Yesterday, I had to work the Harlem Day event with four other interns, four part timers and my boss (Taneka). In this event, I had to arrive at 7am because I was driving there since I had to leave early to pick up my father from the airport. Others had to meet at the station at 5am to pack all of the vehicles with the equipment. Since this was a big outdoor event we took all of the company vehicles. It was the Angie Martinez Hummer H3, the Funk Master Flex Escalade, The Miss Jones Chevy and The Interactive. All of the cars were packed to capacity with equipment for the event.
When waking up for the event, one of the part timers called me inquiring where I was and the rest of the workers. I informed him of my arrangements and that our on site contact was aware and was notifed days prior of my travel arrangements. He then began to complain about the other workers tardiness. None of them were at work at 6am and they were supposed to be there by 5am. He was furious because the main person (Brandon) in charge of the event didn't show up on time and wasn't answering the phone. He also stated that he called everyone who was supposed to be working and none of them were answering the phone. However, I told him that I would meet him at the event. I arrived at the event on time just in case if anyone would arrive, I could help set up. Since Harlem blocked off all of 135 street from the bridge to St. Nicholas, I had to park on 141st and 5th avenue. Then I realized I had to walk so far to where Hot 97 was supposed to set up at. We were located at 135th street and St. Nicholas. Walking long Manhattan blocks when its hot felt like walking in a desert without water and an umbrella. When arriving to my destination, I realized no one from the station was there yet. I finally decided to call the part timer who was at the station by himself to see if anyone has arrived or if they left yet. Unfortunately, he stated that he didn't leave yet and that no one has even arrived yet to the station. I was appauld about this statement because it was already 7:30am and they were supposed to be there half hour prior.
Since no one was there and I had nothing to do. I just decided to just wait out on a stoop for their arrival. When 8am reached, sister station Kiss Fm arrived. They were shocked that I was still the only one on site and on time. They informed me that there was only one person on site representing the station. The good news was that they brought out a Hot 97 banner for me to start setting up.
Close to 9am, that is when the rest of the workers decided to arrive. Without even speaking to anyone, we jumped into setting up for our event. We posted up banners on every single gate, wall and corner. We then had to proceed in setting up a tent and a table so we can begin the event. In this tent we had a table setup with DVD's, CD's, flyers, posters, video games and books. For them to win this prize they had to either answer questions on Hot 97 or spin the trivia wheel we had.
When the event started our table was an instant hit. Everyone was winning prizes from us. We even had a long line from our booth to the street corner. In order for them to to get a prize, they had to either spin the wheel and/or answer a Hot 97 trivia question. For example, we would ask them who are the three host of the morning show (which are Cipha Sounds, Peter Rosenberg and K Foxx) and who is the voice of New York (Angie Martinez).
Even though we were under a tent, it felt like the sun was just piercing on us. It was even 95 degrees in the shade(seriously). In addition to us having a tent full of prizes, we had DJ WebStar (a Harlem rapper/producer) and Fabolous perform. In addition, Kiss FM brought out Brian McKnight.
Hours later, the show was still going on and I had to leave to go pick up my father. However, I couldn't leave because all roads leaving out of Harlem we're blocked. So I had to drive all of the way downtown and take the highway around to get my father. Unfortunately it took so long that he ended up taking a cab home from the airport.
Overall, I really enjoyed the event. Even though there was a lack of communication going on with our travel plans, we still managed to put on a successful event. There was a good crowd, and positive energy circiling around all of us.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Street Team Apperance vs. Promotions Assistant
Yesterday was one of the best days at work. Not because something extraordinary happened but that time went by fast and I left early. The day started out with me arriving to work and preparing an event bag. This was the first day that I didn't get to partake in my usual routine (by checking the voicemails first). This was because I had a street team appearance in the early part of the day. I was extremely happy because I got to take a break from the office and interact with people out on the street. Since the event was twelve (12) pm, we left the station at 10:30am so we can have ample time in getting to the event as well as setting up. However, before we left, we packed our CDJ turntable system, two big speakers, two tables, table cloth and a standard event bag (that has promotional CD's, tape, scissors, posters, flyers and giveaways).
When checking our event sheet, we realized that we were taking the Funk Master Flex Escalade. When we brought the car to the station, we quickly packed it with all of our equipment. This was the first event that I went to that we packed more than the standard amount of equipment (because it was an outside event). When we got into the Escalade, I was really happy because this event was taking place in my neighborhood, Castle Hill (in the Bronx). Even though I really don't associate myself with people in the area, I was extremely excited because it was a familiar setting. Also, this was going to be a superb event because Castle Hill is very diverse. The demographic is predominately Hispanic, than Guyanese Indians and then to Blacks. Also with a diverse age group composed of babies to senior citizens.
Driving to the event, I realized that I was doing another Verizon store event. This frustrated me because the last Verizon store event I did, the owner wanted us to give all of the customers a description of all of the phones and accessories while all of the other store representatives stopped working. However, I maintained my composure and realized that both stores probably had different job descriptions for us. Arriving at the venue, I realized that the Verizon store was not a corporate store but in fact a private, small store. Entering, I was notified that our on site contact has not arrived but until he came, we could set up. While setting up, we began to draw a crowd of spectators and of people asking for free promotional items. I instantly notified the crowd to come back in half an hour so we could finish setting up.
When we finished setting up, just like the Lil Wayne concert at Jones beach, my other street team member Erick was on the microphone for the entire shift. This was good because he drew a lot of attention to the store which allowed people to stop by and interact with us, receive promotional items and to also check out the newest deals that the Verizon store was advertising. We were also giving away four Dereon (Beyonce's clothing line)prize bags that had a t-shirt and a hat. These were for the people who could answer our Hot 97 trivia questions. So many people wanted to win these prizes. However, first we would make them speak with a store representative and check out the phones, then they would get a chance to win the prize.
Some of the trivia questions we asked was if they can name five jocs on our station, five DJ's on the station, who are the hosts of the morning show?, Name ten artist at Summer Jam and etc. Many people tried to win the Dereon prize pack but most did not know the answers to our questions. However, towards the end of our appearance, we had four avid Hot 97 listeners who knew the answers to our trivia and received their prizes. The winners all got to take picture with their gift bags in front of the Hot 97 banner that we placed inside of the store. The other contestants received posters and CD's as a means of being a good sport. After all of our prizes were given away, we handed out flyers advertising the Verizon's stores phone deals and also advertising it live on the microphone. Throughout the event we had a lot of people coming into the store checking out the merchandise and requesting songs for us to play (because I was DJin live outside the store). The workers at the store was very pleased with the turnout.
Even though this was a two hour event, it seemed to go by rather quickly. There was a good crowd, we had good giveaways and my mother also stopped by to show support. When the event finished we packed up our equipment, got our stations report card filled out by the Bronx manager of the Verizon stores (since the on-site contact never arrived). Coming back to the station, we unpacked all of the equipment to the designated spots. As soon as that finished I was immediately given a plethora of assignments to accomplish. I had to call prospective Fall interns, deal with contest winners coming into to claim their prize. Also, I had to help out with packing equipment away for another big event that we are doing Sunday called Harlem Weekend. This event is a kin to summer jam when comparing hours. We have to arrive on site 5am and the event finishes 10pm. However, we have to clean up, pack and bring everything back to the station and unpack there.
When finished with all of this everyone was leaving and I took the opportunity to leave as well. Even though it was 7pm, I felt like it was an early day for me to leave. Overall, I enjoyed yesterday because it was a day where I had the best of both world. This was with working an appearance and than ended it off with working in the office.
When checking our event sheet, we realized that we were taking the Funk Master Flex Escalade. When we brought the car to the station, we quickly packed it with all of our equipment. This was the first event that I went to that we packed more than the standard amount of equipment (because it was an outside event). When we got into the Escalade, I was really happy because this event was taking place in my neighborhood, Castle Hill (in the Bronx). Even though I really don't associate myself with people in the area, I was extremely excited because it was a familiar setting. Also, this was going to be a superb event because Castle Hill is very diverse. The demographic is predominately Hispanic, than Guyanese Indians and then to Blacks. Also with a diverse age group composed of babies to senior citizens.
Driving to the event, I realized that I was doing another Verizon store event. This frustrated me because the last Verizon store event I did, the owner wanted us to give all of the customers a description of all of the phones and accessories while all of the other store representatives stopped working. However, I maintained my composure and realized that both stores probably had different job descriptions for us. Arriving at the venue, I realized that the Verizon store was not a corporate store but in fact a private, small store. Entering, I was notified that our on site contact has not arrived but until he came, we could set up. While setting up, we began to draw a crowd of spectators and of people asking for free promotional items. I instantly notified the crowd to come back in half an hour so we could finish setting up.
When we finished setting up, just like the Lil Wayne concert at Jones beach, my other street team member Erick was on the microphone for the entire shift. This was good because he drew a lot of attention to the store which allowed people to stop by and interact with us, receive promotional items and to also check out the newest deals that the Verizon store was advertising. We were also giving away four Dereon (Beyonce's clothing line)prize bags that had a t-shirt and a hat. These were for the people who could answer our Hot 97 trivia questions. So many people wanted to win these prizes. However, first we would make them speak with a store representative and check out the phones, then they would get a chance to win the prize.
