American Idle

Turbulent Times Call For Tough Decisions

There are few industries marked by as much turnover or as many layoffs and restructurings as ours. What's even sadder is the fact that many of the newly unemployed are among the brightest and most talented. Unfortunately, for various reasons they are now among the new American idle. This editorial series is dedicated to those who find themselves either unemployed or underemployed. While from a pure business standpoint, both the radio and the music industries will always tilt sharply toward the bottom line, there is no setting entirely free from the necessary talent demands which were once the keys to success.

For the new American Idle, here are four steps to survival, particularly if you were part of a mass layoff or downsizing.

1. Be prepared
2. Stay in the drivers seat
3. Remain flexible
4. Come out ahead, either with the new company or at some new endeavor.

Let's take these steps one at a time.

Preparation

If you do sense a shakeup coming, get ready. The best way to be prepared is to update your resume and audio package as if your life depended on it. Keep your eyes and ears open and begin an "undercover" job search. The goal is to create enough options for yourself so that you're always in the driver's seat -- especially with a pending ownership change.

The worse thing about an ownership change is the feeling that you have no control over your own destiny. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be that way. If you plan ahead you can put yourself in a position to choose whether or not you want to work for the new owners, rather than standing by and waiting to see if they choose to retain you.

It's smart to research your station's potential buyers. Check out their corporate philosophies, reputations, attitudes and values. Find out how they operate. You might be able to determine whether or not you'll fit in to their corporate cultures before they arrive.

If you find out who the new owners are and think you'd like to try to stay on, make sure they are well aware of your contributions to the station's success. Don't be shy about corresponding before they come in. I know a medium-market PD who, months before the new owners took over, began submitting marketing and programming plans and other ideas. They appreciated these early efforts and it helped build rapport long before the new owners arrived. He had to take a reduction in pay, but he kept his job.

During this stage, it's important to network. Talk with your peers and let key people know you may be looking to move on. It's also advisable to stay visible during an ownership change. Attend as many trade meetings and conferences as possible and be very visible.

Again, the objective is to put yourself in a position to choose whether or not you want to work with the new owners. One option in a corporate shakeup is to "reject them before they reject you."

Handling Transitions

Once the new management arrives, the crucial transition period really begins. Don't be fooled by warm welcomes and reassurances; there will be changes. If you've got a new owner, you've got a new job. You will have to prove yourself all over again. Be sure to make a good first impression. As you begin to build new relationships with your new bosses, exude confidence at all times. Put any negative feelings or bitterness aside and perform your job better than ever.

Even as you continue to keep your eyes open for other opportunities, keep an open mind about your new situation. Chances are, you'll know right away whether or not the change is going to work for you. If it is, you'll have to be open to new ways of doing things as you learn to adapt to the new company's overall philosophy. Be flexible.

During a recent transition, a major-market PD, even before the official takeover, began gearing the promotion department to become more involved with the community in keeping with the new company's philosophy. He worked with the web people and up-dated and completely redesigned the station's website. Adopting the new company's marketing habits before the sale helped to make for a smooth transition. He, too, kept his job.

What if you decide to move on to what will hopefully be greener pastures when the station is sold? That's the time to review all the options and alternatives you've been setting up for yourself. If you've done your homework, you may be able to choose from several opportunities. Try to negotiate the best possible severance deal. Take advantage of out-placement or job counseling if it's offered by the company. Make sure you get any vacation pay you've accrued, and review the status of all your retirement and health plans before you depart.

Depending on your position, you may be allowed to stay on as a consultant or advisor during the transition. This can buy you some time and keep some cash coming in as you search for a new gig or review your options.

Your ultimate goal should be to come through the ownership change better off than you were before the sale. A new job, either with the new owners or in a new endeavor, should be a step up, or at the very least, a lateral move.

While the volume of station transactions may ease at some point in the next few months, you may still find yourself in the midst of an ownership change. Realize that you aren't powerless. Stay on top of the situation. Create options for yourself and be flexible during the transition.

The more you maintain control during these tough times, the better your chances are of coming out ahead. Being unemployed is a handicap. What is necessary to overcome this handicap is determination, grit and will. You've got to be willing to work for that next full-time job. You've got to want it. Remember the person that never wants anything gets little.

Word.

Next Week: When Not to Take A Job