On Taking Risks (Your Idea Just Might Soar!)

May 24, 2017 / Uncategorized

Recently, I finished leading my first online course in my company Platinum PR.

Platinum PR helps organizations in the Economic Development and Tourism industries. Until now, my company has been completely one-on-one service-based. Meanwhile, I’ve been a student and participant in many online courses over the past few years (ranging from business to health and wellness), and found them so valuable. I wanted to lead a course myself where I could help more people than I can reach one-on-one!

I’ve had the opportunity teach in live in-person settings (traditional classroom or conference settings) and I wanted something that was more accessible and affordable. I wanted something that would stretch over a realistic period of time so the participants could take the information learned and put the knowledge into action immediately.

And that’s what I was able to do with my new course!

Leading this also gave me the opportunity to employ the freedom and flexibility of being an entrepreneur and to utilize a team of talented people to help me reach those goals.

While a participant might just see the final product, what they don’t know is everything that goes into it! I spent months leading up to the launch reaching out to my target audience and getting to know their needs, brainstorming the product I wanted to create, and going through multiple titles of the program. And then there was the launching and creating of the course!

When I look back now, it’s so exciting for me to say… I did it! I had a dream and idea in my mind, and I made it happen. It was so fulfilling to show up for my weekly classes and share the information I know that can help others grow and succeed in their organizations. I also got to strengthen my skills and abilities as a teacher and presenter — and discover how much I enjoyed it!

If you’re thinking about trying something new and different yourself, I’m here to say — don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and go for it!

We’re all “selling ourselves” whether it’s at a job for an employer or providing a one-on-one service. It may require putting yourself out there and marketing yourself, but what could happen if you just try?

It’s fun and empowering for me to know that if I have an idea and I want to make it happen, all I have to do is work at it. It could flop… but it could also soar! And that potential is exciting!

What idea have you had on the backburner? Is it time for you to take a chance, and put it out there? It just might soar!

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What to do when the shit hits the fan…

December 14, 2016 / Uncategorized

The other day, I was speaking to a client who had a lot going on in her personal life. And in the middle of our conversation, she broke down crying.

We’ve all had those days where the responsibilities mount at work and at home. In those moments, we might hide out in the bathroom and try to center ourselves (or break down in tears in the bathroom stall.) Or maybe, take our anger out while driving (road rage, anyone??). Or, try to find an office with the door closed that we can collect ourselves for a moment.

At the end of the day, the most supportive thing is often what feels the most vulnerable — sharing these feelings with another person.

My client had feeling a sense of loss because she didn’t have anyone she could go to. I felt really fortunate to be there with her and be able to support her in her time of stress. During our conversation, she was able to express some of her emotions and also, feel supported by our time together.

With the tools I’ve been learning and experiencing through Universal Health Principles, I was happy she felt comfortable doing that with me. We sat on the phone and I encouraged her to sit down and breathe and feel the feelings coming up. I shared some suggestions about what she could do over the weekend to support herself.

As much as we all like to always “have it all together,” the truth is that life presents us with many challenging situations that are difficult to go through alone.

Through consulting and Universal Health Principles sessions, I am happy to offer my support, to help you navigate through business and personal situations that aren’t picture perfect. It’s amazing what can happen when you get some outside support.

So, you don’t have to go at it alone, no matter what you are facing.

If you are interested in getting my support, feel free to send me an email here to get in touch.

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Platinum PR Founder and CEO and Shepherdstown resident recognized at December 6 ceremony

December 13, 2016 / Uncategorized

Annapolis, Md. – Leadership Maryland announced that Sandy A. Sponaugle, Founder and CEO of Platinum PR, recently completed the professional development program dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its local business and community leaders. Leadership Maryland honored Sponaugle, a resident of Shepherdstown, and the entire Class of 2016 at its 24th annual graduation ceremony held December 6 at the Lord Baltimore Hotel.

Sponaugle was one of 49 applicants chosen by a selection committee to complete Leadership Maryland’s eight-month hands-on learning program focused on the state’s most vital social, economic and environmental issues. The Class of 2016 reflects a cross-section of the state, including diversity of geographic location, profession, ethnicity and gender.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I congratulate the Class of 2016 for a memorable year, and I encourage each of them to think of this milestone not as the end of their program, but as the beginning of their membership in a very special club,” said Leadership Maryland Board Chairman Eric Brotman ‘09, president and managing principal, Brotman Financial Group. “Each of these individuals is now armed with new relationships and perspectives which will serve them as leaders, and therefore will serve organizations of all types across the state for many years to come.”

Leadership Maryland is open to senior-level executives with significant achievements in either their careers and/or their communities. Ideal Leadership Maryland members have a desire to learn more about Maryland’s most critical issues and a personal commitment to be a force for positive change in their organizations, their communities, and their state. For more information about Leadership Maryland, please visit www.LeadershipMD.org, call 410-841-2101 or email Info@LeadershipMD.org.

About Leadership Maryland

Leadership Maryland is a professional development program dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its local business and community leaders. Each year, as many as 52 diverse and accomplished executives from Maryland’s public and private sectors are selected to come together as a class for an eight-month hands-on learning program focused on the state’s most vital social, economic and environmental issues. The first Leadership Maryland class graduated in 1993, and the organization’s alumni network now consists of more than 1,000 leaders from all industries and regions of the state. To learn more, please call Leadership Maryland at 410-841-2101 or visit www.LeadershipMD.org.

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