Cindy Maram

Cindy Maram is a Producer and Entertainment Film and Media Executive and Influencer/Creator. She has worked both in front of and behind the camera and travels the world from Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco to Cannes Film Festival and Venice Film Festival. She is a Hollywood Insider and film industry professional who attends A-list film festivals, celebrity events and movie premieres year round. Learn more at www.incloseentertainment.com.

Where did the idea for IN Close Entertainment come from?

The idea for IN Close Entertainment, which is my creative and production agency based in Los Angeles, with global clients and international reach, initiated when I began producing films a few years ago and working with other filmmakers on movies.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

A typical day is a mix of developing business strategy, making connections and building relationships with talent and filmmakers (with new and existing contacts), social media promotion, working on writing press releases for the films and filmmakers I represent. Lately, it’s been a bit of screenwriting and research in the form of reading submitted scripts, watching television series and movies. When there is a live event, such as a film festival for example, we would be attending panel discussions and networking events.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I do a great deal of online research, thinking ideas through and generating new ones, strategizing to understand what my end goal is and the best method to achieve it. Once that is all determined, it’s time to execute the plan and put it out in the world.

What’s one trend that excites you?

It’s exciting how video and short form content has been a growing trend on social media. I have a background in social media strategy, marketing and film, so I have enjoyed that new development, which has crossed over into the entertainment industry.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

One habit that has helped me to be a more creative and innovative entrepreneur is taking time out of my day to honor the new, creative ideas that often pop into my head as I am always problem solving. I try to jot down ideas as they arise and allow them to develop over time and add to my “notebook of ideas.”

What advice would you give your younger self?

To not listen to anyone that tells you that you cannot do or accomplish something that you want to. Those of the older generation do not always fully listen to or trust the ideas or dreams of the youth. I was often told when I was younger and still am by those older than myself, that it is “too late” for me to learn a new sport, or continue onto more higher education or embark on a new career. Listening to this got me down when I was younger, until I realized that those that provided that type of advice did so because they had never met anyone who had accomplished what I was aiming to do. I’m glad I trusted my instincts, followed my passions and went after my dreams.

It may have taken a little longer to realize how to approach my dreams and aspirations, but I did end up trusting myself, taking my own advice and just going for it. You may not need advice from others. Do your own research, figure out how to get there and start working toward your goals no matter what age you are. There are different ways and paths to accomplish what you want. You can make it happen with determination and perseverance.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

There’s the popular saying, “don’t tell them your dreams. Show them.” Although a well-known phrase, I’m not sure how many people live by this. However, it is what I’ve always done. Some people find it hard to deal with as they don’t always know what I’m up to or what my deeper plans are, but if I told everyone what I had dreamed up years ago for my future many would not have understood and would have been doubtful. But fast-forward years later, I’ve worked with some of the biggest companies, clients and talent in the world in Silicon Valley and Hollywood.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

I stay active and am constantly meeting people, going to events and networking. There’s always an opportunity to grow your network, which is crucial for success.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

I travel throughout the year both domestically and internationally. Travel helps in many ways as experiencing different cultures and meeting those of varied backgrounds helps to open your mind beyond what you have learned in the United States or your home country. Also, performing online research on topics I desire to learn more about is something that keeps me on top of new trends in various industries.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

If you are an entrepreneur, you are most likely a very innovative thinker who comes up with unique and original ideas. Many may not fully understand your strategies since your ideas are so ahead and forward-thinking. Therefore, I believe in fully developing your ideas and strategies, implementing them and then allowing people to thereafter witness the impactful and successful results—rather than discussing your raw ideas with many people before they can really grasp them.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Create a blog about the industry where you want to get your foot in the door, such as tech, entertainment, sports, and use it to network and meet people in that industry. Then, once connected launch a profitable business within that sphere with partnerships.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I just hired an assistant for the day to help me organize my home after a move instead of doing it all myself, so that I have more time and energy to put into my business.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

I use WordPress to design and update my multiple websites, as well as Adobe Creative Cloud on desktop and mobile for editing images for my websites and social media.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert is one my favorite books of all time. It’s a breath of fresh air and is about a woman who takes a break from her daily life and routine to travel the world to soul search and rediscover the beauty of life, relationships and get back in touch with herself spiritually. I love this book, because it’s about travel, meeting new people along the way and taking a “deep breath” and pause to realize what is really important to us in each of our lives.

What is your favorite quote?

“Make your life a masterpiece. You only get one canvas.”

Key Learnings:

• Take your own advice. Sometimes the best advice for ourselves is our own.
• If you are an entrepreneur, you most likely have unique and original ideas— many ideas that others will find foreign or difficult to understand. Think all your ideas through thoroughly, develop a strategy to reach your goals and then implement the strategy and let the world see the final product. Having people see and witness the final product is the best way to get people to understand your innovative ideas.
• Never stop growing and learning. And be open to new and different perspectives, but make decisions on your own that are the result of thorough research, experience and your intellect.
• Encourage youth if they come to you for guidance and advice. Never tell them they are too old to start something new or start working toward their dreams.
• Go for it! You have only one life to live. “Make your life a masterpiece. You only get one canvas.”