Some of the trivia questions we asked was if they can name five jocs on our station, five DJ's on the station, who are the hosts of the morning show?, Name ten artist at Summer Jam and etc. Many people tried to win the Dereon prize pack but most did not know the answers to our questions. However, towards the end of our appearance, we had four avid Hot 97 listeners who knew the answers to our trivia and received their prizes. The winners all got to take picture with their gift bags in front of the Hot 97 banner that we placed inside of the store. The other contestants received posters and CD's as a means of being a good sport. After all of our prizes were given away, we handed out flyers advertising the Verizon's stores phone deals and also advertising it live on the microphone. Throughout the event we had a lot of people coming into the store checking out the merchandise and requesting songs for us to play (because I was DJin live outside the store). The workers at the store was very pleased with the turnout.
Even though this was a two hour event, it seemed to go by rather quickly. There was a good crowd, we had good giveaways and my mother also stopped by to show support. When the event finished we packed up our equipment, got our stations report card filled out by the Bronx manager of the Verizon stores (since the on-site contact never arrived). Coming back to the station, we unpacked all of the equipment to the designated spots. As soon as that finished I was immediately given a plethora of assignments to accomplish. I had to call prospective Fall interns, deal with contest winners coming into to claim their prize. Also, I had to help out with packing equipment away for another big event that we are doing Sunday called Harlem Weekend. This event is a kin to summer jam when comparing hours. We have to arrive on site 5am and the event finishes 10pm. However, we have to clean up, pack and bring everything back to the station and unpack there.
When finished with all of this everyone was leaving and I took the opportunity to leave as well. Even though it was 7pm, I felt like it was an early day for me to leave. Overall, I enjoyed yesterday because it was a day where I had the best of both world. This was with working an appearance and than ended it off with working in the office.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Alternative Day at work
Yesterday, I arrived at work and felt awkward. It was probably because this wasn't my normal day of schedule. I normally work only Monday, Wednesday, Friday. However, since I was absent on Monday (due to me being in Florida for my cousins wedding), I decided to make up the day so I could maintain my perfect attendance record that I have this summer. Coming into work, I was introduced to an entire new staff of Hot 97 workers. From the security guards to the part timers who only work Tuesdays and Thursdays. When I noticed this, I thought today was going to be a rough day. This is because I had to get acquainted with people that I wasn't accustomed in working with.
However, when I arrived in the Promotions Department, everything changed. This was because people didn't matter because the assignments needed to be completed. There was still a lot of work that needed to be completed. Also, luckily I came into work that day because we were short an intern, a couple of part-timers, Senior Promotions Director and our Director of Promotions for Hot 97, Kiss FM and RXP. Hence, the entire office was quiet. Also,Taneka was supposed to be out of the office but surprisingly she came in because there were too many people not in attendance (however, she was leaving early).
As usual, when I came in, I went straight into my daily ritual of checking all the department voicemails. This took about an hour then I proceeded to calling the contest winners who's event was this week or weekend. Normally, the week of an event, we call the winners everyday until they come and pick up there tickets(this is so they can get a constant reminder that there tickets are at the station ready for pick up. Most of the time the winners would come the last day to claim their prize). This week was the contest winners of the John Legend Concert featuring India Arie, Mister Cee and Funk Master Flex last summer Cruise ride and The Hot Smoking Presents: De La Soul. As you can see, yesterday was a busy day with just dealing with contest winners. However, I also had to finish the assignments that I left to do the previous day.
These assignments were to pack event bags, call possibly promotions department Fall interns and schedule and interview time with them. This took awhile because a lot of people faxed resumes and cover letters as a means of applying for the internship. Total, we scheduled ten (10) interviews for the upcoming week. While doing this, winners are coming in to claim their prizes rapidly. The next step of the internship process was to interview the people that we scheduled for that day. I was happy about this because I wanted to see who they were going to hire for the fall semester. When the first person came in, Taneka allowed me to take part in the first portion of the interview (which would be me and Ashely). The second portion is if we approved, they would meet with Taneka. I was extremely excited about this because they actually wanted my input in choosing the upcoming interns. When the first person came, I was anxious. We sat him down in the conference room, got his portfolio with his resume and cover letter and began the interview process. My role in the interviews was to state the role of an intern and to give a brief description of a days work. When it was time for him to speak, he was so nervous that he didn't know what to say. Every question we asked he answered something completely opposite of what we asked. Instantly, I didn't feel he should be hired. That and that he wore club apparel to and interview. He had a big fake diamond chain, ring and matching watch. When we finished, we went back and told Taneka our opinion and she gave us a business card to hand to him. As you can see, he didn't make it to the second round. When the second person came in, he didn't want to here anything about and internship, he wanted a part-time or full time position. We were so upset because he wasted our time because he knew what he was applying for. He is another one who received a business card.
When that finished, I proceeded in accomplishing my task because it was 5pm. When I began to pack up and leave, Taneka asked if I wanted to work last minute at the John Legend concert. Instantly I accepted because it was an invite to sit in the VIP Suite boxes with our special winners and radio show joc (Big Dennis). All I had to do was take attendance and then enjoy the show. In addition, I received five (5) tickets for me to invite my friends to accompany me to the show.
When my five friends and I arrived to the show, I began to feel like a important and rich. This is because I was given the full VIP treatment. Overall, I enjoyed the show and everyone that was in the suite with me. I also felt accomplished because they had me for the first time do and event solo. All the pressure was on me but I succeeded. In conclusion, it was a long day that was not in my schedule but was glad that I worked. This showed determination, ambition and responsibility. Also, I enjoyed everything because when you have a job that you enjoy, you begin to reap with all the benefits.
However, when I arrived in the Promotions Department, everything changed. This was because people didn't matter because the assignments needed to be completed. There was still a lot of work that needed to be completed. Also, luckily I came into work that day because we were short an intern, a couple of part-timers, Senior Promotions Director and our Director of Promotions for Hot 97, Kiss FM and RXP. Hence, the entire office was quiet. Also,Taneka was supposed to be out of the office but surprisingly she came in because there were too many people not in attendance (however, she was leaving early).
As usual, when I came in, I went straight into my daily ritual of checking all the department voicemails. This took about an hour then I proceeded to calling the contest winners who's event was this week or weekend. Normally, the week of an event, we call the winners everyday until they come and pick up there tickets(this is so they can get a constant reminder that there tickets are at the station ready for pick up. Most of the time the winners would come the last day to claim their prize). This week was the contest winners of the John Legend Concert featuring India Arie, Mister Cee and Funk Master Flex last summer Cruise ride and The Hot Smoking Presents: De La Soul. As you can see, yesterday was a busy day with just dealing with contest winners. However, I also had to finish the assignments that I left to do the previous day.
These assignments were to pack event bags, call possibly promotions department Fall interns and schedule and interview time with them. This took awhile because a lot of people faxed resumes and cover letters as a means of applying for the internship. Total, we scheduled ten (10) interviews for the upcoming week. While doing this, winners are coming in to claim their prizes rapidly. The next step of the internship process was to interview the people that we scheduled for that day. I was happy about this because I wanted to see who they were going to hire for the fall semester. When the first person came in, Taneka allowed me to take part in the first portion of the interview (which would be me and Ashely). The second portion is if we approved, they would meet with Taneka. I was extremely excited about this because they actually wanted my input in choosing the upcoming interns. When the first person came, I was anxious. We sat him down in the conference room, got his portfolio with his resume and cover letter and began the interview process. My role in the interviews was to state the role of an intern and to give a brief description of a days work. When it was time for him to speak, he was so nervous that he didn't know what to say. Every question we asked he answered something completely opposite of what we asked. Instantly, I didn't feel he should be hired. That and that he wore club apparel to and interview. He had a big fake diamond chain, ring and matching watch. When we finished, we went back and told Taneka our opinion and she gave us a business card to hand to him. As you can see, he didn't make it to the second round. When the second person came in, he didn't want to here anything about and internship, he wanted a part-time or full time position. We were so upset because he wasted our time because he knew what he was applying for. He is another one who received a business card.
When that finished, I proceeded in accomplishing my task because it was 5pm. When I began to pack up and leave, Taneka asked if I wanted to work last minute at the John Legend concert. Instantly I accepted because it was an invite to sit in the VIP Suite boxes with our special winners and radio show joc (Big Dennis). All I had to do was take attendance and then enjoy the show. In addition, I received five (5) tickets for me to invite my friends to accompany me to the show.
When my five friends and I arrived to the show, I began to feel like a important and rich. This is because I was given the full VIP treatment. Overall, I enjoyed the show and everyone that was in the suite with me. I also felt accomplished because they had me for the first time do and event solo. All the pressure was on me but I succeeded. In conclusion, it was a long day that was not in my schedule but was glad that I worked. This showed determination, ambition and responsibility. Also, I enjoyed everything because when you have a job that you enjoy, you begin to reap with all the benefits.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Back from Florida and Back to Work
Today was my first day back to work from my short weekend excursion to Florida. It felt like I haven't missed anything. I arrived early and was put straight to work. I was shocked because my boss was already at work before me and I have arrived at 8:30am. As usual, I started off with my daily work ritual. I began with checking the voicemails for the department and the two bosses. As usual, it was a lot of messages for me to check which took me about an hour. Called back all of the people who I can help on my own and solved their issues. Also, I was given assignments that I was supposed to accomplish throughout the day. These assignments were to call all of the contest winners for the upcoming week, distribute prizes to the winners, create event bags and to enter all of the new winners into Promosuites.
