I will interviewing Tsufit author of the book "Step into the Spotlighton my new Blogtalk Radio show "Adrenaline Living". The show topic will be about promoting and branding yourself from the Queen of the spotlight herself--Tsufit. Adrenaline Living will premier tomorrow on blogtalkradio Monday, April 27, 2009 at 9:00AM CT. Tsufits websites are www.stepintothespotlight.com, www.spotlightblog.comand www.secretsfromthespotlight.com
Here is the audio link of the Adrenaline Living interview:
Sandi Serling is a biker and extreme sport enthusiast. She and her friend have recently biked across country. Sandi owns a PR company and has worked on numerous TV shows and is currently working on her own TV pilot.
Pictures on Diva Maverick Mavens courtesy of Sandi Serling.
I see that you went skydiving. Tell me about your experience?
Sandi Serling
That experience changed my life. I turned 47 and decided I would do something outside my comfort zone on each birthday. As I was falling 120 miles and hour I felt alive. I thought to myself, how do I top this? And I said, learn how to ride a motorcycle.
Define comfort zone?
Sandi Serling
Being safe. I have a magnet in my office that says, everything is sweetened by risk. I don't believe in putting myself in harms way, but I definitely believe in exploring new experiences--something that makes my stomach flip. It's amazing how you grow from those kinds of experiences. It's spiritual and powerful at the same time.
Why motorcycles and explain to a lay person what is a V-Twin?
Sandi Serling
Wow. That's a big question. It's going to take me a minute. I rode on the back of a motorcycle when I was 13. The feeling of freedom, wind in my face and the connection to everything around me, stayed in my memory. It was locked up until I went sky diving and then that feeling of freedom came to the surface again and I couldn't let it go. It is the ultimate feeling of freedom, one with the elements, never knowing what you're going to find around the corner or who you're going to meet, but it's always an adventure. Just riding to the grocery store is an adventure. And being a woman on a bike opens a lot of doors. A "V-Twin" is simply a kind of engine. It has a certain sound. I am having a love affair with my bike. When I hear the sound of the pipes, it's melodic and soothing to me. They are also VERY loud--I want to make sure others hear me on the road.
What doors does this hobby open for you?
Sandi Serling
People are surprised to see a petite woman on a large motorcycle. The bike weighs 635 pounds and I weigh 120. The day I bought the bike, there was a man buying the exact same one and he was about 6 feet tall--well over 200 pounds. People are amazed to see my size and the bike and they ask lots of questions. It opens up the door to conversation and I find myself learning from people I would most likely never have the opportunity to meet. When my best friend and I rode our bikes to whistler to celebrate my coming of age --50 -- we got the best seats in the restaurants and great rooms in hotels. People were intrigued by us. It's interesting.
What is your best advice for success?
Sandi Serling
Passion. You've got to feel it, breathe, and consume it. If you're not passionate about something in your life, you're stagnant. When I have passion for a project, I won't stop. And everytime there's a hitch along the way, I look at that as a challenge not as an obstacle. I also suggest you surround yourself with talented people capable of doing things you are not able to do-- a strong team can take you far.
Give an example?
Sandi Serling
I'm currently working on a television pilot. I have the best producer, director, editor and shooter. They have strengths, vision and creativity in areas that compliment mine. This project couldn't move forward without them. We're a team and each feels passionate about this project.
How do you find time for your PR agency, family and a television pilot?
Sandi Serling
That's a GREAT question. First of all, I have an incredibly supportive family. Each is an entrepreneur so they appreciate my drive. I have had the PR agency for over two decades and love the world of PR. It's something I have a strong gut instinct for. The TV combines all my passions. I've worked on TV shows in the past so it's a natural evolution.
Please elaborate?
Sandi Serling
I was one of the publicists for the TV series Babylon 5. I promoted the California Raisins when they came out and worked on a multitude of shows with my clients.
Elaborate now on your own pilot and the kind of support you get from your family?
Sandi Serling
Unfortunately, I can't really talk about that one in detail. BUT, it is taking up a bit of my time and they are my champions. They see the value in it and they see my eyes light up when I talk about it.
What advice can you give to other women who have a similar dreams?
Sandi Serling
If you have a dream, you must go for it. Another saying i have up in my office is never never never give up. I am a strong believer you can make anything happen. I am surrounded in my office my imagery, quotes, photos etc... that inspire me. Another quote is: Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars. Life is short. You have to grab life by the throttle and don't look back.
What other characteristics do you believe have been helpful in your success and your families?
Sandi Serling
I want to be a good person, first and foremost. I believe in celebrating a multi-cultural world. I will avoid spending time around negative people because you get sucked into to their negative take on life. I love being surrounded by creative people --they inspire me. I am also an avid weightlifter. I workout everyday. It centers me. It helps me stay fit but also makes me feel strong physically and mentally. I can walk in a meeting and feel powerful.
As a PR professional, what is the best advice you can give to women entrepreneurs?
Sandi Serling
Know exactly what it is you are striving for. Be clear on your message and your goal. Be unique and figure out the value and contribution you're making with your product, service etc... surround yourself with a trusted team. Never take all the credit. Share the kudos and you'll get much further. Work through the fear because anything worth doing is going to fearful. You must believe in yourself.
Do you think you would have gotten this far without support?
Sandi Serling
Absolutely not. It's important to share ideas and get feedback. When you have people who believe you in, you are energized. It is important to me to be there for others the way they have been there for me.
What has been your greatest challenges and blessings?
Sandi Serling
Learning to ride the motorcycle continues to be challenging and that's one thing I absolutely love about it. It's a never ending learning curve. I like that. It keeps me alert. My greatest blessing is my family and close friends. I am one lucky woman.
Tell me about your business and what makes it unique?
Sandi Serling
I have never looked at a project and thought it is impossible. For example, I wanted to get a client on Oprah. It was a perfect fit. I never questioned it. It happened. I asked a client for a top 3 wish list. She said, "The Wall Street Journal, The Today Show and People magazine". Her product was a great fit for all three and we got all three within two months. I could have told her the Wall Street Journal was a long shot but I didn't. I suppose you would call me more of a guerrilla marketer or publicist. I try to find the perfect fit. One more thing that is very important. I decided several years ago that I was only going to work with clients that are "hug-gable." I wanted to get away from big egos and work with people who really believed in what they were doing. I made that very conscious decision and have had the very best clients. They have become family to me.
Before ending this interview is there anything else you would like to mention or anymore advice you would like to impart to woman? Please enclose the contact info you would like to use in this article.
Sandi Serling
Just be true to yourself and follow your passion. It's critical to happiness and fulfillment.
Angelia Miller is the founder of Diva Maverick Mavenswww.divamaverickmavens.coma new bread of feisty, non-conformist adventure loving adrenaline-high entrepreneur. The tag line is: Empowering Women by Interviewing Empowered Women...Inspiring "You" to Take ACTION! Casting exceptional dynamic talent for fresh content is the mission of Diva Maverick Mavens. The interview is in original transcript form with minimal editing to preserve the integrity of the content.
