“My biggest challenge is probably myself... in terms of growing, I think I felt like ‘Who am I to get too much bigger?’” —  Laura BonnettIf you discovered your true, fulfilling purpose in life, would you be ready to embrace it?My guest for this episode, Laura Bonnett, is the founder and CEO of YellowTree Grant Writing. Laura worked for the federal government for nearly 10 years and now uses that experience to make an incredible impact on the world by helping organizations access grants that help them effect change.Shifting from academia to entrepreneurship meant letting go of structure and embracing a level of fluidity. While she was used to a requirement of absolute perfectionism in her former career, she found that entrepreneurship is more fluid and adaptable — and you’re allowed to fail and learn from it.As she grew, she developed her own structure by putting systems in place for bookkeeping and time management, and creating a schedule that worked for her.But what she really struggled with was believing that she deserved to have more and get bigger.When it was time to transition from solopreneurship to agency, she felt frozen. “I had to increase my belief in myself and in my company, to trust that this growth will continue,”  Laura says.She soon realized that she didn’t just need to expand her business, but the industry itself.“We grant writers are few and far between in Canada. But in doing this hiring process, I realized that I need to start creating the pipeline,” she explains. “Because the pipeline’s not there… I’m going to have to start teaching more, because I need to develop this industry even further.”In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the Road to Seven podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover‌The #1 mistake that organizations make when it comes to grant applicationsHow to become comfortable with creating and embracing a new role in your company as you scale upThe common money mindset challenge faced by entrepreneurs and small business ownersAbout LauraLaura Bonnett founded YellowTree Grant Writing Services in 2018 to help organizations find their funding. She is passionate about social justice and generally making the world a better place — on a small or large scale.Highlights00:07  Introducing Laura Bonnett03:26  The journey to CEO06:32  Getting the first client07:16  The biggest mistake organizations make08:20  Setting up systems09:44  From structure to fluidity15:15  Biggest challenge16:34  From solopreneur to agency18:20  Creating your new identity20:14  Support networks21:43  Company culture23:16  #1 piece of advice24:37  Next stepsLinksLaura Bonnett https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-bonnett-phdYellow Tree Grant Writing Services https://yellowtreegrants.com [email protected]: @YellowTreGrantsTo work with me and make your next power move, visit https://www.theroadtoseven.com/Join the Road To Seven Facebook group to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs who want to band together and help each other rise up.I would be grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! Click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” Thank you!Follow me!Instagram: @shelaghcumminsTwitter: @shelaghcumminsfacebook.com/ShelaghCumminslinkedin.com/in/shelaghcummins

What do you have to let go of in order to create a bigger impact?My guest Laura Beauparlant ran a custom stationery business for 12 years. She was highly successful, and her innovative wedding invitation designs had been featured in many magazines.Laura was making good money and building a name, but she knew that she wanted to leave the wedding industry. She wanted something bigger and better. She’d been doing design work for small businesses and soon realized she was making more money from small business branding than from her wedding invitations.She knew she needed to shift where she put her energy.In November of 2015, she quit doing wedding design completely and within 5 or 6 months she’d launched her new company, Lab Creative, and started her Brand Camp program.The lesson? Sometimes, you need to let go of something in order to grow.As Laura scaled up, she realized that couldn’t move beyond a certain revenue point without hiring a team and letting go of having full control.She needed to recognize that her role in her business is that of a visionary, and that the only way she could thrive in that role is by having a team to support her.She also needed to heal a money mindset that caused her to feel guilty about building wealth.Once she let go, she achieved some truly incredible results!In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌The power in claiming your role as a visionary in your businessThe importance of recognizing when it’s time to hire — and how to be okay with bringing on new team membersHow shifting your money mindset can free you from limiting beliefs and guilt about building wealth“I have it in my calendar to pay myself every two weeks, just like I would pay anybody else... I’ve learned that I have to pay myself. The work I do is valuable and I deserve to get paid in my business.” —  Laura BeauparlantAbout Laura BeauparlantLaura Beauparlant is author of the book Brand Chemistry, an award-winning keynote speaker, and the founder and creative director of Lab Creative, whose branding and design process offers their clients a unique blend of experience, personality, and style.Highlights:‌01:51  About Laura Beauparlant03:46  Transitioning to a new business07:49  Reflection & pivotal moments11:40  The challenges of hiring14:53  Key players Laura hired & why18:42  The finances of hiring21:32  Mindset shiftLinks:‌Laura Beauparlant https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-beauparlant-4304381Lab Creative https://www.labcreative.caInstagram: @labcreativeincBrand Audit Offer https://www.labcreative.ca/brandauditBrand Chemistry by Laura Beauparlant https://brandchemistrybook.comBrand Camp: https://www.labcreative.ca/virtual-brand-camp - Use code CUMMINS for $250 off!To work with me and make your next power move, visit: https://www.theroadtoseven.com/Join the Road To Seven Facebook group to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs who want to band together and help each other rise up.I would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and boost their business too! Just click here to review,  thank you!Follow me!Instagram & Twitter: @shelaghcumminsfacebook.com/ShelaghCumminslinkedin.com/in/shelaghcummi