Big picture Thinking-life, business, relationships
This month, I would like to introduce you to Lauren Ayers. I first met Lauren when she had recently arrived from Sydney and was invited to YTM by one of our members, Warren Howard, who had known Lauren's family for many years. Being new to Melbourne Lauren, was keen to meet other business professionals and since that initial event, has been a regular attendee taking part enthusiatically in YTM Brighton and Kew events.
Lauren, what’s your business name and how did you come up with that? How do you help others?
Well, although I work under the brand Stellar Consulting when I’m working with clients, my own business name is Blue Almond. I have had this business name for such a long time that its really formed part of my identity. I always wanted to include colour in my business name, and blue represents so much for me – the big picture thinking and the vastness of opportunity. Almonds, well that’s a little more complex to explain, so I’ll leave that for another time!! I help others by supporting them to cultivate freedom in their life, business, relationships and projects.
“Why” do you do what you do ? What made you start your own business?
My why is also my how I help others. It is to be free… to feel free from limiting beliefs, to feel free in my choices, and feel hopeful about all aspects of life, which all cultivate freedom. Coming out of a family business where I felt overwhelming obligation, burden and responsibility I felt trapped and stuck. These days I love my life because its far more purpose driven and I’ve got a tonne of freedom to do what really matters to me.
I am sure there are things that really give you a “buzz” about your business. Could you share 2 or three things with us?
It’s the simplest things that make the biggest impact. I’ve worked on a time-tracking activity for our clients for the last year, I’ve refined the process, and even did time tracking for 7 months of 2017 myself (I walk my talk!!). I love that I can help people find efficiencies in how they work so they can improve their productivity. We also build some pretty big relationships with channel partners, I’m learning to do this more myself, but having some great connections with (for example) business bankers, where we can collaborate to help clients for a win-win-win outcome is really exciting.
As you know at Your Time Matters, we believe conversations, connections and knowledge enrich lives, personally and professionally and can impact on the lives of others, helping them learn, grow and achieve what matters to them. What impact would you like your business to make?
Ultimately when it comes time for people to exit their business, they are going to be able to do that fully informed and with their business as match-fit as possible. That’s my hope. That I can support people with getting the best they can from their business assets and enjoy the process along the way.
In 3 years time, where would you like to see your business?
My goal is to build a team locally to me as the rest of my team are based in Sydney. I see myself moving out of delivery and want to have people around me who can support our clients, as I move into more strategic initiatives.
Can you give us one tip on how to manage your time as a busy business professional?
Not really!! I struggle with this a lot. I think probably what I do the best is using some priority software to try and keep my email actions in check (inbox management is vital to my sanity!!!) and I tend to do the things I struggle with (the things that give me the least energy uplift) when my energy is good so I get through them quicker!
How have you benefited from being part of the YTM community?
Absolutely. This is why I signed up for the events because I think that the relationships that are fostered are great. Its more than a card swap.
Please share your favourite quote with us about time or business.
It’s a long one, but it sums up how I feel about life and business, and also a good check of how we are spending our time…
“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat” – Theodore Roosevelt
How can people connect with you?
LinkedIn is the best: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenayers
Thank you Lauren for sharing some insight into your business and how you can help others. It is by sharing knowledge and experience that we can all make an impact on the lives of others. I look forward to helping you build your network and business.
You can meet Lauren , face to face at the next YTM event
