Learn as much as you can about as many things are you can, always ask for help when you need it, be loyal, interested, and curious about things you need more info on.
Gayle Carson graduated from Emerson College with a degree in Broadcasting, Theatre, and Speech. During college she hosted two radio shows and began her training in live TV.
After college she moved to Miami and got her first job in two weeks. One year later she bought the business and proceeded to diversify its sales base from one to seven divisions and it eventually became the largest independent organization in the industry. As CEO, Gayle managed a diverse staff of over 350 people, graduated more than a million students from her training programs and personally managed the company’s complex payroll. While serving as CEO of her business, she received her Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University.
During this time, she also served as a TV spokesperson for Clairol visiting major markets doing before and after makeovers. As President of the Carson Research Center, she served as a consultant to 50 industries on six continents, advising them on current business trends and cutting edge opportunities to stay ahead of their competition. The author of five books, she hit the Amazon’s best sellers list, was a winner of the Best Seller Quill Award and was inducted into the National Academy of Best Selling Authors.
Selected as a “2007 Legend of the Speaking Profession” she hosted Entrepreneur’s “Women in Business” radio show, wrote for them and had articles in More Magazine. Currently, she hosts over a dozen radio shows per month and is the founder of the sobradionetwork.com She is also the only woman in the world who has a Doctorate, a CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), CMC (Certified Management Consultant) and an FIMC (Fellow to the Institute of Management Consultants).
Where did the idea for your company come from?
As a speaker, coach, author and radio host, I decided to add a different niche to my practice, and added women over 50. I then named myself Dr. Gayle S.O.B. Spunky Old Broad. That became the company and I started working with that population.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
Wow–it is different every day because of the travel, the radio shows etc. I start out every morning with a workout, then hit email,make and return phone calls–then it’s a blur of luncheons, meetings, conferences, speaking, coaching etc.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I just do them. If I need help, I ask for it.
What’s one trend that excites you?
How much opportunity there is out there, yet I’m not very good at the technology so that hinders me.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I’m persistent and disciplined.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Learn as much as you can about as many things are you can, always ask for help when you need it, be loyal, interested, and curious about things you need more info on.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
Being a woman and older doesn’t have to limit you in any way.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Keep a schedule.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
I try new things and will study what I don’t know.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Thought I could franchise one of my other businesses and it was a disaster. I chalked it up to experience and concentrated on other things.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Don’t be afraid to get publicity from radio, TV, articles etc. It is always good to have people talking about you and your company. So write the article and submit it, call the radio and TV shows and give them your pitch. You can do this on your own. You don’t need a PR agent.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Having a really nice dinner. I was tired, had been eating the same hotel food for 4 days and wanted to treat myself.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use MailChimp for my newsletter and any email blasts.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I can’t name just one and I think your reading should be diversified.
What is your favorite quote?
It’s from me. “Women are like fine wine. They get better with age.”
Key learnings:
- You’re never too old.
- Stick to what you are working on. Discipline and persistence says it all.
- Go for publicity. It just might put you on the map.
- Learn a new skill when necessary.
Connect:
LinkedIn: gaylecarson
Twitter: gaylecarson
Facebook: spunkyoldbroad1 and gaylencarson
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.