On Tuning Out Social Media And Into Growth: Nicole Swartz
Leading up to our Winter ‘20 iteration of WORK, we'll feature select interviews with some of our conference's speakers and thought leaders. In this interview, lawyer Nicole Swartz discusses her approach to growth—and letting things go. Click here for a look at Winter 2020’s conference schedule.
who:
Nicole Swartz is an attorney for women business owners. She helps women start and grow their businesses with formation, contracts, trademarks, copyrights, and funding. Nicole is featured as an expert in Forbes, the Washington Post, Girlboss, Brit + Co, and CNBC, and teaches women entrepreneurs at conferences like Alt Summit, Craftcation, SXSW, and Magic: the world's largest apparel tradeshow.
What are you currently working on? What does your work life look like?
I work mostly on trademarks and contracts for women-focused businesses. I can do my work anywhere so my work life looks pretty different from day to day. Sometimes I work from home, a coffee shop, or a co-working space in Austin. Sometimes I work at a conference or while I'm traveling.
What goals are you working toward and how do you intend to reach them?
We're expanding our law firm to help women business owners secure more funding. It's going to take a lot more experimentation on our part to expand into that area. We need to try new marketing strategies and platforms. We're not sure what is going to work yet, but that's the fun part!
How do you hold yourself accountable to long-term and short-term goals?
I share my goals with an accountability partner. We meet monthly to talk about our separate business goals and keep each other accountable to them. I accomplish so much in the days before our meeting because I know I can't show up empty-handed.
How do you train your intuition?
I try to challenge it by asking "why.” "Why do you want to do that?" Why do you think that's a good idea?" I always want to make sure my intuition and my goals are leading me to the right place.
How do you choose between negative and constructive feedback?
I consider the source. If it's someone whose opinion I trust and who genuinely wants the best for me, then I take it in and try to learn from it. But, if someone who hasn't run a business before is telling me how to run a business, then I try to avoid it. That was a hard lesson to learn in the beginning. I wanted to take everyone's feedback. It took me awhile to figure out that I should only listen to people who know what they're talking about.
What's something you've unlearned lately that you're grateful for?
I've really reduced my social media time and that has been so wonderful for my stress levels. I have a lot more time to focus on business. If I really want to know what my friends are up to lately, I text them.
Do you have any daily habits that are crucial to your workflow or stress management?
I do 20 minutes of meditation every day and that is so helpful in reducing stress and gaining more focus.
About WORK: WORK is a biannual conference, exploring ideas and approaches to creative, collaborative and entrepreneurial work. Hosting 300 guests every summer and winter, this biannual, one-day event's panels, workshops and speaker sessions touch on personal and professional development, marketing, wellness, business management and entrepreneurship. Our next conference pops up on January 11, 2020 at Rowling Hall in Austin, Texas. ✨Click here for more information.
