GET INTO RADIO

I got my dream job

2007-05-26T15:03:00.001+01:00

That's the words of Rob James, a recent demo tape client of mine. Well done Rob.

Here's a silly viral video we made to promote the breakfast show. What better way to do that than take the mickey out of your local area. Ummm.

Podcasting

2007-05-22T10:27:00.000+01:00

I had a lesson with a podcast expert the other day. I intend to create a Best of Neil and Nicky podcast, so I went for a lesson....

and it was so easy.. so so easy.......

Surprisingly so...

Did you know that there are pretty much no roles on Podcasting- yep, no censorship.:):):)

And you can be live to the world.

And, as I said, it's easy!!

I wanted to offer my subscribers an easy lesson on how to do it, at a low cost, and I want to guage the interest, so if you would like me to teach you, wither by phone or online course, please just send a message to radio@neillong.com with the words YES PLEASE PODCASTS in the subject line.

..and I will be in touch.

World, here you come!!

Oh by the way, if you want a cracking demo made, hop over here....

http://tinyurl.com/266wca

Just for fun

2007-05-12T10:56:00.001+01:00

How to make your co-presenters life a misery!

Here's what success sounds like...

2007-05-03T14:49:00.000+01:00

Well done Rob James, who came to me to make a demo...

There's been a rather good response...

In Rob's own words...

I've had a phone call from Dave Owen (PC @ Radio Jackie for the one's who don't know the name).

He would like me to go into the studios and record an Air Check more aimed at R.J using local information as if I was ON AIR. I'm waiting for him to call me back once he is OFF AIR himself.

As you can all guess, I'm currently on cloud nine, I have a meeting/studio tour this afternoon at Time 106.6FM (Slough) ready for the show on Monday afternoon.

Plus I will be Co Hosting on Time 106.6, Saturday 19th May with Mike 'The Marathon Man' as he attempts to break the world record of 126 hours ON AIR (No break, and No sleep)

Needless to say I'm on cloud 9!

Well done Rob

Have a listen

Who's next then. Roll up, roll up. http://tinyurl.com/266wca

Vintage nostalgia

2007-05-01T10:30:00.000+01:00

Sometimes it's fun to cast your mind back and remember.....

Today sees the funeral of Molly Catford. Without her, Radio Jackie would not exist as it does today. In the early days of RJ, when we were still pirates, she was the one that mothered, encouraged and supported the spotty teenagers that were trying to run Radio Jackie (illegally)!

But heck it was fun. I wish I had been there..

Her husband Jack didn't want anything to do with the "naughty pirate boys", so to protect him from annoyance, Molly would cut the articles out of the paper about Radio Jackie. He would go to read it and it would be full of holes!

Have a listen to this

http://www.offshoreechos.com/offshorethemes/Sounds/I%20spy%20for%20the%20DTI.mp3

It's a clip from a spoof song, I spy for the DTI!

3 years ago when Radio Jackie was relaunched Molly sat in the studio watching a long, long held dream, finally come true.

Believe in the power of your dreams. If it can happen to a sweet white haired old lady.. it can certainly happen to you.

Bless you Molly. We will miss you.

Pure Nostalgia and Exciting News

2007-04-19T16:18:00.000+01:00

GREETINGS

I don't know about you, but I have found that one thing listeners LOVE is feeling good.

And generally (not always), people love to hear what they grew up with....

So as a suggestion, if you have a local celebrity who lives locally, and it fits with your demographic- get him on the show...

This morning we had Zammo Maguire from Grange Hill - Lee Macdonald on the show. Great fun- I love interesting radio where people sound like they're having fun.

I had another good idea as well. Would you like some jingles from Zammo "Hi, this is Zammo...and I always listen to...".

We can arrange a good fee to give you the best value.

Come to think of it, if you would like me or any of my colleagues to make some stuff for you..., have a look here.... www.jollygoodvoice.com

If you're interested, then drop me a line at radio@neillong.com

I'm excited about our Get Into Radio website, it should be live in about a week. It will be a buzzing interactive site with a forum where you - wherever you are in the industry, and you can network and share ideas with each other.

There will be stuff to buy that will help you.

There will be direct e-mail contact with me.

There will be tips and tricks from people in the trade.

...and an anorak corner!

I will let you know when it's ready.

All the best

Neil

PS Wanna hear the bit on air with Zammo?

Guess what I'm gonna do?

2007-04-10T10:15:00.000+01:00

I bought me a domain name www.getintoradio.com

(Don't go there, there's nothing there yet)

But, my vision is an all singing all dancing site, where you can

*Learn radio skills
*Learn from others in the trade
*Join a forum to create prep
*Keep up to date with what else is going on in the industry
*Network with people on all levels in the industry.

It's going to be a membership site, which you can join for a very small fee.

I will keep you updated.

One way or another, I'm going to put the fun and passion back into this crazy industry.. Neil Long

There is a forum already, and it's here for you. Free! Normal forum etiquette please!
http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=100131

Matt e-mailed me with some questions about radio, and here they are for everyones benefit!

1. Whats the most important thing when youre building a brand within radio?

Consistency, trustworthiness, relateability, authority.- they are the big ones- depends what your brand is- how young the people are that you're aiming at- the younger, the more exciting you can make it. Fun of course as well, over seriousness kills radio!

