In this episode of Business Inspires, our hosts Katie Ellis and Brett Johnson are joined by Laura Oldham, the founder of Starburst Media, a web design company.

Laura shares her journey from aspiring journalist to becoming a successful entrepreneur, navigating the dynamic world of digital marketing and web design.

From bartending in Chicago to learning about monetizing social media, Laura's unconventional path has led her to work with a diverse range of clients, all the while infusing her storytelling and problem-solving skills into her work.

Laura also discusses the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with personal life, emphasizing the importance of staying flexible and recognizing that not every day is perfectly balanced.

Additionally, she offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the significance of getting involved in things you're passionate about and staying organized from the start.

Entrepreneurial Wellness: "I started a second business to help me be mentally well for Starburst Media, and that's helped too because I found that I needed to be training more with my hands and staring less at computer screens." — Laura Oldham

Laura sheds light on her goals and aspirations for Starburst Media, emphasizing her focus on finding fulfillment and joy outside of work as well.

Top Takeaways

1. Volunteering and participating in activities related to your passion can lead to valuable connections and potential clients. Consider engaging in events, committees, or boards to meet like-minded individuals and expand your network.

2. Staying organized and setting up a strong foundation for your business, including managing finances, invoicing, and expenses, is crucial from the very beginning. Starting with solid systems in place ensures smooth operations as your business grows.

3. Flexibility and adaptability are essential for entrepreneurs. Being willing to pivot and flow with changing trends and demands can lead to greater success and resilience in a competitive marketplace.

4. Balancing work and personal life as an entrepreneur, particularly when juggling parenthood, involves recognizing that not every day will be evenly split. It's about doing your best each day and realizing that many people are facing similar challenges.

5. Seeking fulfillment and motivation outside of work is important for a well-rounded life. Engaging in separate, personally fulfilling projects can provide a sense of purpose and personal growth beyond the daily responsibilities of entrepreneurship.

6. Recognizing the need for mental well-being and taking steps to address burnout are essential for maintaining long-term success. Implementing strategies to balance your workload and pursuing activities that bring joy and satisfaction are crucial in avoiding burnout.

7. For entrepreneurs who may struggle with self-promotion, consider alternative methods of networking, such as volunteering within your community. By aligning your passions with volunteer opportunities, you can connect with potential clients and expand your clientele base.

8. Demonstrating patience and resilience in handling the daily demands of entrepreneurship, particularly while managing tasks such as invoicing and financial management, are key attributes that contribute to long-term success.

9. Embracing personal interests and hobbies outside of work is vital for personal growth and maintaining a dynamic and interesting life.

10. Prioritizing flexibility and ongoing learning allows entrepreneurs to evolve with the changing landscape of technology, business, and market demands. Being willing to learn new tools and trends can give you a competitive edge and provide added value to your clients.

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