Dress Codes and Millennials

By: Georgia Beasely

I began writing this column after engaging in a debate over what is considered an acceptable dress code for the workplace by our traditional industry standards. Per usual, I was the only Millennial, so my opinion was not exactly the fan favorite, but since that day I’ve continued to ask myself: Does success have a dress code? Furthermore, if I want to be successful today, does that mean I have to look successful by the standards of previous generations? Millennials are redefining what it looks like to be successful, so it may be time for the radio industry to follow our lead.

In researching this topic, I spoke with multiple companies in the industry and the feedback varied based on geography, market size, format, and obviously, the company. One industry colleague said they just implemented a casual dress code because it allows for employees to be more comfortable in how they work, which leads to a more positive work environment and culture.

We are currently in an employee-driven market and our industry must be competitive for talent, especially Millennial talent. We’re constantly striving to attract, cultivate, and develop the right talent on our team. Whether it’s more money, working remotely, or even additional vacation time, we typically do whatever it takes once we find the right person for an available position. Of course, everyone wants more money, but we Millennials want perks that enhance workplace culture, such as a more casual dress code. This may be a new tiebreaker for radio to use as a benefit.

Companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook, make it clear that one’s business attire does not equate to being an executive or having a certain level of professionalism. If anything, we are now seeing more frequently that it can be off-putting when “the suits” show up to a business and the owner is dressed casually. Companies are now saying what matters most is being professional, not looking professional.

I spoke to another colleague in the industry who encourages his team to use their judgment because they are their own business. Good sellers are chameleons and capable of adapting to their environment. There can be a hybrid dress code, one for internal and one for external responsibilities. The dress code could even reflect the seller’s list and actually lead to more business. Tattoos and jeans might be fine for a seller who focuses on clubs and more creative-driven agencies. In fact, this could lead to MORE dollars spent because the clients feel comfortable and trust is built.

Keep in mind, I don’t think Millennials inherently understand what “too casual” means, so if you’ve made the decision to implement a more casual dress code for all the aforementioned reasons, it’s important that there still be specific guidelines. You might enlist several talented Millennials to assist in laying out these guidelines. Make sure to be more specific about what is unacceptable versus what is acceptable. There are always individuals who push the envelope, but creating some clear guidelines will also be helpful for those workers who just don’t know, regardless of generation. It’s important for companies to make sure that everyone in the organization knows what the actual policy is up front and set a benchmark. It’s up to the employers to educate their employees as to what their interpretation is of the dress code; so while it may exist as a section in their handbook, it’s especially important to share this during the new hire/HR introductory meetings.

Our industry can be casual but that doesn’t mean sloppy. We can be flexible but not overly flexible. A looser, yet professional dress code internally could in fact improve morale. A casual dress code did nothing to negatively impact Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, and many others. Millennials gravitate to these types of companies because they allow for authenticity. A less restrictive dress code gives us the ability to show our personality, which will translate to more confidence in our role with the company. Furthermore, if we are encouraged to be our authentic selves, trust and loyalty tend to also exist.

Georgia Beasley is Director of Digital Sales for the Beasley Media Group and can be reached by e-mail at georgia.beasley@bbgi.com

Birthday Lessons: 25 Life Tips

It's been a whirlwind of a year. I turn 26 in less than five days. I'm truly excited for my birthday. So, I thought it would be great to end my final days as a 25 year-old with some tips to get you through life. Cheers to an even more prosperous year!

1. Don't be a doormat. Relationships on a personal or business level are not easy to maintain,they take work. All relationships are give and take, and that's totally fine. Just don't allow people who just "take, take" to interrupt your space. That's toxic and even debilitating. 

2. Save your money. It's okay if you can't take that trip, attend that party, or go out to dinner because you're saving for something bigger and better. Don't allow people to make you feel inferior when it comes to money either. Invest in a business or a house.

3. There's always more to learn. You should never want to be the smartest woman in the room. I want to be around people who can teach me new things. I'm always hungry to learn something new when it comes to business, web design and social media marketing. Find out what type of subjects you like, and learn more about them.

4. If you allow it, love is absolutely amazing. I got engaged this year to my best friend and it was one of the happiest days of my life. I honestly never thought I would be getting married. After all the crazy relationships in the past, I was like 'woah is anyone ever going to just love me?' I was so closed off, but once I allowed someone in, I felt how  amazing love is.

