#005: Growth & Sales Advice From Entrepreneurial Mum, Darcy Ida

Diversity All Star

Darcy Ida is the successful founder of Ida Pod, a supplier of professional high end photo booth hire for all occasions. She is also a Virgin Ambassador & therefore working along the Virgin Start Up Division to raise awareness about starting a business.

In this Podcast we discuss ( SPOILER ALERT )

• [03:10] Darcy Ida shares her motivation for becoming an entrepreneur.
• [04:24] Darcy talks about sourcing products from the far east vs the UK.
• [05:37] We learn what it’s like to balance being a mother, and starting a business.
• [09:17] Darcy shares how becoming hands off in certain areas, helped her business to grow.
• [13:55] We get advice on how as a mother, you can start delegating parts of your business.
• [14:59] We learn about the challenges Darcy faced, due to her background, gender and age.
• [18:33] Darcy explains how she used diversity in her business, to be an advantage.
• [19:45] On company culture: “I always say to people I am interviewing, I would never ask anyone to do something that I wouldn’t be prepared to do for my self.”
• [22:01] Darcy shares tips from what she learnt from “The Lost Art of Listening” (Link below)
• [22:32] We get more sales tips for anyone starting a business.
• [25:15] We learn how Ida Pod acquired Virgin as a client.
• [31:30] Darcy explains hows to peruse a business opportunity in where you may have no experience.
• [33:05] Darcy talks about her first sale.
• [ 37:46] We learn how you can prepare for building a relationship with your sales lead.
• [40:50] We get very in depth tips, on how to get around gatekeepers during a cold call.
• [45:00] We find out if we should leave a message when making a sales call.
• [46:45] Darcy talks about researching the technology behind Ida Pod.
• [48:00] Darcy explains when or if you should leave your job.
• [49:30] We find out what Darcy wished she knew, before she started.
• [50:38] Darcy shares her biggest failure.
• [51:40] We find out how “to-do” lists, help Darcy to achieve her goals.
• [53:22] Darcy lists her favourite motivational speakers, to help better your business or family life.

You will learn

• Sales tips, and how to handle gatekeepers while making cold calls.
• How to balance being a mother while growing your business.
• How diversity could be an advantage in business.

Exclusive offer

• Receive 10% off your first order with Ida Pod, by mentioning “Minority 101” while making your booking.

Links and resources mentioned

• More from Darcy Ida
  • Ida Pod
  • Ida Pod on Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin
  • Virgin StartUp Entrepreneur: Darcy, Ida Pod
• Recommended reading
  • The Lost Art of Listening: How Learning to Listen Can Improve Relationships (Guilford Family Therapy) (Affiliate link)
• Recommended motivational speakers
  • Dr Eric Thomas
  • Prince Ea

Homework

Darcy challenges you to create a “things to-do list” for one month.

Create two separate lists on:

1. Business / Entrepreneurial steps
2. Personal goals.

Every week, for each list, write down 10 things you need to accomplish. For example, it could be as simple as:

• Reach out to 3 networking groups,
• Or research 3 companies in the field I am hoping to go into,
• Or speak to 4 friends and family members, to see if they have any suggestions on what direction you can take your business.
• etc.

Tweet #DiversityAllStar to discuss the show on twitter or leave your comments below.

Kind regards, Lisimba.

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