Tani Chambers is a serial entrepreneur, business and brand mentor, and the founder of Women Who Crush It, a networking series bringing female small business owners together. Her 15 years of professional knowledge and experience in event marketing, public relations, and business and brand strategy has helped her produce educational programs for women entrepreneurs all over the country by combining events and technology.
[Related: 3 Nontraditional Marketing Strategies That Work]
BlackEnterprise.com caught up with Chambers to discuss tips for how entrepreneurs  can develop and grow profitable small businesses. Check out her tips below.
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Have a life plan. Tani says that before you begin a business, or find a location, you need to know exactly what you hope to accomplish and how you plan to live your life. “People often separate life and business,†says Chambers. “But for me, it’s all relative. You have to know exactly how you want to live your life, and then build your business around that.â€
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Have a viable product. Before you step out and spend your life’s savings, Chambers recommends testing out the market with a product and then listening to your consumers response. “I believe that you should have your MVP (Minimum Viable Product),†says Chambers, adding that is always important to “ask your customer what they want.†If it doesn’t work try something else. But remember, business is about sales.
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Learn how to sell. Whether you like it or not, Chambers  says sales and marketing are the largest part of any corporate company. Keep in mind that no one’s ever going to sell your product better than you. You must believe in it.
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Remember the power of rest. In order to perform at 100%, you must be well- rested. For that reason Chambers does not subscribe to the belief that sleep is for the weary. She says, “It’s those times when you’re resting and sleeping that  those brilliant ideas come to you.†So, get adequate sleep and walk away when necessary.
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Experience life. Chambers says after reading the book Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton, she realized that money can indeed buy happiness, if you’re spending it curating life experiences. It’s important for business owners to have a fresh and vast perspective on life and possibilities. They should also give customers a total experience through products and services.