A:  You’re stuck between sound and revenue. This is a problem as old as Marconi.  For many a station doing the remote for the client is the only way your sales department can hold on to good money clients.  What we discuss here is not going to change that paradigm, but their are some things you can do to augment the experience.

1. 1)If in fact you are doing these call-ins 3 times an hour get them down to 60 seconds like everything else you do.  If you have to read it twice per the client or AE... how about once completely as written and then a recap of the key points later in the call-in.  Also, don’t worry about the phone quality, rather worry more about how you can make what you’re saying as interesting, intriguing and as “you” as possible. 
   

2. 2)Get your GM/GSM and the client to understand that if you are taking the time to go a location to “broadcast” that you should have some purpose besides grilled meats.  A combination of sales copy and an objective that would get listeners to come see you.
   

3. 3)Come up with activities for listeners to do that would enhance your stations purpose position and that makes you less of a huckster.
   

IE:   Spin the wheel of dead rock stars, music trivia, let’s discuss new music, hand out free personal mix CDs, your own personal Jackass roving caravan, Grilled meats and snacks trivia, bring me stuff for prizes scavenger hunt, etc etc...

If you have to do these sales tools,  embrace them and try to make them as fun as possible.  Remember, though this isn’t your finest hours it is a chance to meet, spend time with and build a rapport with listeners one to one.

The station with the most friends wins!  Even if they are meat eating, in your face, prize pigs.

sd

sean@seandemery.com