Women Can Do Anything
Let’s Talk Business Interview with Farah Perelmuter
Profit Magazine (July, 2004)
Profit Magazine lists Farah as one of the top 100 business
women. Congratulations Farah!
Describe your business?
Speakers’ Spotlight is Canada’s most innovative
speakers bureau, representing the most extraordinary speakers,
leading thinkers, and inspiring individuals. We book authors,
athletes, celebrities and others to speak at events worldwide.
Who is your target market?
Our main target markets are corporations, associations and
government agencies in Canada.
What is your business mission statement?
By providing quick, proactive expertise and guidance, Speakers’
Spotlight will continue to build trust and confidence through
every transaction with out speakers and clients, further deepening
our relationship with them.
Our workplace respects the individuality
of each member of our team, encouraging a flexible, fun and
dynamic culture, focused on achieving great things together.
How did you become interested in it and why
are you passionate about it?
I started the business almost 10 years ago
at the ripe old age of 24. I was working at an advertising
agency and my uncle wanted me to help him with his marketing
materials. He wanted to become a speaker. I had no idea what
speakers spoke about, and that people actually paid (often
huge amounts) to hear them.
I’m passionate about it because I have
the unique opportunity to listen to, and learn from, the most
fascinating people in North America.
Who inspired you? Did you have a mentor?
To be honest, no one in particular inspired
me and I (unfortunately) had no mentor. Fo as long as I can
remember, I wanted my own business. My parents have always
been incredibly supportive.
Why did you pursue your own business vs.
working for someone else?
I wanted control in my life.
What are some of the obstacles you’ve
faced and how did you overcome them?
At the beginning, there was no money, no
office, no staff, no contract and no experience. How did I
overcome them? Sheer determination. I never considered that
the business wouldn’t be successful.
Were you ever financially challenged and
how did you handle it?
I used my savings to start the business and
never needed to borrow capital but the first few years were
tight (especially because my husband and I did it together).
But at that point we didn’t have kids, a mortgage or
any huge expenses. We were also used to the "student
life" and were easily able to give up going for dinners,
vacations, shopping…
How long did it take you to get your company
to a financially stable position?
The first year we broke even and it stared to
grow after that.
Do you have a personal philosophy, ethics
or morals that guide you in conducting business?
My mother always said, "Be nice to everybody.".I
know it sounds so simplistic but I truly believe that being
honest, ethical, and working with integrity improves your
bottom line. Today’s business successes are based on
relationships and your reputation is your most important commodity.
What is your business’s proudest achievement
so far?
Speakers’ Spotlight has been selected
by Profit Magazine as one of the 100 fastest growing companies
in Canada, and is listed in the 2002 Profit 100, Canada’s
authoritative ranking of high-growth companies.
What ‘Pearl of Wisdom’ can you
offer to help other women starting out?
First be certain that your business idea
makes sense. Believe in yourself. Surround yourself with the
right people. Do what you love.
What is your most valued health tip that
keeps you going?
Being in love.
Do you have a favourite quote you’d
like to pass on?
Sometimes opportunity knocks softly…listen
carefully.
The Lawyer’s Weekly - June 17, 2009
Lawyer of the Week
The Toronto Star - March 16, 2009
Presidents don't always subscribe to free speech
Vancouver Sun - March 2, 2009
Football flash Rudy still drawing them in
Financial Post - February 21, 2009
Dubya's coming to Cowtown
MeetingsCanada.com - December 11, 2008
Speakers’ Spotlight CEO Named a Most Powerful Women in 2008
Press Release - November 27 2008
CEO of Speakers’ Spotlight One of Canada’s Most Powerful Women in 2008
MeetingsCanada.com - November 27, 2008
Speakers' Spotlight Wins Workplace Award
Press Release - November 2008
Speakers' Spotlight: More Than Just Talk
MSN Small Business - October 2008
Profile: Speakers' Spotlight
Millionairemom.com - October 2008
Millionaire Moms Audio Interview with Farah Perelmuter
Canadian Event Perspective - August 2, 2008
Defied Odds to Stay True to Their Dream...
