From Radio Waves to Business Wins: Lessons Learned on a Female Founder’s Journey

Let’s dive into our super fun mini-series that’s all about celebrating a few cool entrepreneurs! PaSH is centered around sharing inspiring stories, breaking down stereotypes, and sharing the authentic, behind-the-scenes moments that make entrepreneurs so amazing. Let’s dive into, “From Radio Waves to Business Wins: Lessons Learned on a Female Founder’s Journey”!

Meet, Stacey Marie, a dynamic and multifaceted entrepreneur whose career has been a testament to her adaptability and drive. Her journey began with a flourish as she hosted a highly successful business talk radio show, a platform that allowed her to engage with an impressive roster of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and business owners. The success of this venture laid the groundwork for her subsequent achievement: the launch of her own radio station.

Through her experiences, Stacey Marie learned the ins and outs of the radio industry firsthand. This self-taught expertise enabled her to forge a distinctive niche as a communication coach, specializing in helping aspiring radio hosts and guests refine their on-air presence. Her unique approach has made her a sought-after mentor in the field.

What’s one misconception people have about your industry that drives you crazy? 

A: One common misconception about the radio industry is that radio advertising is ineffective and doesn’t provide a return on investment. Many business owners aren’t aware of how advertising can actually fuel their growth.

When you start advertising on the radio—whether through live reads, audio ads, or banner placements—you’re introducing your business to a whole new audience that may not have heard of you before. Listeners become familiar with your brand through your logo, but what really resonates is when they hear you, the business owner, share your story. This personal connection allows them to feel they know you better, enhancing trust and interest in your business.

Being a guest on a radio show is not just exposure; it’s a powerful marketing opportunity that allows you to convey your passion and expertise directly to potential customers. Don’t underestimate the impact of connecting with listeners on a personal level!

In a world full of trends, how do you keep your business authentic and true to your vision? 

A: In a world full of trends, I stay true to my vision by focusing on what I love—hosting my business talk radio show and helping businesses gain visibility. I remind myself of my purpose: to guide business owners in understanding their marketing budgets and connecting with local media. My station stands out because I provide practical tips that many others overlook, such as building relationships with the media and strategies for growth. When I started this journey years ago, my goal was to create a platform for business owners to share their stories. Unfortunately, there aren’t many shows left that offer this invaluable opportunity.

Can you share the story behind starting your business and what inspired you to take the
leap?

A: It wasn’t so much about taking a leap of faith. It was more about embracing a calling that unexpectedly presented itself to me. 

Growing up in California, I faced the challenges of learning disabilities, making school a constant struggle. I quickly realized that college wasn’t for me. The idea of long hours in class, trying to absorb information, and endless studying felt overwhelming. Instead, I chose a different path: I married young and had my first child at 21, finding immense joy in motherhood. However, watching my friends graduate and discover their purposes often left me questioning my own journey.

In 2011, a small interaction on social media sparked a significant change. A women’s podcast host posed a question about crafting a resume for those without work experience. It seemed to stump many, as there were no responses for days. I decided to share my insights, which led to my first guest appearance on her podcast.

Encouraged by friends and professionals, I took the plunge and launched my own business talk radio show. To my surprise, I secured sponsors even before the debut. This unexpected turn defined my career, allowing me to combine my networking skills with a newfound voice in media. By 2012, my show was up and running, and within the first few episodes, I featured well-known guests.

That’s how it all began. Since then, I’ve reinvented myself multiple times—as a media consultant and publicist, helping to launch products, businesses, and entertainers. Now, I’m excited to be back on the radio again, embracing this journey with renewed passion.

A: To address this question, I need to elaborate. I don’t focus on my competition because I believe my business stands out on its own. When you concentrate too much on others, you can lose sight of your own vision. It’s essential to focus on your own goals to stay on track and achieve your vision. Each competitor offers something unique in our industry. I’ve mentioned to others in my industry that if they truly believe in their own business, they wouldn’t need to concern themselves with what I’m doing. You have to have faith that your efforts will lead you to success. Confidence is crucial as a business owner. Stay focused on your objectives and maintain your course. 

Can you discuss any partnerships or collaborations that have particularly impacted your business? 

A: Right now I have collaborated with Celebrity Love and Happiness Coach, Rob Mack. Rob’s first book, Happiness from the Inside Out: The Art and Science of Fulfillment, is celebrity-endorsed and critically-acclaimed. His most recent book, Love from the Inside Out: Love and Inspiration for Loving Yourself, Your Life and Each Other is a best seller. The first time he was a guest on my show several years ago telling his story and giving out great tips to my listeners it made an impact in their lives. I knew when that I was going to be  hosting my radio show again, that I wanted to collaborate with Rob. Rob’s passion for helping others to be happy and live life to the fullest is what I was needing for a segment on my show. Rob recently was on my show talking about how mental well being in the current social climate we live in. for more information about Rob Mack, you can go to his website at www.coachrobmack.com .

What is one lesson you’ve learned through your entrepreneurial journey that you think everyone should know? 

A: One key lesson I’ve learned on my journey is that distractions can easily derail you. They pull your attention away from what truly matters. It’s important to stay focused and maintain a mindset geared toward achieving your goals. 

More About Stacey From Radio Waves to Business Wins: Lessons Learned on a Female Founder’s Journey

In addition to her consulting work, Stacey Marie is the author of the upcoming “Can We Connect” book series, which promises to share her insights and strategies with a broader audience.

As the owner of Elevated Connections Agency LLC, Stacey Marie remains deeply involved in her initial passion—radio. She is once again at the helm of her successful business talk radio show and is actively involved in running her radio station, bringing her full circle in her illustrious career.

Read other stories from this mini series by clicking here or read about an author here.

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