5. Water, water, water! Water is important. I've become such a big water drinker over the years. I get offended when people say they hate water. What they probably don't know, is that water cures a lot of things & helps with the functioning of our body - DON'T TAKE IT FOR GRANTED.

6. People come and go. It's life. It happens. Some friendships are not meant to last. As soon as you feel those signs, let it go. It doesn't have to end dramatically - this is not reality television.

7. If you commit to it, you can lose weight in a healthy and safe way. Since graduating college, I packed on a lot of pounds. For my birthday, I wanted to lose weight. So for the month of June I took on the challenge. I'm happy to say, that I'm 5 pounds shy of my goal weight. Weight loss takes consistency and an "I can do it" attitude. 

8. Patience. It's hard to be patient in the social media world. You see everyone living a great life. However, you must always remember, " what's for you, is for you". Nobody can stop your destiny.

9. Be the person you needed when you were growing up. Genuine mentorship is dope! You never know how helping someone can change their life & views on things. Don't be stingy with the guidance.

10. YOU CAN'T CHANGE PEOPLE. I put that in all caps because it's important. Don't ever waste your time on trying to change someone. Put that time into bettering yourself.

11. Be conscious of what you put into your body. I'm not a health guru. But there's a lot of things in food, (fried/junk food), that are killing you RIGHT NOW. People don't just wake up at 75 and have a heart attack, that heart attack stems from what they were eating at 25 and on.

12. If you love what you do, you won't ever mind the work. I LOVE radio. I've been an assistant to an owner and an assistant program director. It didn't matter what title I had, I always did my best. People can tell when you're genuinely trying and they will always look out for you.

13. Space is okay. Being alone is good for your soul. I'm sure many of us have been at a place in life where you just need time to yourself. It's okay to take time to just clear your head and focus on you for a second.

14.Family matters! Your family is all you have. Treat them like it. Love them even when they've hurt you. Take time to talk to them, especially the older members of your family. 

15. Treat people how you want to be treated. A pretty 'kindergarten' rule, but you'd be surprised how many people don't follow this. Be a good person.

16. Take a nap, it's okay. I've never been on the "No sleep" movement. Sleep is important and midday naps are,too. If I'm not feeling as energized as I need to be, then there's a chance my work won't be as good. I'd rather take a nap, recharge, and get back to doing my best work.

17. STOP worrying about things you cannot change. Stop spending so much time worrying about insignificant things and people that you don't live your best life.

18. Be mindful who you talk to about your problems. Some people like to see that you're having them, others like to tell everyone, and only a few actually care. 

19. If you don't like where you are or where you're working, MOVE you are not a tree. Of course it's always best to have another job lined up, but if it's too much - just leave. Don't let anything cost your peace.

20. Love yourself unconditionally and forgive yourself and others for what may have happened in the past. You are beautiful and one of a kind, so be nice to yourself.

21. Pick up a book, and if you're a better listener than reader -get an audiobook. Sometimes you need to tap out of the real world and enter a fictional world.

22. Treat yourself! I know that's a very trendy quote right now, but it's needed. Buy yourself that purse or pedicure. 

23. CRY! It's okay to cry. Sometimes, crying can make you feel a lot better because those emotions just need to get OUT of your body! Stop holding stuff in and then wondering why the slightest issue made you blow up.

24.Be very clear about what you want in life. Set some goals, write them down and live up to them. 

25. Have fun. Don't ever take life too seriously, you're not getting out alive anyways ;)

How To Get The Most Out Of A Convention

Its summer time, which means convention season is upon us. This week, we've decided to give you some tips and tricks to make the most out of a convention, so that you can get more bang for your buck!

Purpose
Before you even pay for Convention fees, airplane tickets, and hotel stay - figure out why you're going & what you're trying to get out of the convention.
  -If you're still in school, maybe you want to make some connects in the business and find a mentor or land an internship.
- If you're in the business already, maybe you want to catch up with some old radio buddies while you learn new skills.

Research
It does you no good to go to a convention and not know who's speaking or hosting a workshop. Get the itinerary for the convention and research all the major people who will be in attendance. You can even do some internet "stalking", so if you happen to see them during the convention you can talk to them. You wouldn't go to an interview without knowing information, so why go in blindly to a convention?

