I am often asked at the various events that Barbara and I attend, “How do you decide who is to be on your cover?”
About Our Cover Honorees:
Cover honorees are nominated by one of our Publisher’s Advisory Board members or one of the members of leadership team. The criteria for the cover honor have more to do with the quality of the individual than the level of their success. We also love a great story that can serve as an inspiration for our readers. The nomination is then forwarded to a select (and random) group of Publisher’s Advisory Board members for their feedback. Once we have received the feedback (assuming it’s mainly positive), I meet with the cover candidate to cast the final vote of confidence. Sometimes it is a fit and sometimes it is not.
For many of our cover honorees, the cover honor and story inside the magazine is a totally new experience. Most were really not seeking the recognition but were flattered to have the opportunity to share their story of the lives and businesses in our spotlight.
This month’s cover honoree, Page Parkes was introduced to me by the magazine’s Chief Advisor, Mr. Hank Moore. Hank was our 2nd cover honoree, in May 2012.
Walking into Page Parkes’ office in the Galleria, one can tell from the framed stories that cover the walls of her reception area that she has received much recognition for her business and personal successes. She is truly an amazing woman and entrepreneur and more than worthy of this month’s cover honor.
Barbara and I knew that we were taking on the challenge of shining the spotlight on a successful entrepreneur who has been in the spotlight many, many times before. How to insure that Page’s story was showcased in a unique way would be a challenge. But just know that Barbara is ALWAYS up for a challenge and (as you have witnessed) does an incredible job of writing the stories and staging the photos!
About this Month’s Cover:
I believe that this is the first time that Page has been featured on the cover of a business magazine with some of her youngest clients. For many of the young ladies on the cover with Page this month (Kasey Cosgrove (24), Charlotte Stevens (16), Taylor May (18), Shelby Bullard (17), Sarah Tierney (17), and Marlee Menendez (15)), this was their first “cover” and to be able to share the cover with Page herself made it even more special.
The fashions that the young ladies wore were designed by 16 year old “youthpreneur”, Brooke Vallaire who was featured in our January 2014 issue. We love it when things are a win-win-win!
Before I let you get started with Page’s story, please turn to page _____ to register for a POWERFUL event that we at the magazine are underwriting. Kaya Redford of Team Up for Life has been a featured columnist for our magazine and frequent guest on our global radio show. Do not miss this seminar and networking event! Just scan the QR code and make plans to join us on March 13th. It is an after hours event…so no excuses!
Good Reading, Good Sales, and Great Success to You All!
Steve Levine
President/Executive Publisher, Small Business Today Magazine