Women's Post - July 11, 2008
Woman of the day
Bizbash.com - June 12, 2008
M.C.s Gone Wild - How to keep talent from going off-book and out-of-bounds
by Mimi O'Connor
Workopolis.com - April 28, 2008
4 Ways to Improve Your Presentation Skills
By Alan Kearns
CareerJoy.com - April 28, 2008
3 keys to a great speech Podcast
Montreal Gazette - April 07, 2008
Bill Clinton raking it in from Canadian public appearances
By Elizabeth Thompson
Alberta Venture - March, 2008
The Star Treatment
By Shannon Sutherland
AOL Canada - February 13, 2008
Couple Q&A:
Romance is....Notes on the Windshield, Bum Squeezes and Kids
By Sarah Treleaven
National Post - December, 2007
Gabbing with gracious gurus
By Shinan Govani,
Woman's Post - December, 2007
Farah Perelmuter: change to happiness
By Angela Trimmer
Midtown Town Crier - November, 2007
Midtown couple dreams their way to success
By Kelly Gadzala
National Post - September 29, 2007
Business owner by age nine, CEO proves an early start helps
By Libby Znaimer
Emprendedores
Speakers Spotlight, por hablar que no quede
Contemporary Business Communication
Business Presentations
By Scot Ober & Brad Quiring
Speaking Of Impact - Summer, 2007
Racing for ROI
By Michelle Ray, CSP
Progressive Choices - Winter/Spring, 2007
Making A Difference
By Cathy Watters
Progressive Choices
National Post - January 15, 2007
Confessions of Dynamic Duos
Running a business with your spouse
By Deena Waisberg
globeandmail.com - May 30, 2006
Married to the Job
By Sasha Nagy
Esteem Magazine - Spring 2006
Balancing Success
By Kevin Craig
The Globe and Mail - Sept. 29, 2004
Speakers' circuit not just talk
By Wallace Immen
WOMEN CAN DO ANYTHING (July 2004)
Let’s
Talk Business Interview
with Farah Perelmuter
INNOVATIVE PROGRESS (May 2004)
BUILD
BUZZ: 8 Keys to Entrepreneurial Success
by Martin Perelmuter, LL B.
SPEAKING OF IMPACT (Spring 2004)
A Tale
of Two Countries
by Martin Perelmuter, LL B.
In Conference
Supplement in The Globe and Mail - Spring 2004
Speaking Out Conferences Energized
by Successful Speakers
PROFITguide.com (October/November 2003)
How to fire your customers - Cutting
off paying customers sounds counterproductive, but it can actually
help you grow
THE MISSISSAUGA NEWS (Nov 13, 2002)
At Bridges to Business symposium - Don't quit
entrepreneurs told
MPI Newsbytes (Volume 9, Issue 27 02 July 2002)
Canadian Speakers Circuit Flying High
by
Funmi Okunbolade
Profit Magazine (June, 2002)
Heroes for Hard Times:Canada's Fastest-Growing
Companies point the way to survival and success
Profit Magazine (June, 2002)
Trends: How to Introduce a Speaker
The Globe and Mail: In Conference Magazine (Spring, 2002)
Talking About Success: The Speaking Industry
The National Post (Monday March 19, 2001)
Site helps track down celebrity speakers
by Marjo Johne
Canadian Jewish News (August 3rd, 2000)
Young Couple's Speakers' Agency Thrives
by Sheldon Kirshner
The Calgary Herald (April 22, 2000)
Mount Everest Climb Shared on Internet
by Michelle Simick
The Generator (November, 1999)
Focus
on Success
by Amy Harder
Royal Bank - Today's Entrepreneur (First Aired: March 29,
1999)
Partners in business and life
Home Business Report (Summer, 1999)
Speakers, Service and Spousal Partners:
Couple brings celebrities to Canadian events
by E.T. (Mitch) Lenko
Globe and Mail (Monday, January 11, 1999)
Couple Builds Agency on Soapbox,
by Jeff Brooke
The National Post (Monday, December 21, 1998)
When Your Partner is Your Business,
by Laura Fowlie
The Western Alumni Magazine (September, 1998)
"Well Spoken",
by Jeff Brooke
The Toronto Star (May 25, 1998)
Thinking Big - Agency puts speakers in spotlight
by Michael Schultz
Association - Canada's Association Management Magazine
(December/January, 1997/1998)
Best Speaker Bets: 1998 Forecast
The Meeting Professional (December, 1997)
"Beyond Boundaries: Speaking Across Cultural Boundaries",
by Martin Perelmuter
The Financial Post Magazine (January, 1997)
"Power Talks",
by John Greenwood
The Toronto Sun (August 18, 1996)
"Two by Two: Lessons for Couples Living and Working
Together",
by Sandy Naiman
Association Magazine (June/July, 1996)
"Helpful Hints on Booking a Speaker",
by Farah Perelmuter
The Toronto Star (November 27, 1995)
"'Canadian' the New Word in Public Speaking",
by Oscar Rojo
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