Start-ups Require a Lot of Time, Money and Dedication So Make Sure it’s Doing Something You Love.

By: M. Dorsett

“Challenges are learning mechanisms that help me gain a new perspective.” Avni Parekh

Starting your own business is definitely a daunting challenge, and I firmly believe being a businesswoman is not a job title suited for everyone. Avni Parekh is the author of self-help book, Be The Bigger Person: Scenarios & Solutions to Better Yourself. She also runs a brand development agency to help entrepreneurs successfully launch their brands and equip established business owners with trustworthy and affordable wholesale and private label vendors in beauty, fashion and other popular industries. I asked her what were her top three tips every person looking to start their own business should be aware of and keep in mind. If you’re thinking about taking the leap, read the insights she’s sharing from her journey below.

Start-ups require a lot of time, money and dedication so make sure it’s doing something you love.

So many joys come along with launching a new venture, especially if you’re pursuing your life’s calling or specializing in a profession that you possess subject-matter expertise. 

Financial restraints are among the hardest challenges that many experience when starting new ventures including myself. For this reason, maintaining practicality is of utmost importance. Even if you start small, think about your long term goals — keeping in mind that a successful business strategy is always scalable.

One of my first ventures was a series of car window stickers called Peace Badges. Launched in 2010, each badge represents the positive qualities and characteristics that people express are important in their lives like family, friends, love, compassion, equality and much more. The idea was very scalable, and had a deeper meaning than just making money.

Develop your brand identity and be consistent with your branding.

A great example of this is the story of my Poshmark journey. I started selling on Poshmark in 2013 after a friend recommended the app. From the get-go, I was impressed! The app and its functionalities are pure genius. Almost every aspect one would need to run a successful business is available in the app, but you are still responsible for what your closet looks like, and how you interact with customers. That is your brand. My closet was successful. It was profitable, and I was appointed a Poshmark stylist.

When I launched my hair and beauty website, LuvlyLongLocks.com, I was able to take a lot of what I learned running my Poshmark store and apply it to my new business. 

Be open to critiques and suggestions, they can lead to your next ah-ha moment.

This feedback may not always come in the form of direct commentary from your users or customers. Set up a reporting and analytics structure, and make time to review it. Data can tell you a lot.

I discovered this while doing business on Poshmark! The app has functionalities to capture and generate a variety of analytics and reports used to help sellers fine tune their approach — and they provide this service for free.

The life of a creative entrepreneur is full of sleepless nights, however, it can be extremely fulfilling. I’m proud of what I have achieved in my career, especially since it’s the result of hard work and tireless dedication. If you're thinking about starting your own brand, remain positive when the challenges come along. There will be many!

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Why You Should Use Snapchat for Your Business

By: Carolina Lafuente

    Snapchat is slowly growing more and more each day. Today, it’s even used as a news media outlet with its Discovery feature that features stories by media outlets such as ESPN, The Food Network, and CNN to name a few. Celebrities have it, bloggers have it, my friend’s little sister has it and has more followers than I do fresh out of high school.

    The truth is, the world is becoming more social media conscious to where if you don’t have a presence in a certain outlet, you might as well not be real. Snapchat can be used to a brand’s advantage to grow its presence by giving consumers an inside look to a company’s everyday functions, a behind the scenes experience.

    Snapchat can become a way to get consumers to get to know the people behind your brand and the work put into how products are made. It can also be used for promotional purposes to get your audience out to events your brand might be participating in or hosting. Show them the venue, talk about activities that might be included, and on the day of the event show them the end result. It may encourage others who didn’t make it to come out next time once they see what they’re missing.

    The best thing, and main purpose, of Snapchat is that it’s to tell stories. Tell your brand’s story, keep your audience engaged by giving them a treat at the end of story such as a discount code. Don’t be afraid to get creative, that’s what visual social media outlets are for. We are storytellers by nature, add your brand’s story to Snapchat.

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