We were lucky to catch up with Jennah Lear recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jennah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?

The path to scaling your business to the next level is never linear; not really. 
 I read this quote once that said: 
“Every next level of your business will require a new version of you.”

In my opinion, no truer words have ever been spoken.

Which is why when I was racking my brain in year 3 of my business (it was still a side hustle at that point), on how to scale, I had no clue that it would require me to shift my way of being entirely.

I remember asking expert after expert:
“How do you actually scale?”

I was determined to figure this out, yet disappointed over and over by the replies I got:
“just keep going!”
“network!”
“get a loan!”

Like, okay…what do I do with a loan?
Where do I put it to best use? 

It made no sense to me. And, careful what you ask for. In Q4 of 2018 I had a full time job opportunity that I actually wanted and at the time (that was a big deal, since no previous corporate cube farm really lit me up with excitement) I had asked over and over to go full time in my business. That one crazy summer, after I got turned down for the full time position I actually saw myself in….. I got my wish.

Which of course led me to full on freak out mode as I figured out what the heck I was going to do. But I’m a doer, I knew I was ready to take another leap (having fallen on my face so many times before; I’ll figure it out). And then…

I had my first $8k month and I also slept in shifts because I said “yes” to every project that came my way.

Not sustainable, guys.

So I realized, if I’m going to do this, there’s gotta be a smarter way. 
To make a long story short, a few key things on a laundry list of action steps I took, helped me shift:

1. I decided I wasn’t going to create any more things. I created enough; what if I just took a look at what’s already in front of me and focused on just a few key pieces?
2. I needed to shift my expertise. I didn’t want to do logos until my eyes popped out of my sockets, so it didn’t make sense to become known (or continue on being known) as “the logo lady”. I knew I could serve at a higher level. I knew I wanted to help more women entrepreneurs build their own brand, show them…it’s possible!
3. I also knew I was meant for more. I didn’t know what that fully looked like, or what my next best step was necessarily, but I knew there was a way. If there’s one thing I am for sure: it’s resilient. So…I hired help. I asked my ego to step to the side for a moment.

I invested in a high level business coach that had supported me a few times previously in smaller endeavors. And guys….one of the best investments to date!

I learned that when you stop trying to lone wolf it and lean into the support of someone who truly wants to see you win, you can really accomplish anything. Not to mention, someone who’s done it!

For me, it was important to be clear about how I was going to shift. And I don’t just mean, hit that coveted $10k month; I’m talking, hit your first 6 figures, full trust in yourself, all bets on you + your big vision.

I don’t know about you, but my time is the most valuable resource I have.
Money can be made back. Energy can be restored. Time…is precious.

So I asked myself:
“Jennah, how do you want to live?”

It was in those moments that I started looking at scaling a purpose driven business that is highly impactful, profitable and allows me time freedom above all else.

Now don’t get me wrong…it’s work. Like alot of work, to build your own brand! But, so worth it, because what came from those shifts and hiring support so I could scale, was the adventures I went on in my business that I could not have planned for:

* Building a community of over 600 women business owners
* Creating $10k months, which led to 6 figure years
* Relationships, network, and some of favorite people I met in the business world
* Fun – yes….I have fun in my work (don’t you!?)
* Impact – I’m on a big mission; bigger than me, really. And it fuels my fire every step of the way

And here’s the key: 
When I decide to put myself first, prioritize my visions and truly believe that they were possible and available for me…that’s the leadership and way of being piece that no amount of strategy can produce.

I shifted as a leader. 
(If you haven’t done any leadership training, highly recommend doing!)

And as a result, it changed how I showed up to share my message, to deliver content and create strategies. And it’s no surprise, my clients starting having bigger wins too!

Now don’t get me wrong:
We tested so many strategies, added programs, retired programs, threw out random marketing offers that went no where, all before we landed on the sweet spot of how we serve women entrepreneurs who are growing their brand + desire to attract dreamy clients.

So I got bold, guys.

As an introvert and pretty sensitive personality, I realized that my mission is bigger than my uncomfortable feelings.

So I got unapologetically loud too.

And it paid off.

So I’ll leave you with this:
If you want to scale your business, take a step back to connect in deeper with why first and then get really honest with yourself if you’re up for the challenge; because you will inevitably take yourself to the mat over and over.

You can hire team, throw ads at anything, and yet…as the leader you gotta have vision. 

Vision comes from your heart, not your head. If you can keep your vision top of mind as you take messy action, then you can accomplish anything.

PS: If you’d like some support on how to scale your 1-2 person business + brand, check out my “Create Your Client Journey Masterclass” where I teach building out a client retention journey to simplify how you scale your business.

No go grow your brand!
-Jennah Lear, Brand Strategist
Blue Loui Studio

Jennah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

The vision for Blue Loui Studio was always to be a beacon for women entrepreneurs and building their brand, but I knew I didn’t want to run a typical marketing/brand agency.

Being a Graphic Designer by trade, I’ve worked many-a-marketing departs, freelanced at some agencies and really didn’t click with any of the models. So when building my own company, I knew it would evolve as I did as a leader, so I wanted to keep it open (to shifting).

We are a Brand Studio (focus: client attraction strategy + scaling) with a connection to how Coaching companies are run; we exist online, and I believe, we’re leading a movement for women business owners to rise! I believe that when we lean deeper into the purpose of why we’re doing what we do, we can attract our ideal clients consistently and even more: make a bigger impact. I want to see more women leaders in the world. And I believe that your brand is a key piece to that shift.

After operating 7 years, I can truly say I’m proud of the core programs we offer like “C.A.S.P.” and our mastermind: “Moxie Circle”. We’ve tested what works and what doesn’t serve, so we can make the biggest impact and these two offers are something me and my team hold dear because we know what’s possible for women entrepreneurs when they choose to play bigger in their business.

And I’m always asking myself: 
“how can I make the biggest impact? what do my ideal clients need right now? how can I make this fun?”

There’s so much that goes into this journey and I truly believe as you look to build and hit bigger goals, it’s who you’re becoming that is the greatest reward!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

We’ve tested a handful of organic client attraction strategies that work for us and serve our ideal clients and really it’s been events that have proven to be the most effective. This would be both in person and virtual; both have their own set up for success.

And I really love this strategy! I’ve always wanted to be the entrepreneur that was picked to be on the big stage and when I realized I didn’t need to wait for someone else in order to make that a reality, I’ve been consistently creating my own stages for a few years now and it’s always so fun (and effective)!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

So many resources. I’ve listened to podcasts and read books and watched free trainings, and on and on. I think being open to receiving and always being a student (even when you feel like you’ve mastered something) is the key. That said, heres are some of my favorites:

1. “We Should All Be Millionaires” – a book by Rachel Rodgers – 

One of the best money mindset books I’ve read with some practical pieces to grow your business to the next level. Quotable for sure!

2. “Profit First” – a book by Mike Michalowicz – 

After reading this book, I shifted the whole way I was paying myself and it was a game changer. I love how it doesn’t have to be a re-invent-the-wheel approach; a few tweaks and you’re starting to see results!

3. “You Are A Badass” – a book by Jen Sincero – 

If you have a chance to listen to this on audible, Jen does such a good job translating her personality to the story she’s reading. Not to mention, it’s the kick in the ass I think we all need because this entrepreneurship journey is not for everyone and those that choose it, prioritize your mindset (and the ongoing work it takes to lead effectively).

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bluelouistudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluelouistudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluelouistudio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennahlear/
• Other: www.bluelouistudio.com/casp

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