Describe the BEST experience of your life?
Completely trusting myself – I think this is forever evolving but as soon as I learnt to be comfortable with myself and then trust my instinct.
What does your job as co/editor at HER DRUM involve?
I provide support to HD on social media advertising and campagins, organising HD workshops, creating design files, collating databases and supporting the girlbosses involved!
What daily ritual could you not do without?
Yoga – even if its a quick 20 minute session I need the time to quiet my mind and reset. I am one of those people who loves to go one-hundred miles an hour, even if it means limited toilet breaks and lots of coffee. Yoga is one of the few activities accessible to me daily where I can shut myself up ;).
What do you typically tell people when they ask you what you do?
It ranges – depending on mood ;). Usually I say I have a small company that manages business’s social accounts and e-marketing. When I can be bothered I go into the all the nooks and crannies that I am evolving in the business because I am a firm believer in spreading news via word of mouth – and talking about Social People.
In one word, describe your life as a business owner? Nomadic.
How did SOCIAL PEOPLE come about?
To be completely honest Social People happened by accident. I have always needed a creative outlet and been particularly interested in journalism and writing. I later became interested in photography and art and started combining them all.
Throughout my degree I interned at various different companies, writing online content, running errands, managing social media accounts, writing press releases, however I never felt a fire in my belly. I needed something different.
My mum and dad, like many parents of my generation, have always said I can be and do anything I choose. They let me try my hand at music, drama, sport, languages, dance – the lot, and provided me with ever-lasting support. Nothing seemed to grab my full attention until I had finished my degree and travelled around Canada and the US.
My parents have had a small business of their own and have always been very independent in terms of business so I think I may have caught the bug off them. I came home from Canada and started to think of all the skills I had learnt during my time at uni, interning for PR agencies, writing for local magazines, a little modelling and acting here and there, travelling etc – and Social People was born.
What do you love most about your business?
The opportunity to make business owners feel inspired and excited about their brand / product / services – and meeting wonderful new people of course!
What do you do to PLAY?
I have a one-year old American staffy, Billie-Rose, who just oozes love and sweetness. Anytime spent with her is playful and refreshing. During the winter, my boyfriend and I are snowboarding as much as possible to unwind, and during the summer, I’m a water baby.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
When my ultimate business girl crush / inspiration replied to my fan email – MAJOR BUTTERFLIES!
How do you go about building a loyal referral base?
You NEED client chemistry! Working one-on-one with business owners requires a relationship – without this there is no trust and no way to move forward! It’s really important to choose your clients wisely – positive, can-do attitudes are always a dream. I believe strongly in referrals and this is why I value Her Drum and the networking happening in this space!
How is running a successful business different to what you may have thought it would be?
This is a hard question for me because I am still so fresh in the business owner game and the word “successful” is subjective! One thing that I have had to learn – which I did not expect, would be learning to be soft on myself, accepting change, and letting the things I do not have control over just be. It’s a challenge!
What continue to be some of the greatest challenges you face in your business?
Time-management.
What’s your most quirky personal trait?
My tree-climbing fetish.
What are some of the benefits of building relationships with other female business owners?
Talking about all the shitty stuff and having a good laugh.
What advice would you give to other business owners trying to grow their business?
Don’t let the thought of competition of similarity ruin your vision or intimidate you. Use it to push yourself to produce the best work you can.
Rep it. Whatever it is, make it yours and embrace your taste and instinct. Take pride in your product and or service and SPREAD THE GOOD WORD. You will be pleasantly surprised how word of mouth can open opportunity doors.
Surround yourself with good eggs. Having people around you and your business who are going to push, challenge and motivate you is important as a business owner – particularly if it’s just you!
You can connect with Lauren Walker on Instagram @socialpeopleau or contact info@herdrum.com to speak with Lauren Walker directly.