Small-business owners, you deserve a moment in the spotlight. In this regular column, we highlight entrepreneurs from all over the U.S. who can answer the question: "What makes you stand out from the crowd?" We know you're proud of your accomplishments — now you can tell the world about them, too.

Lori Levine, founder of Flying Television Productions, answers our questions:

What makes you stand out from the crowd?

So much of what makes me and my talent booking and brokering firm, Flying Television, different is my ability to be straightforward and true to my word. It always surprises me how these two simple traits have put my company and me so far ahead of the competition.

My name is: Lori Levine
My business is: Flying Television Productions
Industry: Entertainment
Location: New York
Year founded: 1998
Number of employees: 8
Web address: www.flyingtelevision.com

What's the best part about owning your own business?

Traveling all over the world has been a joy. When you can work from the beaches in Playa del Carmen and the mountains of Utah, you know you have the best job in the world!

What's the biggest hurdle you've overcome?

Being perceived as a "female" business owner, rather than just a business owner. I cannot tell you how many times I have walked out of a meeting only to hear from a client how surprised they were that I was a no-nonsense businessperson. Were they expecting me to bat my eyelashes or perhaps cry?
Martha Stewart gave me the best business advice: "Women in business do not cry." Truly, it is the fastest way to lose your power position.

What's the best business advice you can offer?

Grow at your own pace. So many companies want to be bigger. But bigger does not always mean better. Usually, it just means bigger.

Also, have a great bookkeeper!

Are You a Stand Out?
To be considered for this column, please send an email (and a digital headshot!) to Editors@smSmallBiz.com , answering these questions:

My name is:
My business is: (name of business, plus description)
Location:
Year founded:
Number of employees:
Web address:

What makes you stand out from the crowd?
What's the best part about owning your own business?
What's the biggest hurdle you've overcome?
What's the best business advice you can offer?
If a business organization referred you to us, please tell us which one.

Other recent Stand Out columns:

• Stand Out: This Owner Puts Shoes On Celebs
• Stand Out: This Owner Runs a ‘24/7/365’ Biz