Lessons I Learned from Carrie Kerpen: Insights on Business, Identity, and Empowerment

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Over the years, I’ve come across some incredible entrepreneurs whose wisdom has shaped my journey. One of the most influential voices for me has been Carrie Kerpen. Her journey, from co-founding Likeable Media to her current work with The Whisper Group, is full of lessons that every entrepreneur, especially women, can benefit from.

Here are a few lessons I’ve learned from Carrie’s insights:

1. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝘽𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨

Carrie has taught me the value of creating a business that doesn’t rely solely on the CEO’s day-to-day involvement. By building strong systems, delegating effectively, and empowering teams, you can scale your business and make it sellable. This insight has encouraged me to focus on building a sustainable and independent business model.

2. 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙚 𝙎𝙚𝙡𝙛

Carrie’s TED Talk resonated deeply with me. She spoke about spending years focusing on external validation and how that led her away from her true desires. To get back on track, Carrie reconnected with her values and passions. This has reminded me to always check in with myself and ensure that my goals align with what truly lights me up inside.

3. 𝙉𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝘽𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙘𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙

Carrie shared the emotional and professional challenges of being acquired. It's not just about the business transition; it’s also about the loss of control and identity. This lesson helped me understand the importance of preparing mentally and emotionally for major changes in business and life.

4. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙆𝙚𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙎𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝘽𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨

Carrie’s advice on building a sellable business was invaluable. Focus on key performance indicators (KPIs) like revenue growth, customer loyalty, and profitability. Creating a business that runs smoothly without you at the helm is crucial. This advice has helped me shape my own business with long-term value in mind.

5. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗴

For those just starting out, Carrie suggests seeking internships or experiences that offer exposure to different aspects of business. This will allow you to build a diverse skill set and make valuable connections. It's a reminder to never stop learning and to seek mentorship from those who inspire you.

6. 𝙈𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙞𝙨 𝙆𝙚𝙮

Carrie’s insights on connecting with mentors who value their time were an eye-opener. She stressed the importance of being intentional and offering value in return. Building relationships with wise people has been pivotal in growing my own knowledge and expanding my business.

7. 𝙆𝙚𝙮 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙖𝙡𝙚

Carrie’s practical advice on the KPIs needed to sell a business is something I’ve been incorporating into my own strategies. It's about showing potential buyers that the business has a track record of steady growth, profitability, and a strong customer base.

8. 𝘼𝙙𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙨

Carrie’s adaptability during tough financial times was a lesson in resilience. Her ability to pivot and adjust business models when the economic landscape shifts is something I’ve taken to heart. Staying agile and innovative is essential to surviving any crisis.

9. 𝙃𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙡-𝘽𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙉𝙤𝙣-𝙉𝙚𝙜𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚

Carrie emphasizes maintaining personal well-being to sustain long-term business success. She practices self-care, sets boundaries, and makes time for joy outside of work. It’s a reminder that true success is a balance of business achievements and personal happiness.

10. 𝙉𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙀𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙀𝙭𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝘽𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨

Carrie helps entrepreneurs understand that exiting a business doesn’t mean losing your identity. It’s about evolving and finding new purposes. This advice has given me perspective on the emotional aspects of business transitions and how to embrace change.

11. 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝘽𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝘽𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮

Carrie shared that transitioning from a 9-5 to entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be forced. It’s about inspiring and guiding people to take small steps toward their goals. This approach has influenced how I support those around me to explore entrepreneurship.

12. 𝙈𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚

Carrie stresses the importance of connecting with mentors who value their time. The key is to approach them with humility, offering genuine value in return. I’ve learned that building authentic, respectful relationships is the foundation for any meaningful mentorship.

13. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙁𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙀𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙮

Carrie believes in the balance of both energies for success. She suggests that women entrepreneurs should lean into both their feminine energy—empathy, collaboration—and masculine energy—strategy, decisiveness. It’s something I now consciously integrate into my leadership style.

These lessons have shaped not only how I run my business but also how I approach life. Carrie’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-reflection, and strategic growth. I’m so grateful for the wisdom she continues to share with the entrepreneurial world. If you’re looking for inspiration or guidance, Carrie Kerpen is someone to follow closely!

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