Winnie of Lemon & Gingr Chats Shiny Object Syndrome and Paying Yourself As A Lady Boss
February 5, 2018
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Winnie Elbl of Lemon & Gingr is a straight to the point kinda gal. She knows her stuff and she’s not afraid to get busy with your business so that you can achieve more. Here we chat idea overload, productivity and paying yourself as a business owner.
Tell us a little bit about your business Lemon & Gingr
“Lemon&Gingr is all about simple operating systems and business processes. We ask clients, “what do you need to do in your business?”, then we work out the best workflow to get that done.”
What has inspired you to choose this bangin’ career path?
“It’s a little less inspiration, a little more “A-Type personality”. And laziness. I’m not a huge fan of doing something repetitively or even manually if there is an option to have it automated. There are many things in life and business that can’t be automated, so I’d rather reserve my energy for that. Plus, every business has different goals and different requirements – so their workflows need to be bespoke for their needs. This is an adult puzzle begging to be solved!”
How do you know all of this fan dangle info?
“I have a background in corporate litigation and in more recent years, corporate advisory. The need for smart processes is ingrained in me because I have seen what happens without it – and it is the same for a business with one person vs a business with 1200.”
Describe a highlight for you during your career
“Wowsers! Which career? I loved arguing an alternative interpretation of a particular law with the person who wrote that law – and winning! I am so proud of presenting best business practices to a room of highly intelligent industry experts – I am still amazed at producing and launching online events with over 20 global leaders.
Equally, my heart still explodes when someone starting out their business or has been struggling with their business finds their feet – they get more clients or they suddenly need to move to a bigger studio to accommodate for their growth – and they say, “I couldn’t have done it without you”. [cue: heart exploding] “
What do you find most challenging about running your own business and the most fun?
I am a long-time sufferer of SOS – Shiny Object Syndrome. There are so many ideas, programs, projects, services, offerings, unicorns and disco balls out there and I want to do them ALL and have them ALL. Playing with these ideas, fleshing them out, imagining how much better my life will be with a sparkly bespoke platform that addresses a very specific business task of mine – oh the glory. It is so much fun to learn and explore.
“It is also incredibly distracting and not at all conducive to productivity. The most challenging thing about running your own business is staying focused on what you are truly magical at. Think of the cafes that you go to – the best places don’t have a huge menu that traverses continents for their cuisine. The best ones have a sample of about 7 dishes that rock your world.
I started off with a very small service offering. The few dishes that I had mastered, but then some clients here and there asked me if I could just whip up a little extra something. Then the referrals came in for those little add-ons. Before I knew it, my menu had both pad thai and fettuccine marinara – and they were both average. Learning that lesson, I’ve calmed my tits, and I’m back to sexy systems. And I’m happy again.”
If you could describe Lemon & Gingr in three words, what would they be?
“Crazed Efficiency Hunters.”
Go on, spill. What’s a business secret you’re willing to share?
“This isn’t so much a secret, but it’s remarkable how it gets missed – if you want to have a business that sustains your life, you need to pay yourself first. Treat it like a mandatory business expense and calculate your margins accordingly. From there you can figure out what you can afford to spend and how much you can afford to invest back into your business.
It can also just start with a nominal amount too – but it ensures that you are in the habit of paying yourself. It’s a really simple trick to setting up a sustainable business.”
What do you have to offer business owners (i.e. what’s your glitter)?
“Razor sharp focus on what areas of your business are making you money and what is slowing you down and the support to take the next step. We only stock the ‘no bullshit’ glitter here.”
What do you love most about having your own business?
“The best part about having your own business is that you can just start. Whatever, whenever. “
When you work in a corporate environment, or just working for someone else, you need someone else’s approval – or in the case of corporate, you need 11 people’s approval. When you are running your own gig? You just need you. And that is brilliantly liberating.
Anything we should keep an eye out for?
“Yes! We’ll be announcing the launch of a super exciting project for 2018, which I know that fellow entrepreneurs and business starters will love the sound of. Follow my Facebook and Instagram to see the announcement super soon!”
Check out the Lemon & Gingr website, download her free ‘pay yourself first‘ infographic, follow her journeys on Facebook and get scrollin’ on Instagram!
Do you know a lady boss who has a story to be heard? Maybe it is you! Get in touch and let’s chat interviews!
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