Blog Archives - Page 18 of 21

Beth here.

In his book 1001 Ways to Recognize Employees, Bob Nelson testifies that the top two drivers of employee performance are:

“I am able to make a difference at work”

“I have been recognized recently for what I do.”

Money—believe it or not—ranks in fifth place. Over 68% of the workers that Nelson interviewed had never received even a simple “thank you” from their boss in the previous six months.

We need to get better at positive reinforcement.

Nelson also found that employees who received a “way to go” from their boss listed that as their best motivator. Most managers believed the paycheck was the motivator, but clearly that’s a fifth place motivator.

Jesus motivated people with love, compassion and respect. Although these are not the top tier job describers for the managers who call the shots, a little of this in the hallway could motivate more than expected. Gifts, bonuses, and pay raises can be good reinforcements, but, depending on the company’s business model, they may not be readily available.

Wonderful forms of positive reinforcements don’t cost a penny. It’s scientific too—positive verbal praise stimulates the same neural pathways as cash does.

Once, I was one the air and I just had one of those “wow, I hope someone heard that” kind of breaks. Which is silly, because I spoke it into a microphone to thousands of people. But what I meant was, “I hope someone who needed that heard it.”

The door to my studio swung open, and with curious expectation I smiled at one of my managers, assuming they had heard what just happened, and the next thing I know I’m being asked about a restaurant recommendation for some out of town guests.

I know the people in the office don’t listen to the radio the way a personality executes it, and usually don’t have the time to comment after, so I revert back to the old Rosanne Rosannadana character in my mind and I say “never mind.”

Catching a co-worker doing something great is an amazing way to affirm their God given talents and abilities. It doesn’t cost you one penny to tell your kids, spouse, employees and co-workers that they did something right. This is a researched truth.

If we are playing well-researched music (and other programming) on a well-researched format with thought out promotions and sweepers and talent, why not think about your motivational tactics as well? Catch them doing something great and tell them about it—it could be a game-changer.

NATIONWIDE RESEARCH AT A GLANCE

May 2017

Christian Radio Listeners Top Reasons for Not Giving by Age

In the 2016 Finney Media Why Listen?™ nationwide survey, we asked non-donor Christian radio listeners across the US why they don’t give to Christian radio. Here are their top main reasons for not giving, broken down by age demographics:

Adults Under 35		Adults 35-44		Adults 45-54
I have a limited income and can’t give right now	52%	I have a limited income and can’t give right now	49%	I have a limited income and can’t give right now	46%
None of the above	21%	None of the above	22%	None of the above	25%
I give to other organizations that need money more	11%	I give to other organizations that need money more	15%	I give to other organizations that need money more	13%
I only give money to my local church	8%	I only give money to my local church	10%	I only give money to my local church	12%
Lots of other people listen and probably give	3%	I did not know they needed my support	1%	I did not know they needed my support	2%
I did not know they needed my support	3%	Lots of other people listen and probably give	1%	Lots of other people listen and probably give	2%
The broadcaster hasn’t made a compelling case for the need	1%	My contribution won’t make much of a difference	1%	My contribution won’t make much of a difference	1%
My contribution won’t make much of a difference	1%	The broadcaster hasn’t made a compelling case for the need	1%	The broadcaster hasn’t made a compelling case for the need	0%

Adults 55-64		Adults 65+
I have a limited income and can’t give right now	44%	I have a limited income and can’t give right now	39%
None of the above	24%	None of the above	25%
I give to other organizations that need money more	15%	I give to other organizations that need money more	20%
I only give money to my local church	13%	I only give money to my local church	12%
I did not know they needed my support	2%	I did not know they needed my support	2%
Lots of other people listen and probably give	1%	My contribution won’t make much of a difference	1%
The broadcaster hasn’t made a compelling case for the need	1%	The broadcaster hasn’t made a compelling case for the need	1%
My contribution won’t make much of a difference	1%	Lots of other people listen and probably give	0%

Easily the #1 answer for non-givers to Christian radio to not give is “I have a limited income and can’t give right now.” As we look at the trends younger to older, the percentage for that answer drops. So, it’s not that your station hasn’t communicated that you need support (between 1 and 3%) or that you haven’t made a compelling case for the need (at 1% or 0% across each demo).

It’s curious to us the answer at #2 – “None of The Above,” between 21% and 25% of all responses. If it’s not “limited income/can’t give right now” or “giving to other organizations that need the money more” or “only giving to my local church,” what is it? And, more importantly, is it something we can do something about? Or is it simple reluctance to answer in this sensitive area?

