Working as a Radio Advertising Account Executive (sales, how much)

[Novaj]

I am looking to begin a career in Sales. Because I don't have alot of formal experience (beyond beng an independent sales rep occasionally in network marketing based businesses) I'm seeking an entry-level potion. It seems like local Radio Broadcasting Stations are always looking for entry-level sales reps so I thought this might be a good industry to look into to start. I went on Glassdoor.com the review the position of Radio Advertising Account Executive with a Radio Broadcasting company here in the triangle and experienced mostly horror stories of people making no money and favoritism being practiced by management in the way of handing out accounts.

I was just looking for some objective info from those who may have experience in the industry as Radio Advertising Account Executives here in the triangle. For example: Is the pay typically 100% commission? Do you need many "personal contacts" to make sales? How much cold calling did you do - How were you treated when you did? Is the training quality and realistic enough to help you be successful? Were you provided with leads?

Thanks for the feedback

[frisch]

What company?

If it is not Capitol, then honestly just go sell cars. It is a horrible time to get into radio sales. Working for Capitol should be good enough to make it worth it, though.

[DJKB]

I worked in radio sales for my first 3 months in NC. In NJ I was a Radio DJ but couldn't get an on air job when I came down. Anyway - I think it was possibly the WORST 3 months of my life. It was all cold calling - almost no new salespeople get any leads - they want you to hustle and prove you can do it yourself. Usually you're on a salary for the first month or so during training and then you're on a "draw" so you could end up owing the company money! And radio advertising is REALLY expensive..so it's really hard to convince "mom & pop" hardware to give you $2000/month for 6 months (because they will tell you that's how long it takes to really make an impression on a listener)....
If I were you - I'd sell just about anything else!!! Retail would be preferable! PM me if you want the name of the company I worked for!

[ncsualum2004]

I always seen tons of entry-level Account Executive positions posted for a variety of companies not just radio. I don't think you need to limit yourself to radio. Check your PMs.

[Novaj]

Thanks!

[mcp6453]

The radio industry is in dire straits. Most radio stations are computers interfaced with satellite receivers. You're likely to see one or more companies go bankrupt before long. You really might not want to work for one of them.

[ERH]

Originally Posted by Novaj

I am looking to begin a career in Sales. Because I don't have alot of formal experience (beyond beng an independent sales rep occasionally in network marketing based businesses) I'm seeking an entry-level potion. It seems like local Radio Broadcasting Stations are always looking for entry-level sales reps so I thought this might be a good industry to look into to start. I went on Glassdoor.com the review the position of Radio Advertising Account Executive with a Radio Broadcasting company here in the triangle and experienced mostly horror stories of people making no money and favoritism being practiced by management in the way of handing out accounts.

I was just looking for some objective info from those who may have experience in the industry as Radio Advertising Account Executives here in the triangle. For example: Is the pay typically 100% commission? Do you need many "personal contacts" to make sales? How much cold calling did you do - How were you treated when you did? Is the training quality and realistic enough to help you be successful? Were you provided with leads?

Thanks for the feedback

Go pharma vs. radio. At least it has a future!

[BoSoxFanNC]

Pharma has little to no future as far as sales people. Most of the companies have laid their sales force off.