Lyn Smith Interview
Lyn Smith
Director Of Engagement
KJTH – The House FM
Ponca City, OK
Career Capsule: My career can be summed up in one word – communication. I’m a passionate communicator! I cut my teeth on studying and teaching the Word of God in Bible Study Fellowship, spent about ten years after that writing and speaking, was hired by Hope Pregnancy Centers to open and grow a new center which I did for almost five years, and then landed at The House FM as the Director of Engagement. Primarily, I get to build relationships with people who support The House at a high level. Strategic, passionate, and individualized attention is what they deserve and I do my best to give it to them. I also host a podcast for The House called, What Does God Say? and sometimes participate in promotions. I love my job and get to work with the best team on the planet!
Lyn, tell us what’s new at The House FM?
2022 has been an exciting year of growth at The House! Our second studio/office suite opened in Edmond, Oklahoma, and we’ve added several new staff positions, so we’re ready for new adventures. The newest event is The House FM Pastors and Ministry Leaders Breakfast For Champions. There will be a delicious breakfast spread, fun giveaways, and a fantastic speaker to challenge and inspire our guests. The other BIG event coming up is The House’s 30th birthday party! We are deeply grateful for 30 years of support, 30 years of listeners, 30 years of sharing the hope and love of Jesus, and 30 years of God’s provision and blessing. Turn up!
What are the 3 main ingredients to making a fundraiser successful?
The main component in any successful endeavor is prayer! But after that, the three things that worked exceptionally well for The House during our Fall Fundraiser were:
- Four weeks of strategic, focused communication with major gifts people to raise matching funds. For the first time, we implemented an email and paper mail campaign directed at our top 150 givers. I spent a lot of time crafting weekly emails that built excitement and made them feel like part of a really successful team. In response to those emails, some of them texted, called, or emailed me back. It was a full-on communication blitz with those 150 people. And it worked! More matching funds came in than ever before! That effort and result set the stage for the DJs to bring it home during the 3-day fundraiser, which they did!
- A compelling ministry partner. The House FM partnered with Hope Pregnancy Centers to provide pregnancy care packages for each $30 monthly pledge. The DJs did a great job with the messaging, emphasizing moms and babies in need. A lot of $30-a-month pledges came in!
- DJs who don’t just entertain, but who respect their audience. The House DJs and the Vidare Creative team who came alongside us were outstanding! These are tough economic times. Our on-air team was sensitive to people who were hurting while inspiring those who could give, to fill in the gaps. And they did! Our listeners rallied and supported their station.
What is the best fundraising advice you’ve been given? The worst?
The best: Serve people relentlessly and lavishly.
The worst: “Find out what they’re worth.” UGH!
What is the one thing YOU must have to do your job every day?
I have to have genuine love for people to do what I do well. My bottom line can’t be money, it has to be caring about and investing in individuals. I truly believe when people feel seen and valued, they respond in amazing ways. I love my people! Each one is a gift from God and makes my life better.
In your opinion what makes the ideal station promotion?
Content and activities that make people feel special are the ideal promotions. When The House hosts events, we always brainstorm how it will benefit *them*. What’s the perceived value and the actual value to the participator? Also, we always use “you” language, not “we” language.
Regarding social networking and promotion, what have you had the most success with?
Reels and feels!
How do you measure the success of a great promotion?
I ask myself two things: Was Jesus made known and were the people blessed? If those two things happened, it was a great promotion.
Who are your radio heroes… and why?
I’m going old school and saying Paul Harvey. He was always classy and always had something compelling to say.