If you need help matching talent and motivation to grow your business, Lauren Maillian can help.
Marta Skobro
Lauren is the definition of an innovative entrepreneur. She co-founded her first business, Sugar Leaf Her Vineyards, when she was 19 years old. This made her the youngest homegrown winery owner in America (even before she was allowed to drink).
At the same time, she worked as a model in Paris and Buenos Aires, Argentina.Since then, she has become a founding partner of Gen Y Capital Partners. Gen Y Capital Partners is an early-stage venture firm focused on investing in mobile and consumer technology-enabled companies.
She also founded a digital undivided nonprofit that leverages data, programs, and advocacy to drive economic growth for Latina and Black women entrepreneurs and innovators. There’s more, but I get the gist now.
In her latest episode of the Launch Your Business Podcast, she provides details and how to develop the confidence and strategy you need to succeed.
Below are some of my favorite takeaways.
How to tell if your business idea is a passion or a hobby
Many entrepreneurs start businesses based on what they are passionate about. It might sound like a foolproof plan, but it’s easy to mistake your passion for a hobby. Lauren gives the example of a friend of hers who likes getting her hair done and is thinking of opening a hair salon. I asked her what she thought. Will she be agitated or overwhelmed?
So what does this mean for you and your business?
Lauren continued, “If you had a lot of clients and you could make a lot of money off of this, would you keep going? Does it lighten you up and motivate you? It’s not about.”
She also discusses why it’s so important to do the deep work necessary to find your passion. “When life gives us the opportunity to pursue our passions while at the same time succeeding in the things that we enjoy, we reach a point where timelines no longer matter. And that’s when you can actually say you’re getting paid to do what you really love.”
People involved: 4 reasons why following your passion leads to success
Why believing in yourself is important for business
I often say that self-limiting beliefs rob you of your chances of success much faster than external obstacles. doing.
“Have faith that you are entitled to be there. Have faith that your skills are sufficient to overcome you. Have faith that you are entitled to get out of whatever situation you find yourself in. Have faith, they don’t understand why you are behaving erratically, so they start questioning who you are…a difficult situation.”
And it’s important to note that there’s a big difference between being confident and a “fake it till you succeed” approach. Let’s say you are currently at level 3 out of 10 on your subject matter expertise. It’s not a problem. Just be the most confident and honest level 3. Earn trust, gain experience, and keep rising.
Lauren’s definition of operational success
How would you define business success? The most common answer usually involves a combination of time, lifestyle and financial freedom. But Lauren’s answer to that question stood out to me because empowerment was mentioned.
“To me, success is being able to turn down an opportunity because it doesn’t align with what you want, and knowing that turning down won’t change your situation in any way. Financially, environmentally. the future in terms of the target and the opportunities you get, whichever.”
she continues. To keep the relationship going. There are no more prerequisites for the next opportunity, other than what I want to do? And finally, we have the power, the ability and the autonomy to say no to ourselves I know I’m successful sometimes… without anyone else’s approval to say no. “
Related: 3 Keys to Successful Entrepreneurship
next step
Ready to get some tactical-level details on how to find your zone of genius and grow your business? Here are some ways to learn and get inspired from Lauren.
Listen to full podcast episodes
Follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn
Join her newsletter to stay up to date on her projects and events