#business advice

[csuitebitches]

Takeaways from my mentor 

I meet with my mentor as and when he’s available. He manages my family’s money and he’s very good at what he does - his firm manages about $5 billion, and I have great conversations with him. 

I don’t want to talk too much about him, but he came from a lower middle class background and today is wealthy beyond comprehension. He could buy a plane or two in the middle of the night if he wanted. 

Today we focused a lot of personal growth in my career. 

He gave me two books - The Inheritors by Sonu Bhasin and Fortune’s Children by Arthur Vanderbilt.

 

Here are some brief takeaways: 

Work backwards from the outcome you want. 

Define the outcome of where you want to be and plan it backwards to your current position. 

2. Eliminate, eliminate, eliminate. 

Life is all about elimination. Don’t focus  on your weaknesses, focus on your strengths. Eliminate all the things you know you’re not good at, you have no interest in and that make you depressed. 

3. Intellectual honesty. 

Be honest with yourself about things you are good at and are not.  The easiest person to fool is yourself. 

4. Read one business biography a week. 

Everything you’re going in life, there’s a 99% chance someone else has gone through it and come out of it victorious. He also mentioned this article.

5. Outline 3 strengths and 3 weaknesses.

 

6. (In business/ corporate careers) You’re either primarily an investor (you’d rather fund companies and start ups than start them), an operator (you’d rather build something hands on), or a manager (you’d rather periodically manage something hands off. Like for instance you could have your own franchise bakery chain where you don’t need to exercise minute control over every franchise but you still ensure that there’s some managing done from your part). 

7. Do not have extreme ideologies at this age. 

Not when it comes to religion, politics, etc. 

8. Emotions, money and your time are something you need to be ruthless about. Absolutely ruthless. 

Be careful about the friends you have and the influence they have on you. 

#ceo aesthetic #that girl #personal growth #strong women #powerful woman #balance #getting your life together #c suite #q/a #productivity #Business #Mentor #mentoring #takeaways #business advice #Corporate #success

[artist-ellen]

Two Historical Fashions Coloring books!

They are available now on Amazon (kdp makes self-publishing really attainable for a small creator like me), but if you have an idea for a better way let me know!

I'm always looking for feedback and ways to improve the things I can offer. Even though I know it's a little silly since I draw everything myself I don't want to be some sort of grifter who asks you guys for money for low effort stuff. I know I put a lot of time and energy in to my work, there's just no way for me to print and ship anything myself. I've heard good things about Printify, Printful and things but I wanna know what you guys want. I respect your opinions and want to make things you want.

Is this a problem I made in my own head? Maybe. But my indecisiveness is often my downfall. I think for the next coloring book I'll make one of fictional fashions. Maybe some knights and ladies? What do you think about that?

#coloring books #self doubt #please help #i wanna be good to you #okay that made me laugh #ellenart #ellen artistic #adult coloring book #business advice #please

[excitementshewrote]

#the simpsons #request #mr burns #business advice #quotes

[boujeeceo]

Corporate Barbie Files- Begin

When I was kid I didn't know what an executive was but I wanted to be one so bad. Now that I know I've decided to aim a bit higher- Chief Financial Officer day job and small business tycoon. ✨🧿

Please do your own research, I'm no expert and I don't want to lead anyone down a weird path

Planning (business plans)

You can get an LLC for less than 200$, 500$ MAX. What makes LLC's expensive are the licenses, fees you pay when registered, and the state you register.

Sole priorerships (depending on your state) don't need to be registered but you forgo the protections that come from having a government recognized business.

Any small business template online is a great resource.

Plan it out for 3 years minimum but think of this business plan as a living document. As you operate your business it will have to change.

Business research!

You need to do your own research on each business you want to start if you want to succeed.

Topics/questions to research

Researching competitors (Strengths & Weaknesses/marketing strategy/Pricing/products and product features)

Market share

Strengths and weaknesses

Your window of opportunity to enter the market

The importance of your target market to your competitors

Any barriers that may hinder you as you enter the market

Indirect or secondary competitors who may impact your success

Customers

Who are your customers and why are they interested in buying your product or service?

What characteristics, interests, desires, pain points and needs do they share?

Where do they live?

How old are they?

