Try again and fail fast… Be willing to evolve, pivot or change.
Lisa Laporte is the CEO of TWiT.tv and Artisanal Agency. TWiT.tv is a technology podcast network that features leading tech figures, including host and founder Leo Laporte. Artisanal Agency is a full-service podcast advertising agency that arose out of Lisa’s desire to help other podcast networks succeed in keeping their content free and accessible through ad sponsorship. The Artisanal Agency team seeks to build and foster long-term relationships between podcast networks and their advertisers, while always putting the audience first. Lisa firmly believes that no matter what industry you work in, you must do so with integrity.
Initially, Lisa Laporte began working in accounting/finance and then became a business consultant, where she gained invaluable experience in finance, high-end management, and HR. At TWiT.tv, she quickly learned about podcasting and new media before taking on the role of CEO. Soon after, she focused her attention on sales and marketing, eventually launching Artisanal Agency. Lisa continues running both companies to this day.
Lisa lives in Petaluma, California. When she’s not busy leading TWiT.tv and Artisanal Agency, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, working on her photography, and traveling.
Where did the idea for Artisanal Agency come from?
I launched Artisanal Agency because Leo, my husband, and I love our technology network, TWiT.tv, and I wanted to establish an advertising sales company to complement it. Artisanal Agency’s focus is on super-serving the TWiT.tv audience by partnering with high-integrity advertisers that offer services and products that will directly benefit them.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I start by being proactive instead of being reactive when it comes to creating my schedule. I don’t overbook my day to allow time for brainstorming or emergencies that may arise. I always look forward and plan, no matter what I’m doing and only schedule meetings if they are completely necessary. I always attempt to empower my team to excel and do the best job that they can.
How do you bring ideas to life?
We are a small company and when we decide to move forward, we just do it. I brainstorm with my executive team, I call experts in areas for any advice, and I try everything that I want to try. I know that it’s okay to fail. Someone said you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, so I take all of them whenever I can.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
The ever changing landscape of technology – I love the speed of moving fast! I’m so excited about all the developments that continuously happen and seeing how we can apply them to our lives.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I believe getting up early and taking moments off (not days) really helps me as an entrepreneur. You have to be okay with thinking or working all of the time – being an entrepreneur never ends!
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
Accounting Manager at a Marketing Firm. I learned to command respect; you get respect when you give it.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
Over the years, I’ve developed great personal relationships with team members. And while I think it’s important to be friendly and approachable, I’ve learned that it’s best to maintain relationships with team members on a professional level.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I think it’s incredibly important to listen, read, and pay attention to your team and your industry. If you want to continue to succeed, you need to be on top of any developments that pertain to your job and have a feel for how everyone is doing.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
Always operating with integrity and being fearless is something that has greatly benefited my businesses. You can’t be afraid to take risks; that’s what being an entrepreneur is all about. Another important lesson is to be honest with people and do what you say you are going to do.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I’ve had many failures, but the most important thing is to try again and fail fast before you have to close your business. Be willing to evolve, pivot or change. If you aren’t willing to change and evolve to new demands, it will be extremely challenging to succeed as an entrepreneur.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I want more of my time, so whoever creates a car that flies or a business that saves people time in any way will have a successful business – one click for checkout, next day delivery, etc. The less time people have to dedicate to buying a service or product from you, the more customers you will win.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I’d have to say a case of wine from our sponsor Blue Apron. They sent a variety of ½ bottles of wine (six bottles total). I was able to select red and white wines quickly, and it was delivered to my door. It saved me time and I had a nice selection to choose from.
What software and web services do you use? What do you love about them?
The suite of Google business software services. The number one reason I love it is because it’s in the Cloud. I can access my data from anywhere, which makes my job a lot easier. This is the same with Online Intuit, online banking, etc. Everything I need to do is accessable to me when I need it.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I can only pick one? I recommend Mark Manson’s The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck for personal perspective, growth, and learning to focus on what is important. I also recommend Oren Klaff’s Pitch Anything: An innovative Method for Presenting, Persuading, and Winning the Deal for those in sales or who want to learn how to persuade others.
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Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.