I’m an accidental entrepreneur. It was never in my DNA to start a business, but when I found myself burned out in my corporate job having excelled up the ranks as far as I wanted to go, it was time to look for something more engaging that leveraged my skills, but also made a difference in moving the needle for equality for women in the workplace. It turned out I wanted to lean out more than I wanted to lean in. I now help other smart, accomplished women leaders make the leap from –corporate to entrepreneurship, teaching hundreds of new and aspiring women entrepreneurs to use these same proven strategies to test their business ideas and validate their money-making model.

What inspired you to start your business? Can you tell our readers about your background?

The simple answer was that I was bored. I had worked for Gartner for a total of 20 years in marketing and product development, generating hundreds of millions in revenue for the company, and ultimately running an internal startup and growing it to $32 Million in 30 months. I had achieved what I came to do, and I suddenly felt I had nowhere else I wanted to go. 

After interviewing for other positions both externally and internally, I desperately craved a new challenge. I spent a transformative 10 days at a silent meditation retreat where this seedling of a dream started to materialize. I knew I’d be uniquely capable to help women reinvent their careers in midlife – while reinventing mine. 

Where is your business based?

My business is based in Sag Harbor, NY and New York City where I live with my partner, my son, a U-Mich senior, and our thirteen-year-old labradoodle. 

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business? 

Far and away the most effective way of raising awareness for my services is my visibility on all channels where women are looking for inspiration and support on how to start and grow a profitable service-based business. My webinars are a particular favorite in my community and have been how I deliver valuable content to my prospects and clients. During this pandemic, without the option of speaking engagements or in-person workshops, I was already building my multi-six-figure business online with a predictable way of generating revenue on demand. 

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them? 

I see lots of cookie-cutter courses out there and not enough mentorship. For a while, I struggled with my own value proposition and how to market in this new online world. Marketing incorporate was a different beast. Suddenly, not only was I the content creator, but I was also the sales channel and the mouthpiece of the brand. That forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and overcome my introverted nature. People who are familiar with my business are always surprised when I tell them I’m an introvert because of the nature of my personality-based products. 

How do you stay focused?

I’m extremely disciplined with my time and priorities. I block out time each week for client work, marketing, planning, and personal. All entrepreneurs struggle with resistance, procrastination, and perfectionism. The most important thing is to recognize it early and prioritize only the things that matter. The biggest challenge is also prioritizing downtime!

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

There are not many business coaches and consultants out there with 25 years in launching services-based businesses and breaking through the challenges of compelling packaging, pricing, and standout messaging. I’m truly hype-free and focus only on helping clients stand out in the very crowded channels of coaching and consulting. My Launch Lab for women entrepreneurs trains new business owners in the basics of finding and filling a market need; how to price, package and message their services; and to find proof that there is a viable business model before they break the bank trying to make a losing proposition work.  

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?  

Webinars and speaking engagements in my communities and outside networks are by far where I find and secure most of my clients. I also run my own training programs and masterclasses around packaging and pricing services, strategies to multiply revenues, and key steps when you are first starting out. 

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Find a gap in the market and be consistent. You’ll find your niche when you locate a problem that needs solving where no one is currently solving it-or solving it well. Be relevant to that issue, create a standout value proposition and be relentless in your exposure to your ideal clients. Belong to at least three different networks or communities where potential clients hang out. Be consistent in speaking engagements. Be consistent with showing up in all of your channels. You find your voice by using your voice. HOW you position your value is so paramount to success. Your message needs to be memorable. 

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why? 

Rewire for Wealth by Barbara Huson - is the ultimate financial guide on how to take charge of your finances to create a richer and more meaningful life and career.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why? 

The Ellevate Network has been a great inspiration. I am a member and the New York City chapter lead for Ellevate entrepreneurs. Women CEOs and entrepreneurs know that it’s lonely at the top. Surrounding yourself with the right communities and creative ecosystems of support are critical for success. This network is absolutely incredible for ambitious professionals looking for more opportunities and a community of kick-ass women. 

Who is your business role model? Why? 

Several women entrepreneurs have built multiple-seven-figure businesses through creating authentic support and advice for women leaders and business owners. Ali Brown – CEO and Founder of women’s business empowerment company, We Lead; Eleanor Beaton – Founder of SafiMedia and host of Power + Presence + Position podcast; and Kelly Roach – CEO and Founder of The Unstoppable Entrepreneur are all-powerful inspirations.

How do you balance work and life? What’s your favorite way to decompress? 

I don’t work on weekends, I have a 6:30 pm daily work cap, and I love to cook. My meditation is cooking. Flipping through old cookbooks, finding new recipes, and making delicious food for my partner and 22-year-old son are some of my favorite moments of the day.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

I am extremely excited for my first live event coming this spring. It’s a 2 ½ day event for women who are furloughed, stuck, or unsure of their career trajectory during this Covid time. I know a lot of women are finding this pandemic “pause” to create a shift in their professional paradigm – realizing that perhaps there’s more than the corporate world and wanting more flexibility, lifestyle balance, and control over their money and most importantly, their time. And, I’m excited to show them the way!

How can our readers connect with you?

My Facebook page for Life After Corporate: https://www.facebook.com/groups/launchlabforwomenentrepreneurs

Instagram: @deb_boulanger

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debboulanger-thegreatdo-over