After checking all of our messages, I proceeded onto entering all of the new winners into Promosuites. These winners won tickets to the Sean Paul Concert, Who's Next Slaughter House Concert, Maxwell Concert, On Da Reggae Tip Concert, Queen Latifah Concert and also for De La Soul. This took a long time because there was a lot of different contests won over the weekend. Also, it was hard to decipher the information put on the contest sheets because the interns in the studio tend to write horribly (to the point that we have to strain to read what they wrote). Sometimes we would have to call the winners back to make sure they gave us the accurate information so we can understand it and use it for future reference.
After finishing this, I went onto calling all of the new contest winners that were just entered into the system. This was another task that took entirely too long. This was because we did not have a full staff in office today. We were missing one of the main part-timers and two interns. All of the work was just left for me and another intern name Justin. Even though the assignments were not so intense, they were very tedious. At that time as usual, a lot of people came to claim their tickets. They were coming in rapidly from 1pm-5pm. And as usual, I am the only intern to allowed to get all of the tickets. Which made the task seem like I was entitled to do it myself.
By the time I was finished with all of this, it was 5pm. I couldn't stay late today because I had to meet up with my mother. Also, the other intern, Justin, had to leave early as well to tend to some personal matters. Even though I was supposed to leave work exactly at 5pm, I stayed a little longer so I could help out with some last minute preparations that we were doing for this weekends event (called Harlem Day). This is a big Harlem festival that is for the community where Hot 97 and our sister station plays a crucial part in.
By the time I was packing up to leave, I realized that there was still many assignments that I have not finished for the day. I had to leave it for tomorrow. The left over assignments were to call the rest of the winners as well as enter in upcoming text messaging contest for the station and creating event bags. Also, I had to remind myself to create a list of all the winners and the contest they won. All of this is supposed to be my assignment for tomorrow.
After checking all of our messages, I proceeded onto entering all of the new winners into Promosuites. These winners won tickets to the Sean Paul Concert, Who's Next Slaughter House Concert, Maxwell Concert, On Da Reggae Tip Concert, Queen Latifah Concert and also for De La Soul. This took a long time because there was a lot of different contests won over the weekend. Also, it was hard to decipher the information put on the contest sheets because the interns in the studio tend to write horribly (to the point that we have to strain to read what they wrote). Sometimes we would have to call the winners back to make sure they gave us the accurate information so we can understand it and use it for future reference.
After finishing this, I went onto calling all of the new contest winners that were just entered into the system. This was another task that took entirely too long. This was because we did not have a full staff in office today. We were missing one of the main part-timers and two interns. All of the work was just left for me and another intern name Justin. Even though the assignments were not so intense, they were very tedious. At that time as usual, a lot of people came to claim their tickets. They were coming in rapidly from 1pm-5pm. And as usual, I am the only intern to allowed to get all of the tickets. Which made the task seem like I was entitled to do it myself.
By the time I was finished with all of this, it was 5pm. I couldn't stay late today because I had to meet up with my mother. Also, the other intern, Justin, had to leave early as well to tend to some personal matters. Even though I was supposed to leave work exactly at 5pm, I stayed a little longer so I could help out with some last minute preparations that we were doing for this weekends event (called Harlem Day). This is a big Harlem festival that is for the community where Hot 97 and our sister station plays a crucial part in.
By the time I was packing up to leave, I realized that there was still many assignments that I have not finished for the day. I had to leave it for tomorrow. The left over assignments were to call the rest of the winners as well as enter in upcoming text messaging contest for the station and creating event bags. Also, I had to remind myself to create a list of all the winners and the contest they won. All of this is supposed to be my assignment for tomorrow.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, August 5th
Yesterday at work was a very long day. I arrived at 8:30am and was ready for work. As usual, I started off by checking my work email to see if I was sent any assignments that I was supposed to complete before the bosses came in. Looking through it, I realized that there weren't any. So I resumed back into my daily ritual which is to check all the voicemails in the department. I started out with our two phone lines that are designated for the promotions department assistants. After taking down these voicemails, I began to take down Donyshia's then Taneka's. When I finished taking these countless numbers of messages, I went into handling the issues that the callers were concerned about. Some of them called because they wanted to the know the stations hours and locations, others called because they either wanted to know if their tickets were ready for pick up or if they can have a street team appearance at their next event. Usually with booking a street team appearance, they would have to fax over an event flyer, a proposal and a copy of their 501C3 tax form a month prior to their event. Then we would decide if we will be participating in their event a week before the event.
After completing this task, I went on to calling the winners of the events that was taking place this week. These people were the winners of the BET Blaze The Stage contest and for tickets to the Funk Master Flex Birthday Party Bask hosted by Fabolous. Others were picking up their tickets to the Sean Paul Concert that will be taking place next week at the Highline theater. There were not a lot of people coming into picking up there tickets until late afternoon. They all came in at once and since most of the interns were at lunch, I had to tackle them all on my own. It wasn't that bad, I just had to make sure I worked with everyone in order of arrival into the station. This was to make sure that everyone was treated properly and accordingly.
When I finished that, I went to the radio studio to interview one of the most prominent DJ's of all time, DJ Mister Cee for my research paper. I went back to the studio a little early because he said I could come observe him while he was mixing live and on-air. It was a great experience because he is a person who is very focused on his craft. He zones in and blocks out all of the noise from the lobby and the other radio show booths. After he finished his show, he allowed me to conduct an exclusive interview with him. While doing the interview I was petrified. This is because he has such a hardcore exterior. When we started, he was very uneasy but allowed me to proceed with the interview. During the interview he allowed me to ask him fifteen questions and to record it. I asked him information on when he started, how he likes Hot 97, What's his greatest experience, How did he get started and etc. Of course before I interviewed him I did some research on him. However, during the interview, I learned so much about him that wasn't in any books or websites. He is a man who is dedicated to his craft and takes it serious. Also, he doesn't get excited about his own accomplishments. What excites him is by watching other people at the station grow and become known. One thing that I learned about Mister Cee is that he is an asset to the company. People around the station call him a walking musical thesaurus because he knows everything about the topic. Also, that he does not prepare songs that he is going to mix, it just comes spontaneous when he is mixing. This is beneficial to Hot 97 because he is person that represents the station. Which is Hip Hop and R&B but overall, he represents music.
After doing this, it was 4pm and I was supposed to leave and go to my street team event. This event was a Metro Plus event at the Cherry Lounge from 6pm-8pm. This was a club that was advertising health issues and insurance. However, when I started to get ready to leave for this event, I was told to stay and ask the other intern to replace me on this event because they wanted me to stay behind and enter in text messaging contest and add prizes onto our official web page. I was also told to stay because Friday one of the promotions assistants would not be there and I would also be taking a half of day and they wanted to act on her duties in her absence. We were both going to Florida (coincidentally) on Friday. However, her flight was earlier than mine so I had to still work that day but allowed to leave early.
When 5pm hit, I was assigned to entering all of the movies prizes and ticket giveaways onto the website. In doing this, I had to go on a special site called base.com and enter in the information, synopsis of the movie, characters and etc. This took about two hours because I made sure that I was very precise and accurate. I wanted to make sure their wasn't any errors. Especially since this was something that was going to be on the website for all to see.
Since that took so long, I was told to enter in the upcoming weeks works of text messaging contest for Friday to do. I ended up leaving the station at 7pm and went out with the rest of the interns. This internship has me feeling like I am really in the workforce because I work long days and then go out to Happy hour after work with the rest of the interns to discuss our day and to relax.
After completing this task, I went on to calling the winners of the events that was taking place this week. These people were the winners of the BET Blaze The Stage contest and for tickets to the Funk Master Flex Birthday Party Bask hosted by Fabolous. Others were picking up their tickets to the Sean Paul Concert that will be taking place next week at the Highline theater. There were not a lot of people coming into picking up there tickets until late afternoon. They all came in at once and since most of the interns were at lunch, I had to tackle them all on my own. It wasn't that bad, I just had to make sure I worked with everyone in order of arrival into the station. This was to make sure that everyone was treated properly and accordingly.
When I finished that, I went to the radio studio to interview one of the most prominent DJ's of all time, DJ Mister Cee for my research paper. I went back to the studio a little early because he said I could come observe him while he was mixing live and on-air. It was a great experience because he is a person who is very focused on his craft. He zones in and blocks out all of the noise from the lobby and the other radio show booths. After he finished his show, he allowed me to conduct an exclusive interview with him. While doing the interview I was petrified. This is because he has such a hardcore exterior. When we started, he was very uneasy but allowed me to proceed with the interview. During the interview he allowed me to ask him fifteen questions and to record it. I asked him information on when he started, how he likes Hot 97, What's his greatest experience, How did he get started and etc. Of course before I interviewed him I did some research on him. However, during the interview, I learned so much about him that wasn't in any books or websites. He is a man who is dedicated to his craft and takes it serious. Also, he doesn't get excited about his own accomplishments. What excites him is by watching other people at the station grow and become known. One thing that I learned about Mister Cee is that he is an asset to the company. People around the station call him a walking musical thesaurus because he knows everything about the topic. Also, that he does not prepare songs that he is going to mix, it just comes spontaneous when he is mixing. This is beneficial to Hot 97 because he is person that represents the station. Which is Hip Hop and R&B but overall, he represents music.