2. Do radiostations use their brands to its full potential today? And if not what can be improved?

Some do, some don't. To improve, look at the demographic from every perspective. Who are you audience, what makes them tick? How else can you touch them? What related activities do they like? How could you increase your presence in the area? What fun events could you host? Could advertisers be tied in?

3. Do radiostations promote their brand enough to be top of mind with the listener?

And whats the ultimate way to do so? See above, There's a good book called "There's a Customer Born Every Minute" by Joe Vitale, that's worth reading.

4. What do you think of radio commercials as they look today?

Some are ok, some are dull, one way or another they need to be attention grabbing. Advertising basically links positive feelings with your product, there's a thing called AIDA Attention, Interest, Desire, Action. If you can see this formula in an advert they are doing ok.

5. What do you think is the big difference between radio and tv commercials apart from the obvious lack of images?

More captive audience, so if you know who's listening and when you can target your demographic really well.

6. What does the future hold for radio and radio commercials in your opinion?

As more and more media becomes available like the Internet, radio has some competition! The rules are changing in what you can and cannot do, they have to or they would get left behind. There's a booklet available from Ofcom that tells you the rules of advertising.

Thanks a million for this mate youre a diamond geezer

You're welcome. Hope that helps.

SHAMELESS TESTIMONIAL

I have been involved in Hospital Radio since the age of 17 (Radio 9, Tooting Hospitals) and after a break of some twenty odd years, due to Work and Family Commitments, became involved again at Kingston Hospital Radio, where I have been doing a regular Thursday evening show for the past couple of years.

I have always been passionate about Radio and wanted some advice on how to progress and make that 'step-up' into Commercial Radio, but after several attempts at DIY Demos being rejected I decided 'on a whim' to e-mail Neil Long at Radio Jackie.

To my surprise he answered my e-mail and offered his advice and services to make a Professional Demo at the Jackie Studios.

Obviously, going to the Studio seemed a bit daunting, but after a chat, cup of tea and a fag, we got down to recording my demo.

As we went along Neil pointed out some habits which needed sorting out (I had a habit of putting in a slight 'tutt' as a Full Stop when changing subject in my links) and a few phrases which needed tinkering with.

After an hour or so we had the demo done in its unedited form. Neil then painstakingly edited the demo and 'topped and tailed' the music, leaving a demo of 3.5 minutes duration. He gave me 3 copies to take away and sent one in an MP3 format. After that it was down the pub for a couple of pints !!

All in all, if you believe yourself that you have 'what it takes' to progress, you won't go far wrong by getting in touch with Neil. Obviously, his experience in Radio speaks volumes, and you can gain so much by listening to his constructive criticism, and encouragement. And, he is a very nice guy really !!
So can I help you?

http://tinyurl.com/266wca

On with the fun...

Pay It Forward

2007-04-02T10:22:00.001+01:00

Thought I would chat about a new competition we are doing right now, it's called Pay It Forward

...and I love it.

Simple, we get someone to set a question, someone answers it, and they set the next question, and someone answers it and.......

It's quite a nice way to pass the 9.20 to 10.00 bit, it's interactive and fun, and leads nicely into the more music based 10.00 onwards segment.

************************************************************************************* Who wants help making their demo tape. Just starting and not sure??http://tinyurl.com/266wca

*************************************************************************************

Where's this site going Neil I hear you ask.

The idea is this, to build a list of subscribers from the very beginner to the more experienced, people who are passionate about radio, but may be frustrated with the industry as it is now...or who may not have the right contacts or training opportunities at work.

I want to build a site where you can get the information you need from the people who can genuinely help you, and a forum where you can network and share great ideas.

Now let's create some Great Radio.

That's what I'm working towards.

Just in case you wondered.

Neil

************************************************************************************

Don't forget the Get Into Radio E-book, available here : http://tinyurl.com/wps8n

Just to let you know

If I can help at all, don't forget to let me know. What do you want to learn? To know? Get in touch

radio@neillong.com

Pay It Forward

2007-04-02T10:22:00.000+01:00

Your demo and a rather good free offer

2007-03-23T17:16:00.000Z

Who wants their very own demo then?

http://tinyurl.com/266wca

See our success story below......

I wanted to make my subscribers a rather good free offer. If you buy my E-Book, Get Into Radio, there is a free forum you can join to network with like minded people.

I wanted to offer it to you for free now. We can chat, gossip and anorak!

Normal forum etiquette please.

http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=100131

By the way, if you haven't got the e-book yet, you have no idea what you are missing!

http://tinyurl.com/wps8n

Have a wonderful weekend, see you in the forum.

Something Unusual

2007-03-19T17:11:00.000Z

Part of radio stuff is going out on the town and flying the flag for the station. I had the pleasure of compering it, but as an extra , I took one of our breakfast show characters down there, Teenage Agony Aunt, and sent her backstage...

Then posted the audio on the website.

Then told our subscriber list.

Grabs attention, shows what we can do, and gets more subscribers as the people on the soundbite tell their friends, who tell their friends........

