Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Maria Simbra, Founder of Dr. Maria ON Speaking, LLC, located in Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Dr. Maria On Speaking, LLC helps doctors prepare for media interviews, presentations, and podcasts. If you're an MD, DO, DDS, PharmD, OD, or Ph.D. in the life sciences, let me know how I can help you.

My courses and coaching have helped doctors:

  • position themselves as experts,
  • promote themselves and their practices/departments,
  • attract the patients who would benefit the most from their services, and
  • bring important, accurate medical information to the public.

Check out my website at DrMariaOnSpeaking.com.

Tell us about yourself

I was the medical reporter for 19 years at CBS Pittsburgh, where I covered outbreaks, health and wellness issues, medical studies, recalls, screening recommendations, and medical innovations – the types of things doctors are called upon for comment. In my two decades in the interviewer's seat, I've encountered doctors who handled the interview with finesse and others who could have used some help. I want to help good interviewees become great, and I want to help those who are hesitant become good and confident. It's so important to get reliable, understandable medical information to the general public.

Prior to and during the first part of my TV career, I was a neurologist in private practice and academia. I also have a master's degree in journalism and mass communication and a master's in public health.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I've had two successful launches of my The Media Skills Infusion™ course, and I've launched two additional courses: Vital Virtual Presentations™ and The Podcast Guest Rx™. In my business, I've worked with doctors in pain medicine, PM&R, general surgery, hospital medicine, sports medicine/ortho, urology, and family medicine.

Here's what my clients are saying about my courses and coaching:

  • "I feel more confident."
  • "The course helped me learn to organize my thoughts so I can give a better interview."
  • "User friendly and informative."
  • "This would be perfect for Anyone who wants to promote themselves or their business."
  • "It was amazing!"
  • "There are didactic lessons with easy takeaways you can use. Then there are opportunities to use the techniques."
  • "You are so great to work with!"
  • "It has really built my confidence."
  • "Can't wait for the course! Please let me know the next steps."

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

I work hard at maintaining a presence across social media. It's where everyone is these days. Getting my business in front of my ideal clients is one of the biggest challenges.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Get the legal, insurance, and bank account elements set up first.
  2. Find your support crew – people who will cheer for you no matter what.
  3. Network, network, network.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Watch for a Media Skills Conference for Doctors in late 2022/early 2023. Also, watch for my books about Media Skills for Doctors coming soon.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.drmariaonspeaking.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMariaOnSpeaking
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmaria_onspeaking/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrM_OnSpeaking/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmariasimbra/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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