After doing this, it was 4pm and I was supposed to leave and go to my street team event. This event was a Metro Plus event at the Cherry Lounge from 6pm-8pm. This was a club that was advertising health issues and insurance. However, when I started to get ready to leave for this event, I was told to stay and ask the other intern to replace me on this event because they wanted me to stay behind and enter in text messaging contest and add prizes onto our official web page. I was also told to stay because Friday one of the promotions assistants would not be there and I would also be taking a half of day and they wanted to act on her duties in her absence. We were both going to Florida (coincidentally) on Friday. However, her flight was earlier than mine so I had to still work that day but allowed to leave early.
When 5pm hit, I was assigned to entering all of the movies prizes and ticket giveaways onto the website. In doing this, I had to go on a special site called base.com and enter in the information, synopsis of the movie, characters and etc. This took about two hours because I made sure that I was very precise and accurate. I wanted to make sure their wasn't any errors. Especially since this was something that was going to be on the website for all to see.
Since that took so long, I was told to enter in the upcoming weeks works of text messaging contest for Friday to do. I ended up leaving the station at 7pm and went out with the rest of the interns. This internship has me feeling like I am really in the workforce because I work long days and then go out to Happy hour after work with the rest of the interns to discuss our day and to relax.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
America's Most Wanted Concert
Saturday was another day that I had to work an event. I was really excited about this event because I was going to work the America's Most Wanted Concert: featuring Lil Wayne, Drake, Young Jeezy, Souljah Boy and Jeremih at the Nikon Theater on Jones Beach. The concert didn't start until 6:30pm but I had to meet at the station at 1pm to pack our equipment and event bags. Also, we had to be at the event for the pre-show by 4pm.
The drive to the event was supposed to be a fifty minutes but due to heavy traffic it took two hours long. Leaving the station at 2pm we arrived at the event at 4pm (which was supposed to be our start time). We (Erick and I) had to rush to being our equipment to our spot at the location. While Erick went to park the Interactive (our transportation), I went to set up our booth. I unpacked our Hot 97 table cloth, laid out the posters, two tear drop and two pull up banners, t-shirts, CD's and Lifestyle t-shirts and condoms. After that, I set up the fender to play the music and to also speak on the microphone.
When he came back, we hooked up our ipods to play music and our booth was finally open and ready for business. It was like we were the pied pipers because as soon as we started playing the music, people plagued the table. Due to the vast number of people coming to our booth trying to obtain promotional items, we had to play games with them as a way of limiting the number of items we distribute. Everyone could take the flyers and condoms, but if you wanted to get a t-shirt, poster or CD, we would ask them trivia questions on Hot 97. For example, a guy wanted one of the CD's we had laid out on the table. Instead of just giving it to him we asked him a question about Hot 97. We asked him to name five radio station DJ's. He could only name two. We couldn't give him the CD because he didn't know the answer. Five people later, someone finally got the answer and they won the prize. After the girl won her CD, the crowd cheered and we took the picture of her with the prize she won with the Hot 97 banner in the background. While this was going on, the other street team member was on the microphone MC'in our interactions with the crowd and also telling people to come to our booth and check out our promotional items.
By the time the show started (at 6:30pm), all of our promotional items were done. This was the first event that I have ever done that everything we brought was given away. Also, I was happy that we only had to work until the concert started because I wanted to see it. When the concert started, Erick went to get the Interactive while I packed up all our posters, banners, table cloth and fender. When he came back everything was packed and we brought it back to the Interactive to load.
Afterwards, I went to watch a little of the concert. I didn't want to stay too long because I didn't know anyone there and really couldn't have enjoyed myself like I normally would if my friends were there. Besides the only artist I wanted to see were Souljah Boy and Young Jeezy. After I watched their performances, we left. We didn't want to get stuck in the after concert traffic.
We left the concert venue at 8pm. Even though we left before the concert was finished, we arrived back at the station at 10pm. We were stuck in another two hour traffic jam. Most people were leaving Jones Beach because it was the only day out of the week that we were not expecting rain and it was also up to 90 degrees. When we got back to the station, we unpacked all of our equipment, uploaded the pictures of the event and filled out our Event Re-Cap Sheet. This sheet entails of naming the event, the demographic, age group and other info regarding our appearance.
After completing all of that, I finally left the station to take the train home. I reached home 11:30pm. Overall, the event was good and tiring. It was a long day and all I wanted to do afterwards was sleep. The event was good because of the turnout and especially because the crowd had a high positive energy. I also enjoyed this event because of the weather and that we (Hot 97) had the one booth that was providing music and that had the biggest turnout of people.
The drive to the event was supposed to be a fifty minutes but due to heavy traffic it took two hours long. Leaving the station at 2pm we arrived at the event at 4pm (which was supposed to be our start time). We (Erick and I) had to rush to being our equipment to our spot at the location. While Erick went to park the Interactive (our transportation), I went to set up our booth. I unpacked our Hot 97 table cloth, laid out the posters, two tear drop and two pull up banners, t-shirts, CD's and Lifestyle t-shirts and condoms. After that, I set up the fender to play the music and to also speak on the microphone.
When he came back, we hooked up our ipods to play music and our booth was finally open and ready for business. It was like we were the pied pipers because as soon as we started playing the music, people plagued the table. Due to the vast number of people coming to our booth trying to obtain promotional items, we had to play games with them as a way of limiting the number of items we distribute. Everyone could take the flyers and condoms, but if you wanted to get a t-shirt, poster or CD, we would ask them trivia questions on Hot 97. For example, a guy wanted one of the CD's we had laid out on the table. Instead of just giving it to him we asked him a question about Hot 97. We asked him to name five radio station DJ's. He could only name two. We couldn't give him the CD because he didn't know the answer. Five people later, someone finally got the answer and they won the prize. After the girl won her CD, the crowd cheered and we took the picture of her with the prize she won with the Hot 97 banner in the background. While this was going on, the other street team member was on the microphone MC'in our interactions with the crowd and also telling people to come to our booth and check out our promotional items.
By the time the show started (at 6:30pm), all of our promotional items were done. This was the first event that I have ever done that everything we brought was given away. Also, I was happy that we only had to work until the concert started because I wanted to see it. When the concert started, Erick went to get the Interactive while I packed up all our posters, banners, table cloth and fender. When he came back everything was packed and we brought it back to the Interactive to load.
Afterwards, I went to watch a little of the concert. I didn't want to stay too long because I didn't know anyone there and really couldn't have enjoyed myself like I normally would if my friends were there. Besides the only artist I wanted to see were Souljah Boy and Young Jeezy. After I watched their performances, we left. We didn't want to get stuck in the after concert traffic.
We left the concert venue at 8pm. Even though we left before the concert was finished, we arrived back at the station at 10pm. We were stuck in another two hour traffic jam. Most people were leaving Jones Beach because it was the only day out of the week that we were not expecting rain and it was also up to 90 degrees. When we got back to the station, we unpacked all of our equipment, uploaded the pictures of the event and filled out our Event Re-Cap Sheet. This sheet entails of naming the event, the demographic, age group and other info regarding our appearance.
After completing all of that, I finally left the station to take the train home. I reached home 11:30pm. Overall, the event was good and tiring. It was a long day and all I wanted to do afterwards was sleep. The event was good because of the turnout and especially because the crowd had a high positive energy. I also enjoyed this event because of the weather and that we (Hot 97) had the one booth that was providing music and that had the biggest turnout of people.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
My day at work on Friday
Yesterday was a a regular day at work. I gave out tickets to the contestant winners, entered in upcoming text messaging contests and answered/gave phone calls. However, I knew it was going to be a long day because after my work shift, I would have to do an event. The only unusual part of the day was that we received a vast excess of callers concerned about our sister's station 101 RXP's (rock 'n' roll) event which was featuring a special segment with Jay-Z. Some people were coming in picking up tickets for this concert (that was an all day event). Others were calling because there was a weather advisory warning everyone about the heavy rain that was going to happen in throughout the day. Most people were calling because they wanted to exchange their prizes (which they are not allowed to). However, the concert was to be going on all day rain or shine.
When 5pm reached, I was very happy because I could receive some extra tickets to the America's Most Wanted Concert: featuring Lil Wayne, Drake, Young Jeezy, Souljah Boy and Jeremih. I was so happy about those extra tickets that I received because I am a fan of Young Jeezy and Souljah Boy. However, before I left for my event, I was told that I was also going to be working that event. I was very happy because i wouldn't have to pay for tickets, gas, toll and parking (times are very hard).
Going to my event, I found I was working at a club called Katra on Bowery street downtown Manhattan. This club was 21 and older and most of the people were in the early 20s. When arriving to this event, we found out that we were supposed to be helping the club advertise Corona along with the Corona girl models. Our contact person was informing us that he wanted us to give out free promotional items and tickets to our upcoming concert. Upon his request we did and the tickets we gave out were two pairs of tickets to Hot 97 presents: De La Soul concert. At this event I was on the microphone advertising the station and also the prizes and giveaways. We were also taking pictures of the crowd with our promotional items as well as with us interacting with them.
Overall, my first club event was not all as exciting as I thought it would be. The only thing I really didn't like about this event was working with their staff. The staff at this club was being really uncooperative. Also, the club was rather small but ironically packed full of people. The staff also didn't want us to post any of our banners up but ironically wanted to announce that we were present in the building. Our event finished at exactly 9pm. Afterwards, we headed back to the station to do a recap and to return the equipment.
When 5pm reached, I was very happy because I could receive some extra tickets to the America's Most Wanted Concert: featuring Lil Wayne, Drake, Young Jeezy, Souljah Boy and Jeremih. I was so happy about those extra tickets that I received because I am a fan of Young Jeezy and Souljah Boy. However, before I left for my event, I was told that I was also going to be working that event. I was very happy because i wouldn't have to pay for tickets, gas, toll and parking (times are very hard).
