Because this is my first time launching something in the product-based space, managing my expectations hasn’t been the easiest. Between timelines getting thrown out the window, working with multiple teams, and creating all kinds of contracts, Lauren and I have learned how to get super clear about what we can offer and what we need. Through this whole process, we’ve lived by the mantra that everything happens to us for a reason, and it’s helped shine some light on really difficult times. Today, we’re talking all about setting boundaries, silver linings of obstacles and hard conversation, and why it’s so important to be a vulnerable leader. 

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• Instagram: @loriharder
• Lite Pink: @drinklitepink
• Earn Your Happy: @earnyourhappy
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Connect with Lauren

• Follow Lauren: @thelivelylo

Episode Timeline & Discussion Questions

( 2:16 ) Welcome back to Earn Your Happy. This week, Lauren and Lori are talking about how to manage expectations when launching a startup. 

( 4:26 ) Lauren highlights some of the struggles of working with new teams. 

( 5:59 ) Lori asks Lauren, “When you have gotten a contract, what are some of the things that you're looking at to build in some expectations?”

( 8:23 ) Lori talks about finding the right language to get the answers you need in an efficient and polite way. 

( 9:59 ) Lori and Lauren discuss working with a team that has set very clear deadlines. 

( 12:56 ) Lauren says that it can be nice to work in a structured way and have a clear idea of what needs to get done in order to meet those deadlines. 

( 15:15 ) Lori says, “If you are frustrated with the people you are working with, it's because you are lacking in setting expectations up front.”

( 16:45 ) Lauren and Lori talk about the power of having expedited rates and fees. 

( 20:18 ) Lori explains why it’s actually a good thing that they didn’t launch when they had originally planned. 

( 25:06 ) Lori and Lauren talk about how they optimized the delayed launch time by growing the audience and developing the brand identity. 

( 27:17 ) Lori says, “The more that we blazed this trail and kept on hitting obstacles, the ‘why’ just got more and more important.” 

( 29:12 ) Lauren says that the setbacks have also given her more time to really develop her skills as the chief of staff. 

( 31:50 ) Lori says, “Your team cannot show up in the way that you want them to if you are not helping them understand how your brain works around the tough conversations.”

( 34:39 ) Lori and Lauren wrap up the episode.