So, picture this: I was just minding my own business, sipping on my morning coffee, when suddenly I got a message from a friend "Congrats on the podcast!" she said. Yep sure, my coffee had not yet kicked in but I can't remember recording a bloody podcast. Cue the penny dropping and I remembered Jane Lu's call out offering assistance to small businesses on her podcast The Lazy CEO.
Jane Lu is the CEO of the wildly successful brand Showpo and an amazingly smart businesswoman. She's also been on Sharktank as a panel member. It had been a few months since I recorded the application video, and now the nerves set in. Me old mate Imposter Syndrome tapped me on the shoulder. But I still pressed play faster than you can say "podcast debut."
The advice and support was amazing, they thought they were being harsh but I don't think so. I asked for the critique for a reason! I don't have a ego about Luckies, I just want to be a great brand that supports women.
So, here's the lowdown on Jane's advice:
Should I do markets?
First up, Jane suggested hitting the markets to promote Luckies. But being real, I don't have the resources (brain and time) for that? I have a full-time job, a social life (kinda), ageing parents and grandparents, two school aged children and a dog to take care of. So, markets? Nope, not today, Jane.
Keep the fulltime gig?
Now, I love my job and the people I work with, but I find I'm exhausted int he evening when I should be jumping on and doing Luckies work (or taking my son to swimming lessons...). Jane advised keeping my full-time job, and I'm all ears. I mean, bills don't pay themselves, right? So, yes to the job, Jane. A girl's gotta eat, pay a mortgage (and feed two hungry boys).
Basic colours: yay or nay?
Next on the list: bringing out basic colors in Luckies. At first, I was like, "Basic? Me? Never!" But then I realised that basic doesn't have to mean boring. So, yes to the basic colors, Jane. Firm no on beige still...
Improving website images: A must?
And finally, Jane suggested sprucing up my website images. After a quick scroll through my site, I realised Jane and the team are onto something. So, yes to the website makeover, Jane. Time to make those images pop for my second collection launching soon.
I have listened to the episode 5 times now, to soak up all the advice properly - and action one at a time. I was thrilled to get this help as a baby-entrepreneur and suggest an y brand owners out there get brave and apply!
If you want to listen to the feature, you can find it here