Executive followed her instincts and stepped onto new stage

2008 will go down as one of the worst years in the history of Las Vegas business.

Meg Bertini plans to use the challenges of the year past to make improvements in 2009.

She says that's something everyone in Las Vegas can do, no matter how much they've been roughed up by the economy.

Bertini, aka Madame Meg, runs the all-female variety show "Attraction," at the Harmon Theater.

The show opened in September, about the same time it became evident the economy was heading south.

The downturn, along with the challenges facing anyone opening a show in Las Vegas, have prompted several changes to the production.

Bertini dropped the burlesque element she'd envisioned as a hook, she changed the name, cut her own role down to mistress of ceremonies and then dropped out altogether to focus on the business part of show business.

But she says she's sticking to making "Attraction" a success in 2009.

It's an extension of her core business called Dreamtime Publishing, which publishes what she calls "fun, practical, holistic books."

It stems from her own journey from a career in law in Georgia to self-help publisher to Las Vegas show producer.

She says in the pursuit of happiness, following instincts can be more important than chasing money.

"When I'm in a new situation, like producing the show, where I don't really know that much I have to be reminded that my gut really does know things," Bertini says. "You live and learn and forgive yourself."

Question: How can anybody be optimistic in this environment?

Answer: What is important, particularly in times like this, is to not let yourself get caught up in the fears. I think we may not have any control, we don't have any control over what is going on in the economy. We don't have any control over what the government does. But we do have control over our own thoughts.

So, I think the key thing right now is not to pay too much attention to the media. Pay attention to what you as an individual can do for yourself, for your family, for your business.

Question: How can people do that when they fear they may get laid off or lose their business?

Answer: Play out the thing you fear in your head to its worst possible conclusion. So, you get laid off. That means you won't have money. You just keep going from there and get to what's the worst possible thing? Usually from that, you will come up with a solution. You will get a different job, then maybe you will realize "Hey, I hated my job anyway."

Question: What will get you somewhere?

Answer: Small-businesspeople, let's say sales have dropped 50 percent. That's when you can really focus on your core customers and how to reach the people who have already purchased from you. Get back to basics. From there, figure out how you can expand in a direction that your competition isn't.

Question: You started your show in September and the economy has been souring since then. Has that shaken your perspective?

Answer: We opened right about a week or two before the whole stock market crashed and things got really ugly. I think it will be one of those things that we look back at in a couple of years and laugh at. I'm always looking back to see what I can do. I've been focusing on the concrete steps I can take to change the show and make it better.

Question: Do you have performing experience?

Answer: No. I'm one of those people who sat in the back of the room afraid to talk all through school. I do have public speaking and teaching experience, but it is different. Up on stage you have a lot of lights and you can't see people. It has been a challenge to get used to that.

Question: What have you learned about performing?

Answer: For me, there is something inherently in opposition about finding your whole "inner sexy" and entertainment. Because entertainment is very exterior, very much presenting an image the audience is looking for. For me, really it is the inside stuff that really counts.

Question: Originally, the show had a burlesque element to it. Now it doesn't. What prompted the change?

Answer: It just wasn't the right hook for the show. We are an all-female variety show. We have a magician, we have a mentalist, we have a cabaret singer, we have a couple of dance numbers.

Question: What gives your show its soul?

Answer: One, we are the only all-female variety show on the Strip. That's kind of fun. That we have that positive message sprinkled throughout, it ties together.

The whole concept of "find your sexy" is broken down into paying attention to your thoughts, paying attention to your feelings and then taking action.

Question: Why does the positive message matter?

Answer: Sometimes people are so earnest and so serious it gets as bad as any old-time, established religion. I just think putting a fun twist on it will help people who maybe aren't so happy with what is going on in their lives.

Question: What's a good way to think about making changes?

Answer: I'm a big fan of baby steps. People say they want money. They automatically say, "I want a million dollars." It is really hard for most of us to put our mind around what it would really feel like to have a million dollars. On the other hand, we might be able to relate to having an extra $100 a week and what we would do with that. So do that. When you start getting an extra $100 a week then move on to the next step.

Question: How can workers decide whether they are unhappy because they are doing something wrong or are unhappy because they are in the wrong situation?

Answer: Look back on your own employment history. Once you get past the honeymoon period, are you repeating the same pattern again and again? If you can see a common pattern, I think it is time to take a look at what you are doing to create your own problems.

Contact reporter Benjamin Spillman at bspillman@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3861.