I hit a media milestone recently. I was invited to speak on BBC Radio 4, as part of the Moneybox Live programme. I’ve been on TV, I’ve been in magazines, but there is an element of preparation and edits that go into it. Whereas on Radio, it’s live and there is NO going back, redo’s or edits. What I mean to say is, yes – it was terrifying.
But SO MUCH FUN too! It was an amazing experience to go to the BBC Studios and see how they produce radio content. The level of equipment alone is fascinating – don’t even get me started on the obit lights – blue lights that will flash in the event of Operation London Bridge.
What did we talk about? Here’s the premise of the show:
Unwanted jewellery, unfashionable clothes or outdated mobile ‘phones. Many of us can’t bear to throw them out, yet they’re filling up our homes, when they could be turned into cash instead. So how to make a mint from things you no longer want or need? Louise Cooper talks to Zoe Bayliss-Wong, Finance and Operations Director, Depop, for advice on how to sort the wheat from the chaff.
MY TOP TIPS
Success is correlated to effort. People won’t buy a crumpled shirt that you’ve thrown on the floor. We want to buy into an idea of how it will fit into our lives – style it and SELL IT.
One mans trash is another’s treasure. Old clothes are IN. Vintage is a huge category for Depop and a big tick for sustainable shoppers.
Shop and sell safely. Always follow the platform guidelines – in the case of Depop, never transact outside the app and send money directly. Always use official means in order to stay protected and keep proof.
It was quite hard to focus as there are several microphones and you’re wearing a headset too – it reminded me of French class in the early 2000’s when we finally got our first audio equipment. There’s also the timing to consider, the adverts and travel announcements – which you get a signal for – but it’s difficult NOT to panic a bit and suddenly start talking quicker.
Despite it being Radio 4 during a work day, I received a lot of texts and whatsapps from my friends and colleagues who had heard it. (Though for many of my colleagues, I should say rather, that they heard it from their parents first) I think it’s the first time I’ve heard “My mum said you did really well”, since performing in plays at school.
But yes – loved it. I want to do more, if only to actually get a picture of me in there with the BBC mic & headphones on! Who knows, if I can’t get any more radio gigs, maybe I’ll start a podcast?!
Listen to a clip of the show here: