Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cindy Birne. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cindy, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
I have spent the majority of my professional career as a publicist in the sports, entertainment and publishing industries. I’ve always been self-motivated and driven to achieve and produce results. In addition, as the only individual in my position wherever I have worked meant taking on a great deal of responsibility.
Having learned so much through years of served to increase my level confidence. As such, I felt it was time to launch Cindy Birne Public Relations doing what I’ve always done my entire career but on my own. Yes, it was a scary feeling but with the support of colleagues, clients, and friends who believed in me I found the courage to trust and believe in myself that I could do it.
Thankfully, I was fortunate enough to have two clients ready to go the second I officially launched my company. Ten years later I’m still standing doing what I love. Always learning something new through every new project and welcoming each challenge.
Cindy, 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?
About Cindy Birne
Cindy Birne, President of Cindy Birne Public Relations, LLC founded in 2014, brings thirty-plus years of experience in publicity, marketing, and promotion involving book publicity and publishing, professional sports and entertainment, special events, select business ventures and philanthropic organizations. She has represented bestselling authors, high-profile athletes, coaches, CEOs, business executives, diplomats, sports journalists, news journalists, physicians, prosecutors, sports organizations, and nonprofits in various strategic endeavors including media placements in high-profile national media and industry outlets. Her irrepressible energy and enthusiasm will serve to invigorate your goals, and her reputation as a tenacious publicist has established her as an expert in her field.
Beginning her career as an advertising executive, Cindy found her true calling in public relations, marketing and promotion of the Dallas Cowboys Football Club under the leadership of legendary President and General Manager Tex Schramm. Mentored by the best, she learned the “ins and outs” of the sports and entertainment industry honing her skills along the way.
When the team was later sold, Cindy transitioned into sports marketing to become the Director of Public Relations and Marketing for Talent Sports International where she represented and worked with high-profile athletes including future NFL Hall of Famers, NBA legends, MLB standouts and Olympic Volleyball all-stars. At the same time, she coordinated numerous sports and entertainment events which included securing corporate sponsors, organizing press conferences, and obtaining comprehensive media coverage.
Cindy co-founded the NFL Quarterback Club which brought together the best current and former NFL Quarterbacks of all-time including advisory board members *Johnny Unitas, *Bart Starr, and *Daryle Lamonica, Roman Gabriel, Lynn Dickey, Vince Ferragamo, and Craig Morton. The purpose of the organization was created to support worthwhile causes through celebrity sports events, endorsements, and literary opportunities.
As the NFL Quarterback Club gained traction, Cindy entered a venture with New York based Burson-Marsteller to become an affiliate consultant to their sports marketing division with focus on the Texas market while continuing her work with the NFL Quarterback Club and other sports related activities. Cindy worked directly with owners, executives, advertising agencies, corporate sponsors, professional athletes and coaches within the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL.
Following an introduction to renowned literary agent Jan Miller at a book launch event, Cindy was invited to exchange high-profile athletes for bestselling authors to became Director of Publicity and Marketing for Dupree-Miller Literary, Inc. Accepting the position, she began representing NY Times bestselling authors Tony Robbins and Stephen R. Covey while learning the “ins and outs” of the publishing industry.
A few years later, she took time off for motherhood while also volunteering her time and resources to philanthropic organizations. Cindy stepped back into publishing industry by leading the publicity team of an independent publisher in Dallas, Texas.
In 2014, Cindy launched Cindy Birne Public Relations, LLC., where she continues to generate publicity and marketing rollouts, create media “buzz” and coordinates events on a local, regional, national, and global level. She works directly with members of the media, publishers, editors, writers, cover designers, in-house publicity and marketing teams within publishing houses including Grand Central Publishing, Hachette Group, Crown, Simon & Shuster, Penguin Random House, Bantam, Clarkson Potter, independent publishers, and university presses. Cindy has collaborated with major motion picture studios including Fox Searchlight and Paramount on cross-promotional publicity campaigns and film premieres. She works with publicity executives at the top talent and PR agencies including CAA, Endeavor, Rogers & Cowan PMK, ICM and 42 West.
Cindy also volunteers her time and resources to help raise funds for numerous philanthropic organizations, serving on the boards and committees for numerous luncheons, galas, and soirees. She lives with her husband in Dallas, Texas.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
As a publicist, one needs access to a great media database to reach members of the media for story consideration, interviews, and guest segments. It can be costly and I knew I was a boutique operation with a baby budget. I knew I would not be able to afford large media packages offered to corporations.
Fortunately, I befriended an account executive at a well known media database company who was proud of what I was trying to accomplish as a female, and supported my goals of launching my Cindy Birne Public Relations. She found a way to provide me with what I needed at a financial friendly cost I could afford.
Additionally, I have close business colleagues who were able to assist me with creating my company logo, letterhead, business cards, and website. All within a price range I could afford. They too were my cheerleaders who remain so today.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
From the beginning I have always taken pride in producing results for clients. In a way, it evolved into a kind of self-motivated competition within myself.
My innate enthusiasm and energy for everything I take on comes has also shined through as well. I have always been who I am as a person and what you see is what you get. This has served me well as I usually become friends with my clients and the friendship remains long after the job is completed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cindybirnepr.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindybirnepr/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindybirnepr/
- Twitter: https://x.com/CindyBirnePR
Image Credits
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