The 30 Things I’ve Learned in My 30 Years at 98.1 KHAK

One of our bosses at our radio stations stopped by my office yesterday to congratulate me. I was a bit confused. What had I done? It turns out that April 14th is my KHAK anniversary, and yesterday marked 30 years behind the mic. I had some time to reflect on this milestone yesterday. And while I certainly don't hold any trade secrets that guarantee longevity in this sometimes volatile business, I have learned a few things in my 30 years.

30 Things I've Learned During My 30 Years at KHAK

1. Embrace Change. One day you're playing CDs and the next day everything is on a computer. Radio, like any tech-based job changes fast.
2. Be Open to New Ideas. Don't get too comfortable, and don't be afraid to mix things up.
3. Embrace Failure. Realize that today's failure could be the key to tomorrow's success.
4. Listen. Be willing to accept ideas from your peers.
5. Build Strong Relationships. Build them with co-workers, clients, and listeners. Treat them like family.
6. Be a Good Communicator. A no-brainer, right? Not just on the air, but with your coworkers, clients, and peers.
7. Engage with Listeners. On air, online, and in line at the grocery store. If they recognize you, be nice and thank them.
8. Network. Build relationships with people in your profession. You might need them someday, or they might need you.
9. Take Time for Yourself. The job is demanding, so take time to unplug. Not everything has to be about content.
10. Set boundaries. How much are you willing to share? Are your kids cool with being on the air? Not everything needs to be shared.
11. Find Balance. The work/life balance is key. When I walk out that door at the end of another day or week, family takes over.
12. Seek Support. Find help when you need it. Reach out to peers for ideas. We're willing to share.
13. Stay Up to Date on Technology. You can't become one of those middle-aged people who don't get tech, not in this business. Embrace the new and learn it.
14. Understand Your Audience. Know who is listening and why they tune in. Develop your content accordingly.
15. Embrace Digital. The TSM mantra. And it works. Your listeners want to learn more about you. Tell them more. Show them more. You're no longer just a DJ, you're a journalist.
16. Accept Automation. There is no escaping it now. Use it to your advantage, but not as an excuse.
17. Be Passionate. I still love this job. When the passion is gone, so am I.
18. Be Patient. This one takes work. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a career.
19. Be Kind. To everyone. Your coworkers, listeners, clients, strangers. Be remembered for being kind.
20. Be Humble. Don't let any accolades go to your head. Tomorrow is a new day.
21. Keep Learning. 30 years into this radio thing, and I'm still picking up new skills.
22. Get Enough Sleep. I used to be able to run on 4 or 5 hours. Not anymore. Getting up early takes a toll. Go to bed.
23. Success is about Perspective. Not everyone makes it to a large market station. That's ok...you can be a success no matter where you work.
24. Giving is Living. While I can't give the gift of money, I do enjoy giving my time. Read to children. Emcee an event for charity. Promote non-profits on the air.
25. Not Everyone Likes You. You can't make everyone happy all the time. Just be yourself, and know that will be good enough for MOST people.
26. Learn to Act. Radio is the theater of the mind, and some days you don't feel much like being 'on'. Tough. Smile through whatever personal issues you are having and make sure your listeners still have a great time.
27. Build Bridges. Don't burn them. In this profession, you never know who you might need to reach out to for help...or a job.
28. Don't Share Everything. Be an open book, but don't read every chapter. Learn how to self-edit and not share the wrong stories.
29. Be Reliable. Your greatest ability is AVAILABILITY. Be willing to jump in and help whenever asked.
30. I DON'T HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS. Yes, I've been doing radio for over 30 years but I don't know it all, and neither does anyone else. Be flexible. Be friendly. Be yourself.