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Recognizing when it’s time to make a shift in your business is key when it comes to building a long-lasting and successful career, and my guest today is a testament to that. Lori Harder has built incredible things, overcome the odds, and shown how to pivot and reinvent your personal brand and business in an effective way. In this episode, she shares from her own experiences and difficult leadership moments that have allowed her to pivot successfully.
The Power of the Pivot: Navigating Big Shifts in Business
Failure as Fuel for Growth
Lori views failure not as an obstacle but as a critical piece of the entrepreneurial puzzle. For her, each misstep is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and ultimately get closer to achieving her goals. Reflecting on years of experience, she says, “If I took away all of your failures, you wouldn’t be here.” Instead of fearing failure, Lori sees it as a transformative force that shapes our paths and prepares us for what’s next. By allowing setbacks to inform her next steps, she builds a foundation for future wins.
Community: More Than Numbers, It’s Connection
Consistency is key in Lori’s approach to building a loyal following. “Whether you have five people or a million, it’s all about connection,” she emphasizes. Lori believes that creating a supportive, inclusive environment where followers feel valued is essential to long-term success. As co-host Ashley points out, “People don’t buy products—they buy people.” This alignment in their perspective highlights that at the core, a business is always about human connection. Engaging authentically and consistently, regardless of follower count, helps build a community where every person matters.
The Unsexy Yet Impactful Processes
Lori acknowledges that some of the most impactful aspects of business can be the least glamorous. She discusses the importance of backend processes like lead magnets, list building, and effective inventory management, especially as she navigates using platforms like Shopify. Recognizing that these foundational elements are crucial to success, she emphasizes the need to have a solid support system, such as a capable director of operations, to help manage these essential tasks.
Turning Setbacks into Success: Business Insights from Lori Harder
In a recent podcast episode, Lori Harder dove deep into the realities of entrepreneurship, discussing how failure, resilience, and consistent community-building form the backbone of her success. Here’s what she shared:
Embracing the Journey and Setting Boundaries
When asked about setting boundaries, Lori shares her practical approach. By preparing thoughtful responses in advance for requests she needed to decline, she made it easier to navigate the sometimes uncomfortable task of saying no. This method alleviated the anxiety of crafting replies on the spot and allowed her to maintain her focus.
The Importance of Metrics and People
Lori highlights her focus on customer acquisition as a key metric in her business, emphasizing that it’s more about people than numbers. She believes that celebrating each new customer fosters a deeper connection and commitment to her mission. Conversely, she is also excited about learning more about customer acquisition costs as she begins to explore advertising. Lori views these metrics as tools for understanding her business better, helping her shape her strategies moving forward.
Acknowledgment and Acceptance of Failure
Lori stresses the significance of acknowledging the efforts of others and creating a culture where failure is accepted. She believes that sharing both successes and failures is vital for building a supportive community among women in business. She recalls her experiences at panels where successful women shared only their triumphs, leaving others feeling defeated. By fostering a culture of acceptance and encouragement, Lori aims to inspire others to embrace their own journeys, with all their ups and downs.
In This Episode
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