We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cathy Schraibman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cathy below.
Cathy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
I attended a conference and heard a lady speak about giving up her perfect life and big home to make jewelry and live in a van. Afterward, I asked her how she walked away from everything she’d been told would make her happy, not knowing the outcome. The words she said changed my life. “You must jump off the mountain to get your wings.”
It finally made sense. You won’t know the way until you take the steps, and the path reveals itself. You discover the path as you walk it.
Within six months, I took the leap. I left a successful career, family and friends and drove across the country, not knowing one person. I had secured a temporary position with the Producer of the HBO Comedy festival in Aspen, CO and a job on the slopes that included a ski pass to all Colorado resorts. After years of journaling, I “jumped off the mountain,” and the doors began to open.
That summer, I was hired to work on a reality TV show, meeting Producers and crew that I continued working with through the years. My career evolved to working as a TV Producer on an Emmy-nominated show, to producing entrepreneurs to share their expertise for courses, YouTube channels, and media. The more I put myself out there, new opportunities unfolded. I met people that shared my interests, and was able to fulfill a lot of dreams listed in my journal for over a decade.
Whatever it may be for you, from pursuing a hobby, to changing careers, “You must jump off the mountain to get your wings.”
Cathy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I love this question because what you listen to, read, and watch, daily, impacts your life, especially if you are working independently, which requires self-motivation. A positive mindset and outlook is everything! Just as healthy food can heal and nourish your body, positive input for your mind helps fuel and nourish your productivity.
Positive Mindset and Strategy
When I first started my career in sales and traveled throughout South Carolina visiting clients, Tony Robbins and Zig Ziglar audio books were favorites (I listened to ALL of their books as I traveled). Whether I had a successful meeting or not, Tony and Zig played on repeat in the car, keeping my
mindset strong. I didn’t realize at the time, though looking back, the constant stream of powerful words and strategy was key to my success. The more you fill yourself with powerful words and knowledge, the more you have to share with others. The wisdom infused from years of listening to motivational input affects my business approach today.
Business Skills and Mindset
YouTube has been one of the most powerful resources for my entrepreneurial and business endeavors. Almost everything I do in business today, I learned on YouTube and on the job. Ed Mylett has been an ongoing strength to provide a daily boost of mindset and motivation. I recommend checking out his 2022 interview with Tony Robbins, which stands out as a favorite that instantly changed my mindset.
Approach to Creativity
A book that changed how I view the creative process is “War of Art” by Stephen Pressfield. If you struggle with resistance, whether starting a new business, writing a book, or working on a piece of art, Stephen eloquently explains the dilemma of resistance and how to overcome it. It is a quick and impactful read. Art is a discipline. Treat your creative pursuits like a business to become a Pro.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing clientele is to build relationships, and tell people what you do. Do a good job, treat customers well and your business will grow, offline and online. Happy clients will refer you to others.
An example of this happened a few months after I changed careers, years ago. After a successful career in sales, I wanted to work in media and television. I was learning to film and edit and got a job on a film called “Rooted in Peace.” As part of the project, we filmed interviews at a peace leadership conference in Colorado. That night, I attended a dinner with people from around the world. At my table, one by one, we introduced ourselves and shared our professions. When it came to me, I uncomfortably said, “I’m a video editor” a phrase I had never stated out loud. Telling people what I could do opened a new window of opportunity. As the night continued, several people asked me to help with projects. That was over ten years ago, and I’m still working with some of those clients today, as I’ve expanded to producing and brand strategy.
It’s simple though effective. Build authentic relationships, one person at a time, and tell them what you do!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brandmakermedia.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandmakermedia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandmakermedia
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/producercathy
- Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sdlkra2KzVckkZ8S6IsQK