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Hi Reader,
Halloween is almost here and I haven’t put out a single decoration. I used to love Halloween and decorate my front doorstep to scare the wits out of the kids, JK. But this year it just seems like way too much work. I’ve been traveling so much and in between work trips running to San Francisco to visit my elderly parents. I’m sure I’ll rally on Saturday morning and get the doorstep decorated. I can’t bear disappointing the neighbors who have become used to my spooky porch.
As I ask you, how are you holding up? I know I need to ask myself the same. I know this is another season of my life as a founder and hey, another grandson is being born as we speak.
Notes from a Female Founder
Letting go of control is one of the hardest things a founder does. When it’s your idea, your money and your name on the line, doing it all yourself feels safer. But that’s exactly what keeps a company small and wears you out.
My podcast guest this week, Carlyn, learned this firsthand. While raising twins, she learned to ask for help, raise enough money to really grow, and let go when it mattered. You’ll read more about her in a minute.
I’m learning the same lesson as I build Revenue + Real Life™. I have Founding Mentors and a team building it with me. I don’t have to do it all myself. Neither do you.
Sales Sharpenher
What can you let go of, and how do you do it? It’s the question we all want answered. I’ve gotten better at it over the years by doing a few things.
- Make a list of the things only you can do.
- Find someone else to do the rest.
- Delegate, don’t abdicate. Train the person, or the AI, to do it just as you would.
- Ask yourself, does this really need to be done at all?
As the founder, you have to focus on the things that will propel your company forward. Sales is one of those. Understand your role in sales so you can give it the right amount of time and mindshare. And keep your mind clear, so you can make great decisions and drive revenue. That’s what this week’s LinkedIn post is about, the load you carry and what it costs you.
This week’s conversation
Carlyn Loncaric spent two years building prototypes in her bathtub before she found her first customer.
As a former lifeguard, she knew how difficult and dangerous underwater searches could be. So she invented AquaEye, an AI-powered handheld device that helps first responders find people underwater faster and more safely. Today her company, VodaSafe, has technology used by public safety teams in more than 50 countries.
Getting there was anything but straightforward. A $50,000 investment helped turn her idea into a real business. Then COVID forced her to rethink her entire market. She pivoted from lifeguarding organizations to fire and rescue departments, and when traditional sales channels disappeared, she picked up the phone and cold called her way to new customers.
We also talked about raising venture capital, why female founders should think bigger when they ask for funding, building a sales team, and growing a company while raising twins.
👉 Listen to the episode - and forward it to a founder who is building something bold.
On LinkedIn this week
What’s the cognitive load you carry? And how is it impacting your ability to drive revenue? I’d love your comments on this post.
👉 Read my LinkedIn post
To Your Sales Success,
Alice
P.S. Revenue + Real Life™ is growing. Founding Members are joining, our Founding Mentors are on board, and weekly Office Hours are underway. If you are a female founder CEO leading an AI, innovative, or technology-driven company, this is the room to plan 2027 with women who get it. Founding membership is open now. Hit reply to join, or learn more at www.revenueandreallife.com
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