Passions That Pay

Passion Profile

Tell me a little about your passion.

I am passionate about being able to give back to other women with my knowledge and expertise. I spent more than 25 years in radio and television news and now as a media consultant, I am can educate others on what I’ve learned from some of the best in Corporate America. Helping women understand the importance of self-promotion and creative ways to do it is what I believe is a part of my purpose in life.

Is this a new passion or one you have had all your life?

I don’t think of this as a new passion but rather an extension of a life-long passion. Ever since I was a teenager I wanted to be a journalist. I wanted to inform and educate others. As a media consultant, I am still doing that but on a different level.

What was your greatest challenge when you first started to follow your passion?

My greatest challenge was trying to place a monetary value on my work. I love what I do because I’m doing what I love and I would do it for free. (Many times I do). Placing a dollar value on my services wasn’t easy because I didn’t want to overcharge anyone but then a very close confidante told me, my knowledge was priceless so that kind of helped me gage my worth.

I’ve been told people don’t take you as seriously if your rates are low. I don’t know if I necessarily agree with that because I’ve seen folks who charge an arm and two legs and they don’t offer much more than I do. They just have a bigger circle to operate from—whereas, it’s just me and my network of former media colleagues.

What benefits have you received from living your passion?

I receive a benefit every time one of my clients gets a call for an interview. That tells me I’ve done my job.

How supportive have the people in your life been?

My husband has been my biggest cheerleader. He sees me in a way that no one else does and when I start to doubt myself, he is constantly reminding me of my talent. I might also add that he put up the “seed money” to help me get started with my media consulting business.

What changes to your mindsets/thought patterns have you made in order to be successful?

I believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that I can and will be a success at whatever I attempt. I believe if it’s in God’s will, I can accomplish anything. I make it a point to learn lessons from my mistakes. I make my stumbling blocks my stepping stones.

Where do you see yourself in a year? In five years?

A year from now I expect to be still happily married with a thriving business. In five years, I will have been on Oprah and completed my 10th book (I’m working on #3 right now).

Are you a planner or do you tend to prefer to fly by the seat of your pants?

I want to be a better planner so I guess that kind of tells you what I am

Are you a left or a right brain thinker?

Right brain thinker for sure!

Who is your hero?

My hero is my dad. I call him a gentle giant. He worked hard all of his life to provide a good living for my mother and me. He wasn’t overbearing. He just went about his business in an unassuming manner. He wasn’t the kind of dad who always said, “I love you” but I never doubted that he did for one minute. Although he got to see me graduate from college, he never lived long enough to see the success I’ve attained since then.

Which 3 traits contribute most to your success?

Perseverance
Motivation
Will
I also believe my personality is a contributing factor as well.

Which trait do you most wish to change?

Spontaneity. I have a habit of doing things at the spur of the moment sometimes. It can be exciting but it can also give you many headaches if it spirals out of control. I’m striving to be more of a planner.

Beverly Mahone

http://www.boomerdivanation.org/