Truth Telling From The Trenches With Speaker, Trainer, Career & Business Transitions Specialist
Simply put, Lori Hildebrand helps women make more money doing what they love!
She is an international speaker, trainer, and personal consultant for the hard working (and awesome!) side hustle nation.
Lori is a successful single Mom of two young boys, who rarely says no to a good glass of Cabernet or an outdoor concert with friends.
She spent 15 years climbing the corporate ladder in the stock trading and wealth planning world.
Before her soul was completely lost there, she founded LHB Consulting to inspire and teach women to successfully build their business, increase income, create stability in the instable world of entrepreneurship, all while nurturing themselves and their children.
If you’re looking for tangible real-life advice about living financially free, living in abundance, and enjoying more in your life, then she’s your girl!
Lori has delivered her successful mindset and skillset training with Smith Barney Women’s groups, Washington Mutual Investments, Morgan Stanley, Global Life Vision, 100 Humanitarians, she is a certified Startup Expert from Top 6 International, and a supporter of women’s business and networking groups across the country. Lori is always looking for new ways to help lift up another woman in business!
Where is your business located?
My business is worldwide, but I am physically located near Salt Lake City, Utah
Where did the idea for your business come from?
I was a national sales trainer for a well-known stock trading company (known for their excellent Super Bowl commercials). I was teaching a 2-day leadership workshop when I heard the words that would eventually catapult my confidence. One of the participants pulled me aside and he matter-of-factly stated, “I have never been more impressed with a trainer in this company. I want my business to double this year, and I want you to help me do it. What does that look like?”
Side hustle starts in 3…2…1…
I knew I wanted a way to live a life on my own terms, and be more available for my kids in my post-divorce life. So, I took this experience and launched my business coaching women to build a business and life they love too!
What is the first thing you do in the morning?
Summer time - kids are out of school, it's a daily juggling act, let's be honest.
On my good days...
Drink water, make my coffee, make kids breakfast smoothies, let the dogs out back, go for a walk, plan my day.
On other days...
Check Instagram, play Clash Royal, coffee, kids breakfast smoothies, more coffee, plan my day.
What does your work day look like and how do you maximize your productivity?
I'm always clear on my IPA's - Income Producing Activities. Those come first, and will always involve people. Whether it's me or my team, someone is always reaching out to our tribe!
I went into business to have time and financial freedom, so I create time boundaries (like, currently I'm writing this from an indoor trampoline park, hijacking their free WiFi, so my kids can play with friends, get some exercise and not drive me crazy).
During the summer, I'm more flexible. I have my kids scheduled for activities, out of the house, 3 days a week, which means those are my client fulfillment days and networking, speaking, event days. The other 2 days a week I use for writing, and enjoying some summer fun with friends and kids!
During winter and kids are in school, my work time is generally 9am - 3pm (taking time mid-day a few days a week to get to yoga or the gym), and I will ask for help when evenings are calling my name (for speaking, a few client calls for my international tribe, and quality networking events).
How do you bring your great business ideas to the world to serve your clients?
Sharing success stories of my clients (always be a story collector!). Creating community, both in my own backyard (by speaking, networking, and referrals), and internationally by speaking at events, attending other people's events to up-level my own skill set and meet new people, being active on my favorite social media platforms, loving on the people who trust me enough to be on my email list.
What is one trend in business that excites you?
The idea of the "traditional path of safety", college to corporate ladder for life, is going away! It's ok to think differently, and seeing more and more people (especially women) creating real income while doing something they love to do, is freakin' awesome.
What is one strategy that helped you grow your business?
Follow up! People hold the money, so you need to talk to people. In real life.
I am a real introvert, and speaking on stage is wayyyyy easier for me than talking to people individually. I knew this was (and still is) a weakness of mine, so I set goals, found that video calls are easier for me than phone calls, and I created a team that help me follow-up to alleviate my anxiety, but to also give my potential clients a bigger team to talk to and get real with.
Also, knowing my introverted issues, I create community women's groups so I can have a tribe that I love, around me! Create where you belong.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it? Believing other people's fears and doubts. People in your life love you and want what's best for you. I started several side-hustles over the years, but never dared leave my corporate salary job, mostly because I believed everyone else's fears. I missed out on all those years of building and creating and doing what I really love!
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to this community?
