Lose Your Excuse Now Wins the “Slacker-Friendly” Category
Congratulations to Lose Your Excuse Now, located in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan, for being named in the Top 10 for 2014 Home-Based 100 Business Winners. Lose Your Excuse Now won the top spot in the “Slacker-Friendly Category”! We caught up with business owner and entrepreneur Jennifer Raybaud and asked her to answer some questions and share some words of advice and inspiration with our StartupNation audience.
Tell Us About Your Journey
StartupNation: What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Jennifer: The freedom and flexibility! No doubt about it! Being partners in the business with my best friend we cherish the ability to get together and work at all different times and even locations. Outdoor working in the summer months can’t be beat!
StartupNation: To what do you attribute your success as an entrepreneur and business owner?
Jennifer: Having vision and a great work ethic.
StartupNation: What ignited the spark in you to start/select your particular business as an entrepreneur?
Jennifer: I have had the spirit since I was a kid. I played Avon lady when I was 7 “selling” things to my elderly neighbors. Born to own a business! I started this one because I loved uplifting, motivating and inspiring people so LoseYourExcuseNow.com allows my partner and I to do just StartupNation!
StartupNation: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Jennifer:
- Motivation
- Creativity
- Passion
Words of Wisdom – Inspiration for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
StartupNation: If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?
Jennifer: Surround yourself with the right people. Ones who believe in your dreams and will uplift but also those who will be honest and forthright when you are looking for soild advice and counsel.
Inspiration
StartupNation: Where do you find your greatest inspiration?
Jennifer: All around me. In this line of business, the stars in the sky to a song lyric to a life lesson. They all serve to be inspiration in this type of job.
StartupNation: What is your favorite motivational/business quote as an entrepreneur?
Jennifer: “The best relationships begin with matched expectations.” – Tim Pawlenty
StartupNation: A motto you live by?
Jennifer: “Today will be a damn fine day.”
Tell Us About Your Business, Experiences & Funding Your Startup
StartupNation: How did you get funding for your startup?
Jennifer: I personally funded it.
StartupNation: Recommendations for others starting out?
Jennifer: Do what you can with what you’ve got to get started. Taking any sized step to begin to move you in the direction of your dream is key.
Marketing and Building Their Customer Base
StartupNation: How do you market and build your customer base?
Jennifer: We are savvy in social media and leverage that along with in-person networking events. You will never beat the power of a “face to face.”
StartupNation: Recommendations for others starting out?
Jennifer: Get yourself out there! Don’t sit behind that computer or phone all day. We teach it so I’m a big fan but networking and one on one meetings can’t be overlooked. Building personal relationships is a huge part of running a successful business!
Changes in the Business Market
StartupNation: What changes have you seen in your business market since starting?
Jennifer: Our networking presentations are becoming more in demand since we began a few years ago. I think people are truly seeing the value in setting some of the technology aside for a while so they can build relationships that matter.
StartupNation: What do you see coming that will impact your business?
Jennifer: We see opportunity. There is never a time where we don’t need a little boost in our confidence, business skills or life skills so we think we will continue to be relevant in the near future.
StartupNation: Have a funny story about a client or business transaction that you want to share along with a key lesson learned?
Jennifer: The favorite quote is because too often we would think we had all our “bases covered” only to find an omission of a detail or two really put a dent in what we had planned so we have learned to make ZERO assumptions. From double-checking locations, to headcounts, to whether or not we can pass around a handout. We take NOTHING for granted and truly do believe that the best relationships begin with matched expectations.
Learn more about Jennifer and other businesses that entered and placed in the competition by clicking here for the top ten and a full list 2014 Home-Based 100 Business Winners and entrants.
Do you have a startup? Are you a passionate entrepreneur with an idea that has taken off and want to share your success with others? Would you like your business to receive priceless exposure in the media and be positioned to take your business to the next level? Then join us this fall for the 8th Annual StartupNation Home-Based 100 Competition which ranks outstanding home-based businesses and the amazing people behind them! Watch for your change to enter! In the meantime, be sure to visit us daily for new content to support and grow your business!