Can I help make a demo for you. I have one booking already, and it's gonna be huge. Good rates!

radio@neillong.com

Success Story

2007-03-17T11:23:00.000Z

Well done and congratulations to Kate McCabe, she worked with us briefly at Radio Jackie, now she has a job at The Beach in Suffolk!

I put a demo together for her.

And hi to Steve, one of our subscribers, I am putting a demo together for him as well soon.

Roll up, who's next, who's next!

www.neillong.com/radiocourse.html

Be a Hero

2007-02-26T13:37:00.000Z

As a presenter on the radio, you do have a measure of authority- we chatted about scams this morning, primarily Internet ones, it can make you feel like a hero- no one's going to scam your listeners!

It's useful to blog about it afterwards as well.

Here's an article I posted this morning- relevant, and fresh in peoples minds.

Scambusters

I wanted to blog about this, seems as we move more and more into the age of online technology, there's some dastardly schemes out there happenin'And some new words to go with it- ever heard of phishing?

Here's what it is..Scammers send you an e-mail, using the authentic logo of a legitimate company- two I have seen are Nationwide and E-bay.

Then they say something like "Your account has been suspended until you confirm by clicking on this link and re-enter your details"- so you in worry, click on the link, which of course has nothing to do with the legitimate company, and everything to do with the scammer, who now captures your card details.

Gotta give it to them, simple but effective.No legitimate company will ever behave in this way, or use fear tactics to get you to respond.

So don't be fooled!

Here's another: You get clamped. You ring the sticker on who to call on the car, but the bad guys are lurking, masquerading as the clamping officials. They then take your money, and say they have the wrong key for the clamp, so they hack it off.

Apologising for mucking you about, they give you back some of your money. And you drive away happy thinking what a nice man.

Until you get the letters from the real official people saying "you have damaged our property!"

Nice.

For your interest, here's a link to some of the more audacious scams that folks have tried to pull.

http://www.scamorama.com/

Tell 'em to go Phish in someone elses pond.

The trick with blogging is informality- notice even the spacing of the words is in a conversational style, it gives the impression I'm talking to YOU.

Yes, you!

See what I mean?

Many radio stations have blog pages for their DJ's, or you can set up your own for free on www.blogger.com

You can invite feedback as well as I do with you guys.

So talk to me, what do you think?

2007-02-22T10:48:00.001Z

Interesting Article in The Independent

2007-02-22T10:47:00.000Z

I thought this may interest you- ahh, for the old days...

http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/music/features/article2272679.ece

VAT- Value Added Transmissions

2007-02-20T04:15:00.000Z

I have been known to dabble in the odd personal development book from time to time, and one of my favourites is by Brian Tracy. He's a bit of a guru in this field, and in the world of business and sales. Perhaps you've heard of him.

He talks of adding value. I reckon that's a good call for any workplace, particularly for disgruntled DJ's. Feeling undervalued? Feel it's all part of the "showbix" game, and that dammit, no- one gets the appreciation they deserve?

I can relate. I'm sure it's something we've all experienced in every workplace from time to time.

But, apart from the most extreme cases, does it have to be this way?

What if.. you felt that you were adding value everywhere you went. How would that make you feel as you walked in the door in the morning? To your on air performance? if you felt that in some small way, you were positively touching every person you had listening to you.

Brainstorm all the demographics that are listening- sometimes people will fall into more than one simultaneously- eg, mother and businesswoman. How can you add value to them? Even if it is just making them laugh and having some fun with them!

Just thoughts.

Don't forget the book Get Into Radio is available- 3 free chapters here for you http://tinyurl.com/y6bdg5

Or if you want to go straight for the book, immediate download here..

http://tinyurl.com/wps8n

On line courses

What would you like to learn? I am thinking of starting courses on line for people who want to learn these radio skills. Interested?? What would you like to learn? What skills would you like to acquire?

radio@neillong.com

All the very best, speak soon

Neil Long

Very funny, and THE BOOK IS READY!!!

2007-01-17T14:31:00.000Z

First, have a listen to this that I found (bit naughty)

http://tinyurl.com/2uqhhk

The E-book Get Into Radio is ready, and I want you to have 2 free chapters!

Go See

http://tinyurl.com/y6bdg5

Do keep the questions coming in, the best way I can serve you is by Q and A.

The Results are in

2007-01-07T12:09:00.000Z

...of the survey, and you wanted to know...

Programming Ideas

How to get the first big break

OK We will do the Big Break in this edition

There are many ways it can happen- I can't give you an exact path, because..

there isn't one!

There are many, but they all lead to the same place. That sounds a bit deep, but here's 10 tips and tricks.

****************************************************************
Do you want to learn about Podcasting? My friend Jeff is offering an E-book for a ridiculously low price, with over £1000 free bonuses which can get you live in a matter of hours. Click here http://longie.podcasting.hop.clickbank.net/

****************************************************************
1. Buy my Get into Radio E-book.

2. Read my Get Into Radio E-Book

3. Act on the info in my Get Into Radio E-book.

4. Did I mention my Get Into Radio E-book?

5. Send a demo to the PC (Programme Controller) of the station you are interested in- be sure to match the genre of the station (don't put together a string of your favourite death metal songs to an easy listening station!)... and make sure it's topped and tailed- just you speaking, not songs. Try to make an impact in the first 10 seconds if you can without going over the top. Call the PC first and ask what format they prefer- CD or MP3- that way when it arrives on their desk, you're not a complete stranger. Call in a week and see what they thought.