Pay attention. If you give attention to your people, your money, your business and personal health, all will grow! So many people go into business with hope, but just asking questions, looking at your bank account, (hire a bookkeeper, she'll at least keep you accountable, because who wants someone looking at their $0 balance bank account!), drink some water, call some people, pay attention and don't go on autopilot!
What is the best $100 you have recently spent? on What? Why?
Spa Day. Massage, facial, tea in the relaxation room.... so worth it!
What is one piece of software or app that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I love Trello! I use it on my desktop and on the app on my phone. It's like a visual representation of all the clutter in my head. I have a Trello Board for my week (for all the personal and business to do's), for Projects (for home and business), kids activities and ideas, for my rental properties, blog ideas, speaking ideas, processes/templates/swipe files, etc. I love Trello, it keeps me sane.
What is the best business book you have read? Why?
The 'Go-Giver' series are all fantastic, easy reads. Not your typical business book as it's a story with fictional characters, but teaches foundational principles in business and life.
2nd choice would be 'How to Win Friends and Influence People'. I listen to this on Audible every year, and get something more out of it every time.
What is your favorite quote?
"Don't I have a few, I'm an over achiever like that....
"What if I fall? Oh but my darling, what if you fly?" - Erin Hanson
"Where you invest your love, you invest your life" - Mumford and Son's
"The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it" - Peter Pan
"If you don't like what's being said, change the conversation" - Don Draper, Mad Men
Or this gem when you just aren't in the mood...
"I don't need an inspirational quote. What I need is a freaking cup of coffee." - Someone on Pinterest
Who inspires you in business and why?
This is an endless list of friends, colleagues, acquaintances and well-known entrepreneurs. Women who get out there and make things happen, despite naysayers, inspire me daily.
One that may a bit cliche now, but it's always been Oprah. I see her as a dreamer and doer, and has overcome obstacles that I've never faced, to become the woman of influence she is today. Her creativity, perseverance, and going-against-the-grain-attitude, has always lifted me up.
What are your thoughts on work-life balance?
Work-Life Balance is a myth.
To be balanced, by definition, means equal distribution, or a steady position so nothing falls. That's just baloney.
What I do believe is possible is enjoying your time, whether you are "Working" or "Life-ing". That means, not feeling guilty when doing one activity over the other, which also means knowing your priorities. When you are clear on what's important (this doesn't mean it's always the most fun activity at that moment), but put your energy toward what's important, and get help or delegate the other stuff!
What are the 3 business lessons you’ve learned so far?
1. I'm a recovering perfectionist, it's a one-day-at-a-time thing.
2. People hold the money, you need to talk to people.
3. Solo-preneur does not mean you do everything by yourself! Delegate and hire (college interns, Fiverr, Etsy, a bookkeeper, and a good VA all need to be your friends)
And my over achiever bonus....
4. If your income is low, stop everything you are doing (including that new business card you are designing right now) and go connect with people until your income goes back up again!
What is your workspace like?
I love my home office! I have moved my office space 4 times, within my home, over the past few years. I am now in a room at the front of my home, with large windows over looking my front porch, french doors that I can open when not working to let more light into the house, or closed when I'm on calls.
I light candles when I'm working, and had an organizer friend of mine help me create a functional and beautiful space!
Last thing you do at the end of your work day?
Pour a glass of wine, just kidding, that's later.
I double check emails to be sure I hadn't missed anything, check in with my Facebook groups, Facebook and LinkedIn messages, respond to anything needed, and plan my IPA's and activities for the next day.
Blow out the candles, close the laptop, and get into "Mom-mode"
What is the one thing you can't leave home without?
First would be my phone - as it's the lifeblood of all communication, plus you know, GPS and my Starbucks app.
A close second would be... hmmm... not much comes to mind. Maybe my water bottle, I don't go far without that.
What superpower would you love to have to use for good?
Fear eliminator. I think of it like the "Care Bear Stare" (come on, you remember that show!), I'd just look at you, and Care Bear Stare the crap out of all your fear.
Number of unread emails right now?
12
Anything else you want to add?
Being in business for yourself is the best personal development journey you can find! Keep going, enjoy the ride, let the fear fuel your next step instead of keeping you from moving forward.
Debbie Page, thanks for being part of my journey! We are all lucky to have you, my friend!
How can other entrepreneurs connect with you?
Email: lori@lorihildebrand.com
Facebook: facebook.com/mycoachlori
Instagram: instagram.com/mycoachlori
LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/lorihildebrand/
Website: www.LoriHildebrand.com
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