In this episode, host Jon is joined by Anna Lundberg, founder of One Step Outside who helps professionals break free from a traditional 9-5 job to find a more meaningful definition of success. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from employee to business owner, the importance of building a personal brand, the need for work-life integration versus balance, and the potential for future-proofing the business. Anna also shares her five-pillar business framework and how it helps solo and small-firm architecture practice owners navigate their business journey. She further explores alternative business models, moving past one-to-one client services. They also touch upon travel experiences and their relevance in expanding horizons and sparking curiosity.

Today's Guest...

Anna Lundberg is all about crafting careers and businesses that don't just focus on traditional success measures, but take a more balanced approach. Founder of One Step Outside®, she is on a mission to help experienced professionals break free from the 9 to 5 and pursue a more meaningful definition of success. She is the host of the Reimagining Success® podcast and the author of several books. And she's juggling all this while raising two little kiddos down in sunny Dorset.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:56 Guest Introduction: Anna Lundberg

01:42 Anna's Journey: Leaving Corporate World

02:02 Anna's South America Adventure

02:39 The Impact of Travel on Career Decisions

05:11 The Five Pillars Framework Overview

06:39 Pillar One: Defining Your Version of Success

10:05 Pillar Two: Cultivating Confidence and Resilience

14:27 Pillar Three: Developing the Right Business Model

18:32 Exploring Alternative Business Models

21:53 Exploring Creative Solutions in Business

22:22 Understanding Client Needs and Preferences

23:11 Exploring Different Business Models

24:10 Building Trust and Progression in Business

26:19 Pillar Four: The Importance of Personal Branding

30:38 Pillar Five: Work-Life Integration

34:06 Recommendations for Starting or Improving a Business

37:45 The Role of Travel and Location in Personal Fulfillment

40:58 Connecting with Anna Lundberg Online

41:57 Preview of the Next Episode and Closing Remarks

Key Takeaways...

👉 Importance of Self-Awareness - Understanding one's own strengths, preferences, personality, and life situation is crucial before starting or revamping a business.

👉 Redefining Success - Anna encourages not to limit the definition of success to monetary outcomes. Instead, she suggests it should include aspects such as freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment.

👉 Cultivating Resilience and Confidence - Building resilience and confidence is essential in managing the ups and downs that come with running a business.

👉 Diversifying Business Models - Not to be limited by traditional business models, and consider alternatives such as paid resources, teaching, mentoring, and upselling other services.

👉 The Value of Personal Branding - Creating a personal brand can help differentiate a business and establish a stronger connection with clients.

👉 Work-Life Integration, not Balance - Anna argues for the idea of work-life integration, suggesting that it's about finding a way for work and personal life to harmoniously co-exist.

👉 Importance of Progression - Offering entry-level services or products can help bring clients into your world and possibly upsell them to premium services later.

👉 Taking Small Steps towards Big Goals - Ambitious goals can be made more achievable by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Anna’s Website >https://onestepoutside.com/

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In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon chats with James Talman about the National Federation Of Roofing Contractors and how they are supporting architectural practices.