Meet DEBRA FINE | Keynote Speaker and Trainer, Bestselling Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with DEBRA FINE and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DEBRA, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

Risk taking has been one of the key ingredients to my success as an entrepreneur. Over 30 years ago, pre-internet, cold calling brought me training and keynote bookings. But I risked a lot of “no’s” back then to get to a “yes”. I still invest time in rattling cages, using the phone feature on my phone to reach out to potential clients, and maintain connections with others. When audience members clamored for my book that I had not written or published, I was met with 100% rejection by publishers and literary agents. Despite being frowned upon at that time (2001), and no Amazon for distribution, I went the self-publishing route. I took the risk of flying to Book Expo America in Chicago (still the largest publishing event in North America) that year, walking up to each table of distributors asking for representation for my little self-published book The Fine Art of Small Talk. Again, met with a lot of rejection, some folks would not even speak with me. Ultimately, leaving Chicago at the end of the day with two offers to distribute The Fine Art of Small Talk. That is how my book originally landed in bookstores including large chains as well as independents. By 2003, thanks to being a pushy risk taker I landed on CNN, Frontier Airlines magazine and NPR Morning Edition. With a self-published book, unheard of in those days. The end game was that sales got noticed by traditional publishers and a bidding war ensued, landing a book deal with then Hyperion now Hachette. The book is now published and translated in over 20 countries and in 2023 was reissued with an updated, revised edition. And available in an audio version as well.
Risk taking has spurred most of the success of my business to this day. I do not rely on experts who tell me what I cannot or should not do. I just go for it and deal with the rejection. This approach has paid off for me with landing clients and book sales.

What should our readers know about your business?

My business is focused on offering keynotes and trainings for corporations, membership organizations and individuals who want to build relationships, make the most of networking opportunities and cultivate connections. As a former engineer I used to hate sitting thru “motivational speakers”. So I differentiate my work by never using PowerPoint, offering an engaging, tailored to the audience, fast-paced and entertaining program.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

The idea of hosting a friend for a week in my beloved Colorado would be a joy. Why? Because I simply love it here. As an adolescent I read the book On the Road by Jack Kerouac which inspired me to move to Colorado later in life from where I was raised in Buffalo, N.Y. No friends or family here, nonetheless one of the best decisions I have ever made.

My perfect days of hosting would be in the summer. We would visit Coors Field, a beautiful baseball stadium, with unique to Colorado food and beverage offerings, and a terrible baseball team. Either before or after, depending on game start time we would walk the length of Larimer Square, an historic, pedestrian block in Denver. Rioja restaurant on Larimer would be our dining destination as it deserves all the accolades and excellent reviews, plus it is women owned and operated.

I would do my best to schedule a day with my friend Denver’s own James Beard Award winning author (twice) Adrian Miller https://adrianemiller.com/. Also referred to as the Soul Food Scholar, Adrian would design a tour of metro Denver area soul food restaurants or thanks to his most recent book Black Smoke, a tour of the best in BBQ. After a food tour that is sure to include beyond wonderful desserts we would head to Boulder. There we would tour Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History at the Boulder Museum. Adrian is a co-project director and also occasional tour guide, so we would be in the best of hands.

As my husband and I are cyclists and sort of bike hoarders, I would ask my friend to either use one of our many bikes or join me for a tandem ride heading from our home in southeast Denver suburbs to the Cherry Creek Bike path. We would stop for coffee and visit Farmer’s Markets along the way. And depending on our energy level make it all the way to the REI Flagship store in downtown Denver.

A day in the mountains is a must, driving to Vail enjoying the amazing views on the way. Then a hike in the wildflowers, a stop at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and ideally dining al fresco on a patio by Gore Creek.

Whether for a concert, a yoga class on the rocks or simply for the aura, we would definitely head to Morrison just west of Denver to enjoy the incomparable setting of Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Allowing for time, and opting into full tourist mode, we would visit Casa Bonita, the restaurant made famous in the South Park TV series and a beloved Denver destination since 1974 known for mediocre food, cliff divers, and faux Mexican village.

Lastly, an hour drive from my home is the Air Force Academy, a pristine landscape of buildings that is an unexpected site in its beautiful front range setting close to Colorado Springs. If our wallets have not been depleted at this point, we would head to the Broadmoor Hotel just south of Colorado Springs, the longest running Forbes 5 Star Hotel Triple AAA Diamond Resort in the world for brunch and a stroll in the 5,000 lush acres of the resort.

As you might gather, eating and staying active go hand in hand for me and any guest up for same.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Despite being a cliché my family has been my inspiration and motivation. My circumstances were challenging.

My concept for this business was birthed when my two toddler children and I were suddenly on our own. As a newly divorced stay at home mom, I was struggling to figure out how to earn a living without a 9 to 5 as I had no family support.

Without realizing the inspiration my children  played, my hustle and drive to support us led me to taking risks and pushing boundaries. My advice to those I mentor is the best way to build a thriving business is to be scared and broke. Fear of failure and  rejection do not play a role because the bills must be paid.

Myother shout out is to is a man I soon started dating, became my boyfriend and is now my husband, Steve Tilliss. From the minute I met him he has been my biggest fan, never doubted my talent, my ideas, my belief in myself.

Others questioned my approach, my unwillingness to go the “traditional” route. My branding using the words small talk was constantly criticized by colleagues, friends and the like. Steve always had my back even when others were critical (lots of unsolicited advice out there). He never doubted I could build this business even though I have no plan, just kept pushing.

Being a mentor to others has been a commitment of mine since attaining success. This is because in my early days I reached out to quite a few authors and professional speakers receiving a lot of speeches and narratives but receiving no concrete  information, introductions to clients or speaker bureaus. . It is my mission to help each and every person that requests my help.

I have included a picture of my continuing to grow family.

Website: www.debrafine.com

Instagram: @finedebra

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debrafine/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/debrafine

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debra.fine.3

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DebraFineTFAOST