Going to my event, I found I was working at a club called Katra on Bowery street downtown Manhattan. This club was 21 and older and most of the people were in the early 20s. When arriving to this event, we found out that we were supposed to be helping the club advertise Corona along with the Corona girl models. Our contact person was informing us that he wanted us to give out free promotional items and tickets to our upcoming concert. Upon his request we did and the tickets we gave out were two pairs of tickets to Hot 97 presents: De La Soul concert. At this event I was on the microphone advertising the station and also the prizes and giveaways. We were also taking pictures of the crowd with our promotional items as well as with us interacting with them.
Overall, my first club event was not all as exciting as I thought it would be. The only thing I really didn't like about this event was working with their staff. The staff at this club was being really uncooperative. Also, the club was rather small but ironically packed full of people. The staff also didn't want us to post any of our banners up but ironically wanted to announce that we were present in the building. Our event finished at exactly 9pm. Afterwards, we headed back to the station to do a recap and to return the equipment.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Friday, July 24th
These past two weeks have been very hectic at work and also at home. Preparing for events at work, accomplishing my summer blogs/paper and getting ready for school. However, Friday was very unusual. The office seemed like ghost town because most of the departments heads in promotions were absent. The department was ran by a few part- timers and interns. However, we were very busy during my shift due to the high numbers of contestant winners entering the office to claim their prizes. That week was full of contestants coming to pick up their Beyonce tickets (mainly) and other prizes. The Beyonce concert was that night and everyone was picking up their tickets. Usually, if there are left over tickets in the office, they can be distributed to people in the office. Everyone in the office was overly anxious for 5pm to reach so they can get the remaining tickets to that concert.
However, before 5pm reached I had a lot of assignments to accomplish. Due to the minimal number of staff, we had to finish everything in a timely fashion. I had to enter in all of the weekend text messaging contests. These contest I had to enter was on a site called Vibescm.com. This site was created to enter in ALL of the contest that Hot 97 promotes throughout the station. While entering for the weekend, I also had to enter for the upcoming week since I was giving the contest upfront and early. While entering into Vibescm.com, I had to enter the dates and times I want the contest to be ran, label each contest, and finally list which contestant to win (it could be the 97th, the last contestant or whichever way).
My next task was to create the upcoming weeks event bags. There were six upcoming events that I had to create. In a standard bag, there has to be scissors, tape, sharpies, tables clothes, promotional CD's, Hot 97 Summer Jam posters, joc cards and t-shirts. However, they do not let everyone create these bags because some people don't have common sense. For example, there was an event at a Verizon store that we had to create a bag for and someone packed Boost Mobile t-shirts in the bag. Luckily, the street team members who went to this event saw it and didn't take the shirts out the bag. However, if they did, Hot 97 could have been sued for that big mistake. As a result, I am responsible for creating these bags every week.
Finally, after accomplishing all my assigned task, 5pm reached and a lot of Hot 97 employees ran into the office to get the left over Beyonce tickets. However, we didn't have any left over because the contestants came to claim their prize. While I was packing up to leave, I was giving by two of the workers the last pair of Beyonce tickets. They gave it to me as a birthday gift (since my birthday was that Tuesday). I was extremely happy because I really wanted to go that concert. As soon as I got the tickets I stormed out of the office and called my cousin and invited her. We had to rush to New Jersey because the concert was in the next two hours.
Overall, I was so happy that they gave me (especially the last pair of) Beyonce tickets because it was a great birthday gift and I really enjoyed the show. With them doing this great deed I was really appreciative because they didn't have to do it. It also showed me that I would really like to work at this company in the future.
However, before 5pm reached I had a lot of assignments to accomplish. Due to the minimal number of staff, we had to finish everything in a timely fashion. I had to enter in all of the weekend text messaging contests. These contest I had to enter was on a site called Vibescm.com. This site was created to enter in ALL of the contest that Hot 97 promotes throughout the station. While entering for the weekend, I also had to enter for the upcoming week since I was giving the contest upfront and early. While entering into Vibescm.com, I had to enter the dates and times I want the contest to be ran, label each contest, and finally list which contestant to win (it could be the 97th, the last contestant or whichever way).
My next task was to create the upcoming weeks event bags. There were six upcoming events that I had to create. In a standard bag, there has to be scissors, tape, sharpies, tables clothes, promotional CD's, Hot 97 Summer Jam posters, joc cards and t-shirts. However, they do not let everyone create these bags because some people don't have common sense. For example, there was an event at a Verizon store that we had to create a bag for and someone packed Boost Mobile t-shirts in the bag. Luckily, the street team members who went to this event saw it and didn't take the shirts out the bag. However, if they did, Hot 97 could have been sued for that big mistake. As a result, I am responsible for creating these bags every week.
Finally, after accomplishing all my assigned task, 5pm reached and a lot of Hot 97 employees ran into the office to get the left over Beyonce tickets. However, we didn't have any left over because the contestants came to claim their prize. While I was packing up to leave, I was giving by two of the workers the last pair of Beyonce tickets. They gave it to me as a birthday gift (since my birthday was that Tuesday). I was extremely happy because I really wanted to go that concert. As soon as I got the tickets I stormed out of the office and called my cousin and invited her. We had to rush to New Jersey because the concert was in the next two hours.
Overall, I was so happy that they gave me (especially the last pair of) Beyonce tickets because it was a great birthday gift and I really enjoyed the show. With them doing this great deed I was really appreciative because they didn't have to do it. It also showed me that I would really like to work at this company in the future.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
One of the longest days at the station
Like any other day, I arrived at work 8:30am (even though I don't official start until 9am). Upon arrival, I started off with checking the voicemails for my department, my boss Taneka and the main boss Donyshia. I always like to arrive early so I can do this so when they walk in, I can give them their phone memos. With me doing this, they can see that I am a hard-worker and a person who likes to start work as soon as I arrive at the station. Also, I like coming into the station that early because I get to settle in before everyone else comes in at 9am or 10am.
Throughout the day, my main focus was making sure I distributed all of the tickets to the winners who came into the station to claim their prize. Today I knew it was going to be very busy because it was the last day to pick up tickets to the Asher Roth and Kid Cudi duo concert that was that night as well as the Rock the Bells concert that is this Sunday. This concert features Nas, Kymani Marley and many other artist as well as another Funk Master Flex bike and car show. It seemed like every 5 seconds there was a winner entering the station. The interns and I were in charge of distributing the tickets to the winners. Even though there were 4 of us, we were still busy. This is because, while giving out the tickets, we also had to take care of the phone lines, call the new contest winners to let them know there prize was there and ready for pick up as well as pack the equipment for the street team appearances that day and for the weekend.
While taking on our assignments for the day, I noticed that Taneka was very frustrated and upset. I didn't know why she was in such a mood but I made it my duty to stay out of her way. When 5pm reached all the interns left and I stayed behind because there was a lot of incomplete assignments and the deadlines for it is Monday. While staying behind, I was doing many assignments that the full time PAYING workers were supposed usually assigned to. However, I was doing it because by 7pm, all the of the full time workers left except for me Taneka and a part timer name Ashley.
After hours, I was in charge of conducting all of air checks. Air Checks is a process of validating when a contestant wins an on-air prize. I have to go to our recorded show records and jot down the exact time the person won and who show they won on. For example, Hot 97 is giving away Beyonce concert tickets. A winner won these tickets on the show on Wednesday. My assignment was to find out which radio joc was giving away the ticket and find out what time the person won the prize. In this case, I found out that the show the contestant won on was during the Angie Martinez Show (which is every weekday from 3pm-7pm). However, this person won at 5:06pm. I had to write the time down on their contest sheet and get it approved by Angie herself. I was very excited in doing this task because this job is usually for the full time workers and people they trust. Taneka than told me that I was in charge of doing this all the days I worked.
When 10pm hit, my boss finally told me why she was upset throughout the day. She told me people were stealing tickets and she didn't know who did it. She believes it was one of the interns because we are the only ones who are in charge of distributing the tickets. While she was telling this story I was furious because usually when one person messes up, we are all penalized for it. However, she said she knew that it wasn't me. I was glad that she said that because that means that she has some form of trust level towards to me. After that story, she said that because she trust me so much, I am charge of the ticket distribution. All of the interns have to report to me for every winner. I have to obtain the tickets from the safe and sign off on all of the prizes. I was excited about this because that means I was looked at higher than the other interns and most workers. However, I knew that the other interns were going to be upset about this because they all have been subliminally been competing to be the number one intern. Also, they would be upset because we all have the same position but I have more authority over them.
When 12am hit, I realized that I was still at the station. At this point we were almost finished completing our assignments. My last project for the night was to plug in all of her notes on all the part time workers evaluations she had with them that day. She also informed me that usually she does not let anyone see that because it is private information. When she told me this, I really felt that we were getting closer. To the point that I felt that when I come back to Hot 97 after I graduate she will be more than willing to hire me (hopefully, remember it is a recession).
Finally, 1am arrived and we were finally finished. I was ready to take the train home but Taneka insisted on taking me home. I was grateful for that because most people would have still made me find my own transportation home even after staying well beyond my assigned hours. I finally arrived home home at 1:30am.