What is their education level?

What is their income range?

Which types of websites do they frequently visit?

Where do they currently buy similar products?

Which languages do they speak?

What industry do they work in?

License needed

Growth projection 

Assessing the legal aspects of your industry

Can you reach your target audience? If you're selling inline skates, are you opening in an area with a population of the right age and disposable income?

Is the market saturated?

Your Brand 

Questions you wanna ask

Here are a few methods you can use to do direct research:

Surveys

Questionnaires

Focus groups

In-depth interviews

Ask potential customers 

Questions you wanna ask and answers

Demand: Is there a desire for your product or service?

Market size: How many people would be interested in your offering?

Economic indicators: What is the income range and employment rate?

Location: Where do your customers live and where can your business reach?

Market saturation: How many similar options are already available to consumers?

Pricing: What do potential customers pay for these alternatives?

Best ways to reach customers 

Suppliers, quotes and budget

Sources of funding, uses of funding

Prep

Finding funding, type in your demographic 'black woman/LGBT black woman, ect' and your state + small business funding. Apply for everything. Find space for inventory. Think up promotional material- Vistaprint is amazing for just cheapy slapping your brand on something that others want (candy, notebooks, pens, cute tote bags).

Skills you may need: Negotiation, Manipulation, Marketing, Social media handling, Emotional intelligence, Personal emotional control, Leadership and delegation, Networking, Memorization (names, position and places you met this people), Self discipline, Conversation, Communication.

Just do it

If I wanted until I felt 100% ready I wouldn't have two functional businesses at the moment.

Low risk low reward business ideas

These may not make you rich unless you market to high heaven or get lucky. But they are a great passive income opportunity/place to start.

Vending machine

ATM

Selling books on Amazon/Audible/Printing on demand services

Selling on a ready made sale site- Shopify/Amazon/Esty

Direct sales

High traffic blog for ads

Affiliate marketing blog/social media

Mid-Tier business ideas

Can be scaled up to make 7 figures but after taxes and fees will probably make a steady 6 figures yearly. (Please note that 6 figures can be any where from 100k to 999k. I've noticed a tendency to see 6 figures as only 100k.)

Cafes

Small bar

Small restaurant

Ice-cream truck

Food truck

Website with subscriptions

A clothing line

Makeup or skincare (especially if it has mostly black women in mind- think Black Girl Sunscreen or Fenty Beauty)

Natural hair wigs (as in 3b-4c pattern, its not super common and the ones that are aren't very good nor last very long)

Small hair and nails salon

Haircare product line

Do your own research please, these are just the most common and least expensive I've found entrepreneurs start. They may not work with your skills/personal brand/time constraints/experience ect.

Advice

Have a vanity business!!! A business that matters because you like it so much. One where the success is not based off just money but personal satisfaction. This will keep you from getting bored, too frustrated or purely money driven. Of course a business is money driven but at some point you look up from your work and get distressed from dissatisfaction from being stuck working for money instead of pleasure.

You should be interested in each business you make/engage with a least a little bit.

Break down how much you need to make per day and per week to get to your goal amount. This has helped me mentally, I no longer freak out about the big picture when I'm focused on the main goal of the day/week.

Have a reading list in these 5 categories: Emotional intelligence, Your field of study (finance, tech, medical, beauty), Manipulation/Negotiation, Beauty/Dating/Self-esteem, and Money.

Don't try to build up more than 2 businesses at a time if you're doing it alone. You will drive yourself insane and burn out quickly.

If you do direct sales on the streets make sure you have an incentive for people to actually stop and look at what you have to offer. Something free pretty with your logo or information and matches your brand image. It can be hand made!

Mistakes I made

I relied on one business too much when my goal isn't to scale it too big

I didn't have a workable marketing campaign. People are tired of ads. I'm tired of ads, I had to get creative or rather make the ads less invasive.

I relied too much on online sales. There is way too much competition- I now make 90% of my money from in person sales, there's a 'rush' factor because the pop up shop won't be there tomorrow, and I can make a human connection before I make a sale.

I put too much money into some businesses and not enough into others. Now I have a budget of 200$-500$ for each new business unless I'm buying large equipment that I will own (vending machines, massive printers, ect).

