I was recently asked if I thought an initial/first radio promotion or event should be called “First Annual” or not.

There are some that think the phrase “first annual” is fine. I don’t have a problem with that because it conveys you intend to have the promotion each year. However, there are also usage experts that recommend you should avoid the phrase.

So, I’d recommend you play it safe, and leave off your annual intentions until you know for sure (and you won’t know “for sure” until next year) that you’re having another.

An alternative is to use the phrase,”Inaugural.” This way it can indicate the radio promotion/event should be the first in a series, without automatically conveying that it will occur every year.

If you do continue the tradition, you can then call them, “Second Annual,” “Third Annual,” etc…

August will be Cataract Awareness Month, Children’s Vision and Learning Month, Immunization Awareness Month, and National Inventors’ Month.

Psychic Week: Aug 4-8
Elvis Week: Aug 9-17
Aviation Week: Aug 17-23
Sister’s Day: Aug 3rd
Coast Guard Day: Aug 3rd
National Night Out: Aug 5th
Garage Sale Day: Aug 9th
Men’s Grooming Day: Aug 15th
Relaxation Day: Aug 15th
Homeless Animals Day: Aug 16th
National Aviation Day: Aug 19th
Kiss and Make-Up Day: Aug 25th
Women’s Equality Day: Aug 26th

July will be Herbal/Prescription Awareness Month, Ice Cream Month, Recreation and Parks Month, Social Wellness Month, and Womens’ Motorcycle Month.

Air Conditioning Appreciation Days: July 3-Aug 15
Therapeutic Recreation Week: July 13-19
Sports Cliche Week: July 13-19
Independent Retailers Week: July 20-26
Canada Day (Canada): July 1st
Stay Out of the Sun Day:  July 3rd
Independence Day: July 4th
MLB All-Star Game: July 15th
National Ice Cream Day: July 20th
Special Olympics Day: July 20th
National Drive-Thru Day: July 24th
All-American Soap Box Derby: July 26th
National Day of the Cowboy: July 28th

I am getting anxious about radio sales. Not because of the medium - its strengths of mobility and audience demographics are undeniable. But, there seems to be a growing problem of managers being able to find quality AE’s that are great sellers and great ambassadors for the radio industry.

An area of concern seems to be what young professionals (25-35) are being offered to start a career in radio sales. In the part of the country where I live and have been a DOS (market 170′ish), starting salaries are around 20k. With commissions, a solid seller will make in the 30’s their first year (in the 40’s if they are very good). Sure, a great seller, even in my region, can build their list and make six-figures eventually. But, it seems it’s getting more and more difficult to find quality that is willing to make that sacrifice to get there.

I’ve spoken with several young professionals who have been very open about radio sales as a career. They have said, “why would I take a job like that (stressful & outside sales) in the 30’s, when I can get a non-sales job (in an agency for instance) for the same money.” And if they really want to get into sales, the quality sellers want to get into something where they can make into the 50-80k range (ie: pharmaceuticals) out of the box. They’re not so worried about the potential 100k in five-years, they want the 50k now.

What’s the answer? Is it to pay more up front for potential great sellers? Look at a sports team — they have to pay up front for talent. In most cases (not all, but most), a sports team will pay big for a couple stars, and surround them with the proper support/role players. I know with sales you “pay your own salary.” But, great players don’t sign contracts when all (or half) their income is based on performance up front. They get offered what they (and their employers) feel they will be worth, and then are expected to perform at that level.

If you’re considering a career in radio sales and you know you have the right stuff, what kind of money do you think you should make? How would you want to be fairly paid? If you’re a manager, what are your thoughts? We know there’s a problem…what’s your out-of-the-box possible solution?

I also wonder if anyone out there is changing the dynamics of a radio sales organization? Has anyone out there payed a few great players larger salaries, and then surround them with an assistant-based support staff?

Click the comments link below and share your thoughts.

June will be Child Vision Awareness Month, Dairy Month, Candy Month, Rose Month, Safety Month, Soul Food Month, Steakhouse Month, Turkey Lovers’ Month, and Perennial Gardening Month.

Flag Week: June 8-14
US Open (Golf) Championship: June 12-15
Cancer Survivors Day: June 1st
Belmont Stakes: June 7th
Race Unity Day: June 8th
Blame Someone Else Day: June 13th
Flag Day: June 14th
Father’s Day: June 15th
Nature Photography Day: June 15th
Baby Boomers Recognition Day: June 21st
National HIV Testing Day: June 27th
Backyard Campout Day: June 28th

December will be National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, National Tie Month, and Safe Toys Month.

Chanukah - December 5-12
Kwanzaa - December 26-Jan 1
World AIDS Day - December 1st
National Pawnbrokers Day - December 6th
Pearl Harbor Day - December 7th
Human Rights Day - December 10th
Poinsettia Day - December 12th
Bill Of Rights Day - December 15th
Wright Brothers Day - December 17th
Winter Begin - December 22nd
Christmas - December 25th
National Whiner’s Day - December 26th
New Year’s Eve - December 31st