6. Wait one month and repeat step 5.

7. Contact someone that you like on air at a radio station, and ask if you can go in and watch/make the tea etc..... and while you are there, learn. I have seen young people get veryvery good jobs this way (like a 16 year old guy get a job co-producing Chris Tarrant)

8. Make your demo CD and put it in a balloon in a box, and send it to the PC. (Someone I know got a job on Capital that way- no kidding)

9. Repeat Step 6

10. Buy my Get Into Radio E-book. It's all in there.

I'll tell you how to get it next time.

As always if there's any questions you have, don't hesitate to get in touch radio@neillong.com

May all your dreams come true this year, big ones and little ones.....

Neil

OK Coming soon

2007-01-03T17:59:00.000Z

Coming soon, The E-book Get Into Radio, full of tips and tricks and good ways to get your foot in the door.

...and online courses as well- to get you up and running.

I wondered if you would be willing to take a little survey below... I want to make this service as good as possible.

JUST CLICK ON THE FREE SURVEY ICON AND FILL IN THE FORM!

Thank you, and may all your dreams come true this year.

Neil
Instant Survey: What would you like to know more about on this site?

Happy Christmas

2006-12-23T17:39:00.000Z

... to all our subscribers. May all your radio aspirations come true in 2007.

Neil Long

10 ways to enthrall your listeners at Christmas

2006-12-12T10:28:00.000Z

1. Get kids at the local school to record you a jingle, and play it on air. Christen the school Cool School. Mums and grans will be simpering and the whole school will listen.

2. Sit quietly down, and cast your mind back to something that your favourite station did when you were a kid. And do it.

3. Talk about local decorations- every town has got "the house that goes mad" at Christmas time. Get people to send in pictures.

4. Really celebrate it on air. Really get into it. Listeners love it. Remember the magic of Christmas, remember that wonderful feeling you had as a kid. Make it sound like the station IS Christmas. It makes you sound big as well.

5. Get a copy of "Grandma got run over by a reindeer" and play it.

6. For one day, or one segment, broadcast only POSITIVE news. Ignore rapes, murders, ASBO's. Ignore the negative. You and your listeners will feel wonderful. And it will FEEL like Christmas.

7. Don't wait until 2 days before to play Christmas songs. Play 'em 2 weeks before,and 3 days afterwards. Get away from this "Return to Normality 2 days afterwards. It's a SEASON!

8. Celebrate with the listeners on air, open the phone lines for any reason at all. Just chat to people, what are you doing at Xmas etc.

9. Pay the breakfast show DJ to do a late late breakfast show on Christmas day. Let him double head it with his daughter!

10.Take the wonderful feelings that these tips generate and practice them all year round.

Happy Christmas.

Podcasting

2006-12-05T13:39:00.000Z

Who wants to learn how to do their own podcasting. Businesses are getting into it. Radio people are into it. An online expert reckons it's the way forward!!

There's a limited time special offer on an e-book telling you exactly how it works, with over £1200 worth of bonuses and tutorials...

It's only $69.95- under £40- and you could have your own podcast up and running in 3 hours!

And there's a 90 day money back guarantee if you're not 100% satisfied!!

Don't delay- Click Here!

Also today, I am creating a forum exclusively for my subscribers- go here for FREE membership- we can network, share ideas, and you can share your wares as we post and boast.

http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=100131

Tribute to Alan Freeman

2006-11-28T11:23:00.000Z

As some of you may know, I used to work for Capital FM in London, in the mid- 90's.

When I was there, doing my demo (which is the hardest thing any Dj will ever do, Alan Freeman walked in the studio. Here was a man who I spent my childhood listening to- I loved his style.

What I didn't realise until then was that unlike many presenters, he didn't put a voice on, it was his real voice.

"Hi Alan"

"Alright"

"How are you"

"F******* awful, but at my age that's all you can expect. Alright"

"Got any advice for a newboy"

"The day you stop learning is the day you should give up!"

Wise words.

I can honestly say, he was one of the nicest man I have ever met in the industry. Very loved, and will be missed.

And thank you for the advice, and for years of great radio Alan.

Not 'arf

You can hear a bit of Alan here

http://uproar.fortunecity.com/galaxy/399/alanf.htm

Drawing a Crowd

2006-11-19T10:52:00.000Z

Over the past few days we have had the pleasure (me and my co-presenter Nicky) of pretending to be local celebrities and turning on Christmas lights in the area.

So how to draw a crowd quickly- how do you draw that "passing trade"

Easy.

Give stuff away. Cheap stuff. Preferably soft stuff that you can throw (but be careful with that)- a favourite line of mine is "Sorry, we'ill remove it later"

Even in the pouring rain the other day, we drew a crowd of 50 just by giving cheap T-shirts and cuddly vibrating Furbys away.

Crowds are funny things, no one likes the attention on them mostly- and there's always one that.. just stands and stares! Don't let them psyche you out.

Here's that cheap laff I promised you, The Cheesy Countdown with DJ Dave Spangles and Martine Mixalot....

Interview with...

