Soloist in the Spotlight, Debbie Carr

Location

Bellevue Hill, Sydney

Occupation

Boutique Speaker Bureau – an agent for professional speakers, corporate trainers and corporate entertainers. I love what I do for a living and am very passionate about it. I feel very blessed to be surrounded by so many uplifting and positive people. Many of my speakers have become mentors to me.

What’s the best thing about being a soloist?

The freedom to work the hours I want. Not having to answer to anyone else. I love the challenges and learning from my mistakes.

…and the worst?

No sick leave.

What do you wear to work?

Depends, if I am meeting a client, I will dress in a suit and look corporate. If I’m not seeing anyone it will be smart casual, although I’ve been seen wearing my dobok (uniform) if I’ve taken a Tae Kwon Do class and had to deal with something urgently when I’ve got back to my office.

What are three adjectives to describe your personality?

Determined, efficient, caring

What music are you listening to at the moment?

Ministry of Sound the 2006 Annual

What did you have for breakfast?

We have an espresso machine so every morning I enjoy a cappuccino and two pieces of toast. I enjoy breakfast as I look over the beautiful bushland behind our house.

What’s the smartest bit of marketing you’ve ever done?

It’s a combination of networking, personalised direct mail, my newsletter, website and just taking an interest in other people. I have a marketing plan which I use, thanks to one of Megan Tough's newsletters. My plan is a list of daily, weekly, monthly and annual marketing strategies. This is the first year that I will be exhibiting at a trade show – RSVP events.

Which would you find harder, no Internet for a month, or no mobile for a month?

Internet would be the hardest as it is my main form of communication. I am constantly updating my website myself and also do a lot of research on the net.

What talent do you most wish you possessed?

Believe it or not, to be a public speaker. It’s one of my goals and once my book is published I think I will get myself on the circuit. I am lucky that my partner, Ron Lee, The Corporate Ninja can teach me all the skills I need about presenting. Ron has been a professional speaker for over 16 years and teaches other speakers and also those who aspire to be speakers.

What actor/actress would play the lead in the story of your life?

Meg Ryan. Meg is a bit of a tomboy like me but also has a very soft side to her.

You’ve got a free half hour during your work day. What do you do?

Write a bit more on my book which is on Near Death Experiences. I am currently seeking more people to interview, or if I’m feeling a bit overworked I’ll go for a run.

What’s your proudest moment?

I look at my milestones every day, and feel proud of every step that takes me closer to my goals. One of my proudest moments was taking the step to leave a secure full time job to go out on my own. Facing that fear was fantastic and even though the first year in business was challenging, I wouldn’t change it for anything.