Millennial Spotlight – Neuhoff Media’s Andrew Harby

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Over the past few years there has been a growing perception that most millennials only want to work in Silicon Valley — and that they have no desire to work in radio. We’ve found that not to be the case; in fact, we’ve found millennials happily working in radio all over the country. In every issue of Radio Ink, we will be spotlighting one of those millennials, asking why they’ve chosen this career and why they love working in radio.

Andrew Harby is the local sales manager for Neuhoff Media in Springfield, IL. He’s 27 and says he started in radio when he was 12: “I was given a great opportunity to learn all aspects of radio through high school and junior college.” Here’s our interview with Andrew.

Radio Ink: How and why did you choose radio?
Harby: I got started in radio through Danville Area Community College’s Sports Announcer Camp for kids. Mike Hulvey started the Sports Announcer Camp in order to get young people interested in radio. The camp is a one-of-a-kind and very unique. Mike promoted the camp, and I decided to go because I loved talking about sports. I knew after only a few days of the camp that I really enjoyed describing what I saw during sporting events. I also learned through the camp, and my opportunities at the radio station, that I enjoyed the sales side of radio as much as being on air.

Radio Ink: There is a perception that millennials do not want to get into the radio business. What do you think about that?
Harby: I think that it is a horrible stereotype that goes along with millennials. I have a lot of friends that are in all different types of businesses, and it seems that’s the perception about millennials in most industries.

Radio Ink: What interests you most about selling radio?
Harby: I like many different aspects of selling radio. The thing I like the most about selling radio is using radio to help grow a local business. Radio has the ability to be used to drive immediate traffic to a business, or to be used to brand a business.

Radio Ink: How do you deal with rejection?
Harby: I have found that the easiest way to deal with rejection is to just continue to push forward. If you are in sales, you are going to hear a lot more no’s than yeses. I grew up with a dad who has been in sales his whole career. He always told me there would be rejection and that you just have to move on.

Radio Ink: What do you find most exciting about being in radio?
Harby: The thing I find most exciting about being in radio is that our industry is constantly changing with new technology, and I love the challenge of navigating the space. I really like putting together marketing campaigns that use all the different marketing tools our radio stations have to offer.

Radio Ink: How does the digital world affect the way you sell?
Harby: It’s made a big impact for our radio stations because the competitive landscape has changed with all of the digital options. It has created an opportunity for local radio stations to help navigate the digital options with our local business partners. I feel very lucky to be working for a media company that is forward-thinking and allowing us to be in the digital space with unique local websites like channel1450.com.

Radio Ink: What are you doing to train yourself to be successful?
Harby: I am always trying to better myself by learning from inside and outside of our company. I am currently going back to school to get my MBA. I listen to a lot of podcasts about business. I have been fortunate enough to attend the last two Radio Shows, as well as go through the NAB EDS program.

Radio Ink: What are your long-term goals?
Harby: My long-term goals include continuing to grow as a leader of people and to eventually have ownership in a media company.

Reach out to congratulate Andrew on being part of the radio family at [email protected]

Do you have a happy millennial working for you that we should spotlight? Send all the details to [email protected].

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