May 14, 2010

The following was posted in this column back in January and I think it's worth of a reminder because, be honest ... you didn't do this, did you? You're too busy. I assure you, once you do it, you'll think it was time well spent.

Take a "Listening Day"

When I was a PD many years ago, I made it a priority, at least once a quarter, to get out of the office, hole up in a hotel with several radios and listen to my station and my market. I actually had a GM who thought I was taking a day off. Puh-leeze.

You should do this with your PD:

• Pick a day
• Get a hotel room, or a conference center room ... heck, it can even be your basement
• Get a few radios and listen to YOUR station and key competitors
• Bring spot and music monitor information so as you hear things you can cross-reference it
• Start early; listen to morning drive through PM Drive

You will be amazed at what a truly productive day it is and what you discover about your station and your competitors.