2006-11-10T13:13:00.000Z

Thank you very much for all your questions last week, I have tried to answer as many as possible. Do feel free to ask more.......just reply to this e-mail

Also,if you know anyone else that would be interested in this newsletter, do feel free to forward them this link.. http://getintoradio.blogspot.com

Mick Brown of Capital Gold.

Mick has had , and is still having a fantastic career as breakfast presenter on Capital Gold.

This is just one of the exclusive interviews you can hear in the e-book "Get into radio that is released soon"!

As subscibers you get a sneak preview....

Q and A with the Blogging DJ

2006-10-30T10:08:00.000Z

When I was cutting my teeth in radio, I wish there had been someone who asked what I wanted to know, when I wanted to know it... and told me.

Well, now there is!

Me!

So, this week, I ask you what you want to know, what skill do you want to master, what information or tuition do you need to further your career or interest in radio. Anything you like.

Just ask. And I will answer.

E-mail me on nlenterprises@hotmail.co.uk

... go for it, I dare you.

Coming soon, a huge new resource for show prep, and an interview with a real life programme controller.

Also coming soon, the e-book- "Get into radio", will let you know when it is ready.

I hope we're pitching it just right

2006-10-20T12:05:00.000+01:00

Hi there, Neil here, and how are you. Just finished another week in the world of radio, and thought- aha, time to write to my subscribers again.

I do hope that you are finding these newsletters useful, helpful and entertaining- do feel free to reply to any of the posts, and if you have any questions that you would like me to answer, then e-mail me on nlenterprises@hotmail.co.uk and I will answer your question as best I can.

Welcome new subscribers this week as well.

Ok here we go....

Good-

Radio Gossip

Ofcom today published a consultation on proposed Format changes to 102.2 Smooth FM (Greater London). The station owners, GMG Radio, are seeking to change the station to become an easy-listening music-led station targeting the over-50s.

Funny thing the London market, it can change on a dime! They have a good market, there are 3.2 million over 55's in London.

Reassuring in a way, as I said before, new jobs in new markets are being created every day.

Sensitivity

Is there a case for different news at different times of the day. Are certain stories too graphic to be broadcast at certain times?

Some think so, and there are different criteria, depending on the time of day, and depending on who's going to be listening- for example at breakfast time, there will be a lot of kids listening- is that a case for not making the news overly graphic?

Some TV stations broadcast more graphic pictures after the watershed then before.

Sometimes I think it is a bit hypocritical- it seems ok to broadcast pictures of war and violence round the world, at most times of day, but there were complaints when a man showed his penis on the Richard and Judy show in a medical item. Go figure?

I'd be interested in your thoughts. I have often wondered what the effect would be like if a radio station broadcast only positive stories. What would it be like? Is the news media negatively slanted? What do you think?

and finally..

How to deal with umm, certain listeners.

I asked a psychologist friend of mine what creates the "stalkers" of this world.

Emotional Attachment she said...

Please explain I said- It's along the lines of them kind of bonding with the personality on air, almost seeing the personality as the source of their well being- almost feeling that there is more of a relationship than there really is. Of course, as a presenter, and indeed in any job, it's good to be appreciated for what you do, but this goes way too far.

Anyone seen Play Misty for me.

Or Misery- "I'm your number one fan"

OK this is extreme and unusual, but I had one at Capital-her name was Gema and she said she was moving closer to me because she was pregnant with my daughter.

I was drunk, it meant nothing!

..and once she turned up to a gig that I was doing, saw my girlfriend, came up and slammed her drink down on the table and said "That's my boyfriend you bitch....."

So how to deal with them if you have umm- regular listeners. keep a level of professional distance- it's not the easiest job to do that in because as a presenter you are naturally warm and friendly, probably, but when they ring up.... and say "Hi it's......Dave", say something like "Dave who"- so they don't get any wrong ideas about the nature of the relationship. It may be a bit hurtful to them that you're not the best friend they thought you were, but the alternative is probably worse!!

Hope you enjoyed this edition, coming soon, the world of Rock radio, and an interview with a real program controller!

Until next time.

Neil

Don't worry, if they're kosher they wont worry about it.

Does Fault Finding Create Good Shows?

2006-10-08T11:34:00.000+01:00

This week I want to talk about a common experience, though not one talked about an awful lot I would say.

Anyone ever heard of "Snooping".

In the radio sense it means listening back to all the links you've just done in your show- recorded on a specially set up tape player.

And in my opinion, it's just about the worst thing you can do. Most DJ's I know tend to be very self critical (unnecessarily so- it's an irony that very talented people are so perfectionistic).

What makes a "Good" show from a "Bad" one? In who's opinion? Yours? The management? The listeners? What about all the different preferences of all the people??

That's a hard one, and most of the time not your responsibility- it's up to the manager of the station to "target" the right jock for the right market, in the same way a good marketer wouldn't sell hairbrushes to bald people!

Yet, I have seen DJ's come out of the studio, and basically do autopsies- listen again and again and again to their tapes, taking it apart word for word in the name of improvement (or fear of the management!)

But it doesn't work, it's just a recipe for making you miserable.

Is the best way to bring a child up by constant faultfinding?

Then treat your "radio baby" with the same kindness!