Coming in Finney’s Fast Five for June: We begin a series comparing Christian Radio listeners to Christians in general nationwide. How are Christian radio listeners different from or the same as Christians in general? And what can we learn from that to reach beyond the listeners we have now?

Jan here.

Sunday the fill-in pastor set out to examine worship. Instead of nodding off, I was caught. I thought about worship and how radio pervades our lives every day—how we have an opportunity seven days a week to help someone focus on our great God. The worship band at church only has one half hour and the full service about one hour!

In a recent sermon at the Hunter College location of Redeemer Church in New York where Chuck was present, Tim Keller pointed out that “Jesus lived doing what His Father wanted…and it got Him killed.” We should at least expect a hard time!

The hard time that comes may be as subtle as being bombarded with coarse messages on TV, ads that discuss things that are about very personal matters, news that is rife with the horror and promotion of new fears—from the pink pill to not being able to carry my Kindle on my flight, the daily discourse gets coarser, scarier and less edifying.

You’re bombarded by images of brokenness. The little girl stunned and traumatized by war. People worshiping shopping. Animals in dreadful condition. Fake romance. Add to all this this the real-life curve balls of illnesses, accidents and angry people, and it’s easy to get lost in the hopelessness.

What an opportunity for us to turn hearts toward worship! Turning to God and honoring Him. A chance to focus our hearts and minds when “alone” with our thoughts—and often our radio.

Jesus says, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” (Matthew 4:10)

“Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise in the congregation of the godly ones.” (Psalm 149:1)

Your work is seven days a week, helping an audience in hard times become daily worshipers. Minute-by-minute worshipers. Right now worshipers.

How to do it? By making heart connection minute-by-minute. By playing the music and creating the conversation and the programming that lifts and celebrates and edifies. By lifting holy hands in an unholy world.

Seven day a week worshiping.

Photo Note: Stain glass window from Zion Lutheran Church, Onieda St., Appleton, WI

A brief history of wHAT RESEARCH DID IN THE 30’S AND STILL DOES TODAY

Listen to a quick intro on research history by Chuck:

Jan here.

Ask anyone what they love about radio, and they’ll tell you. It’s that simple. Reach out, find out what your listeners love, and create a message that reaches into the center of their need. Grab their ear, grab their heart, and you have a friend.

Rating systems have changed since the 1930’s. Back then, in the “golden age of radio,” rating systems were much more personal. And in some ways, more immediate and accurate.

It all comes down to making friends, but how does one make friends? Claude Hooper knew. Based in America, Claude Hooper, a former marketing research analyst, started measuring radio and TV popularity in 1934. During that “golden age”, Claude was taking the pulse of the radio listener in a way that had never been done before. C.E. Hooper’s “Hooperratings” became the rising star—the go-to, trusted source for radio show popularity.

So how did this bit of history come up anyway? It all started with a story about life in Cincinnati—in the 50’s.

Chuck here.

My Dad has been in radio from the day I was born. He was in radio when it was network block programming—and almost no one thought about the “listener.” He tells of a well-known station in Cincinnati that was a harbinger of listener-first. They came up playing “Purple People Eater” for two straight weeks. Yep. Two weeks. Then flipped to rock ‘n roll. They debuted in the Hooperratings at a 78 share. Now, shares were figured differently back then, but you get the idea. The listener won, eventually.

Jan here.

But how did Hooperratings work?

“Reach out and touch someone.” Some of you may remember that AT&T marketing slogan. Well that’s exactly what Hooper did. Hooperratings were based upon phone calls made “coincidentally” to listeners in 36 cities in the US. What made his method unique, besides being highly personal, was that it allowed him to find out what the listener was focused on at that particular moment. Immediately and personally. This was favorable among the listeners, who didn’t really like having to remember what they were listening to 2 hours ago, much less 24 hours ago. C.E. Hooper made calls every 15 minutes (an exhaustive and expensive process). The results were tallied and distributed to advertisers, networks and radio stations. The industry largely lived and died by these reports, and relied upon their accuracy.

What might we take from all this?

In the 1940s and for some time after, when someone in the radio industry asked, “How’s your Hooper?” they were really asking about the size of a radio broadcast’s audience. You can find more information on each of these important components on our website, including information on listener research that is even more helpful, in-depth and actionable than what was done in the 1930’s.

At Finney Media, we love to work alongside you on your Hooper with heart connection, talent and story. Click here to read our next blog

Sources can be found HERE.

Blog Info

Chuck and Jan here asking a question.

What will your message be this Easter week?

What will you share with your listeners, your team and your family?

