Because of Ada
Recently one of my KXL family members suddenly died after a short illness. Her death was quick, unexpected and shocked all of us at Rose City Radio/KXL.
I know that many companies use the word "family" to describe their employee culture. For some businesses it's a fact of life. For others, it's simply lipservice.
KXL is the former, we're a team, and very much a family. We all work our butts off to win and enjoy doing it. When something bad happens-like the loss of Ada, it cuts each of us to the core.
Ada McCormick had worked for KXL for 27 years as an advertising representative. In the time she was at KXL, she became the consistent top biller, amassing annual sales over 1 MILLION dollars--a fete accomplished by only a handful of Portland,OR. radio reps.
As one who spent a great deal of his life in ad sales, before transitioning to on-air talent, I know first-hand how difficult it is to reach a consistent, high billing level-and then stay there month after month, year after year. Ada had an inate gift, she absolutely loved what she did. It resonated from her every single day. This was a gal who lept out of bed every morning, ready to charge into work and take on the world. Rarely if ever did anyone NOT see a big smile on Ada's face. She was born up-beat.
Ada was by all intents and purposes a radio sales SUPERSTAR. Sure people were jealous of her success. But you can't argue with it. She worked her butt off to reach the level of success she attained.
The death of a loved one, close friend or in this case, comrade in arms, has a way of causing you to sit back, reflect and examine life. Ada's death has certainly had that effect on me, and many of my co-workers at KXL.
In talking with one of my buddies-we kicked around our lives, our careers and our day to day living. Both of us are doing what we want to do. We enjoy the direction our life is going. We're damn fortunate to be doing what we love. For him it's marketing and sales. For me it's sharing the joy of barbecue with a state-wide audience, something I've been able to do for the past 8 years on KXL, and now the Radio NW Network. And during the week, the ability to work with some other incredible people at Traeger Pellet Grills.
And that brings me to ask you--"How Happy Are You, In What You Are Doing?" It amazes me that there are so many people in this world who go to work each day, dreading and hating what they do. It robs them of joy, of life. It makes them and the people around them miserable.
If that's your situation--GET OUT! Just GET OUT! Life is too short. I know you've heard that. But if you're in a job situation that isn't making you happy-why continue? It makes no sense. In fact, I think people who remain in such situations could be border-line psychotic.
Each of us has been given special talents, giftings and abilities. Read any book about how to be successful in life or business and the one constant is, "Do what you love, and you'll be successful at it." Now, that may not be instantaneous, but if you follow your heart and invest in the talents that you were born with, there's a better than even chance that you'll be successful-or at least far happier. And happiness equals a longer, more satisfying life.
Sure there will be days when you'll be tested, challenged and put to the test. That's what develops character, resolve and helps you come to grips that you're really doing what you want.
I firmly believe that this world would be so much happier, that there would be less violence, hate and discontent if people would follow the path of fulfilling their gifting and abilities.
Ada helped to re-clarify that for me this past week. It helped me to once again take stock in what's really important and what isn't. I hope you too will take some time and put some thought about the direction of your life. Not happy with it? Change direction!
Even though Ada and I were co-workers, and didn't often intersect in our duties at KXL, I will very much miss her. She was an inspiration to so many of us. And as an "old" radio sales guy, I admired the hell out of her abilities. She was a great woman, mother, daughter, friend, radio rep.
We can all hope that when we leave this earth, that we, like Ada will be remembered for doing what we loved and inspiring those around us. What better legacy could anyone ever attain?
Value the people who surround you.
I know that many companies use the word "family" to describe their employee culture. For some businesses it's a fact of life. For others, it's simply lipservice.
KXL is the former, we're a team, and very much a family. We all work our butts off to win and enjoy doing it. When something bad happens-like the loss of Ada, it cuts each of us to the core.
Ada McCormick had worked for KXL for 27 years as an advertising representative. In the time she was at KXL, she became the consistent top biller, amassing annual sales over 1 MILLION dollars--a fete accomplished by only a handful of Portland,OR. radio reps.
As one who spent a great deal of his life in ad sales, before transitioning to on-air talent, I know first-hand how difficult it is to reach a consistent, high billing level-and then stay there month after month, year after year. Ada had an inate gift, she absolutely loved what she did. It resonated from her every single day. This was a gal who lept out of bed every morning, ready to charge into work and take on the world. Rarely if ever did anyone NOT see a big smile on Ada's face. She was born up-beat.
Ada was by all intents and purposes a radio sales SUPERSTAR. Sure people were jealous of her success. But you can't argue with it. She worked her butt off to reach the level of success she attained.
The death of a loved one, close friend or in this case, comrade in arms, has a way of causing you to sit back, reflect and examine life. Ada's death has certainly had that effect on me, and many of my co-workers at KXL.
In talking with one of my buddies-we kicked around our lives, our careers and our day to day living. Both of us are doing what we want to do. We enjoy the direction our life is going. We're damn fortunate to be doing what we love. For him it's marketing and sales. For me it's sharing the joy of barbecue with a state-wide audience, something I've been able to do for the past 8 years on KXL, and now the Radio NW Network. And during the week, the ability to work with some other incredible people at Traeger Pellet Grills.
And that brings me to ask you--"How Happy Are You, In What You Are Doing?" It amazes me that there are so many people in this world who go to work each day, dreading and hating what they do. It robs them of joy, of life. It makes them and the people around them miserable.
If that's your situation--GET OUT! Just GET OUT! Life is too short. I know you've heard that. But if you're in a job situation that isn't making you happy-why continue? It makes no sense. In fact, I think people who remain in such situations could be border-line psychotic.
Each of us has been given special talents, giftings and abilities. Read any book about how to be successful in life or business and the one constant is, "Do what you love, and you'll be successful at it." Now, that may not be instantaneous, but if you follow your heart and invest in the talents that you were born with, there's a better than even chance that you'll be successful-or at least far happier. And happiness equals a longer, more satisfying life.
Sure there will be days when you'll be tested, challenged and put to the test. That's what develops character, resolve and helps you come to grips that you're really doing what you want.
I firmly believe that this world would be so much happier, that there would be less violence, hate and discontent if people would follow the path of fulfilling their gifting and abilities.
Ada helped to re-clarify that for me this past week. It helped me to once again take stock in what's really important and what isn't. I hope you too will take some time and put some thought about the direction of your life. Not happy with it? Change direction!
Even though Ada and I were co-workers, and didn't often intersect in our duties at KXL, I will very much miss her. She was an inspiration to so many of us. And as an "old" radio sales guy, I admired the hell out of her abilities. She was a great woman, mother, daughter, friend, radio rep.
We can all hope that when we leave this earth, that we, like Ada will be remembered for doing what we loved and inspiring those around us. What better legacy could anyone ever attain?
Value the people who surround you.
posted by MrBBQ at
9:18 PM
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