Try this experiment, get, in your opinion a "good" show, and a "bad" one. Put them on identical tapes, and mix them up. Then listen to them again in 2 weeks time. And I'll bet you'll find it hard to tell the difference!

Strange phenomena, but true!

*********************************************************************
Coming soon the "E-book" Get Into radio....... will let you know when
- a book filled with words of the radio wise, that you can look at and listen to!
*********************************************************************

A very wise person once said about life, "You can never step in the same in the same river twice"

And I think it's the same for radio- the best way I have found is to be totally present in each show. Ideas will come. They always do. And sometimes the floodgates open AND YOU FLY

Then that nagging voice comes in "Can I do it again"

Don't worry, you will.

But not by over zealous self criticism.

A much better attitude is "Happy now, eager for more"

Here's a link to a good book by Ken Blanchard- "The One minute Manager" it's worth a read- have a look...

and here's a funny bit from our breakfast show on Radio Jackie from last week.... Enjoy.

Speak soon, do forward this to anyone you think may be interested. The link is http://getintoradio.blogspot.com

New resource for My Subscribers, and a cheap laugh for you

2006-09-27T11:02:00.001+01:00

Greetings-it's been a fun week on the show- wenow have our very own Wind Up Man, welcome Maff Brown- a very funny local comedian- now on the Radio Jackie Breakfast Show...

Would you like to hear one of our wind ups- ok.... how about calling a pet shop, with a need for a very large toothbrush for a very angry pet.

Click here... (may take a while to download)

http://tinyurl.com/z4joe

The thing is with wind ups, it's a balance- we need to get a reaction, but we don't want to terrify or humiliate people- that's the balance. Like the above one we are seeing how more and more and more absurd we can get and get away with it, but without pushing it too far... but just far enough.....

Anyone you would like wound up by the way???

By the way, do check out a new resource I found, it's www.radiojam.co.uk- loads of great information here for you aspiring radio people.

By the way, if you have any comment at all or questions on anything you see here, do ask...., just reply to one of the posts, and I will do a Q and A in one episode. Or e-mail me at nlenterprises@hotmail.co.uk

All the best

Neil

New resource for My Subscribers, and a cheap laugh for you.+

2006-09-27T11:02:00.000+01:00

Demo?

2006-09-15T11:01:00.001+01:00

Look ma my first demo!!

So how on earth do you go about making a demo- thats convincing, good, and gets the attention of the people that you want to get the attention of.

First, it seems obvious, but so many don't do this- get clear on what sort of radio you want to do? Dance and R & B? Talk? Breakfast? Laid back music jams?

Obviously, angle your demo to the station you are approaching- listen to it first, and try to emulate their style to a degree when you do the tape- you would clearly send a different tape to Kiss FM than you would Magic FM, then you would Talk Sport.....

And make sure that you cut outmost of the music- Top and Tail it, so there's about 10 seconds of eirher end of the song, and then the rest of it they get to hear you.

It may be good to contact the Program Controller and tall him or her that you're going to send a tape in- and follow up afterwards. Polite and persistant. And don't give up.

Michael Hamilton sent me a tape and he kindly gave me permission to put it here.. I gave him a critique on it- but I have to say it was very good. I reckon there's a good career ahead of you Michael.

Have a listen

http://tinyurl.com/z5jq3

...and if you need any consultancy or advice from me, don't hesitate to get in touch on nlenterprises@hotmail.co.uk

All the best until next time

Neil long

Demo?

2006-09-15T11:01:00.000+01:00

Look ma my first demo!!

So how on earth do you go about making a demo- thats convincing, good, and gets the attention of the people that you want to get the attention of.

First, it seems obvious, but so many don't do this- get clear on what sort of radio you want to do? Dance and R & B? Talk? Breakfast? Laid back music jams?

Obviously, angle your demo to the station you are approaching- listen to it first, and try to emulate their style to a degree when you do the tape- you would clearly send a different tape to Kiss FM than you would Magic FM, then you would Talk Sport.....

And make sure that you cut out most of the music- Top and Tail it, so there's about 10 seconds of eirher end of the song, and then the rest of it they get to hear you.

It may be good to contact the Programme Controller and tall him or her that you're going to send a tape in- and follow up afterwards. Polite and persistant. And don't give up.

Michael Hamilton sent me a tape and he kindly gave me permission to put it here.. I gave him a critique on it- but I have to say it was very good. I reckon there's a good career ahead of you Michael.

Have a listen

http://tinyurl.com/z5jq3

...and if you need any consultancy or advice from me, or there's a question you would like answered on here, don't hesitate to get in touch on nlenterprises@hotmail.co.uk

All the best until next time

Neil long

Words from the Wise

2006-09-06T13:01:00.000+01:00

Here's another excerpt from my e-book, I will let you be the first to know when it's ready.

I asked broadcasting legend Jono Coleman about his career...

How did you do it?

I Got into Radio via advertising as a copywriter and TV ads, also I was doing a kids TV show called Wonder World on National TV, so radio was also something that came through that... as far as getting into the business I recommend that you should be a fan of radio- do free jobs- listen to the radio a lot and do volunteer work for local radio or hospital radio- anything helps... even student radio- whatever gets you through the door.

