Meet Connor LaRocque, an expert at helping young adults and entrepreneurs become leaders, overcome fears, and distinguish themselves in a competitive marketplace. Currently he is President of LA Roqk Enterprises, a multinational direct sales and consulting firm. The CEO of SocialRise Revenue Marketing Agency and he’s on the same speaker bureau as Kevin O’Leary from Shark Tank (the Big Idea Speakers).
Hey Connor! What’s your story?
Connor LaRocque: I grew up overweight and was an uneasy, goofy type of kid. I played Hockey until I was 16 and then gave it up to join Muay Thai. Joining Muay Thai I found my passion. I competed at the Canadian nationals and lost a title fight to receive a silver medal. A big part of my story was that I was a C student in high school and didn’t get into university my first attempt. When I finally got in, I published two books (one bestseller), made honor role, and spoke to thousands of students on overcoming fear and being able to strategize for the future while completing my degree. I originally was planning on going to Law School, but instead took a risk and became an entrepreneur thanks to my brother. He got me to sell door to door with his company in minus 30 degrees weather which then launched my career as an entrepreneur.
What were the biggest entrepreneurship lessons you learned from your experience with facing rejection?
- A “no” is just temporary.
- If you get to emotional when doing a deal you won’t think rationally and could blow the deal. Step back and look at both sides and know what you are worth. Things are always subject to change.
- If you get rejected, figure out what the reason is? What didn’t you sell them on: You, the product, or the company, which is it?
- Everyone gets rejected. Even Mother Teresa had someone like Christopher Hitchens write a negative book about her.
- Use rejection as a motivator to better yourself and ask where you went wrong. What could you change? Was the timing right?
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
Connor LaRocque: If someone is giving you career advice and tells you not to follow your dream but isn’t living the life they desire be careful. Everyone has an opinion towards everything so be careful who you listen too and know what you want. You don’t know how many times people told me what I was doing wasn’t going to work, then I made it happen.
Who are 3 people that inspire you?
- Tony Robbins
- Gary Vaynerchuck
- Mother Teresa
What are your favorite quotes/sayings?
- “If our society was paid to complain, we would all be rich.”
- “The secret to living is giving.”
- “People told me I was crazy, to tone it down, and that I was unrealistic. Now those same people are asking me how I did it.”
- What’s the ROI on a 4 year education? If you can’t tell me, you’re setting yourself up for failure.”
What is your inspiration for what you do?
Connor LaRocque: Saying that I love helping people is too cliche and generic. The reason I do it isn’t for myself but to reach the newly discovered element of Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs called “Self-Transcendence.” There is no better feeling than helping someone or giving something more of yourself. I always tell people if you’re having a bad day, go try and help someone in a worse situation than your own. Watch how you feel when you’re done
What is the best way for someone to reach you if they are interested in working with you?
DM me on Facebook, Instagram (@laroqk) or LinkedIn. You can also email me at [email protected]