I don’t let someone’s “no thanks” stop me from the next call. Nothing is personal, it just is.
Lesley Lotto has worked in the Entertainment Industry for more than 20 years in both Radio News and as a Talent Agent in the Film Music Industry. Lesley started in the big leagues in Los Angeles before transitioning to small market radio, she helped bring the only Progressive News Talk station to Montana, then started her own boutique network, servicing small markets across the country. Lesley then worked for a major network, reporting news on hundreds of stations, it only one year before folding then Lesley approached the fledgling (internet only) Blaze Radio Network to build a new 24/7 radio network. But it wasn’t long before Lesley got itchy to start something new again and created Urdharma, a publicity firm for those interested in finding their own voice (with just a little help).
Where did the idea for Remote News Service come from?
Remote News Service was born thru podcasting. I was podcasting for fun and started to make a little bit of pocket change so I started cold calling random radio stations, using Rush Limbaugh’s affiliate list because I couldn’t afford to buy a proper database.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I wake up at 5a, grab my espresso and off I go. Walk upstairs and start writing news immediately. I answer emails right after recording and meeting my on-air deadlines. I take a yoga break or meditation break, then hit the phones. I usually clock a 10 hour day 4 days/week. I try to have a light day Friday.
How do you bring ideas to life?
That’s hard to quantify, I am a creator, I love to read the trades and ideas just germinate when I see what other people are up to. Sometimes if something keeps coming at me 2-3 times a light goes off and I know I have to attack it with all I have!
What’s one trend that really excites you?
I think digital has been exciting for a decade and it just gets even more stream-lined and exciting. The fact that I can go out on a story with my iphone, record, then tether my laptop to it too to get online and upload news is amazing!
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I have a routine that I don’t deviate from. I make sure I take some time away from my desk for me! I answer everyone immediately and never ignore questions from random people. You never know who they know!
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
Working at a dry cleaner in high school! I cannot tolerate strong smells.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I might try to get an investor, but maybe not. It has been a struggle at times, but just when I’ve hit the breaking point, I forged ahead and I’ve been fairly successful for a woman alone in a room in her house.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I don’t let someone’s “no thanks” stop me from the next call. Nothing is personal, it just is.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Phone call after phone call after phone call. Keep on dialing!
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I have not perfected the best way to hire strong, loyal and independent thinkers. I have been raked and raided by people in the industry and in my last industry (as a talent agent) who think they know better and have attempted to steal my ideas and my clients. Again, it’s not personal so I forge ahead.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I always thought it would be brilliant to make a juice box with added water. When you have babies they tell you never to give straight juice to a child. Still have never seen this done successfully!
Tell us something about you that very few people know?
I love to snuggle in bed on Friday nights and watch Grey’s Anatomy!
What software and web services do you use? What do you love about them?
I love Adobe Audition, Filemaker Pro and WordPress of course! I am a social media junkie and spend a lot of time on Facebook while I’m smilin’ and dialin’.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Wow, I’d have to go with “How to Win Friends and Influence People“. Can’t go wrong there!
What people have influenced your thinking and might be of interest to others?
The President for dealing carefully in an incendiary environment, and the former President for never talking badly about his successor in public. I love Howard Stern, Ed Schultz, the Dalia Lama and all seekers and peacemakers.
Connect:
Lesley Lotto: LinkedIn:
Remote News Service on Twitter: @remotenews
Remote News Service on Facebook:
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.