money. Silly huh? Don’t you wish you were the guy that came up with that idea. Other social applications might include a questionnaire at the end of it, where the app will tell you when you are going to die and how. Strange, I know. According to the app, I will die at the age of 47 with the help of a horse. Why do I even care? Because I was bored one day and a few of my friends were prompting me to do it.

A radio station has the unique opportunity to do something similar and gain potential listeners, and data intel, from all around the world. Stations can only do so much to drive traffic to their website, so using one of these types of applications can bring in many potential new listeners. You might be spending thousands of dollars on Internet marketing via Google, Yahoo, Bing, Facebook, Twitter and more, but you can only do so much to drive real traffic to you, and your website.

Building a unique Facebook application for your own benefit allows users to get engaged with you without even knowing it’s a Christian radio station. You can build an application with a title as simple as, “What kind of animal are you?” Sounds dumb, but you will get thousands of people to test it out. And if ever someone decides to use your application; you will gain information about that person including their name, age, and email address. This gives you a whole new group of individuals to market to from that point forward.

Now most radio stations would jump on the opportunity to add thousands of new emails to their database for their own marketing uses, but I would advise not doing that. Most of those new people are going to be wondering why this radio station that could be thousands of miles away is sending me information about their shoe drive coming up or that there is a concert in the local area. This is why it is very important to divide up your email lists, separating them based on proximity to any of your frequencies – especially those that are overseas or out of the country. Your email marketing should have different information that is being sent out to each group of potential listeners based on their location.

Using an application of this type can draw in potential new listeners – and donors – for your radio station ministry. It will build up your digital listeners from all around the world without spending a lot of money. Saving money and spreading the news, isn’t that what it's all about?

Revisiting the importance of being LINKED

2010-08-05T13:58:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago I wrote an article on the importance of LinkedIN it is for sales professionals. Today, I would like to revisit LinkedIN and some ways to help grow your business using this powerful sales tool!

I believe that LinkedIN is the number one source/social media site for business professionals and especially sales professionals to be involved in. Now when I say involved, do I mean that I am going to try and contact every person on the site and sell them a product? Absolutely not. This is not why we use LinkedIN. Just like other social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIN needs to be used as a conversation tool. The great think about LinkedIN are the fact that their are groups you can join and within that group people ask questions relevant to your expertise. The days of getting by with just a little knowledge is in the past. It is very important to know what you are talking about and respond accordingly. If you do this enough you will notice industry professional or individuals looking for services that your discussing will find you and talk to you about how you can help them.

In the past 3 months, I have received nearly 40% of my overall revenue from LinkedIN and using it as a sales lead generator. Depending on the industry that you are trying to target, LinkedIN and other social media sites might not be for you or you might have to examine your social media marketing plan a little different but all in all, 90% of the time there are ways that you can utilize social media to launch your internet presence and to bring in clients.

4 Ways to make money on LinkedIN:

Make sure that your profile is 100% completed
Get Connected by joining groups and answering intelligently to key questions
When you get a new connecting, send them a private email letting them know if they need anything that you are here to for them
Continue to communicate with your connections. Send them updates and emails about things that are going on with you professionally.

Last thing I want to leave with is remember to continue to have communication with people on social media. This is the only way to get personal with your potential clients and sooner or later they will come to you. Building your brand is the #1 asset for social media, it might not be something that happens immediately but overtime it will grow your business.

Integrating New Media Strategies to drive revenue

2010-07-31T22:13:00.000-07:00

Nothing like creating new opportunities for radio stations to generate revenue. Today, we will talk about the backbone that is allowing new digital opportunities to eventually be the force behind the digital revenue for one of my clients, The Joy FM. When setting down with The Joy FM and discussing their future in the digital world as little as 6 months ago, the progression has been absolutely amazing. Let's start by saying there is no reason for not having a plan to help spread cost over the development part of your digital dreams.

For example, when I originally sitting down with the GM of The Joy FM, the main task was "Get a basic app up and in the market so our listeners can listen on the go." Low Cost and we can look at the updates at a later date. 6 weeks later, done. Than we started developing the next phase. Come out with an app across all major mobile platforms which included iPhone, Android, and Blackberry. Unfortunately, the next step of the Joy FM's iJoy would take a little longer because I was on a project of making sure all the sister stations had apps as well which meant that I had to organize and manage the development of over 25 mobile applications.

After this was done, Joy FM went into Phase 2 of the iJoy which would include a new ad management tool, artist/song title, and links to our website, facebook, and twitter accounts. Although still displaying the simplicity in its look.

So what is the backbone behind this new App. The Ad Management Tool(AMT) is the most interesting thing behind iJoy. "Alternative to iAd" is the new title behind this Ad Management Tool. iJoy's AMT is using the open-source Content Management System (CMS) by the name of Drupal. The great thing about this CMS AMT is that it is operating under the same system as The Joy FM's other digital project which was a custom Facebook page / Application. So the ads that are running on Facebook or also in the same spot that the Mobile Application ads are running. This allows for the Digital Underwriter, Designer, or WebMaster to upload to ads all in the same spot and review reports of click through rates in the same spot. In my experience, this is the first solution that is offered to a radio station / organization that integrates a full digital strategy on both mobile and social media. This also allows an easy way to keep things organized when generating revenue on these new opportunities along with not having to give a percentage to Apple like you would if you were using iAd.

For more information about Digital Strategies, visit www.rocktheshamrock.com

In the Mind of the "Marketer"

2010-07-28T14:52:00.000-07:00

A term that most of us in the industry hear and is all to familiar with and that is "Marketer." Over the course of the last couple of years I have put more and more thought into what this actually means to me and what I believe it should mean to the industry. "Marketer" defined as "One that sells goods or services in or to a market, especially one that markets a specified commodity." This is a term in the industry that I believe is outdated and ready for a new definition. Although, I will not be the one that is giving you the definition, I will be the one that is giving you a little insight into what I believe the Marketers new role should be. I believe that selling goods is a thing of the past, even in the traditional sales jobs such as Car Sales and Department Stores. Some companies including car dealerships are finally looking to sales opportunities in new ways. What are those new ways? Social Media? engaging conversations? finding out needs without immediately delivering a product that is still not what you need? Over the course of the last decade, I have learned many sales techniques that has proved to work but now as I examine those sale roles and the ideas that I had in my past sales jobs, I was ahead of the curve. My second sales role, I was a Sales Consultant in a Retail location for Verizon Wireless. On the brink of new technology (EVDO or 3G, Aircards, smartphones), I opened up the option to I.M. me directly to my phone when someone had an issue so that they could get immediate tech help from anywhere. "theVerizonGuy" was the screen name and although I only helped a few people a week, I offered an exclusive service that allowed that client to come back for more. This was in the days when Facebook had under 100K users and twitter was still unknown. Smartphone sales were under 10K and 3G was unknown to most of the USA.

