Unlock Your Potential: Tara Tersigni's 10 Steps of Entrepreneurial Wisdom
The Hustle is Real (and Unplanned)
Hello,
What value are you taking away from these Sunday Series write-ups? Which lessons have resonated with you? What would you like to see more of? Or less?
Sunday Series, April 6th, Tara Tersigini, Founder YAWN World
Tara: "So literally, I think one, two days after I graduated [college], I loaded up my car and drove out there [LA] and had a job lined up that was working for free for a manager, because I wanted to work in the entertainment industry."
Implication: This illustrates the value of being willing to make sacrifices and put in the work to gain experience, especially when starting in a competitive industry. It demonstrates that sometimes, short-term "losses" can lead to long-term gains.
Application for you: Be open to opportunities that may not offer immediate financial gain if they provide valuable experience, networking opportunities, or access to your desired field. Consider internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions that can serve as stepping stones to your career goals. You never know where it may lead you!
Embrace the Unplanned Path: Many successful entrepreneurs, like Tara, have non-traditional backgrounds. Your unique journey can be your strength. Don't be afraid to take unexpected turns in your career.
Build Genuine Connections: Networking and relationship-building are crucial. Tara's story emphasizes the importance of connecting with people and nurturing those relationships. Focus on building authentic relationships, not just transactional ones.
Value Consistency and Stability: While freelancing can be exciting, seeking consistency and stability is a valid career goal. Tara's transition from freelance to a more stable role at CBS demonstrates this. It's okay to prioritize stability in your career path.
Find Great Mentors: Mentors can provide invaluable guidance and support. Terry Wood was a pivotal mentor for Tara, demonstrating the impact of having strong role models. Seek out mentors who inspire you and offer valuable advice. Take it a step further and find a sponsor — someone who will advocate for you when you’re not in the room (where it happens).
Be Open to New Opportunities: Even if an opportunity doesn't seem like a perfect fit, it can lead to unexpected and rewarding experiences. Tara's initial reluctance about working in the beauty industry turned into a successful 10-year partnership with Bobbi Brown.
Mentoring is a Powerful Way to Give Back: Giving back through mentorship can be incredibly rewarding. Tara actively mentors young entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of supporting the next generation. Share your knowledge and experience to help others grow.
Support Both Internal and External Stakeholders: Helping those within your organization is as important as helping those outside. Tara emphasizes the importance of supporting her team members and helping them achieve their goals. Focus on building a supportive environment within your team.
Small Acts of Kindness Matter: You don't need to make grand gestures to make a difference. Simple acts of kindness, like making a connection for someone, can have a significant impact. Look for small ways to help others in your daily life. Email or text that person you’ve been thinking about!
“People can get confused when you're nice. A lot of feedback I would get years ago was that I needed to be more like a bully, kind of, especially as a woman, more tough. And there were some other women that they would use as examples. Oh, you need to be. like that and be just like a bulldog. And that never sat right with me because that's not how I am.” - Tara Tersigini
Focus on Local Impact: Making a difference in your local community can be incredibly fulfilling. Tara's involvement with Reach Out Montclair demonstrates the power of local initiatives. Get involved in your community and contribute to local causes.
Be Resourceful When Resources Are Limited: Don't let a lack of resources hold you back. Tara's experience with Bobbi Brown's ventures shows that resourcefulness and strong relationships can overcome limited funding.