If you need help aligning your talent with your motivation to grow your business, Lauren Maillian is here to help.
Lauren is the definition of an innovative businesskinda.com. She co-founded her first company, Sugarleaf Vineyards, when she was just 19 years old. That made her the youngest self-made winery owner in the US (before she was even allowed to drink).
At the same time, she worked as a model in Paris and Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has since become a founding member of Gen Y Capital Partners, a start-up company focused on investing in mobile and consumer-facing technology companies.
She has also founded a digital, nonprofit organization that uses data, programs, and advocacy to drive economic growth for Hispanic and black women entrepreneurs and innovators. There’s more, but you get the point now.
She gives more details — and how to develop the confidence and strategy needed to thrive — in the latest episode of the Launch Your Business Podcast.
I’ll share a few of my favorite takeaways below.
Contents
How do you find out if your business idea is a passion or a hobby?
Many entrepreneurs start a business based on something they are passionate about. And while that may seem like a foolproof plan, it’s easy to mistake your passion for a hobby. Lauren gives the example of her friend who likes haircuts and considers opening a hair salon. She then asked her friend how she would feel if 100 people showed up the next day to have their hair done. Would she feel excited or overwhelmed?
So what does this mean for you and your business?
Lauren goes on to say, “If you had a ton of clients, if you could make a lot of money doing this, would you continue? Would that cheer you up and motivate you? If not, that’s not what your passion is about. “
She also shares why it’s so important to do the in-depth work it takes to find your passion. “When life gives us the opportunity to pursue our passions and achieve success at the same time doing something that is fun for us, then we get to the point where the timelines don’t matter because you’re just being yourself. Really say, I get paid to do what I like.”
Realised: 4 reasons why following your passion leads to success
Why having confidence in your capabilities is critical to your business
I often say that self-limiting beliefs will take your chances of success much faster than any external obstacle. Lauren provides more context and shares the impact of not being sure of your abilities.
“Have the confidence that you deserve to be there. Have the confidence that your skill is enough to get you through it. Have the confidence that you are qualified to get yourself out of the situation you find yourself in. Because if you you feel insecure it is seen and felt and it reflects off the people around you they will start to doubt who you are because they don’t know why you are acting insecure so make sure you have unshakable confidence in yourself and your skills when you’re in these difficult situations.”
And it’s important to note that there is a big difference between having confidence and the “fake it till you make it” approach. Let’s say you are currently at level three out of ten when it comes to your expertise on a subject. That’s fine, just be the most confident and honest level three out there. You gain trust, gain experience and keep rising.
Lauren’s operational definition of success
How do you define success for your business? The most common answers are usually a combination of time, lifestyle and financial freedom. However, Lauren’s answer to that question caught my eye because of the empowerment it references.
“Success for me is being able to turn down opportunities because they don’t align with what you want, and knowing that refusing doesn’t change your circumstances in any way. Financially, environmentally, in terms of the opportunities you get the future, whatever.”
She continues, “Then you can say to yourself: Does this match who I am? Do I want to do it? Does it make sense to do it? There is no precondition for the next opportunity, except that I want to do it?And in the end we know that we are successful when we have the power, the ability and the autonomy to say no ourselves without the approval to say no say of someone else.”
Related: 3 keys to entrepreneurial success
Next steps
Ready to get more tactical-level details on how to find your zone of genius and scale your business? Here are a few more ways to learn from and be inspired by Lauren.
Listen to the full podcast episode
follow her Instagramand LinkedIn
Sign up for her newsletter to stay informed about her projects and events
Janice has been with businesskinda for 5 years, writing copy for client websites, blog posts, EDMs and other mediums to engage readers and encourage action. By collaborating with clients, our SEO manager and the wider businesskinda team, Janice seeks to understand an audience before creating memorable, persuasive copy.