Preparing
There's nothing worse than meeting a key player in this industry or maybe a future mentor, and not having your business cards on hand. Be prepared! Have resumes and business cards together a week before the convention. Place business cards in every purse and jacket you're taking with you. Keep your resumes in a folder so they won't get any creases or gunk on them.

Packing
Is there a cocktail night during the convention? Make sure your bags are packed for every occasion. But also, make sure you're properly dressed. Don't be the person that wears club heels to a convention session. See: business shoes. Here are some small items to keep in your purse: A mini portable phone charger, some sessions at conventions can be long, and you don't want your phone to die in the middle of it. Keep mints on hand, food is always served and you don't want to be known as the lady with 'bad' breath. Hand sanitizer, you shake so many hands during a convention, you don't know who has a common cold.

While In Sessions
Go to the sessions that you will benefit the most from. It's always great to learn new tips and practices in this industry. Take notes. If the convention has a hashtag, use it, and quote some of the speakers. Make sure you '@' the speakers name too, that's a good way for them to put a name to a face. But be careful, don't be on your phone so much that you look uninterested - people notice that too.

Networking
The purpose of conventions is to learn new skills and form new relationships. Emphasis on relationships. Don't go up to anyone and give them an elevator pitch about yourself. Talk to them. They are humans, too. Be casual while remaining yourself at all times. People can sense a genuine connection from a mile away. If by chance, they ask for your resume, give it to them, or e-mail it to them the night you meet them. Most people have their work e-mails connected to their personal phones, so they will see it quickly.

Dining Etiquette
We all know standard eating etiquette - napkin in lap, no talking while food is in your mouth, cutting up all your food, and etc. But it seems at every convention there is someone who doesn't know how to handle their alcohol. Don't be that person. If you're seated with people you don't know, introduce yourself. You never know who you're sitting next to and how you can form a relationship with them.

Enjoy Yourself
Don't be so caught up in securing an internship or job that you don't have fun. Many conventions offer nightly activities that are sure to be a good time. Don't skip out on those activities, that's when you get to see some of the big names in the industry let their hair down. Have fun. If you're an introvert, let yourself out of your shell for a couple of days - you won't regret it.

Post-Convention
Once you've arrived back home from your convention, make a mental note of what you liked and what you think you could've done better. If you got business cards from people, make sure you e-mail them to follow-up, or write them a note and send it in the mail. If there's something really cool you learned while at the convention, share that information with your colleagues. 

The Ultimate Guide To Becoming A Better Radio Talent

By: Carli Cole, Blazin 102.3, Tallahassee, FL.

I received my first paid radio position in April of last year. I could not believe I landed a position with a station I had listened to for more than half my life. Though I was excited, I was BEYOND nervous. I would playback my breaks and truly cringe at times. I knew I could not make my listeners continue to listen to my lackluster conversations much longer if I didn't change something. I began trying to find ways to evolve myself into an energetic personality that listeners would not want to miss out on hearing. If this is something you are struggling with, I came up with 10 tips to help you become a better radio talent.

10. Be Well Read & Never False

People like to listen to personalities that know what they’re talking about, so it’s important to find time to research topics for upcoming shows or guests that you have invited on. One thing you want to avoid is coming across as false, for instance reading an article on Wikipedia right before a show. Also if you’re reporting news on air and your co-host asks you a question about the story you may not know, DO NOT make up an answer or guess. Say it was not stated but you will find out. Make sure to come back on the next break and address the question with the CORRECT answer.

9. Listen to The Rest of the Radio Station

Do not just stroll into your station and get on your mic and then stroll out when your shift is over, not once ever tuning into your station before or after you leave. Instead you should know what the other personalities are doing on the station. This is important because it lets you get a closer grip on your community of hosts, so you all can feed off each other.

8. Be familiar with your script

On numerous occasions personalities have said the wrong thing or constantly stumble. This was a major issue for me when I started. I would get my script printed and think I could read it for the first time once I was live on air. No. No. No. You will most likely sound like a jumbled mess, and your listeners will have no idea what you are trying to say. Reading your scripts before you go on air helps you know what you’re going to say in advance in a clear way.

7. Rep the Town

Radio hosts move around all over the country, and some broadcast worldwide. This can be difficult at times to appeal to a wide variety of listeners. However, you should NEVER act as something you’re not. Audiences love genuine people. Always be proud of who you are and where you come from. With that said, don’t only show love to your hometown. Acknowledge where you are at the time, and show the listeners’ hometown love as well. I can show Quincy, Florida love all day when I’m on air, but I also need the city of Tallahassee to know I love their area and where I am just the same.

