Erin Smith is an entrepreneur and philanthropist, who currently lives in Weston, Florida. Erin has been married to Tommy Smith for almost twenty years and together they have four children. As a philanthropist, Erin Smith is involved in many community functions and charitable causes, especially in and around Weston, Florida.
Erin Smith, together with her husband Tommy Smith co-founded Project We Care, a family-based non-profit organization that focuses on providing for the needs of veterans. By meeting with veterans and working with those involved with the Veterans Administration Subsidized Housing program, Erin helps assess the needs of local veterans and provides them with necessities such as food, clothing, and household goods. Additionally, Erin Smith works to cultivate a spirit of philanthropy in her children by helping in the Weston, Florida community.
What is Project We Care all about?
Project We Care is a family-based non-profit organization that focuses on providing for the needs of veterans. By meeting with veterans and working with those involved with the Veterans Administration Subsidized Housing program, we help assess the needs of local veterans and provide them with necessities such as food, clothing, and household goods.
We help to create a warm and welcoming home environment for these brave men and women. Additionally, we work to cultivate a spirit of philanthropy in our children by helping in the Weston, Florida community with numerous causes, including Lifenet for Families, Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center, and Habitat for Humanity.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company?
I have always been passionate about helping others, especially veterans and their families. When I was growing up, my father served in the military, and so I have a deep appreciation for our military and all that they do for our country. After my husband Tommy and I founded Project We Care a few years ago, we realized that there was a real need to help those who often don’t receive the support they need. Since then, we have worked tirelessly to serve veterans in our community by providing them with the basic necessities that they require to live comfortably at home. Through this experience, we have seen firsthand how powerful the act of giving can be in improving lives. I am proud of what Project We Care has accomplished thus far and look forward to what we do next.
What would you say are the top 3 skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur, and why?
I believe that the three most important skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur are perseverance, creativity, and dedication.
- First and foremost, entrepreneurs need to be persistent in order to succeed. They will face many challenges along the way, so it is essential that they have the grit to see their vision through to the end.
- Additionally, entrepreneurs need to be creative in order to stand out from the competition. There are often many people with similar ideas, but it is those who are able to think outside the box and offer a unique perspective that will ultimately be successful.
- Finally, entrepreneurship requires a great deal of dedication and hard work. Starting a business is not easy, and so those who are willing to put in the
What are your plans for the future, and how do you plan to grow this company?
Our plans for the future are to continue expanding our efforts in serving veterans and their families. We hope to establish Project We Care as a leader in supporting military families, both locally and globally. Additionally, we are looking at ways to grow our reach by partnering with other organizations that share our mission. Ultimately, we want to continue improving the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country, and we will work tirelessly towards this goal.
What were the top three mistakes you made starting your business, and what did you learn from them?
One of the biggest mistakes that I made when starting my business was not seeking out enough support from other entrepreneurs and professionals. I found that it can be difficult to balance running a business with all of the other responsibilities in one’s life, and so having a network of people who have been through similar experiences can help tremendously.
Additionally, it is important to learn from your mistakes as an entrepreneur and not let them discourage you. Even if things do not go exactly as planned, there are always valuable lessons to be learned along the way.
Through perseverance and hard work, I know that Project We Care will continue growing and thriving in the years to come.
Tell us a little bit about your marketing process, what has been the most successful form of marketing for you?
The most successful form of marketing for us has been through personal relationships and word-of-mouth. Because our mission is so personal to us, we have found that the best way to spread the word about our work is through conversations with other people. We have also had a lot of success in working with local media outlets to share our story and raise awareness for our cause. As we continue to grow, we are looking into additional marketing strategies that will help us reach even more people.
What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge that we have faced so far has been in fundraising. Because we are a new organization, it can be difficult to convince people to invest in our work. However, we have been fortunate to have the support of some incredible donors who believe in our mission. Through their generosity, we have been able to make a significant impact in the lives of those we serve. Additionally, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to fundraise, such as through social media campaigns and special events. We are confident that with continued effort, we will be able to overcome this challenge and continue growing our organization.
What are you learning now? Why is that important?
I am currently learning more about the business side of running a nonprofit organization. I believe that it is important to have a strong understanding of both the operational and financial aspects of Project We Care in order to ensure its long-term success. Additionally, I am always looking for ways to improve my leadership skills so that I can better support my team and our clients. Through continued learning, I am confident that I will be able to take Project We Care to new heights in the years to come.
What’s a productivity tip you swear by?
One productivity tip that I swear by is to always have a plan. Whether it is a daily to-do list or a more long-term strategy, I find that it is helpful to have a clear roadmap of what needs to be done in order to achieve my goals. This allows me to stay focused and on track, while also giving me the flexibility to adjust my plans as needed.
Additionally, I am a big believer in the power of delegation and so I always try to delegate tasks to others on my team whenever possible. By utilizing these strategies, I am able to maximize my productivity and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
If you only had $1000 dollars to start a new business, knowing everything you know now, how would you spend it?
If I only had $1000 to start a new business, I would focus on building a strong online presence through social media and marketing campaigns. This would allow me to reach a wider audience and attract potential investors and customers. Additionally, I would use some of this money to develop an initial product or service offering that could be used as a proof of concept for my business idea. With these strategies in place, I believe that I could make the most of my limited funding and set myself up for success in the years to come.
What helps you stay driven and motivated to keep going in your business?
For me, staying driven and motivated in my business comes down to one key factor: passion. I am extremely passionate about the work that we do at Project We Care, and this passion is what drives me forward every day. Whether it is working with our clients or interacting with supporters, I continue to be inspired by the amazing people that I have had the opportunity to meet through my work.
Additionally, having a great team of talented individuals who are dedicated to supporting our mission is another key factor that keeps me moving forward. Overall, these elements make me confident in our ability to achieve success and continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is “never give up, never surrender.”
I believe that this quote embodies the spirit of resilience and perseverance, two traits that are essential for success in any field. No matter what challenges we may face, it is important to stay focused on our goals and keep moving forward. With these qualities as a constant driving force, I am certain that we will continue achieving great things at Project We Care for many years to come.
What valuable advice would you give new entrepreneurs starting out?
The most important piece of advice that I would give to new entrepreneurs is to always stay focused on your goals. It can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind of running a business, but it is important to keep your eye on the prize. By staying laser-focused on what you want to achieve, you will be more likely to find success.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There are a lot of resources available for entrepreneurs, so make sure to take advantage of them. With these strategies in place, you will be well on your way to achieving your dreams.
What is your definition of success?
To me, success is defined by two key factors: impact and sustainability. When it comes to business, I believe that success is about more than just making a profit. It is also about making a positive impact in the world and creating lasting change. Additionally, I believe that successful businesses are those that can sustain themselves over the long term. This means having a solid foundation and a clear vision for the future. With these elements in place, I believe that any business can achieve success.
How do you personally overcome fear?
For me, overcoming fear often comes down to preparation and confidence. When I am faced with a big challenge or an uncertain situation, I try to focus on the steps that will lead me to success. By taking this approach, I can usually dispel any feelings of fear or nervousness that might be holding me back. Additionally, it helps to surround myself with people who are supportive and encouraging during these times. Whether it is my family and friends or my team at Project We Care, having people in my life who believe in my abilities is a huge source of strength for me when things get tough. With all of these factors working together, I find that I am able to overcome any fears that may arise.
How can readers get in touch with you?
The best way is through our website www.ProjectWeCare.org
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