Many individuals embark on unique paths that lead them to unexpected destinations--this is true in business as well. In this episode, Justin meets with Lauren Surman, who owns her own recruiting agency specializing in SaaS, executive search, sales, and tech recruiting. From her transition from sales to entrepreneurship, to her passion for creating meaningful connections, Lauren shares her insights and experiences on how she built a successful recruitment agency from the ground up.

Lauren, a talented sales professional, found herself yearning for a change after working under a toxic boss. Seeking a fresh start, she stumbled upon the field of recruiting through a chance encounter with a recruiter. Intrigued by the sales aspect within agency recruiting, Lauren decided to take a leap of faith and transition into this new domain. With an inner conviction that she could excel in this field, Lauren swiftly made the decision to start her own recruitment agency, Lessons with Lauren.

To kickstart her entrepreneurial journey, Lauren turned to LinkedIn, recognizing its immense potential for building connections and reaching out to potential clients. She began actively posting content, engaging with her network, and fostering meaningful relationships. Her genuine approach and dedication to making others feel valued resonated with many professionals, opening doors to new opportunities. One of her earliest clients stemmed from a connection she made on LinkedIn, which reinforced her belief in the platform's transformative power.

In her pursuit of business development, Lauren discovered the effectiveness of video outreach. Embracing this strategy, she found that personalized videos sent to hiring managers not only captured their attention but also created a human connection that sparked interest and engagement. Lauren emphasizes that videos don't need to be polished or scripted, but rather showcase authenticity and a genuine interest in the person on the receiving end. By leveraging video outreach, she was able to forge strong connections and secure valuable partnerships.

Lauren's journey has not been without its share of failures, but she firmly believes that failures are essential stepping stones on the path to success. Drawing from her previous experiences in starting companies, she acknowledges that failure is a natural part of the learning process. Instead of viewing failure as a setback, she reframes it as an opportunity for growth, emphasizing the importance of reflecting on one's failures, learning from them, and applying newfound knowledge to future endeavors.

Having come from a background in hospitality, Lauren attributes her success to her innate empathy and understanding of people's needs. By being attentive and responsive to those around her, she creates an environment that fosters happiness and fulfillment. Lauren firmly believes in the power of making others feel good without expecting anything in return, fostering genuine connections and leaving a lasting impression on everyone she encounters.

Lauren's journey from sales to entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of following one's passions, embracing failure as a stepping stone to success, and cultivating genuine connections. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals alike, highlighting the transformative impact of leveraging social platforms like LinkedIn, incorporating personalized video outreach, and nurturing relationships built on empathy and understanding. By embracing the journey and pursuing your dreams with determination and authenticity, you too can carve your own path to success.