Am I saying that I am the expert in the field of offering new opportunities to engage a client? No. Not necessarily. But one thing that I learned from that experience is that I found a new reason why a client would pick me over someone else. Today, its more important than ever to figure out these new opportunities. This is where the role of the "marketer" comes in. As a marketer, my job is not to broadcast a message, talk people into purchasing a product, but to have conversations with people whether its in person or online. Talk with them, find there likes and dislikes, understand their true needs and if we have a product that meets there needs than discuss it. DO NOT offer a product that meets there needs. I am the first to tell someone to go somewhere else if I believe I can't meet there needs. That's what I like to call "Respect." I bet none of my Sales Managers actually know how many times I sent a customer away to the competition because I believe that I couldn't meet their needs. However, half of those clients came back to me because I was honest and had integrity in my sales approach.

How is having a conversation now different from conversations 5 years ago. Before, we used your likes and dislikes to talk around those things and make you believe that the product that we were offering was the perfect thing for you. Starting high and going low. Now, I believe that the consumer is much smarter and research the product much better. Over 80% of consumers will research a major purchase on the internet before going to the store. They are smarter, wiser, and will not take your sleazy sales approach. So lets get back to basics and start talking with people.

The role of the "marketer" is changing and is changing all the time. Right now "marketers" or "conversationalist." Figuring out how to communicate in better ways than ever to the people that we are targeting.

RAYS with the no-hit!!!

2010-07-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

If you don't already know, I am a HUGE Tampa Bay Rays fan and tonight I witnessed Matt Garza's No-Hitter! Here is the thing. Two months ago I moved to Nashville, TN and since than only two games have aired on television in my area. Tonight is the second time that I got to watch a Rays game because it was aired on ESPN nationally. First, I witnessed both pitchers throwing a no-hitter until the bottom of the 6th when the tigers walked a runner, than there was a catcher interference, followed by another walk to load the basis. With a 2 out, full count, Rookie Matt Joyce lands a grand slam ball over the wall to put the Rays up 4-0. So if Matt Garza, pitcher for the rays gave up to hits in the 7th. It would have been okay because we won this game but Matt decided to treat me to something special only on the second time I have been able to watch a game on tv since moving. So he decides to get a 1 walk, no-hitter. It was the night of the Matt's! Matt Joyce with the grand slam and Matt Garza with the No-hitter. Ahh... what a great night.

This has no digital strategy except the strategy of BASEBALL!

Revenue Opportunities - You snooze you loose!

2010-07-25T15:56:00.000-07:00

How many times have we heard in the our years "You snooze, You loose." This is something that my parents imprinted into my head at a young age. Not to be mean but a lesson that was told me that I was to late. "Mom, can have seconds?" "Her reply "Sorry your brother beat you to it. You snooze, You loose." This taught me something at such a young age that if you have an idea or some would go as far to say a dream than you should always take your chance and not wait for someone to do it first. Take your ideas and run with them because if there good (which you won't know until you try) than someone else is going to do it first and create the model for it. This is where I wanted to take some time and add a little area of my expertise. Now if you don't know the real Chris Laney, no big deal. Your not really missing out however for those that have to put up with me consider me a dreamer. I think BIG, always looking to the next project or opportunity and when I see a project, I stare at it from all angles. How will it work? Who is the competition? Is there a need for it in its industry? Who has the successful model and who failed? Plus, more. Right now in our economic situation there are many radio stations, non-profits, companies and organizations that are trying to figure out how to make it in times where traditional revenue is down. Does that mean you give up? YES! If that question is even going across your mind that YES, please give up.

"Success is not driven by individuals that doubt but driven by individuals that are innovative and creative." We don't need anymore businesses and organizations that are out there during the time of prosperity to take our dollar but businesses and organizations that plan to stay around for long periods of time and help the community in times of need. We don't need another business riding on the success of being in the right place at the right time and employing 500 people but laying them off when they realize that the original business plan needs to be changed do to the environmental changes around. Do you think Coke would have had the success it did when 20 years after their products was launched Pepsi opened up and started taking some of the market share?

So what is all this stuff have to do with you right now. In the past week, I have heard of 4 different radio stations request my expertise in driving revenue in the digital world because they are hurting and considering closing the doors. Stations that have been around for more than 10 years considering saying goodbye. I am not complaining at the fact that they are reaching out to me in times when they need help because that is what I like to call "Job Security." The issue that I have is Radio stations have to be innovative. They need to think of new strategies to go forward. I am not just talking about getting an App or having a social media presence. Although that's important, that won't be the only way to bounce out of our economic situation.

Repeat after me "Social Media presence and Mobile Applications will NOT make me money" I want you to say that over and over because that will not be the savior of your problems. What we need to figure out is how to utilize those VERY popular tools and create something amazing. Leonardo Da Vinci woke up one morning and said, "I am going to paint a beautiful young lady but I think that I am going to use my teeth to do it." You didn't know that he used his teeth to paint the Mona Lisa. Wow! Where have you been?! Okay so I am wrong. Leo took out his best tool, the paint brush and used his education, talent and vision to created a masterpiece. That is what Social Media and Mobile Apps are to Radio Stations. They are our paint brushes that will be used along side our talents and creativity to create masterpieces.

So instead of sitting back and thinking to ourselves "We our domed to failure!" Lets embrace new opportunity for innovation and drive ways of success.

Social Media Revolution 2010

2010-07-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

The new 2010 Social Media Revolution is out and it is better than ever. I love watching these videos because every year it gets me more excited about the industry that I work in. Helping companies, non-profits and radio stations get into the digital world and more importantly make them realize that Social Media is not going away. Check out the video. Its cool!

