John Lagoudakis is the founder of L&F, a Brisbane-based digital marketing agency operating since 2016. L&F focuses on providing results for small to medium-sized businesses at exceptional value.
For more details, visit their website here.
Here we sit down with John to learn a bit more about his journey as an entrepreneur.
Q. Tell us a little more about your journey as an entrepreneur – how did you get started? What inspired you?
John: I got started as an entrepreneur by accident. What I mean by that is that I was never the typical entrepreneurial type growing up. I didn’t hustle and try to make money as a young kid or as a teenager.
The reason I became an entrepreneur, and what motivated me, was the birth of our first child. I knew then that I didn’t want to work a 9 to 5 job and be away from my family most of the time. So, that was the catalyst.
Q. What entrepreneurial tricks have you discovered to keep you focused and productive?
John: One of the best tricks I have is the 15-minute rule. If there is something important to be done, but it’s hard, or I’m procrastinating because I’ve never done it before, I’ll tell myself to just spend 15 minutes a day on it until it’s completed.
This takes the pressure off, and I’m usually surprised by just how easy it is to do! Also, getting started is the hardest part, so by just telling myself I’m only doing it for 15 minutes, I’ll get started, and I’ll even go over the 15-minute mark. Another trick is that I always organize my schedule for the day starting with the most important tasks first.
Q. How do you stay organized with such a busy schedule?
John: I use Google Calendar and Trello to keep me organised. Every year, I evaluate what I want to achieve for that year and then I break it down into monthly, weekly, or daily goals and tasks. Those are then entered into either Google Calendar or Trello. So, every day I can check what needs to be done, and do things in order of priority. It’s that simple and it keeps me very productive.
Q. If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
John: I don’t think I would ever write a book about myself because I feel we’re all very biased. So, I don’t think I would do myself or the people who have been in my life any justice. However, I do keep a daily journal that anyone can read after I pass away. It will be a good way to put yourself to sleep at night!
Q. What motivates you?
John: I’m motivated by my love of God, and my family, and by my desire to help and bless others.
Q. What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made
John: The most important investments you will ever make are the ones you make on yourself and your relationships. Always look for ways to improve yourself; your health, your intellect, your spirituality, and your emotional strength. I like to do this by reading or listening to good books. Also, having a good relationship with your family and your work team is very important. Never take people for granted and always express love and appreciation for them. Help build them up, and learn from them as well.
Q. What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs to invest their time in?
John: Prioritisation and time management. Discover what is most important to you and find ways to make it happen. All things are possible! You just need to write down what it is you want, and then a plan to achieve it. Also, invest in systems that will allow you to delegate your tasks to others.
Q. What is your ‘one-sentence’ piece of advice you’d like to give to someone who wants to become an entrepreneur, coach, or business owner?
John: You can’t achieve everything you want all by yourself. One of my favourite quotes is by Zig Ziglar, “You can have anything you want if you just help enough other people get what they want.”
To keep up to date with John and his journey, connect with him on Facebook.