You can read more about Jono on www.jonocoleman.com

Feel free to forward this link to anyone that you think may be interested...

http://getintoradio.blogspot.com

Until next time

Neil Long

Relax Relax Relax

2006-09-01T15:58:00.000+01:00

Welcome Karim, new subscriber- he is the inspiration for todays newsletter. I did some work for him in my Capital days. We had been chatting for a long time about doing a demo tape, and, finally we did it. Karim has never done radio before, but has a long held dream to Get Into Radio.

So I threw him in at the deep end and stuck him in front of the microphone to do a mock travel report.

Then gave him one of my intense training sessions.

Too slow. Too fast. Pracee the words. Talk as if you are having a conversation with your friend. Speed up. Diction. More conversational. More authority.

Then I slowed down, thought for a minute, and told him a joke.

He laughed, that diffused the pressure of the moment, and we tried again.

Within 20 minutes, 20 minutes we had a competent demo tape. My boss is going to have a listen. So if you doubt yourself, best think again.

I also learned that an important part of success in any endeavour is to be able to relax. Even when performers are really flowing and "up and at 'em" there's a kind of relaxed focused awareness in the moment... and you kind of "flow" with it. And it feels ecstatic as well. Sometimes we can get a bit over zealous in getting it all polished and perfect and forget this really important component.

******************************************************************************
I offer personal coaching sessions on any of the topics discussed here- if you are interested, do contact me at nlenterprises@hotmail.co.uk I can help make demos too.
******************************************************************************

More soon, meantime as a gift, here's a really silly bit from our breakfast show, when I umm, sellotaped my co-presenter. Tee hee.

http://tinyurl.com/m2abu

In the next issue , the words of a true professional, a man very admired by me- Jono Coleman.

Till then Neil

PS Karim, I reckon it won't be long mate.

Links- or stringing it together in a convincing way!

2006-08-28T12:37:00.000+01:00

Links- are the radio term for what you say between the records- literally, “linking” them together.

..and there’s many ways you can do it.

A common theme in many radio stations is “One thought One Link”- meaning, keep it short or KISS- Keep It Simple Stupid!, or, as another boss of mine once said, “Tight, Bright, outa Site”

In these days of mainstream radio being more music, less talk, the KISS phenomenon seems more important than ever.

Personally, I like to be entertained and uplifted. I like to hear the people on air having a good time, and involving me in it in some way. I loved the “feel good” radio of the 80’s and 90’s. Pat Sharp exemplified this really well.

A lot of the time it’s not so much what you say, but the way you say it- if people sense you’re feeling good and having fun, it almost gives them permission to do so as well. That’s why entertainers and radio presenters tend to be popular people- people that people want to know- because they make them feel good about themselves in my opinion.

Many stations today are very restrictive on how much they let their DJ’s talk- so you hear the presenter doing about 4 very long links in per hour –kind of- here’s my opportunity to speak, and boy am I going to make the most of it!

So... how best to get a bit of yourself in the link, when you’re told to “Shut up and play the music!”?

In the next issue we will look at different types of links.

** This is an exerpt from my book "Get into Radio" which will be available for download soon!

But it couldn't happen to me that quickly could it?

2006-08-22T10:29:00.000+01:00

I thought this would be a good title for this weeks newsletter, because there's a couple of myths I would like to debunk.

1. Getting into radio is difficult
2. Getting into radio takes a long time

"There must get 100 tapes a week, why should they choose mine...... it's so competitive and cutthroat, backstabby and bitchy"

Well, it can be of course.

I had the pleasure this week of getting an e-mail from Anoushka, who wants to become a journalist, and is a new subscriber to this newsletter- welcome- she used to listen to me on Capital and found me on Jackie, so Anoushka, you are the inspiration for this weeks newsletter.

A couple of stories for you.

A young lady called Aysha came for work experience as a journalist at Radio Jackie, and did very well for a year... now she has a full time job as a journo on a station in the West Country. Note there was no big waiting list. Jobs open and are created in the world of radio every day- every hour probably. If you are what they need when they need it- you got it baby!

Here's another . A 16 year old chap called Chris- great guy, came to Capital for work experience. Within 18 months he was full time working in production of Chris Tarrants breakfast show. And I'm not kidding.

"But I can't be as good as that"

Are you sure? The speed I have seen people grow and develop is stunning.

Lucy Mayer met me at a gig (her birthday one) -she asked me if there were any jobs at Jackie....that was 2 years ago, now she reads the news, does travel and production work. To hear her you would think she's been doing it for years.

So I say follow the dream.

Believe in yourself, and the validity of your greatest dream.

Here's one more.

A guy met Mick Brown (a then Capital FM DJ) in a nightclub in Cobham, and asked if he could do a demo tape. He did ( he thought it was awful, but don't we always!).

He went from a temporary radio station in Kingston to getting a job as a DJ on Capital.

..and that was me.

Follow your dream.

Until next week.

Neil

Here's a free funny bit from our breakfast show on Jackie for you.

http://tinyurl.com/la3rm

FEEL FREE TO FORWARD THIS TO ANYONE THAT MAY BE INTERESTED.

Retro...

2006-08-11T13:04:00.000+01:00

Hi there subscribers, I'm on holiday this week, so a short newsletter before I hit the beach again.

