"Q&A With Lori Flowers"

November 21, 2017

Book: A Seat At the Table: A Survival Guide For Women in Business

Author: Lori Flowers

Photo Courtesy of Lori Flowers

Author: Lori Flowers

Author Bio:

Lori Flowers is a seasoned marketing professional with close to 20 years of experience working in radio. She is currently the Marketing Director for Radio One Atlanta, where she oversees the marketing and promotional efforts for the Atlanta radio stations. This career path has afforded her the opportunity to work in a variety of different cities including Phoenix, West Palm Beach, Miami, Washington, DC, and Atlanta.

She attended college at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in Communications. Additionally, she also received a Masters of Mass Communication from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Telecommunications at Arizona State University (Source: www.loriflowers.com)

1. How long did the process from the first sentence to publishing take you with “A Seat At The Table”?

The total process was approximately 4 months. The thoughts were always in my head but finally sitting down, writing and editing took 4 months. It came about because I had a speaking engagement with an organization I am involved with, Pinky Promise and I wanted to have something for the ladies after I spoke. More time would have been amazing but then again I found that I work better with deadlines.

2. What are a few things you learned about yourself while writing this book?

I learned that I thrive better with writing when I am away from home. I wrote the majority of the book while on vacation in Mexico and on the plane. When I returned home I stayed in Starbucks (I don’t even like coffee..lol). I need to be away from a familiar environment in order for me to write. Thinking about doing a retreat for my next book, Decades of Waiting.

3. What is something specific you hope aspiring young women take away from this book?

I really hope they take away the power of good work ethic, being consistent and honing their craft.

4. Do you plan on writing more books in the future?

Yes! My next book is titled Decades of Waiting and I literally received the subtitle from motivational guru Les Brown last week, so it will officially be titled “Decades of Waiting: What You’re Seeking Is Also Seeking You”. The premise of this book is sharing how I waited decades before meeting my husband. So many women get in their 30’s and 40’s and feel like giving up on life because they are not married....so I will be sharing what I did during those decades. It’s all about being content in your season.

5. In your business experience, where have you seen “the glass ceiling” most prevalent?

In my business experience (I work in radio) I have seen this with top-level management positions and just getting that seat at the table. Often times it does not happen. Many are tapped out within their own local market and do not have the chance to take on a more regional or corporate role within the company.

6. What have been some marketing strategies you have used to better position your book?

I am blessed to be a Marketing Dir. in my full-time career with access to some amazing Radio shows, so they all embraced me by having me come on their shows (Rickey Smiley Morning Show and Ed Lover Morning Show). Additionally, I encouraged people who bought the book to take a picture and tag me. I would then repost on my Instagram story saying “Jane just got her seat at the table..do you have yours?” I also leverage all speaking engagements as an opportunity for outreach and an invite to my next engagement. I am gearing up for 2018 with videos sharing quick professional tips.

7. What was your writing process like for this book?

It was a quick one. I literally created an outline of everything I wanted to talk about and then filled it in with the info. Having the outline totally guided my thoughts.

8. What is your favorite book you have read in 2017?

The Secret Code of Success by Noah St John.

9. What is the best advice you have received for happiness/success for business?

Stay in my own lane and away from comparisons. My journey will be different from the next persons whether in happiness or business. I can not compare my success with someone else’s and I must be content with where I am.

10. What is your best advice for getting over writer's block?

Stop writing and do something else. THEN go back to it!!