Lara Merriam-Smith

Lara Merriam-Smith Email and Phone Number

Innovation Strategist | Author | Entrepreneur @ Western Washington University
Lara Merriam-Smith's Location
Ferndale, Washington, United States, United States
Lara Merriam-Smith's Contact Details

Lara Merriam-Smith work email

Lara Merriam-Smith personal email

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About Lara Merriam-Smith

Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a mindset that I embrace in every job I have ever worked in and every business I have created. *As an Innovation Strategist I am researching and identifying trends in innovation that help entrepreneurs and investors propel new ideas forward to new levels of success. *As an author, I am embracing all the elements of being an authorpreneur (self-published author), as well as centering my novels around emerging technology and innovation.*As the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for NWIRC, I was privileged to work with other entrepreneurs, coaching them one-on-one and easing their path to getting a business or product launched by build strategies for their success. *As a design thinker, I see the value in a process to help bring empathy to the entrepreneurs, businesses and others to improve the how/why/when we build things. *As an inventor, I understand the challenges inventors face everyday from product development to manufacturing, and building go-to-market strategies that get the product out there, doing serving their purpose in making lives better. *As a researcher if it is out there, I will find it. Good solid research is the foundation for keeping your business one step ahead. I can provide that validity and credibility, ("credidity" as I like to think of it) to move your innovative ideas into actionable items. * As an educator I encourage my students to embrace innovative thinking and look at the world around them differently. For entrepreneurs, I see the need to deliver information when it is need for them, not when it is convenient for someone to teach it. This creates an effective and efficient system to allow individuals to start, build and grow their business. * As a curriculum developer, I build frameworks for learning that are centered around just-in-time delivery, in a modern technological format for project-based learning. Specialties: Innovation Strategy, Design Thinking Processes, Go-to-Market Strategy, Market Analysis, Market Research, New Business Development, Marketing, Invention, Entrepreneurship, Problem Solving

