An Anthropologist’s Path to Entrepreneurship
“Why don’t you get a law degree or MBA?” That was my dad’s response when I decided to study Cultural Anthropology. I was an independent thinker, a defiant daughter; and nothing, not my dad, not society, not anyone was going to push me off my chosen path.
Upon graduating, I got a job in a think-tank consultancy where my knowledge of culture, human behavior, language, and family dynamics helped Fortune 500 companies develop more meaningful products and services. I was hired because of my anthropology background! A few years later I started my own business.
Now I consult exclusively with entrepreneurs. And yes, I still use anthropology everyday. I meet with business owners to develop strategies and systems, products and services, methods to navigate the madness, so they can work less with greater results. I teach entrepreneurs to build a vocabulary that will resonate with the sub-cultures they serve. I am fast and creative in the counsel I provide, and clients like that. I am also very honest and open with clients and have tremendous compassion for what they are facing. Who knew I could be 100% myself in my business and be successful?
There is a lot of laughter in client sessions, and sometimes tears. I am very spontaneous in my approach and there is plenty of room for authentic connection. But why the tears? Do I tease clients about their self-designed logos? Okay, sometimes I do, but only when it’s necessary.
Some clients get emotional when we cause a breakthrough in their business that allows them to spend more time with their children, friends or spouse, or feel relief instead of overwhelm. I am a big advocate of business practices that allow for more personal time. Too often business owners let the business become their master.
I wake up with a spark in my belly everyday, knowing that what I do truly makes a better world—a world where small businesses can thrive and succeed, where kids are tucked into bed after quality time spent with mom or dad and where business owners have time and energy to connect with their community. Family, culture and business should not be at odds; they should support one another.
My plan to reach more small businesses? I’d like to write books and teach larger workshops nationwide so I can bring my unusual brand of business cultivation to more people.
Oh, and my dad changed his mind about the relevance of Anthropology. He loves it that MBA’s and lawyers come to me for business consulting!
Be bold and authentic in your business. I encourage fierce independence and a no-shame attitude about showing who you are to the world. I often say “infuse your marketing with your personality!” Because of this, my clients attract the perfect customers who are loyal and who like to spread the news about them. Being yourself in your business and doing it your way are the birthright of the entrepreneur. If you are not doing that, you might as well work for someone else!
Comments
awesome, karrie!
This is great Karrie! I can personally vouch for your approach and how effective you are. Tears, laughter, and break-throughs abound! Keep up the great work :)
Karrie learned much earlier in her life than I did that you must determine your own life path. She busted loose early and has evolved into the wonderfully sensitive and talented person she is today. She has what I call "Head, Heart and Spine". Head: intelligence balanced by humor and humility. Heart: empathy and compassion. Spine: courage. She uses all these attributes to help others bust loose from assumed constraints in their businesses and their lives.
I chose "inspiring" - because it truly was!
I am lucky enough to be a client of this genius woman. I like to say that alone makes me a genius. I hear Karrie's voice in my head often when designing my marketing materials, or even speaking to someone about my work. One of the biggest gifts she's given me is to encourage me to be myself in my work, which has opened up so much freedom and natural, profitable self-expression.
Karrie, I hope you win so it will be even easier to share your unique brand of business love with the world!
This is WONDERFUL Karrie! Having known you for all these years, I can testify to your singular and unwavering vision. I am so proud to see ALL your knowledge and energy come to fruition. You say what you mean and, mean what you say. You are relentless in your pursuit for bettering the lives of not just your clients... but, of everyone. I feel BLESSED, to have you as one of my oldest and dearest friends. Karrie, I commend you for your authenticity and generosity to me, to EVERYONE. Love, E
This is how I do business. I believe so deeply in it, yet I sometimes allow those little twinges of doubt to pass like clouds in front of me, briefly obscuring the landscape and light. Stories like yours help bring things into focus again and remind me that authenticity and doing good leads to doing well.
It's so great to read these comments from everyone! I welcome more thoughts on how this affects you and how you can be more authentic in your work.
Karrie
Wow, Karrie. What an insightful article! I really connect with the concept of authenticity in business, and how excited you are to reveal to your clients that they too can wake up with "a spark in (their) belly everyday"!
I studied linguistics at University and always had a special affinity for antropologists. No wonder I so connect with the message you share with the world through your work, Karrie!
Thank you for an inspirational article.
So many people become slaves to their Visa bills. So few of us really do that which we are passionate about. We trade our dreams for some perceived sense of financial security. Having been on both sides, I can tell you, once you have worked at something you are passionate about, any other type of job feels as mind-numbing as assembly line work. You’ve got one life people! Get out there and live your dream. And if you feel like you need a little help honing that vision – or a little advise on how to get the customers flocking to your door, call Karrie! ThoughtShot is the ultimate tool for entrepreneurs.
Isn't it amazing how life works? I'm excited for you and can see you're grateful for what your anthropology degree has provided for you.
I laughed inside a little about the self-designed logo - I too have to tell clients when that kind of branding is costing them money rather than making, attracting or retaining business. I'm my own small business, a one-man graphic design identity and branding company.
Great story and great business, need I say more? No!
mkbugnon, thanks for that vote of confidence in me. And lovely to hear that you too know the difference between a passionate and dispassionate work scenario. There is such a gap between the two, but somehow some of us cross that chasm and get to the bliss on the other side. Glad you've found that for yourself.
Christian of WhiplashDesign, thank you for taking the time to read and write and vote here. So kind of you. I will check out your profile on biznik and may have some clients for you!
You are a truly incredible person! I love that you bring your creativity and genius together to help others tap into their creative selves!
And I love that your dad could allow himself to learn from you and change his opinion. That's fantastic and not always easy for parents to do!
Thanks Sam! Glad to know and be inspired by you too. All of you actually! Some I am just meeting through this which is so cool and some of you I've known for decades. I love how the internet can facilitate these connections that feel real and meaningful.
If anyone is **having a hard time siging up** you can contact the lovely Gretchen Harding at Intuit. She will personally make sure you can login: Gretchen_Harding@intuit.com I am really impressed with Intuit's fast and *human* response!
Karrie, This is Margaret! I can attest to Karrie's approach to helping a person acknowledge and move towards their dreams! I can remember many a conversation..warm, attentive, insightful, supportive, insightful, inspiring, hilarious..always moving! To be in Karrie's presence is to feel known. It's as if she sees right into your diamond soul. Karrie is a special person with a gift for being human and allowing others to be human-then guiding them to their higher purpose! Keep up the great work!!!
Loved your story!