As the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans, BlackEnterprise.com gets a front row seat to the experiences and lessons learned from seasoned entrepreneurs, as well as those who are just taking off. In every interview and conversation with professionals, we always leave with an insightful takeaway to challenge our readers. Here are seven words of advice from some of our latest women entrepreneurs. Get the inspiration you need to move your business forward, and learn more at the Entrepreneurs Summit in Atlanta, May 13-16.
[Related: 6 Pieces of Career Advice from Powerful Women]
On social media and making things happen: “Don’t bring negative attention to yourself on any platform, from Twitter to Instagram to Facebook. We always want to continue to carry ourselves as classy women and the queens that we are.
“Never be overzealous. When you are meeting someone, always keep your professionalism. Don’t get excited and pull out your camera to take pictures and get in people’s personal space.
“Don’t be the victim. Phrases like, ‘I can’t do it,’ or ‘I’m too tired,’ or ‘Nobody believes in me,’ have no place in this business. Be your own hero and make things happen.”
On your power: “In order to find your power, you have to admit to your truths. You owe it to yourself to get to know you. Familiarize yourself and discover your strengths and weakness and then own it. Â If you don’t like what you see, then change it.
“I decided to own up to whom I was, a person who made a mistake. Once I forgave myself, I decided to act, talk and think differently.”
On budget and service: “Like many entrepreneurs, I started my company with a limited budget. I was able to cut costs by teaching myself skills, graphic design and social media marketing, so that I wouldn’t have to
outsource that work. I have also committed to prioritize service over profit, so I’ve spent a lot of time on product testing and market research. In the short run this delayed the launch of my company, but overall it’s built a sense of trust with my consumers.”On traveling the world: “I believe it is important to travel the world to gain different perspectives, become more open-minded and to explore the wonderful elements from other cultures and lifestyles. I strongly believe in the transformative power of travel. We experience a range of emotions when we travel, thus exercising different parts of our brain that respond to foreign language, smells, tastes and environments. The feelings and memories created through travel last a lifetime on both a conscious and subconscious level, which fuel creativity and self-awareness, which ultimately enhance the way we live.”
On leaving an impact: “Anytime I get into a situation, personally or
professionally, I always think of how I can impact it. I always put myself in positions where I can be that impact player. That’s why I never had jobs where I’m just a cog in the wheel… I want to be in a place where my output means something.“And value proposition. Anything I do I always look back and ask, ‘Am I adding value?’ Return on Investment, I think a lot of people just equate that to revenue, but for me it could be an amazing idea, an amazing concept. So if you’re adding value and if you’re delivering ROI for any company or individual, you’re going to win.”
On your craft and vision: “Don’t lose momentum, that is the key. And in order to be great at something, you must be an expert in it. Read as many books as you can on your craft. You can’t be
the greatest if you don’t know the history of your craft. Make sure that whatever you are doing, and whatever your goal and vision [is] that you are filling a void. Also, make sure you are not jumping into a ‘me too lane’ and that you are able to put your special spin on it.â€On working with your spouse: “Date nights help! It’s really important not to let work interfere with our personal life. We like to have movie nights a couple times a week and spend time just talking and enjoying each other’s company.”
The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit hosted by Nationwide is set for May 13—16, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Expect innovative sessions, high-powered speakers, and an early peek at the products, trends, and services you’ll need to stay ahead of the curve. To register and find out more, visit www.blackenterprise.com/es/. Join us at the Entrepreneurs Summit, Where Innovation and Capital Meet.