In the latest episode of Business Owners Radio, Cynthia Kay, author of "Small Business, Big Success," delves into the strategies and insights that have propelled her media production company to new heights over the past 35 years. This episode is a goldmine for small business owners looking to transform their ventures into thriving powerhouses. With her rich background in investigative journalism and broadcasting, Cynthia brings a unique perspective to the table, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships, asking great questions, and balancing leadership with business growth.
The episode kicks off with Cynthia discussing her journey of founding and running Cynthia Kay and Company Media Production. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to helping other businesses succeed, Cynthia shares valuable insights from her extensive experience working with both large and small companies. She underscores the importance of relationships and tailored solutions, recounting how her dedication to even the smallest projects led to securing significant clients. This segment is a treasure trove of practical advice and inspiration for small business owners aiming to grow and thrive.
One of the standout topics in this episode is the art of asking great questions. Cynthia's background in investigative journalism has honed her skills in curiosity and active listening. She explains how these skills are crucial for understanding customer needs and fostering meaningful business relationships. Cynthia shares personal anecdotes illustrating how a background in a family business, combined with a passion for journalism, fosters an entrepreneurial mindset. By being genuinely interested in people and their challenges, business owners can offer impactful solutions and build lasting connections.
Cynthia's journey from an aspiring musician to a successful entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. She traces her path from studying music at Michigan State University to discovering a passion for television and radio. An unexpected opportunity at a TV station ignited her career in broadcasting, where she honed critical skills from live TV experiences. Her Greek heritage also influenced her communication style, adding a unique flair to her approach. Transitioning from broadcasting to entrepreneurship, Cynthia highlights the challenges and rewards of becoming her own boss, managing a team, and the importance of aligning with the right clients. She emphasizes the value of showing up and being present, a lesson she learned from her early experiences in the media industry.
The episode also delves into Cynthia's philosophy of educating clients and being a consultative partner. She shares a compelling story of how she offered a seminar to a large company's marketing team to help them understand the media production process better. This approach not only educated the clients but also led to new business opportunities. Cynthia's emphasis on teaching customers and providing value beyond the immediate project is a strategy that can benefit any small business. It fosters trust and positions the business as a knowledgeable and reliable partner.
Another critical aspect discussed is the balance between leadership and business growth. Cynthia candidly talks about the myth of being one's own boss and the reality of having multiple bosses in the form of clients, employees, and suppliers. She shares her approach to managing these relationships and making strategic decisions about which clients to serve. Cynthia advises business owners to focus on partnerships that align with their values and push them to be more innovative and creative. This selective approach ensures that the work done is of high quality and reflects the business's brand values.
Cynthia's insights on declining projects that do not align with the core business or long-term goals are particularly enlightening. She explains how saying no to certain opportunities can free up resources and energy to focus on more strategic initiatives. This approach not only maintains the integrity of the business but also ensures sustainable growth. Cynthia's practical advice on staying in one's lane while being open to new opportunities is a valuable lesson for any entrepreneur.
In conclusion, this episode of Business Owners Radio with Cynthia Kay is a must-listen for any small business owner looking to elevate their business. Cynthia's stories and practical advice provide a roadmap for building strong relationships, asking the right questions, and balancing leadership with growth. Her journey from musician to entrepreneur is a testament to the power of curiosity, active listening, and strategic decision-making. Tune in to gain actionable insights and be inspired to take your small business to new heights.
Cynthia Kay
Cynthia Kay founded Cynthia Kay and Company media production which produces high-quality communications for organizations from Fortune Global 100 to small business. A graduate of Michigan State University, Kay holds a master’s in communications from Western Michigan University.
Cynthia Kay is a passionate spokesperson for small business. For more than 35 years, she has spent significant time speaking to, teaching, and coaching small-business owners while running her own award-winning company. She is the Past Board Chair of the National Small Business Association (NSBA).
Cynthia and the company have been honored with many awards including many Tellys and Woman Owned Small Business Supplier of the Year from Siemens in 2018. She has been named One of West Michigan’s 50 Most Influential Women five times and is the recipient of over 30 broadcast awards from UPI, AP and other news organizations.
CK & CO Cynthia has authored several books. Her newest book Small Business. Big Success: How to Beat the Odds and Grow a Great Business (Career Press 2024) is available for pre-order and will be out May 6, 2024. She writes for Entrpreneur.com, has been featured in Time Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine’s Ask the Expert and on NPR.
To find out more visit:
