Week of November 5, 2007

Friday 11/9, 2007

The "Dog, the Bounty Hunter" issue of this past week should be a lesson to your staff. (http://www.nationalenquirer.com) One wrong, stupid word or statement can cost you a career. If it happens to your morning show, or even yourself, you better hope you have put away money for retirement. The community, industry and media will not tolerate anything controversial. Use better judgment. The world has changed. As a GM, you must set the example. Can you remember the time we used to hire a stripper for some male employee's birthday? Can you imagine it today? Have a nice weekend.

Thursday 11/8, 2007

Your business manager should have the October P&L done by now. If you are not making your cash flow goals in October, you may not make the year. October is one of the biggest revenue months of the year. Examine each reason for not making goal. Every sales person, every expense, every decision must be identified now -- before you plan for 2008. If you are not succeeding in making your cluster better on the bottom line today, you could have a repeat in 2008.

Wednesday 11/7, 2007

Let me say right from the start, if letting people go does not bother you, you should consider another occupation. I never feel good about putting people out of work (Even if they deserve it!). That said, if your station/cluster is not making its goals, or the revenue is not growing, you must look to trim in order to survive. Ask yourself: Does the job being considered really contribute to the overall fiscal health of the station? Could the money be better deployed? On the other hand, if you really believe in the position or the person, and can defend it, stand up for the person. You may not win, but you will sleep better at night.

Tuesday 11/6, 2007

In many large companies, this is "staff-cutting week." Why? Many companies are looking at flat expenses for next year. The "body count" is one way of trimming. Making staff cuts before the holidays assure the severance is paid in 2007 and there are no additional costs carried into 2008. As a manager, you have a choice: defend your staff or make the cuts. How to decide? More tomorrow.

Monday 11/5, 2007

Are you mentoring your replacement? If you were hit by a bus or promoted tomorrow (I feel sorry for the bus), who would replace you? The time for selecting your replacement is now. Most winning stations already have a line of succession that extends throughout every level of the organization. Programming, sales, G&A and even engineering and accounting should have a "bench" of great people ready to fill your important roles.