We recently connected with Patricia Anderson and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Patricia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
For years, I had been assisting people with their events, managing everything from intimate gatherings of 25 people to massive assemblies of thousands. I found myself training volunteers in various roles such as hosts, runners, registration clerks, production staff, and administrators. One day, a question changed everything: “What is your price? Do you have your own business?” My response was, “I can help you for free.”
That question sparked a realization. It was time to turn my passion into a formal business. I got a DBA (Doing Business As) and opened a bank account for the business. With a team of dedicated volunteers, we continued to manage events. This went on for several years until I hired a strategy coach who helped put my ideas into writing. At that moment, I knew if I was going to start charging for my services, I needed to ensure everything was in order.
I obtained my certification and transitioned my business into an LLC. Balancing a full-time job and a budding business, I began to gain a few paying clients. However, in 2023, after 38 years in corporate America, my position was eliminated. I was offered another job with less pay and more responsibilities. That was my cue—it was time to make my side gig my main job.
With an MBA and decades of corporate experience under my belt, I felt ready for this new chapter. But transforming an idea into a successful business required more than just determination. Here are the crucial steps I took:
Seeking Help and Building a Network
Connecting with Successful Entrepreneurs: I reached out to seasoned entrepreneurs for their insights and advice. Their experiences provided valuable lessons.
Joining Local Chambers: Membership in local chambers of commerce opened doors to numerous resources and networking opportunities.
Attending Networking Events: Regular attendance at networking events helped me step out of my comfort zone and introduce myself in new environments.
Education and Mentorship
Seeking Mentorship: Finding mentors was essential. Their guidance helped me navigate the complexities of starting a business.
Attending Entrepreneurial Classes: I attended free entrepreneurial classes offered by various organizations. These classes, both virtual and in-person, provided foundational knowledge and practical skills.
Staying Open to Learning: I acknowledged my gaps in knowledge and remained open to learning new things to ensure my company’s growth and success.
Forming Partnerships and Valuing Collaboration
Building Partnerships: Forming strategic partnerships was vital. These alliances helped in sharing resources, knowledge, and support.
Valuing Collaboration: Emphasizing collaboration allowed me to leverage the strengths and expertise of others, benefitting my company’s growth and success.
Practical Steps and Setup
Legal and Financial Setup: I ensured all legal and financial aspects were in place, including registering the business, obtaining necessary certifications, and setting up a business bank account.
Developing a Business Plan: With the help of a strategy coach, I formulated my ideas into a comprehensive business plan.
Marketing and Branding: Creating a strong brand identity and marketing strategy was crucial to attract clients.
Team Building: I continued to gather and train a dedicated team of volunteers and professionals to support various aspects of event and project management.
By taking these steps and remaining committed to learning and growth, I transitioned from the idea phase to successfully launching Lady P & Associates LLC. My journey from a passionate volunteer to a successful entrepreneur was marked by continuous learning, strategic networking, and unwavering commitment.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
“Hello everyone, I’m Patricia Anderson, CEO and founder of Lady P & Associates LLC, based right here in the heart of Houston, Texas. In a world where corporate events are more than just gatherings, they’re opportunities to showcase your brand, connect with your audience, and leave a lasting impression. That’s where we come in.”
For folks who may not have read about you before, can you please tell our readers about yourself?
Certainly! My journey into the event and project management industry began long before Lady P & Associates LLC was established. For years, I volunteered to help organize events of all sizes, from small gatherings of 25 people to large-scale events with thousands of attendees. My role often involved training volunteers in various capacities such as hosts, runners, registration clerks, production staff, and administrators.
The turning point came when someone asked if I had my own business and what my price was. This question made me realize that it was time to formalize my passion into a business. I started by obtaining a DBA (Doing Business As) and setting up a bank account. With the support of a strategy coach, I was able to turn my ideas into a comprehensive business plan. I then obtained the necessary certifications and converted the business into an LLC. After 38 years in corporate America, my position was eliminated, which prompted me to make my side gig my main job.
What type of products/services/creative works do you provide?
Lady P & Associates LLC specializes in crafting immersive and tailored corporate events. Our services encompass every aspect of event planning and execution, including:
Event Planning and Management: From concept to completion, we handle every detail to ensure a seamless event.
Volunteer Training: We train volunteers in various roles to ensure smooth operations.
Venue Selection and Décor: We find the perfect venue and create a visually stunning atmosphere that reflects your brand.
Entertainment and Production: We provide top-notch entertainment and ensure all technical aspects are flawlessly executed.
Registration and Administration: We manage all administrative tasks, ensuring a hassle-free experience for our clients.
What problems do you solve for your clients, and what sets you apart from others?
Our primary goal is to transform corporate events into extraordinary experiences that leave a lasting impression. We solve several key problems for our clients, including:
Complex Project Management: With our strong background in project management, we excel at managing timelines, budgets, and stakeholder communication.
Personalization: We believe that every event should be a true reflection of the client’s brand. Our dedication to personalization ensures that each event resonates deeply with the audience.
Seamless Execution: Our attention to detail and commitment to excellence ensure that every event runs smoothly, allowing our clients to focus on their objectives.