I promised you retro, real retro, well, have a look at this site....

http://www.radiorewind.co.uk/

I had the pleasure of chatting with the guy that built it, I do believe that all radio people are anoraks at heart.. Enjoy, and explore.

PS While my co-presenter was away last week I rang her every day in the show at 7 in the morning to see if she was ok. This week she gets her revenge.

Hell hath no fury...

Have a listen..
http://tinyurl.com/fzp27

it gets worse the next day

http://tinyurl.com/fqypw

then worse

http://tinyurl.com/kht8p

then .....

http://tinyurl.com/ed323

Enjoy a cheap laugh as my life is destroyed!

Don't forget, ask any questions you have, do reply to the posts, and I will do a future newsletter on it.

Neil Long
www.neillongblog.blogspot.com

Advertising

2006-07-31T10:10:00.000+01:00

Greetings, and welcome to another radio newsletter. Do hope you enjoyed the first one. Do ask questions and respond to the posts, tell me what you want to know, we can do Q and A.

In this issue, I promised to talk about advertising, what it is why it works.

We are sold to 24 hours a day one way or another. What makes some products sell like mad, and some not?

Well, get a group of marketing mavens round a table , and they probably won't agree on anything.... to be honest there's no real right or wrong answer.

Here are some basics though. Who are you selling to? The jargon word for that is demographics. Who are your customers? No point in trying to sell hairbrushes to a bald mens convention!

Grab attention is the next point, what can you do that's out of the ordinary, catchy, even annoying- but they won't forget you!

You can't get quicker than a quick fit fitter.

Your pizza in 30 minutes or it's free.

Point is, you won't forget it.

Then it's a question of linking positive feelings to your product- that's why sex sells of course!

only the crumbliest flakiest chocolate...

Imagine that flake, being slowly, teasingly eaten by.... Bernard Manning

You get the point.

Using someone famous to promote your product, that's called "Operant learning" by psychologists . I want to be like.... whoever, and here's the link to the product.

Or, take any positive feeling, and link it to your product eg, beautiful clean house, sparkling white sheets, happy kids, domestic bliss... and here's the washing powder that feeeeeels like that.

Most decisions to buy are made emotionally, not logically.

(I didn't need it, but I had to have it). That kinda thing.

And of course, repetition, repetition, repetition.

That's advertising in a nutshell.

It's good on radio, because it's a captive audience, and of course a radio station will know who's listening when, so can target the ads at the appropriate demographic.

So now after the instant lesson, if you want to go and do it yourself...

Couple of recommendations for you if you want to study this more. Here is a link to a man who is world famous on the internet, a brilliant marketer. Dr. Joe Vitale

www.mrfire.com

here is a link to his book, based on the life of PT Barnum, the "circus man", but he was a lot more than that, he was a master marketer. He once got an elephant to plough a field that commuters went by every day on the train. Now that's grabbing attention folks.

Also, internet marketing, in the online age, lots of commerce online. here's a man who used to be a very poor musician,now he's a musician doing very nicely.. and he offers a free e-book on how to sell successfully online. His name is Pat O Bryan. You can find him here.

http://www.patobryan.com/blog

Tell 'im I sent ya.

In the next newsletter we go back, way back, way way back. Stand by for nostalgia.

Stay tooned.

Neil Long

Newsletter Number One

2006-07-26T18:10:00.000+01:00

Welcome new subscribers, this is a new project, and you are getting the very first, hot off the press newsletter all about the world of Radio.

There will be opportunities to learn bits about the trade, how to get into it, making demos, getting yourself out there and on air...or perhaps you prefer the behind the scenes stuff. We will cover that too, week by week.

As you know, at the moment, I work for Radio Jackie in SW London, presenting the breakfast show. I have about 10 years experience of being on air...

It starts off terrifying, then elating, then it kinda plateaus, and the need for a new challenge arises- kinda like life in general.

But breakfast is fun- you can "get away" with a lot more.

Good quote that goes round the business

"better to beg forgiveness than ask permission"

Though that one has backfired a few times so be careful with it. Oh the stories I could tell, and I will in another newsletter.

The first step on the programming side is identifying your audience and catering to them appropriately. The bigger stations have a larger audience and a more focused demographic. Eg Kiss 100 goes for the 15-24 market, Heart 106.2 is more female orientated, and Virgin more "male".

Jackie is a unique balance to strike. Here's the parameters.

London
Local
Fun
Informative
"Small" enough to sound friendly
"Big" enough to convey (friendly) authority
Classic Hits
Todays best new music
Relating to everyday life in SW London

... but what's here...

Everything!

Mums
Dads
Kids
Businesspeople
Corporate people
Nightworkers
Office Workers
Retail workers
Pubs
Clubs
Bars
Comedy Clubs
Community Events
Breaking News- local, national and international
... the list goes on

imagine trying to balance that lot!

In the next newsletter we will talk about advertising, what it is, why it works...

Until then, do comment and answer back, and stay tuned

Neil Long
www.radiojackie.com

And as a gift to you, here's a free funny bit from our breakfast show.

http://tinyurl.com/gycf9

Feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone yu feel would be interested. the URL is http://getintoradio.blogspot.com