Please meet Linda Snyder, owner of Ladies Who Launch Seattle. Her drive and dedication to the Ladies is legendary. For authentic business connections join savvy business owners at Ladies Who Launch. What was your prior business experience and how did you get into Ladies Who Launch?
I got into LWL through my prior business. When I moved up here from Eugene I opened a UPS store and although it was fabulous, it didn’t grow my soul. So I started meeting with women who had small businesses and we’d have coffee and I’d give advice. Then one day driving home I thought “Why aren’t you doing this full-time?” I thought this is what I should be doing and I called a business broker and said here’s my price. I started doing some coaching and I’d heard about Ladies Who Launch and had taken a client there. I was in love with this organization, this is my tribe, so I did an incubator. After six months my UPS store sold so when the opportunity came up to buy the business I didn’t even hesitate. And as crazy as it sounds I didn’t even ask the price – which I don’t recommend.
What do you know now you wish you known before buying LWL?
How much work it is…I’m a hard worker but taking over another business is different than starting it on your own. So part of the first six months was me putting my stamp on the business.
Have you had mentors or role models along the way?
My mom who is generous, warm hearted , and well spoken. She’s done everything in her life with integrity and grace. No business mentors in my life. I worked in a male dominated organization and their style didn’t fit my style.
As you business grows how do you get it all done?
Hours upon hours of work. I love doing it and I’ve always worked hard and I’m passionate about it but prioritization on what I spend time on works well. I love QuickBooks and recommend it to everybody I know. Stay off CrackBook but Hootsuite is a huge time saver. Lastly, stop being a perfectionist.
What personality trait serves you best?
Empathy…understanding of the creative process and where the incubators are going. I'm great at visioning... to see what’s on the paper and where the business can go from there.
Did you dream of owning a business as a child growing up in an entrepreneurial family?
Yes,I played store, we had the setup in our room to play dolls. We had fashion outfits for Barbies…putting on shows as the director…loved being the star in the neighborhood performances when I was really bookish and shy and introverted. It's interesting that those facets of my personality came out in my childhood.
What was your first job?
At age five I got paid 1 penny for every bow I made for the store my parents owned. Every Sunday I worked making bows. Then summers I worked in the store at whatever make-work job in the business until l I was 14 and got an actual paycheck.
Do you trust your intuition?
Absolutely, but I also believe in Trust but Verify. Take intuitive leaps and it's smart to back up and look at the tactical pieces that it take to get there.
What's your favorite:
Movie - Pretty Woman....the chemistry makes me happy….it's a princess fairy tale
Song - Ronnee Blakely She Lays It On the Line....that's how I live my life
Book - Qualities of a Leader It's got real gems throughout it.