I didn't have enough different types of products. I need variety but I shouldn't panic and make too much or else I'll lose money and have too much inventory.

My mentor had told me to make decisions quarterly (every 3 months) rather than weekly/monthly. This has helped her build her real estate business.

My journey

My motto when it comes to dealing with my businesses is Slow Progress Is Still Progress.

I’ve always wanted to be a higher up in a company- an “executive woman”- I would eat up all the songs and tv shows made for kids about business (Biz kids, Schoolhouse rock mostly). I started my journey with my vanity business because I tired of waiting to get published by a major publishing house. Why not be a major publishing house? As I've come into my own I've realized I want more- more money, more experience, better titles, more power ECT.

My method is to work smarter and never harder: I create a company, place 100% of my attention on it and create systems that make the work I have to do minimal. 1-2hrs of work per day max. Borderline passive income. Then I move on to creating another business when I’m comfortable leaving the previous ones without my direct attention for a while. Being a CEO is all about creating sustainable systems that are efficient, reliable and profitable.

I have 2 functional businesses at the moment, they have been planned out for 2.5 years (I started them at the beginning of the year). I have two more I’m working on both in the ‘finding a reliable vendor’ stage. Once I’m past this part I’ll be ready to launch. I don’t advertise online, I work with the areas I’m in and the small businesses around me. It’s easier and more effective than to interrupt other people’s days by doing online ads. No one likes them and a lot of people will straight up avoid your brand out of spite. I’m in the middle of a rebrand and expansion so that eventually I can reach my goal of making 5k a day from my small business empire.

My journey is a work in progress.

#corporate barbie files #corporate barbie #corporate baddie #motivation #inspo #start a business #business advice

[captaindibbzy]

TBH I'm lowballing the blanket amount. But this isn't about what to charge! Yall can figure that out by yourself. But if you want to be a TRUE trickster it's more than it's worth and the other person will thank you for the privilege.

I think artists and crafters should know how to make a proper invoice, cause Doctors and Police sure as fuck don't. It can get more complicated than this if you really want to get in to accounting bullshit.

If I've got something wildly wrong let me know. I think it's all right, but also I had to break half way through to make mashed potato and now it's 11pm.

I wish you many easy to deal with clients 👍💰💸

#Invoice #Business advice #Captain's studying her AAT's again

[dreamy-conceit]

‘Wolsey always said that the making of a treaty is the treaty. It doesn't matter what the terms are, just that there are terms. It's the goodwill that matters. When that runs out, the treaty is broken, whatever the terms say.’ It is the processions that matter, the exchange of gifts, the royal games of bowls, the tilts, jousts and masques: these are not preliminaries to the process, they are the process itself.

— Hilary Mantel, 'Wolf Hall'

#how to build community #how to negotiate #business advice #relationship advice #quotes #hilary mantel #wolf hall

[b0bthebuilder35]

#nipsey hussle #marathon monday #marathon mondays #the marathon clothing #the marathon continues #tmc #slauson boy #crenshaw #slauson #crenshaw and slauson #60th street #60th street legend #business deal #music deal #record deal #king of la #hussle and motivate #gems #jewels #business advice #mogul #rollin 60s #urban legend #2Pac of my generation #wisdom #inside scoop #heads up #music label #lessons #lesson

[neesonl602]

In this blog, we'll explore these potential stumbling blocks and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

#bussiness mistakes #business tips #business advice

[dc-looking-for-a-shopify-expert]

Where and how to find a Shopify Expert?

Finding a Shopify Expert: Your Guide to E-Commerce Success

As the e-commerce landscape continues to grow, finding a Shopify Expert has become increasingly essential for businesses looking to thrive in the digital marketplace. A Shopify Expert possesses specialized knowledge and skills that can enhance your online store's performance, design, and functionality. This guide will walk you through where and how to find a Shopify Expert to help you make the most of your e-commerce journey.

Where to Find a Shopify Expert:

Shopify Experts Marketplace:

The most direct and official way to find a Shopify Expert is through the Shopify Experts Marketplace. Shopify maintains a directory of experienced professionals with various specialties, such as design, development, marketing, and strategy. You can browse through profiles, view past work, and directly contact experts who match your needs. Shopify vets these experts to ensure their qualifications.