Love your engineer

2010-07-23T20:26:00.000-07:00

Today I spent time at the "TASTE OF NAB" Road Show. I was surrounded by a dozen engineers from tv and radio. Let me first start by saying that engineers are the guys that allow things to keep rolling. They are the true force behind making sure managers, program directors, talent, and all others have jobs. I learned a lot even though most of the information and training was well above my head. So the next time your station goes down, remember tip your engineers, give them a hug, maybe give them a kiss (if your that close to the staff at your station). As a digital strategist, I count on my relationships with my engineers. Digital radio streams, being able to make sure data is being transferred correctly, and the many other issues that might arise when dealing with servers, computers, and technical issues. Remember, engineers are your friends. They might be sometimes boring, they might have jokes that you don't understand, they might speak their own languages, but I have learned that if you laugh at their "over the head" jokes, smile and node when they are talking about a new encoder, and make sure that you don't send them more than 12 emails in one day than they will be your friend.

Ford Fiesta vs. Lamborghini

2010-07-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

Can you say Marketing Geniuses. Ford decides to compare the Feista to the Lamborghini. Thats Right!!!! I said "FIESTA." This is pure genus from our friends from Ford. Taking a brand of the Lamborghini and putting it up against their own. Everyday, we see Chevy vs Ford. Honda vs. Nissan. But does anyone every take their chances with one of the most recognizable luxury vehicles on the market. I think we need to take notes!

Custom Facebook Page

2010-07-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

With the continued growth of Facebook, radio stations and organizations are trying to figure out what is best way to approach Facebook and what the next step should be. That's okay. There is so much more to Facebook than just broadcasting messages and interacting with users. Although these are important aspects to the Facebook community there are so much more that you can do.

About a year ago, Facebook opened up the ability for developers to develop your own custom page within Facebook. Many larger organizations jumped on it immediately, trying to figure out ways to utilize this technology. Among the first to do this was the company Skittles. Immediately following the release of these custom pages, Skittles released a custom tab for users to add to their profiles along with some widget to add to their profiles. After reviewing the success, Skittles decided to forward all web addresses to their Facebook landing page. Why is this important? Well... lets explore...

Why do we have a website anyways? We want to broadcast our new products and services to the World right? We have a contact us page for our customers and clients to contact us and tell us their issues and success stories. That is why it is so important for a company to utilize Facebook. What is going to draw me to your product on the web? The occasional ad I might see when I do a Google search? Maybe even an ad on Facebook... Really, the only reason that I would go to the skittles site is because either someone told me about some cool promotion that they are doing or I want to leave some feedback about a product. Facebook allows us to do this all in one. Also, with the almost a BILLION people that are registered on Facebook, whats better than promoting your brand where everyone is already at.

This is what brings me to an exclusive Facebook page. If I was a radio station and I wanted to get the word out about a concert or product than why not allow our fans have a tab of their own. Instead of them having to just go to the site every time, they can just click on a tab on their own profile and be updated with all your information.

PUSH BACK:
Of course their is push back. Sales Reps loose hits on their site so they can't sell underwriting and advertising. Designers feel like they have less control over dynamics of the site. Both of these are great things to question however building an exclusive Facebook page allows you to design elements just like you would on a website and your custom page will even have ad placement so your sales reps can sell both types of digital mediums. What about the decrease in visits on the website? Will this decrease the ability to sell advertising on the websites? No. What you will start to do is sell digital packages. Although, you might start to loose a little interest in your website, you will be able to open the door to how many people are visiting your Facebook, how many fans you have, demographics, and how many installs that you have with your custom page. These will add important factors to your selling pitch on the social media. Plus, your fans on Facebook are going to be twice more likely to listen to what you have to say their than a banner on your website that could have been attracted by someone that is just needing to get some info on your site. Facebook fans are people that are already connected with you and really believes in the things that you have to say. Just look at your user interaction when you post something like "Are you going to see fireworks this weekend and where?"

The few stations that have already hopped onto this bandwagon are the ones that are going to be growing their digital revenue faster than the traditional stations that are behind the curve. So stop sitting around and jump aboard.

For more information about Digital Strategies from Shamrock Media, contact Chris Laney at laney@rocktheshamrock.com

Driving Digital Revenue

2010-07-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

With radio station advertising continuing to move in the wrong direction, it is important for radio stations to grow revenue in other ways. Digital revenue is continuing to grow and radio stations that are not already invested or building strategies to plan their digital future is already behind the curve. AllAccess.com reports from Conclave how important it is for radio stations to focus on their digital growth. There are many different digital mediums other than selling their inventory on their website. I am going to layout a few issues that I am running into with my clients before being able to really being able to execute properly in the digital advertising world.

1) Website Inventory Set-Up - So many websites believe that just because they have some space on their site, they can sell that space to advertisers. The answer to this is no. To execute properly, some sort of ad management tool needs to be in place first. Something that will allow you to sell CPMs and measure the Click-through Rates. Some sort of rotation of impressions. This will help create dynamics on your website plus make it look a little more professional to advertisers.

2) Packaging Pricing - To many websites sell their digital space as a "extra gift" to their underwriting/advertising on-air spots. This is a big NO NO. For you to be successful in the digital world, stop looking at Digital Inventory as an extra something and turn it into its own area of advertising. Radio stations are missing out on thousands of dollars a year do to this overlooked mistake.

Set up good digital packages. Equipping your sales staff with more than just saying... "Sell some banners." Equip your sales staff with good, crisp packages that has options for your advertisers that will include all of your digital inventory. For the more aggressive radio stations that have been in the digital world, this could look like packages that include web space, mobile banners, and social media advertising. However, there are other areas to approach this other than web banners, you can have sponsorships of specialty shows or self-promos. Page takeovers are a big hit for radio stations to sell advertisements to labels, promoters, and publishers.

3) Educating and teaching your Sales Staff - Unfortunately the digital world is much different from the on-air world and therefore your underwriters/sales staff might not be ready to handle the different atmosphere. So hiring someone with experience in the field or hiring a consultant to help train your staff to move forward with Digital Sales.

4) Be Aggressive - It is time! Stop believing that this is all going to pass and this could be a fad. Its not and if you want to keep your radio station on the air than get engaged with your listeners. Don't think that you can do a little Facebook or that you can have your station streaming on your website. Yes, that is the right directions but that's not it. Research and find new ways to get your listeners excited. Get your mobile applications rolling and create new forms of audio/video mediums like good quality podcast.

