Side-Hustle Series: Interview with a Media Personality

I am enjoying interviewing professionals about their line of work or their side hustles. Today I am sharing an interview with a media personality! TotallyRandie of Itsnationalday.com launched a successful show and is telling all about it here today.

Tell us a little about yourself and your business. Why did you select it and how did you get started?

I am a Media Personality/Lifestyle Blogger. I launched in July of 2013 (totallyrandie.com) looking to just cover my random life. That turned into me signing on to one of Houston’s biggest digital and print magazines as one of their top reporters/interviewers. December 4th, 2014 I launched It’s National Day as a host and creative director. The rest has been a crazy roller coaster ride of building the TotallyRandie brand.

Describe what you do and what you sell for those of us not familiar with your line of work or product.

I’m not sure if there’s a formula for selling yourself, but people buy. People purchase me as a Host/Speaker/Media Personality to come cover their event. My physical/social media presence alone has been known to increase sales, views, interactions, and followings of the connection brand. Additionally, I recently released my Re-Writable National Day t-shirts sold exclusively on the show’s website. Not only can you write/erase/ and rewrite on the shirt, part of your purchase goes to charity.

What are some of your favorite things about what you do?

Interviewing celebrities are cool, but I love being the host of It’s National Day because there are so many different days, I get to connect with endless brands and create each unique episode from scratch! Also creating a write on wipe off shirt gave me a sense of pride.

What are some challenges of this business?

As stated earlier selling yourself is hard. People are what to purchase something tangible or a product but convincing them that having YOU is a different story. Also although It’s Nationals Day has been sponsored by huge brands which as Reliant, HEB, JW Marriot and more, it’s still a challenge to get sponsors for the show. Most brands in connection to their unique day want you to talk about them or do an episode for free.

For someone interested in what you do, can you share what to expect as far as earning potential and effort?

You will not earn one cent without content. Unfortunately, as a blogger or Media Personality, your earning potential cannot be minimalized nor capped. There’s an endless earning potential as long as you hustle to get sponsors, provide CONSISTENT content and show the individual or brand why they need you. As cliche as it sounds there’s no elevator, you must take the stairs. Hard work and dedication will dictate your earning potential.

What does it take for someone to get started with their own side hustle in your line of work?

That part is simple. Think of an audience, thinking of your talent, think of what’s next and what’s needed. Once you have your content down: get an Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube account, and website to post your content. Tag brands and people you want your attention to come from. Major key: FOLLOW PEOPLE WHO FOLLOW OR ARE FANS OF BRANDS & PEOPLE YOU WANT TO WORK WITH.

Anything else you would like to tell us about your business?

My show is on YouTube at YouTube.com/itsnationalday and right now it resides in the top 10% of YouTube shows with over 60k views. Subscribe! Thank you for this opportunity!