Embrace A Resolution Revolt to Enhance Strategic Focus

Every January, we convince ourselves that a fresh start will spark fresh results. We set resolutions. We declare big goals. We promise behavior changes that feel bold in the moment. But leaders know that real progress is not powered by a date on a calendar. It is powered by strategic focus.

The Leadership Circle Profile is the first leadership assessment that measures both competency and inner capacity. It gives leaders a complete view of how they think, relate, and drive results. Within that lens, the Profile describes Strategic Focus as, “the ability to maintain clear priorities and remain calm when circumstances shift.” This calm comes from preparation and clarity. It comes from knowing where you are going and why it matters. A resolution revolt means rejecting the idea that strategy begins after the ball drops and embracing the discipline of doing the work early.

I was reminded of this recently in a Top 20 market during a two-hour conversation with a cluster of stations. We talked about ways to get their talent more exposure using SocialBounce, digital extension, and video growth. The momentum felt exciting because everyone in the room understood that listener habits are shifting fast and that video now plays a central role in helping audiences connect with personalities.

After the meeting, I was taken on a tour of the building. The first stop was a massive video production room of nearly one thousand square feet. Right next to it sat a second room around three hundred square feet. Both were fully equipped. Both were designed for constant use. And both existed for one reason. Video is not replacing the connection that radio builds on air. It is enhancing it. It gives talent more ways to be seen, remembered, and shared. It directs the brand into the daily digital habits of the audience.

This mindset is essential for radio. The industry cannot afford to stand still. Audience habits shift every day. Digital competitors grow stronger. Talent expectations evolve. Advertisers want measurable results. Radio’s story is still one of potential, but only if we stay in motion. Stations with strategic focus prepare early and act with confidence. They adapt to new platforms, grow their app databases, build social presence, and use content and events to pull listeners closer. They treat the fourth quarter as the start of next year instead of waiting for ideal conditions.

Ask These Questions of Yourself Now if You Are Talent

Talent today is pulled in many directions. You host a show, create video clips, engage on socials, attend events, record podcasts, and manage promotions. None of this slows down in January. But strategic focus can help you shape what you do and why you do it.

Use these questions to guide your thinking before the new year arrives.

• What content gets the strongest natural response and how can I create more of it?

• Am I building a presence where listeners actually spend their time? For many, the first touchpoint is video.

• What simple daily actions can grow my brand without adding more workload? Short clips and quick commentary can create meaningful impressions.

• Am I showing my personality in ways advertisers can clearly understand and support? A stronger identity creates long term value.

• Do I have a clear plan for how my radio show extends into digital? Video rooms are not decoration. They are the new front door for discovery.

When talent sees themselves as evolving content creators rather than only on-air hosts, they enter the year with momentum instead of pressure.

Ask These Questions of Yourself Now if You Are Management

Management faces its own critical moment. Stations that wait for January to plan for talent development and content strategy will fall behind.

Consider these questions now.

• How am I developing talent for modern audio expectations? Coaching must include on air, digital, and video.

• Where am I drawing inspiration? Successful podcasters build community and younger listeners often discover personalities through video first.

• Am I giving talent space to experiment or only protecting old habits? Growth requires room to try new formats and ideas.

• Are we using the assets inside our building? Many stations have video rooms and production gear that sit idle. With planning, they can become high performing content engines.

• Am I preparing my team for rising advertiser expectations around transparency and measurement? Strong coaching helps talent meet that demand.

Managers who embrace vision, curiosity, and better coaching will shape the teams that thrive in the new audio landscape.

The Path Forward

A resolution revolt is not about rejecting goals. It is about rejecting the habit of waiting for January to think strategically. Radio’s future belongs to the stations that prepare early, adapt quickly, and move with clear intention. Those are the stations that will attract new listeners, strengthen loyalty, and grow revenue. The opportunity is already here. The only question is whether we step toward it before the calendar tells us to begin.

PS: Ok, I said resolutions are crazy to make but I have just a few that relate to marketing your brand.

• Do not call businesses or households anymore using an outside telemarketing firm. It is expensive, ineffective, and a real social and digital strategy will create far more impact tied to your brand’s relative advantage.

• Do not pay an outside company for OTT. It is already expensive and many stations can handle it internally. Paid social is different because it requires daily manipulation with regular content changes. But a set it and forget it OTT campaign can be run in house for far less.

• Have fun. It comes across on air, in meetings, on video, and in person. How lucky we are to do this.

Contact info: Tim Bronsil: tim@ptpmarketing.com, 513.702.5072