For more information, you can contact me Chris Laney about Digital Services. laney@rocktheshamrock.com.

New Radio Prep Site

2010-07-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

Check out oldediscjockeysalmantic.blogspot.com. Bob Dearborn, award-winning radio jock from Chicago has started a new Radio Prep blog which brings you today's birthdays, today's date in history and much more. For all you disk jocks out there that need a little help on some content. Here are some examples.

What A Day This Has Been

July 19, 1553…Fifteen-year-old Lady Jane Grey was deposed as Queen of England after claiming the crown for nine days. Mary, the daughter of King Henry VIII, was proclaimed Queen.

July 19, 1799…The Rosetta Stone, a tablet with hieroglyphic translations into Greek, was found in Egypt.

Long Week without my Fam

2010-07-04T12:01:00.001-07:00

It has been a long week without Bethany and Noah but things are starting to come together. About 3 weeks ago, I found out that I got my first single to promote on the radio. Haven't been paid for it yet so money is still a little tight but we are making through it. I have been having a great time designing a lot of different websites. I finished and published www.jamthehype.com and www.rocktheshamrock.com. I really like the HYPE one I did because I incorporated a background picture which I hadn't done before. I always have been playing with some photoshop. Thats where the picture comes from to your left.

I made a big move this week and decided to take all my personal digital work with radio stations and incorporate it with Shamrock Media. We are using Shamrock to offer more than just radio promotions which is very exciting for both Chris and I. We are now offering Promotions, Digital Strategies, Audio Production and Artist Management. Its pretty cool. I have always been doing a lot more underwriting for HYPE Radio. This week I underwrote almost $1100 dollars. Thats pretty good. If I could do that every week. Life would be so good.

Things at Lipscomb University is coming along. I came in on Friday and all my automation software was working so now I can start loading music on Tuesday. I am always starting to workd on getting Legals, Liners, Beds, Hotkeys... and some talent. So there is so much going on in the world of radio. I am just blessed to be part of it right now.

Tomorrow, I am picking up Bethany and Noah from the Airport and than we are hanging out with Kris & Elisha tomorrow afternoon. Well I am going to go and enjoy my 4th of July. I am chilling in Downtown Franklin tonight.

5000 miles, 11 states, the biggest cities of the east coast

2010-06-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

After 10 days of 5000 miles, 11 states, the biggest cities on the east coast, I finally arrived back at my home in little old Franklin, TN. This past couple of weeks, we traveled more than I have ever traveled before. We were summon to attend a wedding for Bethany's brother in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Maine!!! That's right! People actually live their! So we did what we were asked and start the trip that would bring us much tiredness. We started our trip at 8PM to go pick up Bethany's other brother Aaron in Charlotte, NC. Which means we will start the trip by driving through the night across the great state of Tennessee. Did a forget to mentioned that we had a 2 year old with us that wasn't feeling so well so he didn't sleep. Let me go back in my memory and see if I can grab a moment from that overnight trip... 2:05AM "ELMO... ELMO... ::lots of crying:: ELMO... MEME (termed used for Hanny Manny)... ELMO... BUZZ... ELMO" This lasted about two hours before he was to tired to continue and we finally gave him Elmo to watch on the mini DVD player. By the time we got to Charlotte, NC. Aaron took over the drive for the next 5 hrs until Bethany took over which would bring us to the death of GPS services.

Here is the story about GPS. Nearly 75% of Americans use GPS but lets face it. This is worst than drugs because once you start using it and it works successfully than we use it more and more. But at times, GPS systems will fail and take you on a off the world track and than we are so confused and have no idea where we are that you have to depend on your GPS to get you back on track. With that said, while bethany was driving, our GPS took us off the highway and into downtown BRONX in New York City. Did I forget to mentioned that this was during rush hour. Thats right! 530PM in the Bronx. Buses flying out from the sides about to hit you. Hundreds of people just walking in front of you while your driving. Cars coming inches from crashing. TONS and TONS of people just everywhere. It was absolutely crazy! Luckily, after two hours we manage to get out and we continued down our route to getting to Maine. One thing that I learned on this trip that I know very little about United States geography. I promise you, I felt like States were being added as we we were traveling. "What there is a Connecticut, I thought that was just a State that they used in Gilmore Girls." All in all. We finally made it to our condo in Old Orchard Beach, Maine.

Let me start by saying the best part of Old Orchard Beach. Stop it guys! Its not girls in bikinis so get your mind out of the gutter. It was the weather! In the midst of a very HOT summer both in Florida and when we moved to Tennessee, it was so nice to go outside at 11am and it be around 75-80 with a cool breeze. That was probably my favorite part about Maine. At night, I would leave the window open for cool air. Do you remember the last time you could do that in Florida in the middle of the summer? Just amazing. The wedding was fun. I am not a wedding type. The only thing I like about weddings are meeting new people and seeing old friends and family. So in terms of that, we got to hang out with some family we don't see very often and Shaun and Shannon finally tied the knot. I do have to say that after the wedding was over and everyone's stressed level went down, vacation started among the family. Our condo was nice. We were on the 3 story of a building that had just two rooms there and we had one and the Bolen family had the other. (Bethany's aunt and uncle, plus cousin Jackie and Doug) That night after the wedding, we were treated to some drinks and relaxation on the porch on a cool, beautiful evening. From the condo, we had a pretty good view of the beach and a light house in the distance which was nice. We later went and visited the light house.

We finally went out to the closest big city which was Portland, Maine. About 45 mins north of Old Orchard Beach. We went in the evening to enjoy a little dining and walk around and see the old style shops and attractions. However, when we sat down to enjoy our food at this nice sports bar similar to a Beef-O-Bradys, we were companied by a Bachelor party at the next table not 10 mins after we received our food. So here we are enjoying our family dinner when about 15 guys were talking about everything that ears of a 10 year old should not hear. Actually, I think my ears might have been a little virgin to what they were talking about. But we ended up making it through our dinner and moving on to the city life of Portland. Now when I mention the city life, we were a little handicap for the fact that we had 4 generations of people among us. From Noah, the two year old to Great Grandma. So needless to say, we were not hitting up the clubs. We walked the streets until we arrived to a pier where we realize that we could go no further do to the driving situation to get back and people needing to go back to town. So we cut the evening short. As I was walking about, talking to Doug (Jackie's man) we were chatting it up about baseball (My true love... okay Bethany too) I felt like I got punch in the stomach and was seriously sick for the next 3 hrs as we returned back to the condo. Later, we found out that this 3 hour sickness nearly attacked half the people on the trip... Could it be the water? You know how your not supposed to drink the water in foreign countries.... Maybe its like that. Maine can be considered a foreign country... Its like Canada you know.

