We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Barrett recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lauren , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.

In my industry, one of the common missteps I’ve observed from Corporate America is the overemphasis on formal education, particularly college degrees, as a prerequisite for success. Many companies still adhere to the traditional mindset that a degree is a necessary qualification for leadership roles or entrepreneurial endeavors. However, I strongly believe that this approach overlooks the potential of individuals who possess practical skills, real-world experience, and a strong entrepreneurial drive.

Allow me to share my personal experience to illustrate why this matters. I, dropped out of college twice. Despite not completing my formal education, I was able to build multiple six-figure companies. This is not to undermine the value of education, as it certainly has its merits, but rather to highlight that success is not solely determined by academic credentials.

Corporate America sometimes fails to fully grasp the extent of the disruption caused by online companies. These companies, often born out of innovative ideas and leveraging the power of technology, can rapidly transform industries, challenge traditional business models, and capture significant market share. By dismissing or downplaying the impact of online companies, Corporate America may overlook the need to adapt and evolve in the face of changing consumer behaviors and preferences.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

There was a significant moment in my life when I had to make a major pivot in my career trajectory. For a long time, I had aspired to become a lawyer and had taken all the necessary steps to pursue that path. I had completed my undergraduate studies with the intention of going to law school, and I was well on my way to achieving that goal.

However, as I delved deeper into the legal field, I began to question whether it was truly the right fit for me, along with financial strains it just wasn’t in my cards.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When it came to funding my business ventures, I took an unconventional approach that showcased the power of resourcefulness and creativity. I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey with limited financial resources, but that didn’t deter me from pursuing my dreams. In fact, I started my first business with zero money down, as it only required my time and a strong commitment to success.

Rather than relying on traditional funding sources or external investments, I leveraged my own skills, knowledge, and available resources to get my business off the ground. This approach allowed me to maintain complete control over the direction and decisions of my venture from the very beginning.

The initial step was to identify a market need and develop a business idea that aligned with my passion and expertise. With a clear vision in mind, I invested my time and energy into conducting thorough market research, crafting a solid business plan, and establishing a strategic roadmap for success.

Next, I utilized my networking skills to forge valuable connections and partnerships within the industry. By building relationships and leveraging the power of collaboration, I was able to secure key resources and opportunities without requiring any upfront financial investment.

Through these connections, I accessed essential assets such as mentorship, guidance, and advice from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. Their insights and support proved invaluable in refining my business model and ensuring a strong foundation for growth.

In addition to utilizing my personal network, I capitalized on digital platforms and social media to bootstrap my business. I employed low-cost marketing strategies and leveraged the power of content creation to build brand awareness and attract customers without having to allocate substantial financial resources.

As my business gained traction and generated revenue, I reinvested the profits back into the company. This iterative approach allowed me to gradually scale my operations, expand my offerings, and diversify revenue streams over time.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatblondeentrepreneur/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-barrett-59188a121/