6. Always Be Able to Laugh at Yourself

Never take yourself too seriously, instead learn to kick back and laugh. Sometimes you will make mistakes on air. It’s inevitable. WE’RE HUMAN. Mistakes make you easier to relate to your audience. If I beat myself up over every mistake I made on air, I would probably have quit my job.  So, never be too embarrassed, embrace your mistakes

5. Hangout in the Community

Don’t just talk about it, BE ABOUT IT! Get outside in the community and interact with your audience whether it be hosting events or just volunteering at a local organization. It’s a perfect way to get to know who you’re talking to and allows your listeners to know who they are listening to. This will form strong connections between you and your listeners.

4. Use Your Words to Paint a Picture

Radio is unique; it’s the only medium where you paint pictures with words. We do not have the convenience of visuals like a newspaper reporter or television anchor have. However, we can bring our shows to life with the power of storytelling to engage and inspire our listeners.

3.  Become Social Media Savvy

The world is now more connected than ever before – Tweet, ‘Gram, Post! Everyone from around the world can see and respond to you when you post on your social media. You need to have a presence, and be able to talk to your audience, so they’re up-to-date and can follow your station’s activities.

2. Talk to One Person, Not The Entire Audience

Don’t say things like “Hey Guys!” “Hi Listeners!” instead say hello with no audience tied. Do not say “you all” just say “you” when addressing the listeners. Have yourself sound like you are talking to only one friend. This will make your listeners feel special like you are speaking with them directly.

1. Have Something to Say

Radio personalities should have something to say, and be passionate when saying it. It will help build your personality, and lets people have an insight of who you are- ultimately, branding you. My sweet friend, Amber Stone, is a radio personality in Fort Wayne. She is always preaching love and light on her show. People associate these values with her. They know she will always make them feel good every day. Above all else it’s fun to hear someone who genuinely has interesting stuff to say live on air. Pick a message, and stick to it through your shows.

How To Practice Self-Care In Less Than An Hour

Self-Care is the trendy word for making sure you're allowing adequate time for yourself.  No matter what job you have in the radio industry, it always seems that there's little time available. From planning events to staying updated with latest news and trends - we're always on GO.  That's not including the women who have families, I applaud them for taking on so much!  However, the growing trend of self-care is running rampant among millennials, there's a million articles about it. But even if you're not a millennial, you should take a page from their book and begin practicing self-care.

Here are some self-care practices you can do when you don't have a lot of time.

If you have 10 minutes:

Meditate/Think - Some people call it meditation, while others just like to sit in place and think about what they have to do. Either way, it helps. It definitely calms any uneasiness or anxiety you may be feeling.

Sheet Mask Saturdays- There's something calming about feeling like you're at the spa on a Saturday night when you're really just at home. I'm in love with sheet masks, and there pretty cheap to buy. Just plop one on your face for 10 minutes and you'll feel a little more refreshed and relaxed. Of course, you don't just have to do this on Saturdays, it just has a nice ring to it!

If you have 20 minutes:

Read/Listen- Reading a new book or even your favorite book over again takes your mind off anything that may be going on. It's a quick way to escape your world and enter into another quickly.  I also like to use audio books, which are super helpful if you never have enough time, but have a commute to work.

Nap: We live in a weird society where people think sleeping means you're not working hard enough. Naps are good for you. There is no point of continuing a task if you have no energy, you're probably not bringing your best ideas out.

If you have 30 minutes:

Walk/Run/Jog- Lately, working out has been therapeutic to me. I do 30 minutes of cardio 7 days a week. I don't even think about any of my issues because I'm so busy pushing my body to the limit. Not only do I get peace of mind, but a nicer body, too!

Phone a friend- I think one thing we should all stop doing is feeling like we're in life alone. We have to stop thinking there is nobody here for us. I guarantee you there is at least one person in your life who cares about you. Talk to them. Even if they can't help how you feel, its good to get those thoughts out of your mind. Plus, you're never 'complaining' when you have real friends.

If you have 60 minutes:

Treat yourself: I know we want to save for that new house/car, but sometimes you need to treat yourself with a tiny gift for all the great work you have been doing. Buy yourself a nice dinner, go get your nails done, or even take a class you have to pay for.