The next day we decided to go sight seeing. But we again were one person to many in the car and we wanted to go see the light tower without having to take two cars so we decided to have Bethany sit in the back on her father and brother's lap. I'm sure that after having a woman (no matter what the weight) on your legs for over an hour... You still try to forget the pain. We ended up making it to the tower where we got the enjoy some picture taking and some rock climbing by the water. We also got to spend some time going through Kennebunkport which is the location of President George W. Bush's summer home. It was cool seeing the house hot it sits in a Pennesula setting but also had resident homes for staff along with security to get in. I gave security the death stare as a drove by. From my understanding, Jackie and Doug were on the same flight a the Bush's daughters as they were flying into Maine. Thats right! Jackie and Doug were the only smart people that decided to fly and not drive all those hours. But the woman had a true agenda on the night... Did I mention it was Father's Day... Nope that didnt matter. The woman really really wanted to eat some Maine lobster. Some good yummy Maine lobster. So on our (should be a 40 min trip) back to Old Orchard Beach. We stopped at nearly every restaurant that said lobster to find out the best price on the way back. After much frustration and hunger. We settled on pizza from Dominoes. Hey, look at the bright side, We went from probably spending like 70 dollars on a lobster meal to 20 dollars on a pizza dinner that served us for two nights. I would say that was a success. We finally arrived back at the condo where we enjoyed our pizza and everyone started to go to sleep. I stayed up to enjoy a little movie time where I watched "The Blind Side." I really love that movie. I finally hit the hay and we relaxed a little the next day.

Finally, the day before we were going to leave for our 27 hour trip from Maine to Florida. Bethany and I had the opportunity to leave Noah with family and spend the day together in Boston. Now, I visit Boston just about a year ago for the PhotoShop World Conference with Nicole and Zach so I was somewhat familiar with Boston but quickly realized how little I really knew about the city when returning with Bethany whom never been their before. After driving all over city looking for a parking garage that was cheap... We than realize that was a lost cause and had to pay $30 dollars to park for the day. ARE YOU KIDDING! $30!! Wow! But I got over it. We did so much walking that day that I think my feet are still recovering. Sandles and miles of walking are not a good combination. Although, we got to see a lot of cool buildings, graves of some really cool people in history, and visited some cool places. Among the highlights of this trip, we spent some time at the bar "Cheers" where Bethany enjoyed her first Beer. So that was quite a cool experience for us. I personally enjoyed the musical talents of the individuals playing in the park. Man they can play. Enjoyed some good jazz.

What a sight for sore eyes this was. After being in a car for 26 hours, once I saw Tampa Bay, Fl. This was the most exciting part of the drive. The... "We are only 45 mins from our destination." We arrived in Florida where Bethany immediately left for dance and I went to my parents house where they were no where to be found so I started eating all there food. The next day I had to work a little so I headed to The Joy FM so that I could get some things done than I would be done for the day. Luckily for us that night we got to spend some time with Jeremy, Crystal and Elisha where we enjoyed some of the best homemade pizza I have ever had in my life. It was so good to see our old friends. Now, if you are not familiar with the situation of the wedding. Shaun and Shannon had a wedding in Maine and a mini wedding in Florida for more family and friends that couldnt make it could attend. This was my highlight of the Florida trip because I finally got to see some friends and family and Noah had a blast with all the kids and music. He was so cute. We just had such a good time. But the worst part of the day was when the United States got kicked out of the World Cup Competition. I followed this by tweeting "Finally, now Americans can go back to talking about sports they really cared about like football and baseball." But meanwhile, during their game. Aunt Vivianna (hope i spelled that right) brought a mini tv to the wedding to watch the game. This was a good bonding experience for us as we watched the game intently. it was a lot of fun. When I returned home, I watched a little Rays Baseball which I dont get to do very often. Did I mentioned that I watched the last 4 innings at Jeremy and Crystals house which than I witnessed my 3rd No hitter that was thrown against the rays. It was horrible. But at least they one. After I moved to Tennessee, the Rays took a turn for the worst where they have lost most of their games. However, when I was in florida for 3 days. They went 2 for 3 which means one thing. They are mourning over the lost of their biggest fan. The day I left, they lost 2-1. Just sad. The next day was finally my time to go home and Bethany and Noah were to stay in Florida for a whole week. I had to get back to work.

The 12 hour drive back to Nashville was the longest drive that I have ever done by myself and it felt like it never would in. It wasn't until I got to Atlanta (4 hours away from home) that I felt I would get there in just a few hours. However, I was running out of money and gas. So I started praying hard. I made it by about 30 miles. Talk about a close one. But I finally got home, unloaded a lot of stuff and sat down to realize that my trip had ended and it was finally all over. 5000 miles, 11 states, the biggest cities of the east coast. I was glad to be home and relax a little from the world of driving. Now I have been working and I refused to drive for more than 20 mins anywhere.

Whats going on? Where have you been

2010-06-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! I know there are have been some question to what I have been doing since my move. It has been absolutely crazy over the course of the last couple of weeks. We moved up to Tennessee after realizing that I didn't have any really good income. So I went into trying to find a job mode. This is where I became the new "AC National Promotions Manager" for Shamrock Media. Than I also became the new "Station Manager" for Lipscomb University's Lumination Radio. I am very excited about both of the opportunities plus I have been doing some really cool stuff on the side in terms of web design and graphics. I just completed a new website for jamthehype.com which is the #1 Syndicated Christian hip-hop show in the world. So check it out.

I am so thankful that I got to team up with Chris Chicago. His visions for the future and my ability to throw visions into reality is like a match made in heaven. I am so excited to be in the place where I am at right now. As soon as I receive a paycheck, I will feel a little better but overall. Things are good.

