EPISODE 9
Laura Hultgren
Founder/ Business Empowered
In the world of startups, the journey from idea to reality is often as crucial as the destination itself. In this enlightening episode, we dive deep into these entrepreneurial waters with Laura Hultgren, a seasoned startup coach. Laura’s unique approach, drawn from her roots in a family-owned pie shop to her evolution into a business mentor, offers a wealth of knowledge to anyone ready to make their business dream a reality.
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Starting Small: The MVP Approach
One of the core themes Laura discusses is the concept of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). This approach is about starting small, testing the waters, and scaling your business incrementally. Laura emphasises, “We’re just going to start with one, and then grow from there” This method not only minimises risk but also provides valuable feedback from the market, allowing you to refine your offerings effectively.
The MVP is especially useful for those who feel overwhelmed by where to begin. By focusing on launching with just enough features to satisfy early adopters, entrepreneurs can avoid the pitfalls of overcommitting resources. It’s about learning through doing, which can be far more effective than waiting to perfect every detail.
Building Genuine Relationships
Another significant insight from Laura revolves around the power of relationships. Whether it’s with customers, partners, or industry peers, genuine connections can be the bedrock of business success. Laura shares anecdotes of how relationships forged in the early days of her career helped pave the way for opportunities and growth. She advises, “It’s not just about negotiating; it’s about nurturing relationships that can support you through various stages of your business journey.”
Practical Steps to Launch Your Business
For many listeners, the most daunting part of starting a business is simply not knowing what steps to take. Laura breaks this down into manageable phases:
- Identify your MVP: What is the simplest version of your product or service that provides value?
- Market validation: Test your MVP with your target audience. Gather feedback and be ready to iterate.
- Build relationships: Start networking early. The connections you make can provide support, advice, and potential business opportunities.
- Learn from each step: Each phase of launching your business will teach you something. Embrace failures as learning opportunities.
Embracing the Startup Journey
Laura’s journey from working in her parents’ pie shop to becoming a startup coach is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit. She recounts, “I was always looking at how things could be applied to mom and dad’s business from a marketing perspective.” This hands-on experience from a young age not only equipped her with essential business skills but also instilled a passion for helping others succeed.
Staying Inspired and Light-Hearted
Starting and running a business can be intense and all-consuming. Laura reminds us of the importance of maintaining a light-hearted approach and finding joy in the journey. Celebrating small victories and keeping a positive outlook can make challenging moments more manageable.
This episode of “Truth on a Pedestal” isn’t just a podcast; it’s a clinic on practical, actionable strategies for anyone at the cusp of starting their own business. Laura’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right approach, a clear vision, and a bit of pie-shop wisdom, anyone can transform their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. So, what’s your MVP? Start there, and the rest will follow.
