Grow Learfield

Derry Leaves Us in May

Derry Brownfield is a radioman. He's been talking to farmers, city people, and "Constitutional Americans" for 35 years with me...and for a number of years before 1973. He's good. And, he's a dear friend.

His last show will be in the middle of May. The "Common Sense Coalition" grinds to a halt on our system, but likely will continue with a new ownership group.   

Eight or ten years ago Derry quit doing his market shows on the network which bears his name and started a new, daily, hour-long talk show. It was home-spun humor that lifted up Constitutional values on some 80 radio stations across the country. Most of his listeners loved him as did his affiliates. He didn't mind controversy or taking on giants like the Monsanto Corporation. He thought they were bad for farmers, too big for their britches and generally bad for America.  Increasingly he's been saying so, without seeking balance, in my opinion.

Nothing has made me prouder than my association with Derry. He taught me how to drink Scotch and so much more. If you've been reading our history in this space, you're aware of that. He's a gentleman in every way. His wife, Verni; and children, Joy, Jay, Jon and Jim are a credit to him. He turned 76 in January I think.  His legacy is huge. His name is the moniker for America's largest Agricultural network; the "field" of his last name is forever in our corporate name.  We love you, Derry; don't be a stranger.   

--Clyde

UPDATE: Thanks for your comments. I am not going to continue to post comments similar to those submitted or posts from those who've already submitted.

Enthusiasm

Okay Learfielders, starting tomorrow I want you to arise 15-minutes earlier than normal.  Go to your bathroom mirror and do these things:

• smile real big
• say out loud:  "I feel healthy, I feel happy, I feel terrific!
• make some funny faces at the guy/gal in the mirror.
• laugh
• jump up and down a few times and say out loud:  "this is going to be the best day of my life."
• Then repeat out loud:  "I feel healthy, I feel happy, I feel terrific.

Recently I loaned my copy of Frank Bettger's How I raised Myself From Failure to Success in Selling to an intern.  This is a great, out-of-print, book that has lots of lessons.  Primary among them is the importance of enthusiasm in selling and in life.  This routine and others have been a part of my day for 43 years!!  Seriously.   Because I know this:

Act enthusiastic and you will be enthusiastic.

Friends, you've got to be enthusiastic.  That is critical in everything you do. It is a major key to your success.  But sometimes we don't feel enthusiastic, do we?  Okay.  Change that by acting enthusiastic.  Just acting that way, will cause you to BE that way.  Say to yourself--and out loud--throughout the day, "boy I sure feel enthusiastic".  This is true for all of us: salesmen, engineers, broadcasters, and accountants. 

If you're a sales executive, on telephone calls to clients and customers, smile and act enthusiastic.  No one wants to talk with Mr. Sleepy, do they?  On sales calls almost run to the door.  Bust into that lobby smiling.  When you're in front of the client aggressively shake hands; don't sit right down, instead comment on a picture on the wall or credenza.  Then say:  I'm so excited to be here today; I've really been looking forward to being with you.  It's okay to be a little silly or weird.  We're just ad salesmen after all.  Not a big deal.  Laugh at yourself.  Have fun.  Don't take yourself--or Learfield--so seriously. We've got the best job in the nation!  We're helping connect products with customers, and we're damn good.  Go get 'em enthusiastically.   

--clyde

401(k)

Wake up!  Yes, I know that much of this stuff is snoozeville.  But there are a few cool facts I want you to know.  So, read on. 

First a little history:  From its inception in 1991 to 2006, the plan grew to $6.3 Million.  Then it grew to over $10 Million by the end of '07.  Very impressive!

I'm told our plan is one of the finest in America; equaled by very few companies.  It is managed for the sole benefit of its participants!  Just look at these new features:

1.  If you contribute 5% then we match 4% and the match is 100% yours the moment it goes in.  That’s a pretty good return on your money by my figuring.
2.  Recently the plan has expanded the selection of investment options from 26 to well over 900. 
3.  We now offer professional money managers.  Many participants have no interest in investing but have a desire for someone to do that for them.  They'll come to your office too. 
 
That’s great for flexibility but what about security?
1.  We have an investment committee of four that meets every quarter.  They're moderated by an independent CPA auditor to insure they do things by the book. 
2.  This committee reviews all aggregated activity and the investment options each time they meet.
3.  Your money must go in the plan within 15 days of the time withheld.
4.  Finally, an outside CPA audits our plan every year.  This is required by law and must be attached to our plan's tax return.

Rest assurred.  You now have a retirement plan that is among the best in the country for benefits and features!  You can also feel comfortable that your plan has the protection required to insure your investments are carefully watched by our investment committee, our fiduciary advisor, and finally by our independent CPA auditor.  We realize that confidence is the single most important ingredient in the formula of a successful 401k plan.  New developments are coming too; watch for them.   