2010-06-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a while since I have updated. As most of you know, I moved to Franklin, TN two weeks ago. Franklin is about 15 mins south of Nashville. I am so excited to be here but we experience a lot of set backs at first financially due to not having a full-time job when I moved here. Than a lot of the jobs that I thought I was going to do kind of fell through. Luckily, for me. God provided and announced today was my new position on allaccess.com naming me the new AC National Promotions Manager for Shamrock Media. I am really excited to have this opportunity with Shamrock which was founded by Chris Chicago of the HYPE Radio Network. HYPE is the number syndicated Christian hip-hop show in the country. HYPE airs on more than 200 markets nationwide. Its an amazing opportunity to learn another area of the industry. Meanwhile, I am serving as a Digital Strategist for 4 different radio stations on the side. I believe that I have a career in serving as a Digital Radio Strategist. So as I continue to learn and grow I will keep you posted. I have a really important meeting I got to get to in a few mins so I am going to head out. Shoot me a comment if you want.

2010-05-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

What's the point? My company is doing just fine without it? I am still seeing regular traffic to my website. These are all things that I hear on a regular basis from organizations and business owners. So why do we put so much emphasis into social media? Unfortunately for the traditional business or organization that think they can hide from social media, you can't. In the past week, I counted 23 references to businesses on my Facebook and Twitter. Chris Chicago, host of the HYPE network says, "introducing some friends to @Sopapillas tonight! Excited as always!!!" This was said on his twitter account which has 747 followers. Luckily, this is in benefit to this particular restaurant. Imagine if he said something negative about that restaurant and people started to retweet it. These are the things that businesses need to be aware of. Building a brand can sometimes be the easiest part but maintaining it could be the most difficult part.

Some companies have already been on the social media bandwagon but have a communication problem. You ask me, "If a company is on social media than how do they have a communication problem? Wait! How do you have a communication problem on the internet?" It's easy for anyone to get on their social media sites and yell out commands like "Go to our website now to get a discount! or Visit us tonight for ....." Now don't get me wrong, its good to tell your friends what's going on but if that is your communication plan than you might as well grade yourself an F. We in the social media industry see to many companies that believe that by making an account on Facebook or Twitter that all their problems are solved. The answer to that is NO. Communication is key but communicating involves a lot of listening. When you listen to what your customers have to say and let them know that you really care through communication with them and actually making changes based on customer's responses. Your success in social media will grow.

The Nashville Flood. May 2, 2010.

2010-05-04T06:41:00.000-07:00

This is going to be Bethany and I's new home in a couple of weeks. Please pray for the people that were effected by these floods. I have spoke with a lot of my friends in the Nashville area and they told me that they are okay but that there is so much that is destroyed.

Shaun and his first solo

2010-05-03T06:09:00.000-07:00

This was my brother-in-law's attempted at a Bon Jovi song on Bethany's 21st birthday. We went to City Walk in Orlando, Fl. for some fun and Shaun decided that we was going to do Karoke at The Rising Star. They great thing is... It doesn't matter how bad you are... The band, backup singers, and overall productions makes up for it... It was fun... Although it sounds like there was a girl that had to much to drink in the background... Hmm... Who could that be....

Zappos Commercial: 5 Ways to Add Elegance to Dresses

2010-04-28T14:22:00.000-07:00

I saw this campaign on Toby Sturgill's blog saying it is one of his new favorite campaigns. This campaign is fantastic! You have to go to YouTube and watch all of them. Its awesome!

(Surrounded) ATF: Drama 09-10

2010-04-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

This was the opening for the ATF drama this past weekend. The drama was my favorite part of ATF. Absolutely amazing. I encourage you if your a teen and you are in need of some assistance. Contact us at prayer@lightforceradio.com

Acquire the Fire, ATF 27 Hours - Let it begin 2009-2010

2010-04-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

I had some of my friends ask questions about what Acquire the fire(ATF) is. So I decided to post a promo video. It really was 27 amazing hours with great speakers like Ron Luce, great bands like David Crowder, Dramas, and great worship. Check out the video!

awaken my soul...

2010-04-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

Awaken my soul

for I am in need of something deeper

Awaken my soul

for I know its in need

Awaken my soul

silenced by the world

Awaken my soul

broken, forgotten, and vanished

Awaken my soul

in need of God's grace

Awaken my soul

needing something new to embrace

Awaken my soul

father, spirit, and son

Awaken my soul

for your glory will shine through

ATF this week

2010-04-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend at this year's Tampa ATF (Acquire the Fire). Over 7000 teenagers coming together for great worship, dramas, bands, and preaching. I spent a lot of my time backstage interviewing interns from ATF and the Honor Academy. Amazing stories with some really great testimonies of how God brought them to the Honor Academy. We got to spend some time with David Crowder, Abandon, Stephanie Smith, and more. What really touched my life (even though I am past this time in my life) was the drama that plotted a young high school senior that has everything going for him in his football career and he gives all praise to God but it was all a scene for him because he was sleeping with his girlfriend and ended up getting her pregnant. The students from the Honor academy were absolutely amazing.

One of the testimonies that I received from the honor academy interns was from a young girl named Marilyn who told her story about how she came from a broken family and she as a teenager was cutting and trying to commit suicide until her mom pull her out of it. It was so touching an amazing.

One month away... Franklin, TN

2010-04-20T05:22:00.000-07:00

I woke up today thinking to myself that I am only one month away from one of the largest changes in my life thus far. There are defining moments in your life that demonstrate huge changes such as getting married, having a baby, moving out of your parent's house for the first time (hopefully not in the order). But I find myself on the verge of moving 1000 miles away from everything I have ever known. Family, Friends, career opportunities here (that would be more comfortable) and taking that big leap of faith. The hard thing is I feel like we don't have anything settled yet. Up until yesterday, I had absolutely no security in work, we had no house, and there just a lot of uncertainty. Luckily, I interviewed with a big company yesterday that looks pretty positive. We also found the house we want to move into which is a good size, in the perfect location, and close to the only friends we have up there. Although, I am nervous I feel like God is finally starting to put things in place. I pray that God continues to work in this matter. 4 weeks is not a long time at all...

life

2010-04-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

When I was 18yrs old, I was on the fast track to success. I was making over 50K working an awesome job, everything seem to be falling into place in my life. I feel like I was 3 steps ahead of my age which I look at many of friends and still think that I am doing pretty well but I feel like I have taken steps backwards which is really weird.

