I had a call this week from a lady who wants to get on the radio to talk about a new program she wants to bring to the local area. As she's talking, I'm thinking about many things.
1. Can this be good for my listeners?
2. Will the sales department be upset because it's clearly a sales item?
3. How do I twist this to get it on my show?
4. Will the Program director agree with my decision?
I want to help her. She did everything wrong but I kind of know her so I want to help. (Damn I'm a sucker) But then she blew it.
As I was working out the details in my mind she blurts out…"I've already talked with the radio station down the street (my competition) and the newspaper so you should do it" I couldn't believe she said it. Here I am trying to find away to get her on my show to talk to almost 80,000 people and she pulls that. I tried to explain to her what a dumb thing that was to say and she was arguing that in her business, competition is good. I want to be the first to have a new guest on the air. Think I'm being foolish. It's the same between Letterman and Leno.
So here's a golden rule…NEVER mention competing radio stations ever!!!
Have fun
Wayne Kelly