Gratitude? Wonder? Or perhaps—like the early believers—surprise?

Mary Magdalene arrives at the tomb first. Surprise. The stone at the doorway—gone!

John runs to the tomb and looks inside. Surprise. No one there!

Peter, a little slower, goes inside. Surprise. Nothing but folded linens!

Mary Magdalene, back at the tomb after her early morning trip to find the disciples, sees two angels at the tomb. Surprise. Heavenly beings, but no Jesus!!

“The gardener” stands behind Mary. He speaks. Surprise. It’s Jesus – He’s alive!

Jesus appears first to a person of low standing, a woman. Surprise. Jesus is no lover of privilege.

Evening. Jesus suddenly appears behind closed doors to an assembled group. Surprise!

Days later, Thomas expresses skepticism. He’d missed the group meeting. Surprise! Jesus speaks peace to him.

We are poised at Easter week. Surprise! Hear Jesus bless us, “Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”*

Today, we have the opportunity to share the surprise of a God who cares. Who died for us. Who rose from the dead. Who lives and loves and works in our lives.

It’s the most surprising message. A message to capture our attention, our devotion, our daily lives.

From us to you, our wishes for a blessed, holy and surprising Easter 2017!

*John 20:29, NASB

Chuck here.

You know the movie A Beautiful Mind? It’s the 2001 movie with Russell Crowe, playing a brilliant but ascocial mathematician. Won the Nobel Prize in Economics. Genius. Understands things way beyond the average person.

That’s my friend Tim Davis. But without the asocial part. Tim is a genius. With music research. With perceptual research. With all things digital – apps, social, SEO, Twitter, Facebook. He was the architect of the Finney Media Why Listen?™ study we did in 2016.

And he is a genius on Texas A&M football. Oh, forget that part. He is a genius on that, but that has nothing to do with this piece.

Tim understands how to meld all of those research and digital pieces together in a dance that creates listener and online user magic. He gets these things in ways that those of us who know him marvel at his gift. Ask anyone who he has blessed along the way, and they’ll agree.

But the even bigger thing to know about Tim is his heart. He is crazy about his wife Kathy and his two teenage kids. A quick story: Tim and I spent hours these past couple years on video chats working through various research questions and obstacles. But on this one call, Tim was quick to mute and spend about five minutes with his daughter Alyssa, who needed a few minutes with Daddy. Silence on my end, but I could see the tenderness and patience to give her what she needed in that moment.

Tim is a man with a beautiful heart!

And Tim loves Jesus.

And because of that last part, he is dancing in heaven with our King today. Tim finished his race on Saturday April 8. He was 49. Way too early for those of us still here. My heart is heavy with the loss, but I thank God for the blessing of knowing Tim, and look forward and upward to the day we’ll see him again.

7 Big Ideas to Develop Your Script

Now that you’ve prayed for, planned and finalized your new radio campaign (see Birth of a Radio Campaign HERE), it’s time to begin creating a great radio spot.

Well, not really.

The time to begin creating a great radio spot can be any time when:

You have a spark of creativity in your car (and make note of it).
You feel compelled to buy certain products and services (and you explore WHY).
A song comes into your head that you can’t get rid of (and you explore WHY).
You laugh, you cry, you feel fear, you worry, you lose your temper, you are exhausted, you feel overwhelmingly loved (and write down what you need most at that moment).

These are all essential activities when prepping for a great spot.

In addition, here are some goals and ideas to adhere to so that your spot performs as planned:

CREATE CONVERSIONS, NOT DISTRACTIONS

Radio spots can either distract a listener or convert them. A barking dog is an annoying distraction (even a deterrent), but a cute, loveable dog will attract. Barking facts at your listeners is not going to convert them. Instead, you want to create the unavoidable urge to “buy this cute dog NOW!”

And what do you get when you go to the Humane Society? Not just a dog, not just a friend, but unconditional love. You have been converted. You are now…a dog person.

Most businesses that advertise rarely create converts. That’s why we encourage our clients from the onset to explore WHY their listeners remain loyal.

DON’T BORE US, GET TO THE CHORUS!
~ Steven Tyler, lead singer of Aerosmith

In other words, don’t hide your light under a bushel. Show us the goods! Whatever keeps people awake at night is what you want to put front and center in the first five seconds of your spot. Got something amazing to offer? Get it out first – with a bow on top! It’s a free gift – something they’ve always wanted – and it is ready now! The product isn’t free, but showing them how to meet their needs is free.

DO YOU REALLY KNOW ME?