Here I am turning 23 tomorrow and I look back over the past 5 years and I think about what I have done. 5 years ago, I believe that I was going to work at Verizon Wireless for the rest of my life and I had a career. Even after Verizon, I thought that my career would stay in telecommunications when I joined the T-Mobile team. 5 years pass and I have switched my career goals 27 times. Or at least I feel like it. Now I am in a new position where I find myself fighting to be part of a career where I believe I can fit in really well and be successful. Which is the Christian music entertainment business. Right now I have the best job ever but still has a bit of uncertainty since my position is not finalize as a position that will be around forever which makes me nervous. Yes, my team believes there is a huge need for me right now but still have not finalize the details of my position forever. So, here I am, working as hard as I can to try to make a place for me and every time I take two steps forward, I get pushed 3 steps back. I left work today for about 30 mins and went on a prayer walk really asking God to intervene in my work.

The good news is... when I came back from my prayer walk, The Rays won 9-1. :)

FriendRaiser is Over!

2010-04-14T06:27:00.000-07:00

This was my first time that I have ever been here at the station for the full 5.1 days of any of our fund raising events. I have been around the station for nearly 5 years but never worked here full time. It amazes me to see the process in which it took to get to the finish line. It reminds me of a verse that I love so much in Timothy which says

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

What an amazing race it was. Seeing the volunteers come through here and the testimonies they had made me reevaluate some of the things in my life. What really got to be was the overall presence of Carmen's mom. With everything that she has been through, this woman was absolutely the most amazing woman I have met it terms of attitude and servant-minded attitude. I remember the first day, sitting down to eat my lunch and she walks over and says "Can I get you a drink?" I said "No, I can do it." "She said no please let me, that's what I am here for." How amazing is that. Throughout the five days, it brought me joy to see that she was going to be the hostess of the day because it brought such a powerful and uplifting message throughout the day.

We hit goal. Over 900K raised in over 2300 new partners added to our giving. I love that we continue to be listener supported because it allows God to truly be in control of our environment and the people that owns the Joy FM (I mean people). I am so excited that I was able to be part of this year's FriendRaiser even though I was working in the back most of the time. It was still good to see the process.

Heaven

2010-04-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

Bethany and I were talking last night about some really interesting stuff.. Although she thinks that I wasn't interested... I really was just super tired. We were talking about whether or not there is a Hell or not. Now don't get me wrong, I am not here to tell you that there is no hell nor I'm I telling you that's what I believe in. I am simply relaying the question. Bethany is a religious studies major and focuses much of her day on researching questions that her professors make evident to her. So the question is "Is there a Lucifer?" And "Is Hell really a fire pit of burning for eternity?" Growing up going to church, of course my answer is "YES!" Because what would happen if there was no Lucifer or Hell. What would that mean to the Christian faith? Lucifer is found in the great book as an angel that was sent down from Heaven after he is mentioned as trying to overthrow the throne of God. However, Bethany got be thinking when she referenced back to the stories that we look at for interpretation. It brings up some interesting arguments. This is interesting and needs further research... Let me know if you have any opinions.

Day 4... FriendRaiser

2010-04-12T10:49:00.000-07:00

I have been around The Joy FM for nearly 5 years and this is the first time that I have spent an entire FriendRaiser/Sharothon at the station actually working and not volunteering. Sometimes, I take for granted the opportunity of having a station like the Joy FM here for me all the time. There has been so many times that God has used a song to connect with me or answer a prayer for me. Over the course of the last few days, hearing the stories again of how the Joy FM connects with others reminds me of how lucky I am not to be an employee but a listener of this station. We are only 62% to goal right now but I know God will provide because it does so much more than just play positive music for God's Kingdom but really connects with individuals on such a level that only God can do much more than just the music coming out of the speakers. It changes peoples lives and keeps them Kingdom minded, keeps me kingdom minded in times where things can become a distraction. I am amazed by how God works...

LinkedIn is not just a Professional Network but a tool...

2010-04-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about the opportunities that LinkedIn offers to professional looking to make the right contacts in the professional world. I have to say... I am a huge fan of using social media as an avenue of connecting with professionals that you would have had to try and find their email or phone number and try and get a hold of them which 8 times out of 10 you can't. Over the course of the past five days, I have spoke with Managers, Directors, Owners, and more using LinkedIn as an avenue towards connection. I went from 0 - almost 100K in possible sales using ONLY linkedIn as my resource. The opportunity is there which is really exciting.

Today...

2010-04-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

You ever have one of those days where you feel like your day will never start going right? That was my day today... I was trying to get dressed today and every single item of clothing I needed was in the wash... Than I went to put my shoes on and one was missing, I can thank Noah for that one.. Noah would be the cutest two year old on the planet. As I am driving down a road that I drive down everyday, it dead-ends with a sign "Road is closed." You think they could have added that at the beginning of the road. So I had to turn around and go around. Than when I get to work, half of my internet doesn't work on computers. I have 3 computers on my desk and I only have one that is kind of working without sound because its in Safe mode from crashing last week. Finally, sit down at lunch and when I come back, everything is working good. I rebranded my blog (its about time) and I am working on some exciting new content to launch me into the future of radio.

The purpose of my blog for who cares other than to get things off my mind is to document what it takes to make a name for yourself in the Christian music industry. Obviously, help from God is going to be the first thing and being right minded in why you want to be in the Christian music industry is important. I am not a singer, songwriter, producer, instrument playing extraordinaire, but simply a kid with a dream trying to make a career for himself in a World where people put themselves first. I believe that I can put God first and with that I will be able to become successful in the industry. Follow me and I guarantee you, I won't be short of content... See you next time.