What sets us apart is our unique blend of creativity and precision. We bring a personalized touch to every event, infusing it with the client’s brand identity to create a cohesive and memorable experience.
What are you most proud of, and what are the main things you want potential clients to know about you and your brand?
I am incredibly proud of the reputation we’ve built at Lady P & Associates LLC for delivering exceptional events that exceed our clients’ expectations. Our commitment to excellence, creativity, and personalized service has earned us the trust and loyalty of our clients.
The main things I want potential clients to know about us are:
Dedication to Your Vision: We are passionate about bringing your vision to life. Your goals and objectives are at the forefront of everything we do.
Expertise and Experience: With decades of experience and a deep understanding of project management, we ensure your event is executed flawlessly.
Collaborative Approach: We value collaboration and partnerships, working closely with you to create an event that truly reflects your brand and resonates with your audience.
So whether you’re planning a corporate gala, a product launch, or a milestone celebration, let Lady P & Associates LLC be your partner in success. Together, let’s turn your vision into reality. Contact us today, and let’s create something extraordinary.”
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Are there any books, videos, essays, or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Absolutely! There are several resources that have profoundly shaped my approach to management and entrepreneurship:
Podcasts:
TEDx Talks: These podcasts offer a wealth of knowledge on a variety of topics, providing new perspectives and innovative ideas that inspire my entrepreneurial journey.
Amazon’s Business Podcasts: These podcasts feature interviews with industry leaders and cover a range of topics from startup strategies to leadership principles.
Books:
John Maxwell: As a renowned leadership expert, John Maxwell’s books have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of effective leadership. His emphasis on personal growth and leadership development resonates deeply with my philosophy.
Eric Thomas: Known as the “Hip Hop Preacher,” Eric Thomas’s motivational books and speeches have been a significant source of inspiration. His focus on perseverance, hard work, and overcoming obstacles aligns with my own experiences in entrepreneurship.
Philosophy and Practices:
Maintaining a Balanced Life: Striving for a balance between work and personal life is crucial. It ensures that I stay energized and focused, enabling me to bring my best self to both my business and personal endeavors.
Giving Grace: Recognizing the importance of grace in leadership has been transformative. Whether it’s extending grace to myself when things don’t go as planned or to others as they navigate their own challenges, this practice fosters a supportive and positive work environment.
Active Listening: Being a good listener is essential in understanding the needs of clients, team members, and stakeholders. It enhances communication and strengthens relationships.
Lifelong Learning: I believe in learning from mistakes and being open to new ideas, regardless of the source. Embracing knowledge from people of all ages and backgrounds has enriched my entrepreneurial journey and allowed me to continuously improve.
These resources and principles have not only influenced my management and entrepreneurial thinking but have also helped me build a resilient and adaptable mindset. They remind me that leadership is not just about guiding others but also about personal growth and continuous learning.
By integrating these insights into my daily practices, I strive to lead Lady P & Associates LLC with authenticity, compassion, and a commitment to excellence.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that I had to do everything by myself. Throughout my career in corporate America, I often took pride in my ability to manage projects and responsibilities independently. However, when I transitioned to entrepreneurship, I quickly realized that this mindset was not sustainable.
After 38 years in corporate roles such as project manager, supply chain manager, data analyst, and purchasing agent, I accumulated a wealth of experience and skills. Yet, starting Lady P & Associates LLC taught me that it’s perfectly okay—and often necessary—to ask for help.
The Backstory:
In the corporate world, I was accustomed to having structured support systems and clear chains of command. When I launched my own business, I initially tried to replicate this level of self-reliance. I believed that, as the founder, I needed to handle everything from event planning to client acquisition on my own.
This approach soon became overwhelming. The multifaceted demands of running a business required more than just my individual efforts. I realized that to grow and succeed, I needed to leverage the strengths and expertise of others.
The Turning Point:
Understanding the importance of collaboration, I started seeking help from mentors, networking with fellow entrepreneurs, and building a reliable team. Joining local chambers of commerce and attending networking events were instrumental in this process. These interactions not only provided valuable insights but also connected me with individuals who shared my vision and could contribute to the success of my business.
Another critical realization was that my extensive corporate experience provided numerous transferable skills. These skills were highly valuable in the entrepreneurial world. I learned that my background in project management, data analysis, and supply chain management equipped me with unique problem-solving abilities that were beneficial to my clients.
The Lesson:
Unlearning the belief that I had to do everything alone was liberating. It allowed me to focus on what I do best while entrusting other aspects of the business to capable hands. This shift in mindset also reinforced that I was not too old to start my own business. My experience and skills were assets, not limitations.
Embracing collaboration and acknowledging my transferable skills enabled me to offer tailored solutions to my clients’ problems. It highlighted that I could indeed start my own business successfully, drawing from decades of professional expertise.
Conclusion:
The lesson I had to unlearn was that independence does not equate to doing everything by myself. Asking for help and recognizing the value of collaboration have been crucial in my journey. These insights have not only shaped the success of Lady P & Associates LLC but have also reinforced that age and experience are powerful tools in entrepreneurship.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ladypandassociates.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyp_thefreedomcoach/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patricia.anderson.58152559
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/patricia-anderson-mba
