Your market as a character on the show

If you’ve worked with me at all, we’ve done character profiles to define each player on your show. And sometimes, we also do a character profile on the market you’re in – to define the endearing qualities, the flaws, and other characteristics that are specific and unique to where you live.

One of the ways I listen to a show is to ask: If I take this audio and put it in a different market on a different day, would anyone notice? The more you can reflect the unique quirks and attitudes of your community, the better.

Here are some sample questions you could answer to get a better understanding of your community. And the beauty of this exercise is that, in brainstorming the answers to these questions, you might come up with a market-specific benchmark or content idea.

Overall Description:

How would you describe the area to someone new in town?

Distinguishing characteristics (e.g., mountains, rivers, landmarks, buildings, bridges, sports teams, stadiums, etc.)?

Best qualities? Biggest flaws?

Hot button issues. (e.g. homelessness, construction, economy, housing, public transportation, traffic, etc.)?

What annual events is the market known for?

Local areas:

Neighborhoods. (Each neighborhood and what it stands for – snobby, hipster, families, etc)

Malls and shopping areas.

Hangouts and hot spots. (Not necessarily venues; could be a certain block of a cool street or neighborhood, beach, park, hiking trails, etc.)

Tourist spots. (Where do you take people who are in town for a day or two – what tops the list?)

People:

Big local companies and employers.

Movers and shakers. (local celebs – business owners, politicians, athletes, celebs)

Socioeconomic level: Do people make money? What kind of cars are most popular? How do people dress?

Who is the typical person in your city. (e.g. Surfers in San Diego, baristas in Seattle, government employees in DC or Ottawa)?

Common hobbies.

Psychographics:

Attitudes. (e.g. conservative vs. liberal, health-conscious, blue collar, family)

Where are people from? (Most people home-grown or transplants, and if so, from where?)

What are we proudest of?

What are we self-conscious of? What would we change?

What are our belief systems – religion, politics, etc.?

It’s fun to get the staff together to do this exercise, especially if you have new people on the team. Let me know if you do the exercise and have any interesting takeaways!

Keep showing up!

~ Angela