In conclusion, even though my day was long, I was happy that I stayed. This is because of the informal relationship that Taneka and I built. In this type of career, I realized its not about how much credentials you have, but the tight networks you create. This is because these people can help you in the future. Also, I am glad I stayed because of the amount of responsibility that they gave me over most other interns and employees. However, I regret how the interns are going to view me on Monday. Well, I guess that is how it is when someone progresses to the top. Crabs in a barrel. I Love HOT 97!
Throughout the day, my main focus was making sure I distributed all of the tickets to the winners who came into the station to claim their prize. Today I knew it was going to be very busy because it was the last day to pick up tickets to the Asher Roth and Kid Cudi duo concert that was that night as well as the Rock the Bells concert that is this Sunday. This concert features Nas, Kymani Marley and many other artist as well as another Funk Master Flex bike and car show. It seemed like every 5 seconds there was a winner entering the station. The interns and I were in charge of distributing the tickets to the winners. Even though there were 4 of us, we were still busy. This is because, while giving out the tickets, we also had to take care of the phone lines, call the new contest winners to let them know there prize was there and ready for pick up as well as pack the equipment for the street team appearances that day and for the weekend.
While taking on our assignments for the day, I noticed that Taneka was very frustrated and upset. I didn't know why she was in such a mood but I made it my duty to stay out of her way. When 5pm reached all the interns left and I stayed behind because there was a lot of incomplete assignments and the deadlines for it is Monday. While staying behind, I was doing many assignments that the full time PAYING workers were supposed usually assigned to. However, I was doing it because by 7pm, all the of the full time workers left except for me Taneka and a part timer name Ashley.
After hours, I was in charge of conducting all of air checks. Air Checks is a process of validating when a contestant wins an on-air prize. I have to go to our recorded show records and jot down the exact time the person won and who show they won on. For example, Hot 97 is giving away Beyonce concert tickets. A winner won these tickets on the show on Wednesday. My assignment was to find out which radio joc was giving away the ticket and find out what time the person won the prize. In this case, I found out that the show the contestant won on was during the Angie Martinez Show (which is every weekday from 3pm-7pm). However, this person won at 5:06pm. I had to write the time down on their contest sheet and get it approved by Angie herself. I was very excited in doing this task because this job is usually for the full time workers and people they trust. Taneka than told me that I was in charge of doing this all the days I worked.
When 10pm hit, my boss finally told me why she was upset throughout the day. She told me people were stealing tickets and she didn't know who did it. She believes it was one of the interns because we are the only ones who are in charge of distributing the tickets. While she was telling this story I was furious because usually when one person messes up, we are all penalized for it. However, she said she knew that it wasn't me. I was glad that she said that because that means that she has some form of trust level towards to me. After that story, she said that because she trust me so much, I am charge of the ticket distribution. All of the interns have to report to me for every winner. I have to obtain the tickets from the safe and sign off on all of the prizes. I was excited about this because that means I was looked at higher than the other interns and most workers. However, I knew that the other interns were going to be upset about this because they all have been subliminally been competing to be the number one intern. Also, they would be upset because we all have the same position but I have more authority over them.
When 12am hit, I realized that I was still at the station. At this point we were almost finished completing our assignments. My last project for the night was to plug in all of her notes on all the part time workers evaluations she had with them that day. She also informed me that usually she does not let anyone see that because it is private information. When she told me this, I really felt that we were getting closer. To the point that I felt that when I come back to Hot 97 after I graduate she will be more than willing to hire me (hopefully, remember it is a recession).
Finally, 1am arrived and we were finally finished. I was ready to take the train home but Taneka insisted on taking me home. I was grateful for that because most people would have still made me find my own transportation home even after staying well beyond my assigned hours. I finally arrived home home at 1:30am.
In conclusion, even though my day was long, I was happy that I stayed. This is because of the informal relationship that Taneka and I built. In this type of career, I realized its not about how much credentials you have, but the tight networks you create. This is because these people can help you in the future. Also, I am glad I stayed because of the amount of responsibility that they gave me over most other interns and employees. However, I regret how the interns are going to view me on Monday. Well, I guess that is how it is when someone progresses to the top. Crabs in a barrel. I Love HOT 97!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Another last minute street team appearance
Friday after I left work at 7pm (which is early compared to most days), I took the train to go home and get ready to go out with my friends that night. When I finally got home, I was called by my department and asked if I could work the next day (an event in Queens). I told them yes hesitantly, because I didn't want to pass up on any opportunities. I was than informed that the event was going to be in Bayside Queens and I would have to meet my other street team member at the station four hours prior to the event. I was hesitant in doing this event because I was going out the night before and knew I wouldn't be back until it was time to go into work.
The next day, I was shocked that i arrived to work on time because I only had an hour worth of sleep. Also, even though I made it to work on time (at 9am), my partner for this event, Lorenzo, came in two hours late (11am). This frustrated me because he was a Hot 97 employee and I was volunteering but still knew to abide by the rules of the station. When he arrived, he said to me: "You lucky your on time". I would have told on you." When he said this, I realized this was going to be a long day. I didn't care for him at the job because he was the type of guy who was always talking negative about someone.
When we finally packed up our bags for our event, he was in there complaining the entire time. Complaining that he has to work on a Saturday and that this event will be boring. He was also saying to me vicariously, that I don't know how people will do these events and not get paid for their services. He began to realize that I was ignoring him and he just kept quiet for the remainder of the trip. Also, for this particular event, we were assigned to taking the Angie Martinez Hummer H3.
We arrived at the Verizon store in Bayside Queens two hours before our event started. In this event, were were told to tell the costumers: "Come to Verizon Wireless today and see the new, exclusive, app-friendly LG enV line-up. Like the new enV Touch with huge external touch- screen. Only $99.99 after $70 mail-in rebater debit card. Or the new enV 3, slimmer than ever. Both make perfect gifts for any Grad on your list. And both give you access to hundres of apps. Like Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, Guitar Hero and more. Plus other Verizon WIreless exclusive applications like VCAST music with Rhapsody for tunes on the go and VZ Navigator for GPS accurate, turn-by-turn directions that can take you practically anywhere. The new LG enV family. Slimmer, sleeker and better than ever. Get your hands on one today. Switch to America's Largest 3G network! New two-year activation, early termination and other fees apply. Additional charges apply for applications. COverage details at verizonwireless.com" After our on site contact Zhanna Kalen told us this, I was confused with why she wanted us to say this. This is because this is not our job description. We are supposed to just play music and tell the customers to come into the store and check out the sales. Not give a full desciption of their phones and other merchandise. That is what there sales representatives are there for. If we were bringing people into the store we should be getting their commission rather than their employees. However, reluctantly, we just did what she told us to do because we needed a good grade on our street team report card.
While doing this event, we gave away promotional Cd's, T-Shirts, DVDs and other promotional prizes (while also advertising the Verizon merchandise). This was one of the worst event that I have done. Even though the event was only two hours, were were there for three since we arrived early. Also, They made us go out on the street and give out flyer's to their store as well as play music and set up their store with both there brand flyer's and ours. Throughout the event, Lorenzo did not let me do anything. Every time I was took initiative to do something he will tell me just walk around and take pictures. I ignored him because I knew what my task was for me to do. I was supposed to be doing the same amount of work as him. Also, I was there to assist, not to just take pictures and do nothing else.
When the event was finished, we packed up and gave them our report card. As a result to us doing everything they wanted and more, we received a perfect score on our report card. Finally, we packed all of our equipment back into the Angie Martinez Hummer H3. While driving off, I realized that if we were working at this store, we would have received commissions for most of the sales.
Finally, we headed back to the station and brought all of our equipment back into the studio. Usually, we make a PowerPoint of the event, however, Lorenzo wanted me to wait two hours until he came back to the station. Nevertheless, I just left because I knew it would be longer and it wasn't my fault that he was doing another task. I told myself that I would do it Monday morning. Overall, this event was the worst event that I have done so far. However, it was a learning experience. I learned that first, you can choose the events. Two, you can not choose who you will work with and three, you are not going to like everyone you will work with but you have to make it work.
The next day, I was shocked that i arrived to work on time because I only had an hour worth of sleep. Also, even though I made it to work on time (at 9am), my partner for this event, Lorenzo, came in two hours late (11am). This frustrated me because he was a Hot 97 employee and I was volunteering but still knew to abide by the rules of the station. When he arrived, he said to me: "You lucky your on time". I would have told on you." When he said this, I realized this was going to be a long day. I didn't care for him at the job because he was the type of guy who was always talking negative about someone.
When we finally packed up our bags for our event, he was in there complaining the entire time. Complaining that he has to work on a Saturday and that this event will be boring. He was also saying to me vicariously, that I don't know how people will do these events and not get paid for their services. He began to realize that I was ignoring him and he just kept quiet for the remainder of the trip. Also, for this particular event, we were assigned to taking the Angie Martinez Hummer H3.
We arrived at the Verizon store in Bayside Queens two hours before our event started. In this event, were were told to tell the costumers: "Come to Verizon Wireless today and see the new, exclusive, app-friendly LG enV line-up. Like the new enV Touch with huge external touch- screen. Only $99.99 after $70 mail-in rebater debit card. Or the new enV 3, slimmer than ever. Both make perfect gifts for any Grad on your list. And both give you access to hundres of apps. Like Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, Guitar Hero and more. Plus other Verizon WIreless exclusive applications like VCAST music with Rhapsody for tunes on the go and VZ Navigator for GPS accurate, turn-by-turn directions that can take you practically anywhere. The new LG enV family. Slimmer, sleeker and better than ever. Get your hands on one today. Switch to America's Largest 3G network! New two-year activation, early termination and other fees apply. Additional charges apply for applications. COverage details at verizonwireless.com" After our on site contact Zhanna Kalen told us this, I was confused with why she wanted us to say this. This is because this is not our job description. We are supposed to just play music and tell the customers to come into the store and check out the sales. Not give a full desciption of their phones and other merchandise. That is what there sales representatives are there for. If we were bringing people into the store we should be getting their commission rather than their employees. However, reluctantly, we just did what she told us to do because we needed a good grade on our street team report card.