Craziness and Working

2009-10-28T07:34:00.001-07:00

This past couple of weeks have been absolutely crazy. I feel like I work so much that I think I might go crazy. None of my jobs are that hard and I am good at what I do but its just fitting them in all the hours of the day. Plus, on top of that, school has been pretty hard to. I currently have two D's. Although, last week I really tried to put more time into school and I am seeing my grade slowly start to rise a little. I have Drawing 2 and Art History 1 at Savannah College of Art & Design. I am working at my company, Laney Media Group, Tmobile (Health Benefits), Marketing Director of Chickfila and I am an Underwriter and Internet Marketer for The Joy FM. Right now I am probably working about 55-60 hours per week and spending 10-20 on school per week. Its alot. The good news is, I am doing it all so Bethany doesn't have to work. I know how much that means to her. Keep thinking about me in your prayers because I really don't want to go crazy. I am currently looking for One Full time job that will offer health benefits in the marketing/design field or a new part time job with health that will get me out of the wireless industry.

Court is Over

2009-09-30T11:01:00.000-07:00

When I went to renew my license, I accidentally clicked on State ID and not Driver's License. So on our first Sunday going to the Bridge where now our home church is, we got pulled over for a broken tail light. The state troopers gave me a ticket and said I have court because now it's a criminal offense. Yesterday, was when my schedule date was and I went. I noticed that no one was there for Criminal Traffic Infractions. It was all like Drugs, Drinking, Prostitution, Domestic Stuff... Well... when it was all over... I asked why I wasnt called they said they changed my date til tomorrow. HELLO! I written notice in the mail would have been nice. So I went today. I was the only one out of 40 people that at least got my Driver's License after realizing it wasn't valid which helped my case against the Judge. So they let me off with no Probation, Community Service Hours, or Points on my license. I just had to pay court cost of $300 dollars.

The Mighty Ducks

2009-09-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

Why is the Mightly Ducks series so amazing to. Is it well made? Is the story even that good? All these things is not really the case. I have always had a deep connections with many sports... Even if I went a while without watching a lot of sports for a while. But recently, my dramatic interest in sports came back about a year and half ago. It started with me watching football again and now baseball... and now I coach, manage, and play softball which is fun. By why the Mighty Ducks, am I a hockey fan?
Not really, I have never been to a hockey game, I probably have only seen 2 hockey games in my life. Its the amazing tail of how this no body team grew together and how the characters interact with each other. And how over a course of 4 years, this team has grown together and have learned to work with each other. I absolutely love the current trilogy and there coming out with a D4! Thats whats up!

USF with BIG victory over FSU

2009-09-26T15:22:00.000-07:00

University of South Florida really rallied as if they belong to be part of the big 4 in Florida. A 12 year old football program going up against teams in Florida like University of Miami, Florida State, and University of Florida doesn't allow USF to take lightly the privilege of playing Florida State and University of Miami this season. During last weeks 59-0 win over Charleston Southern, USF found themselves in perhaps a season ending opportunity to succeed when Matt Grothe, the Big East's Leading an Offesive Yards was hurt with a torn ACL and out for the season. This allowing Tallehassee homeboy freshman B.J. Daniels to start in his first College Career game. This being the biggest game that USF has played up to date, Daniels proved that he belongs as the new USF started. Although, Daniels was incredible with over 200 yards in total offense and two touchdown passes; the USF defense was also the success story of the day. 5 sacks and forcing 4 fumbles allowed Daniels to keep pressing towards the zone. The USF defense proved there determination when FSU was on the Bulls 3 yard like with 1st and goal. USF stopped for tries in a row forcing a turn over to USF.
This is a huge win for USF for it now gives them 15 consecutive wins against non-conference teams and helps recruiting tremendously.

Blanket Boy?

2009-09-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

Its funny. I was trying to come up with a Nickname that could be cool and I realize that I never had a real nickname growing up. My son has a blanket that he cant get rid of and I never really had a blanket so I figured that I wanted to be connected to something like blogging and people that have blankets like baby blankets get so attached to those items. That is what my blogging is to me. So that is where blanket boy came from.

Time to Blog

2009-09-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

I was asked, How do I have time for a blog. I have so much going on and sometimes I just need to vent and let everything out. Being able to type something that I dont have to worry about every friend and family member reading ie facebook is kind of nice. I dont use any names or even my personal name at all. If you did a little research you could find it but for the most part its just me the world that i dont know out there reading it. It helps me to cope with all the trials and tribulations of the world and my life. I like it.

Am I ready to move?

2009-09-25T22:08:00.000-07:00

So we are going up to visit a college in Nashville, TN in about 6 weeks. If we like it we are moving there next summer... Am I ready to move? I really believe that if we move, we will really have an opportunity to grow. Not only in our personal lives but as a family. We have so many people here that is willing to help at any given moment that I really believe if we take this step then we can grow together because we will have to learn to work together even more so then ever. I am only worried that the little one will start to miss those people that has given him so much love over the course of a couple of years. I think that will be the hardest thing for us to grasp. No longer being able to go down the street and drop him off but having to find a friend or babysitter to watch him for the evening. There are so many good things that I am very excited about like starting a job up there. Fresh and ready to go. I feel like so many people know me here in town and has seen me grow up that I have a hard time really getting a fresh start with a company. So that will be nice.. Also, I can't wait to go through all the seasons for a change. Not just hot 10 months but having Fall, Summer, Spring, Winter... It will be a change. It is an exciting time in our life and I am working it out.

Living Life

2009-09-25T21:21:00.001-07:00

You know what's funny about living in today's society? We get so tied up with everything that is going on including work, school, and issues in society that sometimes we can't stop and loose focus on the important things of life. Sometimes we just need to re evaluate our priorities. Currently right now I am working 3 jobs, going to school at one of the best design colleges in the country, host a radio show, and coach and play softball. I get so tied up with all of these things that I forget about the true joys of life. Yesterday, I had an hour break in between jobs so I went home to see my wife and son. My wife was a little busy dancing so I went into my son's room where he was playing, I laid on my back and he jumped on me and we played for about 15 mins. He was so happy. Laughing and Smiling until I stood up to leave and he looked at me with those soft eyes and they started to water up. It made me realize at that moment and stop to think, "what am i doing?" I am so tied up with all these things that I should be spending more time at home. But you have to provide for your family, yes your right. But working and asking God to help provide is easier then working three jobs without God.

I really believe that sometimes we need to take a minute out and re evaluate where you are in your life. I am 22 years old, been married for nearly three years, I have a 18 month baby and I am working to try and be the most successful person I know to be. But we dont want to loose focus of not only being successful in the business world but being a successful man in general.