EPISODE #94
In this episode, Neil Bhuiyan interviews Elle Bytautaite, an architect and founder of Studio Elle. Elle shares her journey of becoming an architect and starting her own business.
She discusses the challenges and lessons learned in the architecture industry, the decision to start her own business, and the process of setting up her brand and website.
Elle also talks about the difficulties of selling her services and acquiring her first client.
In this conversation, Elle and Neil discuss various aspects of running a business, including setting prices, dealing with difficult customers, establishing boundaries, and speaking at events. Elle shares her experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of trust, bravery, and faith in the entrepreneurial journey.
Listen to the podcast episode on bcast..
..or watch the VidCast version of this episode on YouTube
Key Takeaways
- Starting a business requires careful planning and preparation
- Building a brand and website is an ongoing process
- Selling services can be challenging, but confidence and self-worth are key
- Seeking advice from others and doing research is important for success
- Setting the right prices for your services is crucial. It's important to value your work and not undersell yourself. Higher prices often attract clients who trust your expertise and are willing to pay a premium.
- Identifying difficult customers early on is essential. Trust your intuition and don't ignore red flags. It's better to let go of clients who don't respect your advice or have unrealistic expectations.
- Establishing firm boundaries and maintaining a work-life balance is key to avoiding burnout. Define your core working hours and learn to detach from work when needed.
- Speaking at events can be intimidating but also rewarding. It allows you to share your journey, inspire others, and open doors to new opportunities. Trust the process and have faith that things will work out.
Timestamps
- 00:00 - Introduction
- 01:15 - Introduction of Elle Bytautaite and her architecture business
- 04:12 - Elle's journey to becoming an architect
- 09:17 - Lessons learned from working in the architecture industry
- 11:31 - Decision to start her own business
- 15:39 - Preparation for launching her own business
- 19:45 - Seeking advice and conducting research
- 23:20 - Establishing name, brand, and website
- 32:20 - Managing sales conversations and acquiring the first client
- 36:03 - Challenges and lessons in selling services
- 37:18 - Pricing strategies and trust-building
- 40:31 - Dealing with difficult customers
- 46:54 - Setting boundaries and work-life balance
- 50:58 - Public speaking and confidence-building
- 57:19 - Advice for her younger self
Listen on Apple Podcasts