While doing this event, we gave away promotional Cd's, T-Shirts, DVDs and other promotional prizes (while also advertising the Verizon merchandise). This was one of the worst event that I have done. Even though the event was only two hours, were were there for three since we arrived early. Also, They made us go out on the street and give out flyer's to their store as well as play music and set up their store with both there brand flyer's and ours. Throughout the event, Lorenzo did not let me do anything. Every time I was took initiative to do something he will tell me just walk around and take pictures. I ignored him because I knew what my task was for me to do. I was supposed to be doing the same amount of work as him. Also, I was there to assist, not to just take pictures and do nothing else.
When the event was finished, we packed up and gave them our report card. As a result to us doing everything they wanted and more, we received a perfect score on our report card. Finally, we packed all of our equipment back into the Angie Martinez Hummer H3. While driving off, I realized that if we were working at this store, we would have received commissions for most of the sales.
Finally, we headed back to the station and brought all of our equipment back into the studio. Usually, we make a PowerPoint of the event, however, Lorenzo wanted me to wait two hours until he came back to the station. Nevertheless, I just left because I knew it would be longer and it wasn't my fault that he was doing another task. I told myself that I would do it Monday morning. Overall, this event was the worst event that I have done so far. However, it was a learning experience. I learned that first, you can choose the events. Two, you can not choose who you will work with and three, you are not going to like everyone you will work with but you have to make it work.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
My Third Street Team Apearance
Yesterday, I had to do another street team appearance with my main boss (Promotions Coordinator) Taneka McLeod along with her boss (Sr. Promotions Director) Donyshia Benjamin, and radio disc jocks Cipha Sounds and Ms. Info. This was the scariest event to me because I was the only intern at this event and was mandated to accomplish so much on my own. This event was for the VH1 The Great Debate Stunt done at Herald Square (35th and Broadway). This event was advertising VH1's new show called the Great Debate. At this event, the two Hot 97 jocs (Cipha Sounds and Ms. Info) had to debate on a specific topic. For their debate, there was no official format that they had to follow. Each side can make an argument, and the other side will argue their opposition with a chance for rebuttal from both teams. The audience was then allowed to vote on which side they think won. The moderator of this event was Chuck Nice from Best Week Ever was the moderator, so he was also involved in making sure each side of the debate had a fair chance to speak. The topic they chose to talk about was real breast vs. fake breast. In this debate, Ms. Info was prone to real breast and didn't understand why people would have plastic surgery as a means of enhancing their natural attributes. She even discussed the fact that people should embrace their bodies and stop trying to implement new things. To help her argument, she pointed out every single flat chested person out in the crowd. She stated: "Even though we have mosquito bites for breast, we should embrace them. Even if our men can't EVER find them." The entire audience was laughing at her sarcasm and humor. When it was Cipha Sounds rebuttal, the crowd became anxious. This is because he does the morning show at Hot 97 and everyone knows him for his comedic facade. When he began his rebuttal, everyone was anticipating his outrageous response. He started it off with saying: “You women always look down on fake breast like it’s disgusting because it’s fake. However, you are the same girls walking around with weave on your heads posing like its real and we all know the deal.”He then proceeded with bringing one of the girls from the audience and asked her in front of everyone if she has fake breast or not because they were extremely large. Before her response, the crowd had to guess whether they thought it was real or fake. Most of the audience determined that it was real. However, her response was contraire to what the audience thought. While this debate was taking place, I had to set up our Hot 97 flyers, posters and take pictures of the debate as well as my surroundings. While taking the pictures and setting up, my boss was critiquing my movement and interaction with crowd.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
My Second Street Team Appearance #3
Today, I had to do my first outdoor street team appearance. On this day I had to do an event at a park on 140th street and Lenox in Harlem. This event was a two hour event which meant we didn't have to pack a majority of our equipment. However, we had to pack all of our items the day before the event and pack it into our street team car that we were designated to drive (which was the Funk Master Flex Escalade). In order to have a successful event, we are mandated to create event bags prior to the appearance. The equipment we needed was a fender (which provided the music and the system for me to DJ on for the event), Summer Jam posters, free CDs, a table to set up, our logo table cloth, and many other give aways. Also, since this was a Metro Plus (health insurance provider) event we also brought Lifestyle condoms and T-shirts to help spread the word of safe sex.
The day of the event we were told to meet at the station four hours prior to the event which was 12pm (which means I was there at 8am). This is because you have to make sure everything that you need for the event is there and ready. This last check is to also to make sure that our transportation has its full inspection, gas and etc. We are also left instructions of our days agenda left in our mailboxes. In this instruction pamphlet, it identifies the staff members to the event, the items that we need, a sheet to indicate any damages to the Escalade, a report card (for the on-site contact to fill out on the the street teams performance) as well a map quest direction sheets for going and coming back. However, this particular day we were grateful that we came in early because there were a lot of items missing due to the large number events taking place in every borough and even in New Jersey (The Funk Flex Car Show) that day. Last minute we had to go to our storage place which was in Brooklyn (and the Station is in downtown Manhattan) and pick up a fender, camera (to take action shots at the event) and a table.
Finally, we obtained everything we needed and were now headed to our event. When we arrived, it was time to set up. Entering the park we were immediately bombarded and asked for free giveaways. We had to inform them to give us 20 minutes to setup than they can come up and receive our promotional items. In the park I saw everyone I knew from my high school there because my school was a few blocks away from the park. That made the event more relaxing an comfortable for me to do. Also, I realized that this event was put on by my best friend's mother and her church. They called this event Health Awareness Day. They wanted everyone in the community to come out and be educated on health as well as advertising their church's upcoming events for the summer.
When we finally set up, we informed everyone that they could take anything that was placed on the table which were CD's, Lifestyle condoms, Hot 97 stickers posters and T-shirts. We also let everyone know about the raffle that we were having. This raffle was giving away 2 VIP passes to the secret location viewing party of the BET awards. At this event we had some of the stations jocs hosting. The people at this event were very excited about that prize. They all signed their names on the list that he had provided for them. While they were doing this, me and the other guy assigned to this event interacted with the community as well as took pictures. At the end of our visit, we announced the winner of the 2 VIP passes for the BET viewing awards. They were so happy and got to take more pics with our Hot 97 merchandise and the Funk Flex Escalade.
When the event was finished, we drove back to the station and put away the equipment that we used at the event. Also, we had to create a PowerPoint of the pictures we took at the event and give a brief summary. This is done because our sponsors want visualization of our event since they are not able to come to the event themselves. When we were finished, we emailed the PowerPoint to all three bosses for Hot 97. They are Taneka McLeod (Promotions Coordinator), Donyshia Bejamin (Sr. Promotions Director) and Brian D'Auriel (Sr. Promotions Director of Hot 97, Kiss FM and RXP). Finally, we have to place our report card into Taneka's mailbox and then drop the Escalade back to the parking lot.
Overall, I really enjoyed the event because the people were really happy and funny. The event was really good too because I saw a lot of my old friends from High school and from the area. also, it helped me get exposure with the street team because that is something I want to do next summer with hot 97 as a part time gig.
The day of the event we were told to meet at the station four hours prior to the event which was 12pm (which means I was there at 8am). This is because you have to make sure everything that you need for the event is there and ready. This last check is to also to make sure that our transportation has its full inspection, gas and etc. We are also left instructions of our days agenda left in our mailboxes. In this instruction pamphlet, it identifies the staff members to the event, the items that we need, a sheet to indicate any damages to the Escalade, a report card (for the on-site contact to fill out on the the street teams performance) as well a map quest direction sheets for going and coming back. However, this particular day we were grateful that we came in early because there were a lot of items missing due to the large number events taking place in every borough and even in New Jersey (The Funk Flex Car Show) that day. Last minute we had to go to our storage place which was in Brooklyn (and the Station is in downtown Manhattan) and pick up a fender, camera (to take action shots at the event) and a table.
Finally, we obtained everything we needed and were now headed to our event. When we arrived, it was time to set up. Entering the park we were immediately bombarded and asked for free giveaways. We had to inform them to give us 20 minutes to setup than they can come up and receive our promotional items. In the park I saw everyone I knew from my high school there because my school was a few blocks away from the park. That made the event more relaxing an comfortable for me to do. Also, I realized that this event was put on by my best friend's mother and her church. They called this event Health Awareness Day. They wanted everyone in the community to come out and be educated on health as well as advertising their church's upcoming events for the summer.
When we finally set up, we informed everyone that they could take anything that was placed on the table which were CD's, Lifestyle condoms, Hot 97 stickers posters and T-shirts. We also let everyone know about the raffle that we were having. This raffle was giving away 2 VIP passes to the secret location viewing party of the BET awards. At this event we had some of the stations jocs hosting. The people at this event were very excited about that prize. They all signed their names on the list that he had provided for them. While they were doing this, me and the other guy assigned to this event interacted with the community as well as took pictures. At the end of our visit, we announced the winner of the 2 VIP passes for the BET viewing awards. They were so happy and got to take more pics with our Hot 97 merchandise and the Funk Flex Escalade.