You may have set your target audience, imagining that thousands of millennial professionals are going to drop what they’re doing and buy your product, but how well do you know them?

We encourage you to hang out with your target audience. Spend time in a youth group. A College and Career group. A MOPS meeting.

I asked a woman in her 70’s to browse through a Senior Citizen’s Resource Magazine and point out the ads that bothered her. The ads with pictures of overly-happy seniors playing shuffle board and cards annoyed her. “Seniors in their 70’s,” she said, “aren’t really that smiley. We also hike, we Zumba, we play tennis, we do yoga. We don’t just sit around and look old.”

GETTING TO KNOW YOU: A GREAT CATCH

On one hand, targeted radio marketing works. Specific listening services provide options so audience can choose which music they want to hear. Which means that YOU get to choose who will hear about your service or product.

The downside to such specific target marketing, listening, anything, is that in some cases, you may be missing the payoff. You’re fishing off one side of the boat, but the catch may be on the other side. Young people who listen solely to Trance may never get to hear good jazz. By the same token, a young-minded, fit woman in her 50’s may never get to hear about the new Converse All-Star Neon Shoe (which she can afford and would love to own).

INTRODUCING YOURSELF: TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE

If you really want to be response-accurate, we recommend creating two or more radio spots with a completely different approach to each. Set up different websites, phone numbers, call to actions or offers and tally the responses as they come in. In a six-month period, you should have a good idea of which approach works best.

URGENT!

Ever get a text saying, “Call me … URGENT!”? If you know the person, you’ll call.

That’s the kind of immediacy, or “act now” response you want from your listeners. If you give your potential client time to think about things, he or she will immediately start generating reasons to say no. The trick is, how do you create that urgency without causing negative stress? You have to meet a need that’s keeping them up at night, something they care deeply about. “Free for a limited time” is also a good motivator, but make sure you’re not giving away the farm!

TIME WASTERS: Worn out phrases that don’t convert

Here’s a brief list of phrases that companies LOVE to use in their spots. But as important as they seem to the business owner, they are not as crucial to the potential convert.

FOR ALL YOUR MINISTRY NEEDS
Listeners don’t know what all their ministry needs are, nor do they have the time to imagine. Explain to them specifically what they need, and how you can help now.

IN BUSINESS FOR ____ YEARS
Nice fact, but it’s not a decision maker. Instead, why not get a testimonial from a long-time customer, or explain why you’re a solid organization.

FEATURING …
Nobody cares about a feature unless it’s attached to a benefit. Instead of poly-carbon fiber (important to you, but not to the layman), say “shatter-proof” or “not even a bullet can break through OUR glass.”
People don’t want a drill, they want a hole in the wall.

5 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
Unless you can beam the product directly into their car, it’s not convenient. Since you have no idea where your listener lives, offer free shipping or something similar. Don’t use airtime for a “conveniently located” promise. Make it so convenient that they have no choice but to act.

FLUFF and DUST
There’s a difference between genuine humor and fluff. Fluff is cute the first time you hear it, then it gathers dust and becomes an irritant. Genuine humor is evergreen. It never ceases to make you laugh. It’s also very hard to create. Even the funniest script can turn sour in production. Make sure you create a spot that people will listen to all the way through (as opposed to “Oh no, not that one again!”)

Finishing Up: THE BIRTH OF A RADIO SPOT – CREATION (Production and Sound)

In a subsequent blog we explore the limitless, creative world of production. From sound effects to voices to music, your production value can turn a simple script into a sensory feast for the ears, imagination and heart.

ONLINE REFERENCES:
dandad.org
strategicmediainc.com
voicebunny.com

Seven Ways Growing Older Changes Christian Radio Listener Reasons for Listening

We shared the top reasons for listening to Christian radio by age in the March Finney Fast Five. If you take a close look, you’ll see ways that your listener changes through the years, as well as some significant ways she remains the same.

Recently, we read an author review in the Wall Street Journal Weekend edition that discussed how author Richard Holmes felt the need to “physically pursue his subject through the past…must go to all the places where the subject had ever lived or worked, or travelled or dreamed. Not just the birthplace…but the temporary places”. This seems to us an extraordinary effort to fully understand someone else’s perspective, challenges, joys and pain. Our hope is that research can help with this effort—although we would certainly encourage specific efforts to see through your listener’s eyes.

Age is something that each of us has no control over, and it factors into our views, the way we approach life and the reasons we do things. We see the changes clearly in the Finney Media Why Listen?™ national survey data, when we sort the top ten reasons for listening to Christian radio. This graph illustrates the changes.