Freelance Marketplaces:

Popular freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr also host a multitude of Shopify Experts. These platforms offer a broad range of expertise and price points. You can post your project, receive proposals, and choose the expert whose skills align with your requirements. Keep in mind that due diligence is crucial when selecting freelancers to ensure their credibility and capabilities.

Agencies and Web Development Firms:

Many web development agencies and firms specialize in Shopify services. They employ teams of experts who can manage your project from start to finish. While this option may be more expensive than hiring an individual expert, it often guarantees a comprehensive and professional approach.

Shopify Meetups and Events:

Shopify holds various events and meetups where experts, developers, and businesses come together. Attending these events can be an excellent way to connect with Shopify professionals. These experts are often up to date with the latest trends and best practices.

Referrals and Recommendations:

Inquire within your professional network, colleagues, or friends who run e-commerce businesses. They may have worked with or know of experienced Shopify Experts and can provide valuable recommendations.

How to Find the Right Shopify Expert:

Clearly Define Your Needs:

Before starting your search, identify what you need from a Shopify Expert. Are you looking for web design, technical development, marketing, or a combination of these services? Understanding your specific requirements will help you find an expert with the right skills.

Review Portfolios and Case Studies:

When evaluating Shopify Experts, review their portfolios and case studies. This will give your insight into their past work, style, and expertise. Pay attention to projects like yours.

Check Reviews and Ratings:

If you're considering using freelance platforms, check the reviews and ratings of Shopify Experts. This feedback can provide valuable insights into their work quality and professionalism.

Interview and Assess Expertise:

Before finalizing your decision, interview potential Shopify Experts to assess their expertise, communication skills, and compatibility with your project. Ask about their approach, timelines, and pricing.

Get References:

Don't hesitate to ask for references from previous clients. Speaking with those who have worked with the expert can provide a clearer picture of what to expect.

Set Clear Expectations:

Once you've chosen an expert, ensure that you set clear expectations and objectives for your project. Clearly outline deliverables, timelines, and any other specifics to prevent misunderstandings.

Finding the right Shopify Expert is a pivotal step in your e-commerce journey. Whether you need technical development, design, marketing, or a combination of these services, the right expert can make a significant difference in your online store's success. Don't hesitate to explore the Shopify Experts Marketplace, freelance platforms, or web development agencies to discover professionals who can help you achieve your e-commerce goals. By making an informed choice and collaborating effectively, you can harness the expertise of a Shopify Expert to drive your business forward.

For More insights visit- https://www.distancecoding.agency/ or Book a meeting-https://calendly.com/distancecoding/30min

#shopify #shopify experts #startups #entrepreneur #marketing #business advice #software developers #development #ecommerce #ecommerce platform #shopify developers #shopify development services

[roywhitehead]

10 Unpopular Tech Things you NEED in Your Life | I Tried Them

#Mentorship #Entrepreneurial Mindset #Life Coaching Essentials #Career Coaching Tips #CISO Leadership #Gary Vee #Marketing #Entrepreneurship #Business #Investing #Business Advice #Entrepreneur Motivation #Best Life Coach #How to Grow Your Business #Business Success #How to Be Successful #Business Tips #Self Awareness #Gary Vee Entrepreneurship Tips #Career Coach #Self Improvement #Jordan Peterson #Psychology #Personality #Pragmatism #Narrative #Depression #Anxiety #Responsibility #Social Justice

[nissaanimist]

Trying to open my own LGS

Quick clarification, what kind of LGS I'm talking about trading cards (Magic: the Gathering, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh), table top RPGs (Dungeons and Dragons, Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu), board games (not your father's board games, stuff that gets a start on Kickstarter), and Miniatures (stuff like Warhammer 40,000)

So ever since I picked up card games in my teens and set foot in a Game Store. I knew that I wanted to do something like it. But for me it's not about making money (though being my own boss and such is a plus) what I want to do is create a space for people of all ages to gather and bond and have a great time. Because I never had that growing up. I had two or three friends that we sometimes had a sleepover and stayed up playing video games. Never did I go out and make friends, it was hard for me.