“Self-care is beneficial to maintaining a healthy life. Don’t be so busy building a life that you forget to take care of yourself. ”

Feel The Fear, Do It Anyway

I recently made the decision to leave my full time radio job, and I’m about to tell you why.  I was working for 2 stations in a small market, doing middays and afternoons.  It was fun, the people were nice, and it was low stress; for a while it was perfect.  I came into this job from a very high stress gig, so it was exactly what I needed at the time.  At almost the exact same time of landing this gig, I also landed a part time gig in a nearby major market at a station that I’ve always dreamed of working for.  It kind of seemed like I had it all for a while, a sweet full time gig and a dream-come-true part time one!  However, the full time gig was a haul to get to, over an hour each way on a good day without traffic or inclement weather.   There were some days where it would take more than 2 hours to arrive at work or arrive home, because of traffic or weather.   The hours were pretty good though, considering I’m not much of a morning person; I worked Monday through Friday from 11am-7pm for the most part, not including station events and appearances.  However, after about a year, the commute and the hours started to wear me down.  I was also starting to get bored at work because I didn’t feel challenged, but I pushed the thoughts right out of my head.  What was I thinking?  This is a good gig, the pay is decent and it’s low stress!  Yet those thoughts continued to loom...

One day last December, my husband and I went for a hike with our dog and I decided to talk to him about how I was feeling.  What he suggested changed everything, “Why don’t you quit and try to pick up more hours at {major market station referenced above}?”  I hadn’t thought of that.  Well, ok, yes I had, but I was too scared to even entertain that idea and didn’t know if we could pull it off financially.  After discussing it at great length, we decided we were in a place to do that and picking up more hours at the other station would offset the loss of the full time salary.  Plus, I’d have a lot more time to work on other projects that I’d been wanting to do but never had time to pursue (i.e. writing, teaching, going back to school, etc.). 

I decided to sleep on the decision and see if I felt the same the next day; I did.  I thought ok, this is a big change, so I’m going to take at least a week to really think it through, and I did.  My plans never faltered though and now I had made up my mind for sure.  I told my boss shortly after Christmas and we agreed that I’d stay on until early February.  I wasn’t in a huge rush to give up a good salary, but I was getting a bit antsy to have some freedom and give up my long commute!  I also informed my other boss at the station I worked for part time, of the changes I’d be making and thankfully I’ve been able to pick up more hours there just like I’d hoped.

Can we talk for a second about how supportive others were with my decision?  The answer: not very.  Besides my husband and a couple of close friends, I got a TON of pushback!  Everyone I talked to thought I was crazy.  They all asked me “but how are you going to afford THAT?” and “So what kinds of projects are you going to be doing instead?” in a lovely, condescending ‘you’re making a terrible decision’ tone of voice.  It scared me at first, I thought ‘oh my goodness, they must know better than I, and I’m probably making a huge mistake!’  But no, they didn’t know better than me about my own life, my wants and my needs, only I know what’s best for me. I realized that most of the people I talked to were projecting their own fears onto me.Maybe they were afraid to take that leap of faith and do what they really wanted to do with their lives?  Maybe they couldn’t afford to take the risk of leaving their full time job in exchange for a part time one and some ‘me’ time.  When I came to that realization, I stopped listening to what others thought of my choices.  I was confident in my decision that I was doing what was best for me, even though truthfully I was scared, but I decided to “feel the fear and do it anyway” (great book, btw).

It’s been 3 months since I’ve left my full time job and sure, I miss having a steady paycheck coming in.  We’ve felt the loss in our bank account, but we’ve made changes and cut back on things to accommodate the loss of income.  So yes, I took a loss, but what I gained was so much more!  First of all, I gained time, something you and I can never get back; time to spend with my husband, with our animals, with friends, with myself.  I gained confidence, perspective, peace of mind, and self worth.  I certainly have my days where I get down and depressed and think to myself ‘ok, what am I doing with my life?’  In those moments (or sometimes hours, even days) I just try to breath and tell myself that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be right now.  It’s not the route that many take; a lot of people live their lives in fear, fear of change, fear of the unknown…you cannot grow if you constantly live in a state of fear.  So take the chance, make the changes you want in your life, even if you have to take a pay cut.  You know what?  You’re going to be ok!  You’ll find ways to get through everything, I promise!  You only get one life, live it the way YOU want to, not for anyone else