Starting a media company and hosting a radio show was not in the cards this year, so I thought. This story is a good example of why even though my company is about building personal branding plans and strategic career plans, I am the first to tell you your plan will change. Change is the only constant and all good plans are executed with milestones reached and insight (learning) for when you go a different direction.
In my case, I am not going in a different direction, simply adding activity that makes sense for my clients and my brand compared to other deals that come my way and don't. All at a time when I was looking for creative ways to get some PR for David Sandusky the speaker and Your Brand, LLC clients. Here is my story:
I do a fair amount of public speaking and am on the phone all the time; not as much as when I was an executive recruiter, but there is still a phone stuck to my head. I have heard times over that I should have a radio show. My voice, interviewing style, and content. I would just nod my head. Well, then, my now co-host, Rob McNealy called and said the same thing except he had a concrete idea. I bit, but still went about my business. A few weeks later he called and said he ran the idea of Startup Story Radio up the flag pole at KHOW in Denver and Clear Channel and they bit, have a meeting on Friday and I have to be there. Well, I rearranged my schedule, showed up to the meeting and here we are! Startup Story Radio airing Saturdays in Denver and live and archived on our website.
Well it was not that easy actually. For starters, I had to decide if this was a fit for me while doing due diligence on the market for the show idea. I took my self through part of my own process:
- Will my current and future clients suffer from my new activity: No, at worst it will not affect them, many will directly benefit.
- Core Competencies fit to be successful: Yes!
- Do I understand the business: Yes!
- Will I have fun: a live show with diverse and cool companies and people as guest and call-in from listeners, YES!
- Will it confuse my brand: No, people have been suggesting it for years.
- Why this deal: my personal mission is to be a happy and healthy family man who has made a significant impact to the CO community, global leadership and entrepreneurship and is sought after by those who want to make a significant positive impact. - well, this is in line with the show and therefor a fit. Also, I have a partner who is passionate, dedicated and smart. Equally cool is that we are different which adds value to the show. Done deal!!!
As far as market, this is what is needed and the timing is perfect as more and more people start businesses or shine in the independent world we compete in. Boomers are starting businesses after working for the "Man". More young people than ever are taking risk and starting careers with a work hard and balance mentality on their own. We can provide the inspiration and resources to help!
We have great guest lined up already and always seeking great startup stories. Have one or know of one, go to www.startupstoryradio.com and let us know!
What's Your Story?
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