#87 | Entrepreneurship & More With Kim Kaupe
Don’t have time to watch the video? Tune in on your favorite podcast app here:
Every week I get tons of questions on all things LinkedIn, business, entrepreneurship, and networking. Since many are repeated I decided to bring us all together to discuss.
In this Q&A episode of Coffee With Kim, I opened the floor for viewers to ask me anything! I shared advice for new and seasoned entrepreneurs, and easy ways to build your network. Plus, gave career strategy to follow in your 20s, and the cheat code to starting a business. Don’t worry about writing all the answers down, send me your email and I’ll share the notes!
Finding Who Not How (0:00)
I have a theory that in your 20s you should be the CEO of figuring it out in your career. However, in your 30s and onward, it’s all about finding who can help do the work, not how to do it yourself.
Finding assistance and delegating tasks saves time and avoids mistakes! So, the next time you’re starting a project ask yourself, ‘Should I be figuring out how to do this or finding who the best person for the job is?’
Networking Tips (06:45)
When it comes to networking I like to work smarter not harder.
Here are two easy ways to get started:
1. Tap into the CWK community – Lots of smart, talented people join the live weekly, send them connection requests! Pro Tip: Supercharge your LinkedIn page to make a great digital first impression.
2. Find mutual friends – There’s a good chance you will like your friends’ friends, so peruse their connections to find others you’re interested in learning from.
Bonus: Join a group or class – Connecting with others who share a common goal is a no-brainer. Amp up your network of like-minded people by joining the next cohort of my Career Capital Course.
How To Decide If An Idea Is Worth Turning Into A Business (12:04)
Interested in starting a business but not sure if people will pay you for it? Start by offering the service for a free or reduced price. This allows you to build your clientele and receive feedback on questions like, ‘Was this helpful?’, ‘Would you book me again?’, and ‘Would you pay for this?’
Oftentimes we glamorize the process of building a business in our heads but in real life, it’s not so fun. Testing the waters this way gives you access without being fully committed.
Live Streaming On LinkedIn (15:37)
Interested in learning ‘how’ to live stream on LinkedIn? Check out these tips and download my free On-Camera Starter Kit. If you’re searching for ‘who’ can help you, look no further than my assistant, Shelby. Having produced over 85 CWK shows, she knows a thing or two about having a great live experience.
Shelby’s Mastering LinkedIn Live course gives detailed play by plays on setting up your live, inviting guests, post production and everything in between. You can also book her as a producer for your show. Avoid our mistakes and bypass the headache of doing your own research with her help.
Two Places To Focus Your Energy On As An Entrepreneur (19:33)
When you first start a business, a lot is vying for your attention.
I suggest staying focused on these two things:
1. Your product/service – Is what you’re offering blowing people away? You should always under promise and over deliver! It makes your product or service reputable and your clients will undoubtedly tell others about you. Hello, free marketing!
2. Positioning yourself as a resource – We all have a go-to person for different things in business. Make sure you’re the go to person in your industry! When people know they can depend on you, business becomes an open door.
My Advice For Seasoned And Brand New Entrepreneurs (27:00)
A decade into entrepreneurship I have a list of do’s and don’ts to share! But, my best advice for experienced entrepreneurs would be to give back. On your climb to success, don’t forget to send the ladder back down. Ask yourself, ‘Who have I helped lately?’ and ‘Are there other ways I can invest in the next generation in my industry?’
For newbies, I’d suggest asking for help. In my early years, I thought I could do it all and was embarrassed to ask for help. Little did I know that was putting me at a disadvantage. The minute I started getting support I was able to do things faster and easier, and business exploded!
The Uncomfortable Truth About Entrepreneurship (36:35)
Wherever you are in your entrepreneurship journey, know that it comes with a cost.
The uncomfortable truth is that, like myself and many others, you may have to miss out on time with loved ones. We know time is a resource you can’t buy back. So, weigh the pros and cons early and decide if you are willing to make the sacrifices building a business requires.
An Easier Way To Start A Business (43:20)
Franchising may just be the cheat code to starting a business. You don’t have to start from scratch because marketing and logistics are done for you. Helaine Knapp and Codie Sanchez previously joined us for Coffee to share their expertise.
In fact, Codie predicts as the Baby Boomer generation retires more businesses will be available to buy. Now is the time to build those relationships so when the opportunity presents itself you can step in.
Would you like more Q&A sessions? Send me an email letting me know!
Next Week:
Next week we’ll chat with none other than the Debbie Millman. This powerhouse designer, author, educator, and curator is coming to share tips on designing a career you love. If you’ve been looking for answers on how to discover yourself and your path in life, this is the meeting for you. Clear your calendar and RSVP here.
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