Making it!

It occurred to me recently whilst planning my 100th Radio Broadcast on Xandermonium, exactly how many people doubted my sustainability as a Broadcaster. Whilst I never doubted my abilities or my zeal to succeed some people even said, "I'll give it three shows!" Admittedly this used to bother me far more than it does today, but it is evidence of my growth. Taking commentary personally in the Entertainment Industry is so dangerous to ones self esteem but I am positive we all do it.

Actually not liking my work is fine as taste is relative and I have always maintained that your audience will find you and not the other way around. You always get a faithful core audience who will stick with you, even if they don't agree with every single thing you say. I am so grateful for that core as they really keep you going through the leaner times in your progression as a Broadcaster.

As your star begins to rise, even a little you notice the wheat begins to separate from the chaff and people you have known forever begin to treat you differently. Some do this because they simply do not know how to react and others because they actually do not want you to succeed. How dare you work damn hard and produce good product and move on even a little ? Doesn't it just land in your lap one day ? Oh no Sirree !

The saboteurs amongst your professional peers begin to sharpen their claws because they cannot handle your skills and success. The odd sly comment here and there and some declare all out war, mainly for two reasons. 1. They are afraid of you or 2. They are jealous of you. The paradox in all of this is that it becomes such a potential for both personal and professional growth unbeknownst to the sources of the bile. I guess I have to really say thank you to those people for contributing to my zeal to keep it real.  

Then there are the Wannabe's who have a small following and a famous relative and really believe their own hype. They have no ambition but an astounding ability to get you to do their bidding and defend them until you see right through them. When you see through them they encourage their trolls to attack you and trash talk you until you leave Social Media altogether. I didn't leave and I am still bigger, stronger and more powerful and my mom isn't even famous!

Sit back and watch your star rise while they stay exactly where the are and cannot understand why there has been no progression in their lives/careers/plans etc. The imperative is on you to the master of your own destiny and to put the work in. The ideology of having minions to do your bidding only works in the short term as they eventually see through you. There is almost a distinct pleasure in being able to do things for yourself to progress yourself

Then there are members of your family change their level of response to you and some even think you are rich because you are on the bottom few echelons of showbiz. Nothing could be further from the truth but it is important not to let them know that. No I cannot pay your mortgage for you this month Aunt Matilda and no I don't want to chip in to send you to Hawaii Cousin Mary, Coventry maybe but certainly nowhere exotic. 

So I am often asked what advice I can give to those looking to have a career in broadcasting and to be honest the major thing is get as much experience as you can. Take articles from News sites, re write them and us a teleprompter program such as  http://www.cueprompter.com/ use it to sharpen your delivery skills. Ask people who already have a show if you can intern or even be a guest.

Some of us are more than happy to help and give people a leg up in the industry. Patience is however imperative and we must be willing to learn and serve an apprenticeship. Asking how long it takes is like asking how long is a piece of string. It really is different for everybody but the harder you are willing to work, the more opportunities will come your way. Stick with it baby and never doubt yourself as you too can make it.

Thanks to all of the people who have given me a leg up in this industry, far to many to name. I'd even like to thank all of the jealous people who have tried in vain to take these opportunities from me, as you really made me try much harder. Just think how much more you could have furthered your career if you had put as much effort in to yours as you did interfering in mine.

Mostly thanks to my all of my listeners/viewers (I still can't get used to the word fans) who have stood by me throughout my trials and during my continuation as a Broadcaster. You really are the reason why I do it. why I bare all and share myself week after week. You inspire me to do more and be better and I count myself lucky to have shared  with you. You rock! On this the Xandermonium Centennial week, enjoy, this is your anniversary too! 

Love and peace
Xan xo