I wanna change the fact that there isn't a place for people like me and kids growing up like I did. I want a place for a community of people to be able to buy what they want exactly, and then play with their friends or make new ones. I know me personally I hate giving my money to places like Walmart for these kinds of products cause it almost feels a little hollow. Cause I'm just getting product with no interaction with a store owner or other customers saying "Oh hey you like that game too!"

I am at square zero, I've just been digging around online like a dog trying to find that bone he buried last spring. I'm taking notes on what I can and trying to figure out what I need to do and the steps to get there. I have read many posts all over the place, but I figured it was time to go in and ask myself to get the specific answers I've been looking for.

#lgs #game store #small business #retail #business #startup #new business #business help #business tips #business advice

[csuitebitches]

Things I Learned from my Start Up

And things I wished business school had taught me.

Very important to understand contracts, shareholders agreements and legal things. Get the best lawyer money can buy

Equal equity split (all cofounders hold the same amount of shares) can turn some investors off because of dilution

It’s very important to do constant MVPs. It’s the most cost effective way at building a physical product. Check MVP types online to see what resonates with you the best

Understand the finance and costing even if you are not the CFO

Bootstrap for as long as you can. Getting an investor is an achievement but remember - it’s a massive responsibility. If you can pay for certain expenses on your own, keep it that way

Diversity has its pros and cons. People from different backgrounds can interpret things differently. Make sure you follow up to see that they’ve understood

We used free apps like Trello (task management) and Toggl (time management) for the team

Use fiverr to outsource your work like data research, market research, doing tasks that are monotonous and do not require too much decision making

Enter pitch competitions, even if you aren’t ready. It will shape you up and teach you things about your own product that you may not have envisioned. Use LinkedIn to source them out

Use Crunchbase to look for your competitors. Don’t be delusional and say that you’re so unique that you don’t have competitors

10 survey responses that say they’ll buy from your business ≠ actual sales

Y Combinator has a free entrepreneurship course. It’s short and doable. Definitely do it.

Weekly team meetings are a necessity

Triple check the pitch deck before you present

Can’t trust all long term employees- time does not equate necessarily equate trust

Give and receive a receipt for every single transaction

Note down every single transaction that goes and comes in, regardless if it’s cash or card

Credit notes should not be used for large amounts

Minutes of the meeting are important. Ensure it’s signed off by attending members

Bitching/ gossiping about an employee or cofounder will find a way back

#c suite #powerful woman #ceo aesthetic #personal growth #that girl #productivity #strong women #getting your life together #feminine energy #balance #start ups #businesses #business advice #start up advice #bootstrap #ceo #founder #what to know #things to know #business owner #boss bitch #boss girl #accelerators #pitch decks #meetings

[liam-ian-llc-business]

The POINT…of being in Business…is to be turning a profit!

It doesn’t matter what others tell you or even what you tell yourself; if you’re claiming to be in business, all of your efforts must in the endeavor of creating and turning a profit.

Generating revenue must be the central theme behind anything and everything you’re doing…if you’re operating a FOR PROFIT Business Operation.

Stop bullshitting others by bullshitting yourself. An expensive hobby is just that—an expensive hobby. Your efforts in BUSINESS are to make…money!

#LIAM IAN LLC #Liam Ian LLC #Liam Ian #LIAM IAN LLC - Business #Business #Business Advice #Money #Business Development #Business Goals #Business Intention #How To Conduct Business #Black Business #Happy Juneteenth #HAPPY JUNETEENTH!

[lift-yourself]

#quotes #motivation #inspiration #goals #life advice #motivation for myself #weight loss #fitness #reminder #daily qoute #business advice #how to manifest #manifesting #how to make money online #love #friendship #self growth #self help #self healing #healing #help #advice

[sacramentobusinessbrokers]

#business advice

[vinylburns]

Top Ten Ways To Make Friends In Business

Top Ten Ways To Make Friends In Business

Making friends is hard, especially when you’re as intimidating as we all are, right gang? Here are some handy tips to grease the slippery slope of adult business friendship. Avoid attending events and conferences: Industry events and conferences can be a great way to meet new people and make connections in business, but they reek of desperation and really don’t help you find the right people.…

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#building connections #business advice #business connections #business tips #conferences #how to make friends #making friends #networking #networking advice #networking tips #team building