The idea of starting a business when you have young children can be overwhelming (OK, the idea of starting a business at any time can be overwhelming). Will you have enough time to devote to your family and to growing your business? Will the company benefit your family or become a burden? [Read more…] about How to Include Your Child(ren) in Your StartUp (and Build the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs)
The Importance of Public Relations
You have a business and you’re likely wondering if you need to hire a public relations team to help you manage your social media accounts and public persona. The quick answer is probably not right now. And here’s why:
The very basic definition of public relations is to positively promote products, services, or an organization, and persuade the audience to buy into your brand. [Read more…] about The Importance of Public Relations
129: Growth, Leadership, and Core Values with Ann and Sid Mashburn
Summary:
Shop owners and clothing designers, Ann and Sid Mashburn, join host, Jeff Henderson, on the Launch Youniversity podcast. Together, they share how their collective experiences — Sid going from a small town Mississippi native to one of the most sought-after designers and Ann’s real life The Devil Wears Prada experience at Vogue — have paved the way to where they are now — entrepreneurs who are constantly learning, growing, and creating. In today’s episode, you’ll hear their wisdom on leadership, decision making, and cultivating the right culture.
Welcome to episode 129 of the Launch Youniversity Podcast.
Links + Resources:
Outliers: The Story of Success
Three Takeaways:
- Sometimes, closed doors force you into open ones. In the podcast, Sid Mashburn shared how a closed door, for him, meant getting fired. That led to a new beginning in Atlanta. An ended opportunity may feel like heartbreak in the moment, but it’s more than likely leading you to a better one.
- Things go stale when you don’t create. You might not like what you create, nor will your creations always become a finished product, but remember, creativity is like a muscle — it has to be exercised to grow.
- Great designers are great noticers. Look around — inspiration is everywhere. Whether it’s your environment or something you admire from someone else, be open to being inspired anywhere at any time.
Thank you for listening to the Launch Youniversity Podcast! If you have a question that you want to be answered on the podcast… ask us here!
7 Ways to Accomplish a Bucket List Goal
We talk a lot about goals here at Launch Youniversity. Business goals, professional growth goals, and work-life balance goals. But sometimes we have goals that go beyond launching a business. They’re big, bucket list dreams we want to accomplish for ourselves. Last year, Shane completed one of his bucket list goals by completing an Iron Man. Here are his seven tips to get you from step one to the finish line. [Read more…] about 7 Ways to Accomplish a Bucket List Goal
10 Sneaky Things That Steal Your Focus
One of the hardest parts of a launcher’s day-to-day work is fighting off distractions. You’re probably mindful of the classic offenders: smartphones, social media, email, etc. But there are plenty of small things that actually steal big amounts of time and focus from you. [Read more…] about 10 Sneaky Things That Steal Your Focus
128: The Anatomy of an Apology
Summary:
Leaders take a lot of risks, and sometimes those risks lead to mistakes. If you’re a good leader, you take the time to apologize for those mistakes. If you’re a bad leader…well, you get the picture. On today’s episode, our host, Jeff Henderson, is joined with our mentors, Kevin Jennings and David Farmer, to talk about the anatomy of an apology and how, if done correctly, apologizing can communicate humility, vulnerability, and enrich the culture of your team.
Welcome to episode 128 of the Launch Youniversity Podcast.
Links + Resources:
099: MADE SOUTH’S Chris Thomas on Pivoting: How to Know When to Shift Your Business Model
The 5 Whys technique by Sakichi Toyoda
Enneagram test
Three Takeaways:
- Authentic leadership starts with an apology. As a leader, you’re bound to make mistakes along the way. Stop and apologize for those mistakes. When you apologize, you’re not only building a strong team culture, but you’re also setting the tone for the team. A tone that says you’re not perfect, you make mistakes, and you’re aware enough to know that and that it’s OK for others to make mistakes, too.
- Explanations undermine your apology. If you follow up an apology with an explanation about why you made the mistake, it negates the entire apology. Don’t do that. Apologize and then listen quietly. Anything else you say at this time could be viewed as an excuse. There will (hopefully) be another time when you can explain your actions.
- Check your pride. If you find you’re constantly hesitant to apologize, your pride may be at play (and we all know what happens when we let pride take the lead). Owning your need to apologize for a wrongdoing communicates vulnerability and humility. If you get into the habit of avoiding saying sorry, your team and business will suffer, leading to higher turnover rates and a loss of trust in your leadership.
Thank you for listening to the Launch Youniversity Podcast! If you have a question that you want to be answered on the podcast… ask us here!