--clyde

Hoops Mania

We have 12 of our teams in the NCAA Final Four:  North Carolina and Memphis are both number one seeds.  Indiana, Oklahoma, Clemson, Kansas State, Wisconsin, Stanford, Miami, Texas A&M, Purdue and Xavier are the balance in that tourney whose final game is on April 7 in San Antonio.  We have four schools in the NIT at Madison Square Garden.  They are: New Mexico, Utah State, San Diego State and Minnesota.  Congrats to all.

--clyde

Business partners

Two friends of our company will soon be retiring. Both are with Central Bank, Learfield’s primary lender. Bob Robuck is president and Joe Loethen is a senior vice president (pictured with Roger Gardner) of the bank.

We enjoy a great relationship with Central Bank and these two guys have played important roles in building that relationship. In fact, they’ve played important roles in helping us build this company. In doing so, they’ve set a great example for us as we serve our customers.

We must challenge ourselves to empathize with our customers and genuinely serve their needs and yes, sometimes that means taking some risks with them. Bob and Joe are great examples of doing business the right way. Thanks and congratulations. 

--clyde

Summer Reading

Last year I blogged (a couple of times) about my favorite reads and got lots of response from Learfielders on their favorite books. It's that time again! What are you reading that we might enjoy? Here are mine:

1. Bill Bryson: The Mother Tongue is a short read on the English language and how it got that way.  I was so impressed, I gave it to all of our reporters. 
2. Rob Bell: Velvet Elvis  A hip book that "repaints the Christian faith."
3. Carl Hiaasen: Just pick up any of these funny mysteries before you get on the plane or head out for a road trip. Funny and well-written. He's a columnist for the Miami Harold.

Use the Comment link below to add your recommendations. We all thank you!

--clyde

Politics puts national spotlight on Radio Iowa

Those of you who follow politics and happen to read the New York Times might spot a reference to Radio Iowa (one of Learfield's state news networks) in today's edition. As a former reporter, I can attest that it's fun to have other media take note of our stories. Especially when it's a Big City paper like the NYT.

Radio Iowa News Director O. Kay Henderson also blogs about her adventures covering politics in Iowa, and she reports traffic there is climbing monthly. Her blog gets a lot of link love from some high-profile blogs and her efforts continue to raise Radio Iowa's profile.

--clyde

The ole College Try

Six summer interns are at work in Dallas and Jefferson City.  Please give them a hearty welcome!  The three in Dallas this summer are: Austin South of Arlington, VA. attending Old Dominion; Brandt Sherman of Annapolis, attending Wake Forest; and Greg Sceviour also attending ODU.  Those in Jefferson City are Corey Green from Dallas attending Mizzou; Coleman Chambly of Jefferson City attending St. Charles Community and Tyler VanLoo of Wardsville attending UCM.  We're trying to make this a stronger experience by not only teaching them about business, but also teaching them about life.  For example, the three Dallas guys are living on the same cul-de-sac with three families.  The JC men are reading a common book on business every two weeks.  They'll be traveling with account execs and generally getting to know about us.  Enjoy them.

--clyde

The Truth Shop

Last weekend after dinner with friends I got air-born on a subject. Maybe it was the wine; nonetheless, I spouted "truth" to all my friends. Somehow, down deep I knew my position on the subject was defense-less and error-filled. And hurtful. In my readings this morning I came across this:

"I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw the name of the shop: THE TRUTH SHOP.

The saleswoman was very polite:  What type of truth did I wish to purchase, partial or whole?  The whole truth, of course. No deceptions for me, no defenses, no rationalizations. I wanted my truth plain and unadulterated. She waved me on to another side of the store.

The salesman there pointed to the price tag. "the price is very high, sir, " he said.  "What is it?" I asked, determined to get the whole truth, no matter what it cost. "Your security, sir, " he answered.

I came away with a heavy heart.

I still need the safety of my unquestioned beliefs." 

--clyde

Your Take On Intentionality

I've had about ten responses to my blog on Being Intentional.  Some are direct responses you can read following the post.  Some came directly to me as e-mails and I wanted to report two of them to you. 

The first is about having one or two people with you in your life:  "You have convinced me that I need to have a friend or two around me who can help me be intentional about my career and my personal life."

And the second is longer, but filled with great ideas:  "I have five guys I walked with in college; now we're dispersed across America. Being intentional with them every week on the phone in a very intentional way doesn't let me hide things for more than 6 or 7 days.  They have a 100% open door into my soul and I know this has saved me some major heartache the last 5-6 years.  Not always easy or comfortable, but extremely necessary.  My wife and I are just reestablishing the habit (since St. Louis) of sitting together on the couch right when I first get home.  We have a 5--10 minute download of our day, our hearts, our hurts.  We call it 'couch time'--pretty creative!  We don't let the girls interrupt us.  We know that it is absolutely important that they see mom and dad love each other before we love them.  As Tim Coe said:  'if they know I love their mother, they'll be fine.'  Further, we try to have a sit-down dinner every night and we pray together."

Thanks, friends!  Great hearing from you.  Send more. 

--clyde