When the event was finished, we drove back to the station and put away the equipment that we used at the event. Also, we had to create a PowerPoint of the pictures we took at the event and give a brief summary. This is done because our sponsors want visualization of our event since they are not able to come to the event themselves. When we were finished, we emailed the PowerPoint to all three bosses for Hot 97. They are Taneka McLeod (Promotions Coordinator), Donyshia Bejamin (Sr. Promotions Director) and Brian D'Auriel (Sr. Promotions Director of Hot 97, Kiss FM and RXP). Finally, we have to place our report card into Taneka's mailbox and then drop the Escalade back to the parking lot.
Overall, I really enjoyed the event because the people were really happy and funny. The event was really good too because I saw a lot of my old friends from High school and from the area. also, it helped me get exposure with the street team because that is something I want to do next summer with hot 97 as a part time gig.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Summer Jam 2009 Recap #2
This week at Hot 97, we had to conduct an informal Summer Jam 2009 recap. During this recap meeting with the entire staff, we talked about the long intense process of putting on such an event of such magnitude. The meeting started off with the main boss Brian D'Auriel (who is in charge all Promotions for Hot 97, Kiss FM and RXP radio stations) congratulating all of the staff who participated in making the concert a success. He started off with congratulating himself for hiring such a great team at all three stations who contributed to the success of the concert. Next was Hot 97's Promotions Director (Donyshia Benjamin). She was responsible for getting all the sponsors for the concert, the theme of the concert "Saving The World From Wack Concerts" (and having the jocs dressed up as super heroes), setting up the arrangements with Giant Stadium for us to use their venue and many others task she had in order to make this a spectacular event.
Than we moved to Taneka McLeod (Promotions Coordinator) who demonstrated all of the duties that the Promotions Director gave to her and for the rest of the staff to execute. Taneka was held accountable for conducting all of the contest that we had whether on air, at street team appearances locations or on the Hot 97 homepage. Also, she was responsible for the distribution of the tickets to the contest winners, ALL the arrangements for the Summer Jam Festival (which is a pre-party outside of the Giant Stadium Parking Lot. At this event there are different booths from where sponsors are giving out prizes, autograph booths with the station jocs as well as some celebrities and finally a stage for some performers whether local artist or signed artist to perform) and making sure every single staff member knew their roles throughout that day. After we heard her long list of responsibilities she than congratulated her staff and especially the interns for helping her and for coming into the event early and leaving late (I was there from 6am and didn't get to leave until 4am the next day and ha to be at work for 9am). Taneka recognized all of the time and effort that we had to do to put on an event like that. She even acknowledged the fact that two weeks prior to the event, we didn't get to leave the station until 9pm or later because we had to set up the moving trucks full of decorations, posters and etc for the concert.
After her speech, we went into congratulating the Programming Department. They were responsible for booking the artist and other acts on the stage during the festival and the concert. They were also, responsible for making sure all the performers had everything they needed for their set, their entourage as well as their staff. The main person responsible for this is Ebro Darden (Programming Director) and his assistant Tiffany Jones. They had to directly contact artist from Jay- Z to Mary J Blige's managers to make sure they will be performing, also what songs were they doing, and all other travel arrangements. After the descriptions, Brian than thanked again the other staff members from sister station Kiss Fm and Rock station RXP. Finally, Brian thanked all of the interns again for working diligently and also the long intense hours.
When the meeting was finished I realized that putting on an event this big, historical and with countless number of stars sounded impossible but was easily done with people who were willing for it to happen. You just needed the right staff, performers, sponsors and everything would fall into place. This event was even more crucial than other concerts a kin to this because it IS the biggest concert of all time. Also, it is historical so people are expecting it to be ran well and to also be better than the previous years. In the long run, I feel that this internship experience is making me realize that this is the career path I want to venture off into.
Than we moved to Taneka McLeod (Promotions Coordinator) who demonstrated all of the duties that the Promotions Director gave to her and for the rest of the staff to execute. Taneka was held accountable for conducting all of the contest that we had whether on air, at street team appearances locations or on the Hot 97 homepage. Also, she was responsible for the distribution of the tickets to the contest winners, ALL the arrangements for the Summer Jam Festival (which is a pre-party outside of the Giant Stadium Parking Lot. At this event there are different booths from where sponsors are giving out prizes, autograph booths with the station jocs as well as some celebrities and finally a stage for some performers whether local artist or signed artist to perform) and making sure every single staff member knew their roles throughout that day. After we heard her long list of responsibilities she than congratulated her staff and especially the interns for helping her and for coming into the event early and leaving late (I was there from 6am and didn't get to leave until 4am the next day and ha to be at work for 9am). Taneka recognized all of the time and effort that we had to do to put on an event like that. She even acknowledged the fact that two weeks prior to the event, we didn't get to leave the station until 9pm or later because we had to set up the moving trucks full of decorations, posters and etc for the concert.
After her speech, we went into congratulating the Programming Department. They were responsible for booking the artist and other acts on the stage during the festival and the concert. They were also, responsible for making sure all the performers had everything they needed for their set, their entourage as well as their staff. The main person responsible for this is Ebro Darden (Programming Director) and his assistant Tiffany Jones. They had to directly contact artist from Jay- Z to Mary J Blige's managers to make sure they will be performing, also what songs were they doing, and all other travel arrangements. After the descriptions, Brian than thanked again the other staff members from sister station Kiss Fm and Rock station RXP. Finally, Brian thanked all of the interns again for working diligently and also the long intense hours.
When the meeting was finished I realized that putting on an event this big, historical and with countless number of stars sounded impossible but was easily done with people who were willing for it to happen. You just needed the right staff, performers, sponsors and everything would fall into place. This event was even more crucial than other concerts a kin to this because it IS the biggest concert of all time. Also, it is historical so people are expecting it to be ran well and to also be better than the previous years. In the long run, I feel that this internship experience is making me realize that this is the career path I want to venture off into.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
May 18th- June 19th at Hot 97 #1
I have been interning at Hot 97 for a full four weeks now and I love it. While working here, I have been selected to work in the promotions departments under there coordinator (Taneka McLeod). I have been assigned to work personally with the radio contestants who won prizes on air. The main prize that I was working on for the first three weeks was with Hot 97's own Summer Jam concert. This concert comprises of their very own on air jocks, comedians and Hip Hop, R&B and Reggae artist. Whenever a person wins on air tickets to the concert, I had to make sure I received all of their information so I can put it into the computer database system (Promosuites). Afterwards, I would have to make sure they haven't won any prizes through the station within the past thirty days. If they are cleared, I can proceed into calling them directly and letting them know that their tickets were at the station and ready for pick up. When they came to pick it up, I would have to get their valid Drivers License and check back onto the Promosuites to see if they indeed won the prize. If everything is valid, I would have to get their tickets and make a copy of it as well as their drivers license. While I am doing all of this they are filling out a disclaimer that states that they are coming to pick up their tickets and that they are giving us permission to give it to them. When giving them the tickets, I have to make sure I give them their license first and than their tickets (radio statio procedure). Afterwards, I take the copy of their tickets and license I made of copy of, disclaimer and prize sheet, staple it together and than label the day and time they picked it up. Finally, I would put it back into assigned "Summer Jam folder". It took a couple days to learn this long proceedure but when I finally did, i would do multiple contestants at once due to multiple contestants coming at once.
Finally, the big day arrived. It was Summer Jam 2009 titled: "Saving the World From Wack Concerts". We had flyers posted all at Giant Stadium with the radio jocks dressed as superheroes to match with the theme of the concert. The day of the concert I was there from 6:30am and didn't get to leave until 3am the next day. I had to set up with the festival (which is the pre-party for the concert), as well as setting up for the artist, jocs and the rest of the staffs. Throughout that day, I met artist from Jay-Z, Mary J Blige, Soulja Boy, Ron Browz, Elephant Man and many others. I was so amazed that they were talking to me like I was someone that they already knew. Even though I was star stuck through the entire event due to my all access passes, I had to maintain a strict professionalism.
Since Summer Jam has ended, the station has slowed down tremendously. Now we are just concerned with making sure the other contestants come to claim their prizes which we still have to abide by the same procedure like summer jam winners. Overral, I am really enjoying my experience thus far at Hot 97 and can not wait for the rest to come.
Finally, the big day arrived. It was Summer Jam 2009 titled: "Saving the World From Wack Concerts". We had flyers posted all at Giant Stadium with the radio jocks dressed as superheroes to match with the theme of the concert. The day of the concert I was there from 6:30am and didn't get to leave until 3am the next day. I had to set up with the festival (which is the pre-party for the concert), as well as setting up for the artist, jocs and the rest of the staffs. Throughout that day, I met artist from Jay-Z, Mary J Blige, Soulja Boy, Ron Browz, Elephant Man and many others. I was so amazed that they were talking to me like I was someone that they already knew. Even though I was star stuck through the entire event due to my all access passes, I had to maintain a strict professionalism.
Since Summer Jam has ended, the station has slowed down tremendously. Now we are just concerned with making sure the other contestants come to claim their prizes which we still have to abide by the same procedure like summer jam winners. Overral, I am really enjoying my experience thus far at Hot 97 and can not wait for the rest to come.
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