Happy Monday, hope everyone is recovered from their weekend of pie eating and green beer drinking. I know I’m ready for a new week and a little getaway this weekend. I’m heading off to Charleston for a mini vacation! I’m ready for some summer weather and beach bumming.
Before I head off, I have a LOT to do. I made a list yesterday of everything I need to get done before I leave and I’m starting to tackle it today after work. Sometimes between work, the blog and a personal life things can get a little hectic but at the end of the day it’s all worth it as the results are so rewarding. Especially when I get to meet amazing people like Lindsay McFarlane, founder and CEO of Working Girl Inc.
Working Girl Inc. is a young woman’s one stop shop for finding the job of her dreams. When I first heard about Lindsay’s company I had a flashback of all the hours I spent googling and e-mailing companies in hopes of getting a contact for a job. At Working Girl Inc. Lindsay does all that work for you, so girls can use that time instead focusing on their applications and prepping for interviews. Lindsay is a true inspiration for young woman looking for their dream job and any woman looking to start her own company.
I love a good start-up story and words of advice, so I have asked Lindsay to share her story and tips below!
Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired Working Girl Inc.?
I come from over a decade of experience and expertise in fashion, events, public relations, marketing, media. . .you name it, I’ve done it. From my roots in Chicago to New York to London, around the world and back, all of my history has lead me to the creation of Working Girl Inc.
Working Girl Inc. had started long before I actually even knew. I have been working and interning for as long as I can remember and word spread about my experiences and this lead to countless daily emails from friends, family friends, friends of friends who wanted a job like mine or needed help connecting the dots. Well, once I married the love of my life and the craze of wedding planning ended, I decided to turn these daily emails into a business. Thus, Working Girl Inc. was born.
What has been the best part about becoming an entrepreneur?
The best part about becoming an entrepreneur has been the constant challenge. I have always loved hard work but this is even harder. I have loved being my own boss and really having a voice and being able to create the voice of Working Girl Inc. Branding has always been a passion of mine and being able to brand my own creation has been such a fun part.
What has been the biggest challenge with running your own business?
The biggest challenge of running my own business has been time. There just aren’t enough hours in the day. I work a full-time job on top of Working Girl Inc. which is a huge challenge. Between consulting appointments with my Working Girls, email campaigns, social media, follow-up to companies for my girls and so much more PLUS a full-time job, it’s definitely been time. Also, juggling this plus my husband, puppy, family and friends! I believe in a work-life balance and this is a huge priority for me.
What keeps you motivated everyday?
The everyday motivation is seeing the girls take a sigh of relief when they see the interviews rolling in after a consultation and the final result of them being placed at an internship or a job. All these girls are so passionate and driven and I absolutely love helping them. Nothing makes me happier than the phone call or email with a girl saying that she can’t decide between which internship she should go for because she has options. To be able to help someone find their dream is a true privilege.
What is something you wish you would have known before you started your own company?
I wish I would’ve known the consistency and timing of work before I started my own company. I went at this with a full-time job and I think I underestimated how much time this would take. I also wish I would’ve known that everything just doesn’t happen. I know this sounds stupid but I have always thought “Rome was built in a dayâ€, I always want things to just happen and I have had to teach myself that I am a one-woman show running a start-up and everything takes time.
What is your best piece of advice for someone looking to branch off into their own business?
If I could tell a woman starting her own company one thing it would be. . .JUST BE READY! I cant tell you enough how amazing this rollercoaster ride has been. I would tell them to be ready for anything. I would tell them not everything is going to be right the first time and to always have a mentor and someone to turn to.
Working Girl Inc. is just starting and I cant wait to see what happens next. I am here for the long haul and I want to get as many Working Girl’s on their way to their dreams. All I can leave you with is to work it!