Lara Merriam-Smith's Current Company Details
Western Washington University

Western Washington University

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Innovation Strategist | Author | Entrepreneur
Lara Merriam-Smith Work Experience Details
  • Western Washington University
    Instructor: Entrepreneurship And Innovation Program
    Western Washington University Sep 2024 - Present
    Bellingham, Washington, Us
  • Elle Merriam Author
    Authorpreneur
    Elle Merriam Author Jan 2023 - Present
    Authorpreneur! Writing fiction novels and self-publishing them.
  • Freelance
    Innovation Strategist
    Freelance Jun 2022 - Present
    Research and writing of Innovation across multiple fields. Mentoring existing businesses to identify potential areas for strategy and innovation improvement.
  • Nw Innovation Resource Center (Nwirc)
    Director Of Innovation And Entrepreneurship Services
    Nw Innovation Resource Center (Nwirc) Jan 2020 - Oct 2022
    Bellingham, Wa, Us
  • Nw Innovation Resource Center (Nwirc)
    Program Manager
    Nw Innovation Resource Center (Nwirc) Nov 2013 - Oct 2022
    Bellingham, Wa, Us
    The NW Innovation Resource Center (NWIRC) is a non-profit organization that helps inventors and entrepreneurs with the strategy, tools and community resources they need to successfully launch their ideas. When people work with me at the NWIRC I will help them evaluate the idea, identify their needs and create a customized road map for success.I love the varied and diverse ideas I see everyday and I know that creating new businesses and supporting entrepreneurship does more for the community than meets the eye. In addition to the typical benefits of new business, the process of building these businesses invigorates the economy, encourages creative thinking and develops collaborative relationships between community members.Some of the work I have done over the past 5 years:Worked with more than 200 + entrepreneurs who ultimately have started more than 25 new businesses and seen more than 70 businesses grow and expand their offerings. Developed the marketing strategies for NWIRC and clients, including Public Relations, Advertising, Social Media, web site content and more. Instrumental in developing and launching Slingshot NW - a local company that helps NWIRC clients execute on getting their products to market through e-commerce channels and licensing. Planning and coordination of successful crowdfunding for the NWIRC, as well as for two clients. Launched a new Build it NOW! program to help inventors go from an idea to prototype in 12 weeks. Wrote more than 35 articles helping entrepreneurs in NW Washington learn more about startups in their community as well as provide information to help them with their own startup. Given over 50 talks on topics of entrepreneurship, marketing, inventing and business strategy tactics across the region. Working with students of local and online universities to give them real-world experience with entrepreneurial challenges in marketing, public relations, business development and product development.
  • Bra Barrette
    Inventor/Entrepreneur
    Bra Barrette Jan 2008 - Dec 2016
    Ferndale, Wa, Us
    I created an elegant solution to an annoying problem, falling bra, tank top or swimsuit straps. In the process I wanted to start a fashion revolution that will add Jewelry to the Back of every woman in the world. While it was originally conceived out of my own necessity, this delightfully simple, beautiful tool not only keeps my bra straps where they belong, but adds functional jewelry to any woman’s couture. The Bra Barrette is my invention, and it has become my passion to make sure that every woman has a Bra Barrette in her repertoire. As the Inventor and CEO I oversaw, with the help of 2 full-time employees and 9 part-time employees, all the manufacturing, distribution and sales of my patented product. Since I was working to bootstrap my business, I also acted as the CMO helping to build marketing strategies for the product, that included tradeshows, advertising, web site content, social media, and tv/radio appearances, including a spot on QVC in 2010. We obtained a domestic patent and one international patent as well as multiple trademarks.
  • Brilliance Enterprises
    Market Researcher And Entrepreneur Educator
    Brilliance Enterprises Jan 2011 - Aug 2013
    My main focus at Brilliance is to bridge the gap between traditional business education with the entrepreneurial mindset, by working to create a new type of entrerpreneurship education experience called BEING (Business.Entrepreneurship.Innovation.Next Generation). When working with Lindsay at Brilliance, I helped coach entrepreneurs with their start up businesses. Asssited them in completing market research and developing their go-to-market strategies. I also team taught class with her at Seattle University and Lake Washington Technical College as a subject matter expert in marketing and research.
  • Aral Productions, Llc
    Freelance Market Researcher
    Aral Productions, Llc Jan 2006 - Aug 2013
    Every business venture from start-up entrepeneurs to big business needs credibility and validity for what they are doing. This "credidity" comes from solid research. I enjoy the challenge of researching information and providing that "credidity". Whether it's a competitive analysis for a product or service, market analysis or book background, I can find and organize the information to provide a business with solid research that can be used for building a business or analyzing options.
  • Startup Washington
    Co-Chair
    Startup Washington Feb 2012 - Jan 2013
    As an extension of the national Startup America Parternership Program, Startup Washington is here to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Washington State. We do this by supporting entrepreneurs to build successful, sustainable businesses through amplification, celebration, and connection. Join us by becoming a Startup America company today.
  • Whatcom Community College
    Geography Instructor
    Whatcom Community College Aug 2005 - Dec 2007
    Bellingham, Wa, Us
    I was THE Geography Department for two years, meetings with myself to discuss how to expand the department and create new courses...they dragged on...seemed like no one could agree ;) Actually, I did add two new courses to the curriculum offered at WCC a Physical Geography Course and Pacific Northwest Geography. I love to teach and really enjoyed my time there, but now I am a full time CEO!
  • Western Washington University
    Geography/ Gis Instructor
    Western Washington University 2006 - 2007
    Bellingham, Washington, Us
    Taught Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Courses.
  • Mesa Community College
    Geography Instructor
    Mesa Community College Aug 2000 - Dec 2003
    Mesa, Az, Us
    Taught any and all Geography Courses, designed, developed and implemented the Geographic Information Systems Technician Certification Program. Loved teaching there and miss all the people I worked with - the Social and Cultural Science department was the best to work for!!!

Lara Merriam-Smith Skills

Entrepreneurship Start Ups Marketing Strategy Market Research Marketing Strategic Planning Public Speaking Social Networking New Business Development Strategy Research Social Media Product Development Analysis Social Media Marketing Public Relations Competitive Analysis Online Marketing Marketing Communications Blogging Marketing Research Invention Event Planning Brand Development Online Advertising Facebook Digital Marketing Qualitative Research Fashion Event Management Time Management Copywriting Design Thinking Crowdfunding

Lara Merriam-Smith Education Details

  • University Of Phoenix
    University Of Phoenix
    Marketing
  • University Of Wyoming
    University Of Wyoming
    Geography
  • Eastern Washington University
    Eastern Washington University
    Geography
  • Bellevue College
    Bellevue College
    Associates Of Arts And Sciences

Frequently Asked Questions about Lara Merriam-Smith

What company does Lara Merriam-Smith work for?

Lara Merriam-Smith works for Western Washington University

What is Lara Merriam-Smith's role at the current company?

Lara Merriam-Smith's current role is Innovation Strategist | Author | Entrepreneur.

What is Lara Merriam-Smith's email address?

Lara Merriam-Smith's email address is la****@****tte.com

What is Lara Merriam-Smith's direct phone number?

Lara Merriam-Smith's direct phone number is +136039*****

What schools did Lara Merriam-Smith attend?

Lara Merriam-Smith attended University Of Phoenix, University Of Wyoming, Eastern Washington University, Bellevue College.

What are some of Lara Merriam-Smith's interests?

Lara Merriam-Smith has interest in Wine Tasting, Innovators And Innovations, Road Trips, Geography.

What skills is Lara Merriam-Smith known for?

Lara Merriam-Smith has skills like Entrepreneurship, Start Ups, Marketing Strategy, Market Research, Marketing, Strategic Planning, Public Speaking, Social Networking, New Business Development, Strategy, Research, Social Media.

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