Within the top ten reasons for listening to Christian radio, we observe that “I want to help spread the truth” gradually increases through the years. “It helps me to understand the Scriptures” also sees a gradual increase.

Showing up at around 55 is “it gives me a Christian perspective on the news” and even later, at around 65, “I want to hear the sermons”.

There is a reason that gradually drops as well. “I want to get away from negative messages or music on There is a reason that gradually drops as well. “I want to get away from negative messages or music on other stations” gradually drops through the years.

What is perhaps even more notable than the ways your listener changes with age, is the ways she stays the same.

While the top three reasons for listening to you may shift around in order, these three reasons consistently remain the top three reasons Christian radio listeners listen: 1. I like the worshipful Christian music. 2. I want to be encouraged. 3. It helps me grow spiritually.

And notably, up to age 55, the top five reasons remain the same. Adding to the reasons just mentioned are: 4. I want to get away from Negativity. And 5. It’s safe for me and my family to listen to.

It’s in the mid-fifties that other reasons break the top five. “I want to help spread the truth” moves up, and then at 65, “It helps me to understand the Scripture” moves up to number four.

You can see these changes in the accompanying graph.

What’s going on here? Life’s journey, with the changes in children’s lives, sickness, divorce, job change or not, death, physical ageing and spiritual growth, moving homes or communities or careers begin to influence our views on what’s truly important and on the shortness of life. No wonder through it all we hunger for encouragement and spiritual growth fueled by worship.

As Jan’s grandmother said as she approached the end of life, “It goes so fast. It just goes so fast.”

Our listener walks along the road of life—though often in her car—and needs you as her encouraging companion, revealing what’s worshipful, true and Biblical. That’s the panorama, the picture we see forming as we look at reasons listeners listen to Christian radio, sorted by age.

Before Heart Connection

Affirmation Counts

Heart connection. It’s our goal as we communicate.

When we observe and understand that goal, our friends, our family, and yes, our listener will be impacted and will see life change and spiritual growth. We can’t help but want to create this connection.

Chuck tells of a question put to him recently: “Chuck, how can I coach my team if I don’t have enough hours in the day?” In other words, how can I see impact and growth with someone I’m around daily without spending exhaustive amounts of time and effort? How can I communicate efficiently and effectively?

Here’s an idea: catch this person doing something right. Affirm them. It only takes a minute.

Catch the morning host in the hallway and say, “The break you did at 7:35 about (topic) was awesome!”

See the admin at the front desk and say “The smile in your voice is the best public relations ever!”

Say to your board president, “That explanation of rates was eye-opening and saved my bacon. Your insight was a life-saver!”

Say to your listener, “You are the one that brings a smile to my face today! Your interest, the warmth in your heart and your desire for God makes we want to get up early and talk to you today!”

No “buts.” Just the positive. And see what a difference a little extra affirmation makes in the people around you.

A post-NRB note: We listened to Shaunti Feldhahn speak to radio broadcasters about The Thirty Day Kindness Challenge. Doesn’t this sound like a way to jump-start affirmation?

Why the Finney Media Why Listen?™ survey?

We believe the time to reach more hearts more deeply with the gospel is now. We believe asking listeners why they listen to Christian radio and really listening to and acting on their answers is so much better than guessing!

The Finney Media Why Listen?™ 2018 survey is one we’ve done nationwide in 2016. We surveyed nearly 23,500 respondents—all listeners to Christian radio formats. Listener feedback has been sorted in many different and helpful ways.

The results were profound! Next year in 2018 we’ll ask some new questions, some even deeper questions and some vital repeat questions for benchmark comparisons.

We invite you to join us. It’s low cost—and with additional special pricing for NRB members, CMB members and Advocace clients.

Join us HERE! Get equipped to better serve your listener in 2018!

Catch Them Doing Something Great

A brief history of wHAT RESEARCH DID IN THE 30’S AND STILL DOES TODAY

Listen to a quick intro on research history by Chuck:

Chuck and Jan here asking a question.

What will your message be this Easter week?

What will you share with your listeners, your team and your family?

7 Big Ideas to Develop Your Script

Seven Ways Growing Older Changes Christian Radio Listener Reasons for Listening

Before Heart Connection

Affirmation Counts

A post-NRB note: We listened to Shaunti Feldhahn speak to radio broadcasters about The Thirty Day Kindness Challenge. Doesn’t this sound like a way to jump-start affirmation?

Why the Finney Media Why Listen?™ survey?

Search Website

Keywords

Search by Content Type

Search by Category

Now Available on Amazon

Contact Us

Categories