Meet T. R. Threston , C.E.O. of World Guide Publishing and this week’s Woman in Business Showcase
Tell us about your business (what product or service you provide and who your target audience is)
World Guide Publishing creates and publishes upscale/luxury travel and travel related media.
Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
In short being an entrepreneur equals independence, and, creative freedom, and, the entrepreneurial spirit has been with me since childhood. While other kids were playing, I was running my own stand in front of my parents house selling tomatoes from our garden. No one put me up to it, it was my own idea because I wanted to buy a horse. And from that point forward I had always vowed if I was going to work that hard it was going to be for myself and not for someone else; and that still holds true for me today.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
My Father was absolutely my greatest influence. He owned his own business, and, even though he worked hard and very long hours, he had the pride and pleasure of being his own boss. He has been my greatest cheerleader since my tomato stand days.
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
I’d have to say that winning a Silver 2014 “Women in Business” Stevie Award: http://www.stevieawards.com/pubs/women/awards/414_2252_24991.cfm has been my greatest professional accomplishment to date. Being recognized for my work outside of the travel media niche has given me the encouragement I’ve needed to continue to expand and grow my business.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
If you believe in yourself (even if no one else does) then keep trying until you succeed. Success isn’t for a few “lucky” people, it comes from trial and error, and, failure is a huge part of becoming successful provided you learn from your past mistakes, and, make a conscious effort to change what doesn’t work.
What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?
Social media has played a big part of my business promotion. It is due to social media that I became known as a writer, and, developed a large following because of it. In turn, I am taking advantage of my large following to promote my company, and, it has been the strongest path of growth and the best company branding tool I’ve used to date. The key is knowing how to harness the power of social media effectively and engaging people so that you peak their curiosity and convert them into customers.
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
Networking is essential because you never know when you may need help in achieving a goal. Additionally, you cannot use people and their businesses as a one time thing and then toss them aside as if they no longer matter. It’s important to keep all business contacts alive even if it’s a yearly holiday card. People do remember the little things and it makes all the difference if you ever put out the call for help.
Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business? If yes, please describe (and include links if available).
Take advantage of social media such as LinkedIn, and, parlay it by taking it offline. My personal example is that I have a professional Meetup group, and, I invite key LinkedIn members to my Meetup events. I’ve found it helps business relationships to flourish if you meet face to face, and, Meetup offers a no pressure way to meet other professionals.
Do you have any new projects coming up (or have you just completed a big project ~ reached a milestone, etc.)? If so, please tell us about it.
In 2014, my company launched two brand new magazines: New Wave Travel Magazine http://madmagz.com/magazine/359251 and The Road Less Eaten http://madmagz.com/magazine/293682
What do you do for fun/relaxation?
I enjoy doing a number of things. I am a musical theater geek, and, love going to Broadway shows when the opportunity arises. I’ve also been a long time equestrian, and, I enjoy the time that bond a horse and rider together. And, I enjoy hosting and entertaining.
What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
In a word: Growth. In 2015 the concentration for World Guide Publishing will be to expand in all directions.
You want to write a book on ______________________ (fill in the blank and feel free to explain).
Funny you should ask this question to a publisher! However, I am actually researching and writing a Historical Fiction novel based upon my family in 1550’s England. It all began when I was looking into dual citizenship, and, information revealed itself that my family was of nobility class, and, so the quest for knowledge began — it’s been about five years now, and, I’m still receiving new information. (I’ve been working with professional genealogists to make sure the information is as accurate and historically correct as possible.) It has been one of the most frustrating, aggravating, and, completely compelling projects I’ve ever undertaken, and, I’ve loved every single minute of it!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Simply believe in yourself. It is the single most important thing you can do if you want to be successful. And, it is the starting point for getting a new project or business underway and it is also important to know it’s ok to put yourself first.
What’s the best way for our readers to connect with you (feel free to include the links to your social networks and websites)?
For more information visit http://worldguidepublishing.com and http://luxurytravelwriter.info
Connect on Social media:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/trthreston
https://www.facebook.com/TRThrestonOfficiallFanPage
https://twitter.com/trthreston
