If you are a person who has a commute longer than 15 minutes each morning, you know the value of something that can take your attention away from the traffic. My morning commute used to be straight down the Garden State Parkway to Route 78. If you are a New York Sports Fan, listening to WFAN is just a way of life, it’s what you do. It is how you load up your brain with the ammunition to debate sports topics around the watercooler or lunch table. The Morning Show on the WFAN is the way to be entertained and informed. 

Building a career in the audio industry (radio, podcast, streaming) takes a person dedicated to their craft—a person who can be reliable and consistent. Only the very best can build a successful radio career in the ultra-competitive New York market and sustain it for years. This week’s guest has achieved just that. 

When a conversation gets a little heated, a voice interjects and seems to cool the personalities on the airwaves of WFAN. A fellow middle child who can settle everyone down and introduce a bit of levity to balance the conversation. That voice belongs to Al Dukes, an alumnus of Kean University and Indiana State University. A radio veteran having worked at iHeart Media, CBS Radio, CBS Sports, and now with Entercom on WFAN.

Al Dukes is the Executive Producer of The Morning Show with Boomer and Gio on WFAN in New York City, the number one morning sports radio show. He is also the co-host of the Warmup Show with Al Dukes and Jerry Recco. Al has the talent, charisma, and work ethic to sustain success in the nation’s largest professional sports market.

For those of you who have attended my workshops in the past, Al validates some of my discussion points. If you are a college student or experienced professional, you will appreciate his advice. While some of what Al discusses may seem rudimentary, many often pay little attention to or find it hard to comply with the simplest things. These simple things can have the most significant impact on our career trajectory. 

Video Podcast

Audio Podcast

Action Items

It was easy to extract some actionable points from my interview with Al. You can certainly put these into practice immediately, and I believe they can impact your career both in the short and long term. 

• Preparation.  Al prepares as much as he can the day and night before. Over-preparing has undoubtedly proven successful for Al, and I think we all know the adage that “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” Make it a habit to review what you have going on the next day. Take five minutes to start jotting down thoughts about a project you are starting tomorrow. Review notes you have from a meeting you had today. Any small thing which can prepare you will give you an advantage and, almost more importantly, provide you with confidence.
• Have Confidence. Al talks about not applying to the larger networks and radio stations when in college because he did not think he was deserving of such an opportunity. Take his advice and have the confidence to take that chance. Step out of your comfort zone and take a chance on yourself. If you are not in your dream job or dream internship, send an application to your dream company in addition to a “safe” one.
• Be Consistent. I have preached consistency to all of my employees for years. Being consistent breeds reliability, trust, and, eventually, opportunity. Start today by focusing on the simple things many people get wrong. Get to work or class early, at the same time each day. Do not be the one people have to guess when you are going to arrive. You will find that opportunities will start to magically appear. It is not magic; people will begin to rely on you, depend on you, and you will be a valuable resource for them. 

Conclusion

It is the simple things performed well over time that builds trust and reliability. If you only take one thing away from this podcast that you act upon, I trust it is this: Early to bed and early to rise. If you do that simple thing consistently, you will discover the opportunity time to improve yourself and get a good start on whatever goal you want to accomplish. 

I appreciate feedback of all kinds, so please email me any questions or feedback to scott@getagoodstart.com. Have a great week, and remember, it doesn’t take a lot to get a good start; you just have to start. Thank you.