Barbara Wayman, CEO Of BlueTree Media – A DotCom Magazine Exclusive Interview

    Barbara Wayman is the CEO of BlueTree Media. Barbara is a thought leader, influencer, visionary, and successful entrepreneur. Barbara provides the leadership and energy that has inspired the creation of BlueTree Media. Barbara Wayman joins other leading CEOs and Founders taking part in our Leader Roundtable Interview Series. The DotCom Magazine editorial team has recently awarded BlueTree Media with our Impact Company of 2019 award. We are delighted to have Barbara join us for our Leader Roundtable Interview and our popular “speed round” as well.

    Content we provide is truly original and engaging, never boring
    Content we provide is truly original and engaging, never boring

    Barbara, thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy day for this interview about your company, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

    1. What is the “elevator pitch” for BlueTree Media?

    We help our clients stand out and get noticed, like a single blue tree in a forest of green.

    2. What is the key to your company’s success?

    Not thinking like anybody else. By that I mean, the content we provide is truly original and engaging, never boring. And it’s on brand. Attention spans are really short these days, so when you’re sharing stories it’s crucial to grab people from the first moment and never let them go.

    3. Many of our readers are just starting to build a company. What advice can you give entrepreneurs just starting out with a new venture?

    Go all in! See the successful picture in your mind and visualize it daily. Make the decision that that is what you will have, and from that point on, just enjoy the process with all the ups and downs. So much of what people fear never comes to pass anyway, and it keeps you stuck and in a powerless zone. It’s silly but on days when things really go sideways sometimes I just say, “Plot Twist!!!” and it makes me laugh and gives me perspective. It’s a blessing to be alive and healthy and to be able to create something. It’s a blessing to be an entrepreneur. Don’t forget that.

    4. For other entrepreneurs seeking to build a business as successful as yours, what advice can you give them when times get a little challenging?

    It’s important to rest and take care of your body when you need it. You’re only as good as what you can physically do, and you get better ideas when you’re not constantly depleted. Also, investing in a few key relationships is really helpful. If you have someone you can go to for guidance and someone you can celebrate with, you’re in good shape. They might not be the same person and that’s okay.

    5. How important is the commitment to client satisfaction at BlueTree Media, and how do you make sure your customers will become raving fans of your company?

    For me it comes down to the Golden Rule, just treating my clients as I would like to be treated. I try to make each one feel as if they are the only client, and I make a point to support them in every way I can. One of my mentors, the entrepreneur Jesse Itzler says, “When the intention is pure, you can’t lose.” I love that. When you truly want to help people and do what’s best for them, they can tell.

    6. In today’s fast changing business environment, how do you stay abreast of things?

    I make use of the quick search abilities of social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter because they allow you to follow key influencers and keep their content top of mind on an ongoing basis. I also make a point of reviewing information from a variety of industries because it broadens my thinking and allows for more thoughtful and novel ideas.

    7. What is your “Why”? Why do you get up in the morning, and how do you keep yourself at peak performance to lead BlueTree Media?

    My “why” has always been internal. I feel like some of us are just born with a desire to explore and fulfill our potential. Aristotle called it “entelechy,” meaning an inner strength that pushes an organism into the fullest version of itself.

    In terms of how I keep myself at peak performance, I’ve become interested in minimalism and the work of Steven Pressfield in his book, The War of Art. He discusses how you achieve more by imposing limits on yourself, weeding out that which distracts you from your main goals. Basically, I do less but better. I sleep. I read. I exercise. I work. I spend time with loved ones. I no longer try to do everything or make everyone happy. There’s so much energy in a clear purpose.

    8. Can you recommend a book that has had an influence in your career? How did it influence you?

    Oh no, just one?!? I read every day. But in terms of a highly influential book I’d have to say The Portable Coach by Thomas Leonard. He was the founder of the modern coaching movement and although he sadly is no longer with us, his perspective and guidance still shines through his work and has a timeless quality. Re-reading this book always clears my head and helps me make good decisions.

    9. When communicating with your staff, can you tell us the most important thing you do so that they are able to carry out the objectives that you set forth at BlueTree Media?

    I’ve come to understand that people learn in different ways, so it’s important to “flex” my style depending upon who I’m interacting with. Some people like clear detailed information while others just want a general idea and the freedom to go from there. If you treat everyone as the same you will not get the best results. People perform best when their basic personality-based needs are accommodated.

    10. Can you explain what leadership means to you?

    It means having a clear vision, direction and the courage to stand for it when others push back. It’s really an assortment of skills, the ability to listen and really hear what’s being said and what’s not being said. Especially, leaders I admire display self-discipline and “walk the talk.” They are like coaches who hold themselves to the same or even higher standards as everybody else.

    We would like to have some fun and do a “speed round” with you! We will ask you ten more questions that we want you to answer in just one to three words only.

    Here you go!

    1. In three words or less, what makes a successful CEO?
    Clear, communicative, reassuring

    2. Describe your business in one word?
    Real

    3. Describe your customers in one word?
    Game-changers

    4. What one attribute do you look for when hiring an employee?
    Energy

    5. What is the one word you want your customers to say about your company?
    Outstanding

    6. In three words or less, describe your passion?
    Never-ending curiosity

    7. In three words or less, describe what it takes to be successful?
    Do the work

    8. In three words or less, describe your first year in business at BlueTree Media?
    Finding my way

    9. In three words or less, describe how running a successful company has changed you?
    I grew up

    10. What is the one word that you believe has the most power in the English language?
    Love

    Barbara Wayman, thank you so much for sitting down with us for our DotCom Magazine Leader Roundtable Interview Series. We very much appreciate the time you spent helping our readers learn more about what it takes to be a leader. We wish you, your family, and of course BlueTree Media, nothing but the best.

    Thanks again!

    Barbara Wayman, CEO of BlueTree Media, The Leader Roundtable Interview Series