by Influential People Magazine
Over the past century, technology has changed a lot regarding media. The transition from old media to new media has gone from the “old” previous generations using radio, newspapers, and television to the age of “new” media by expanding media into social media, online forums, news agencies, media outlets, and blogs to name a few.
With the great advancement of technology, our access and use of media are greater than ever before, providing individuals information they may need. Without the media, it is going to be difficult for many of us to effectively accomplish our day to day activities and routines.
When it comes to getting your message across to the general public, the mass media is an important factor (seen and coined as the ‘main-stream media’ or MSM), through one of the most advanced forms of communications and interactions with people currently is social media.
However, Lori McNeil is no stranger to the media spotlight. She is a strong, passionate, influencer who leads people in building a Legacy that matters, and who teaches entrepreneurs to use National media to broaden their reach and impact. She has taken her work and advocacy to the national and international market, where she has been interviewed and featured in various media outlets across broadcasting, news programs, magazines, radio shows, and more.
She handles her attention with grace and humility, leveraging her opportunities to advocate for worthwhile causes, such as literacy, supporting troops abroad, entrepreneurs, and other individuals and organizations to find and get on their path to success, a fulfillment that results in getting their message out to the media outlets.
IPM: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got to where you are today?
LM: I grew up in an extremely creative, hard-working family. That ethic has been with me all my life. I started making barrettes for Christmas bazaars in first grade. I took out my first bank loan at age 11 (my mother co-signed with me on $3,500) to start my own hotdog stand. I have always been reaching for something bigger than myself. Entrepreneurship has been woven into the very fabric of my life. In my adult life, I spent years in both education and business, while being involved as a consultant, politician, community advocate, and volunteer. This has led to opportunities both nationally and internationally beyond my dreams.
IPM: What was the biggest obstacle you faced in the pursuit of your business and how did you overcome it?
LM: One of the biggest obstacles I faced early on was understanding that entrepreneurship is a lifestyle, not a job. Even though I knew that intellectually my hours would not be typical, I was used to working in a traditional atmosphere that I struggled to transform my thinking to accept the concept of what true time freedom is and what it would take to create it. Simultaneously, this new mindset came with the obstacle of creating healthy boundaries and understanding that I did not have to say, “yes” to everything, believing that it was “my job.” In fact, saying, “no” to more people, actually means saying “yes” to my own goals. Working with coaches, engaging in live events, and building relationships with the right people made all the difference in the world for me as I learned to switch my brain from being in that traditional space to one which served my goals and lifestyle as an entrepreneur. Once that transition occurred and I began to realize the “how” I never looked back.
IPM: Is it difficult to find and talk to the media outlets?
LM: Not at all. In Fact, it has never been easier. A decade or two ago it was a bit more difficult. The two elements that make it simpler today are that; one we have social media where practically everyone is approachable and reachable, and two there is quite a bit of information available online that on just over a few clicks one can find something that connects them to the right person.
IPM: What methods are best for international communications?
LM: The methodology remains the same. The process may be a little different depending on the country and what they allow. One important piece is to ensure that your messaging is translated correctly. Most people overlook this piece and since words have different meanings in other countries, it is an important element.
IPM: What are the common misconceptions people have about the media?
LM: The most common perception is that you must know someone or know someone who knows someone. While this is still relevant, it does not stop there. Everyone is accessible. A second misconception is that the media is full of liars, thieves, and politically run. While this may or may not be true to some extent (not the best forum for that rabbit hole) the media still plays a prominent part in our culture. Because of that, media exposure is still one of the best ways to expand your reach which will position you and your brand.
IPM: What is the one common myth about your profession or field that you want to debunk?
LM: The myth of work/life balance. Inside the corporate world of 9-5, there are set hours of work that one is expected to be at and perform at some level. The draw to entrepreneurship is having instant ‘freedom’ of time. Honestly, you work less in a 50-hour week than you will as an entrepreneur. There is no work/life balance. There is only life balance. Understanding this creates greater success and creates that freedom.
IPM: You wrote a book called “Media Secrets Revealed”, can you share with us about this?
LM: Absolutely! I wrote the book to help others achieve the same results I have achieved. It contains the five strategies that have, for me resulted in obtaining a media spot 100% of the time. The second reason I wrote the book is to open the possibility for those who want to gain media attention but feel like they can’t.
IPM: You are an author, coach, speaker, media strategist, and volunteer helping charities, fundraisers, and organizations for military, literacy, education, leadership, and etc.… Being an entrepreneur in those fields, how are you able to manage all in your life?
LM: Well, now that I have debunked the myth of work-life balance, I feel like I can go a bit deeper. Entrepreneur balance comes down to one simple concept, time management. I know that whatever is important to me I will make time for. So, I build it into my schedule. Also, I include my family as much as possible.
IPM: What is your favorite part of your
business you enjoy doing? LM: I love speaking. Having been a teacher I look at my speaking opportunities as opportunities to teach others. I have the privilege of imparting knowledge, and then I get to speak individually to people who are ready to act.
IPM: What motivates you to keep going in what you do?
LM: My family. They are everything to me. Everything I do filters through them.
IPM: Do you have a message that you would like to let our readers know?
LM: You’ve got this. The difference between someone who is successful and someone who isn’t is internal beliefs. Living in abundance is truly a mindset that is as unique as we are as people. The only person that determines your success or failure is you. If you have not ‘arrived’ at where you want to be, but are making progress, you have not failed. I see too many people giving up on their dreams because of someone else’s definition of success. Set your goals, create the plan, and charge after it. You’ll ‘arrive’ before you know it. Lori McNeil is an Author, International Speaker, Media Strategist, International Business Coach. She is a strong passionate, influencer who leads people in building a Legacy for themselves and their business.
Lori is a advocate for worthwhile causes, such as literacy, supporting troops abroad, entrepreneurs, and other individuals and organizations to find and get on their path to success.
https://lorimcneil.com/ Lori A. McNeil
Lori A. McNeil coachlorimcneil
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