2020 was a tough year for millions and there is often a sense of rebirth at the start of a new year and if any year is in need of that rebirth, it's certainly 2021. Black female founders are leading the way in starting businesses, and the right advice and resources are instrumental to their continued success. Times are changing and ladies, it is important we meet the universe halfway with gratitude; conversations on Black female representation has been raised and there is no better time than now to seek the support you and your business needs.
Being a Black woman founder comes with superpowers. In business we have been taught from a young age on how to be the backbone of society, which can gracefully be translated into leadership. We are raised to be a source and vessel of love, babies, etc; you can also with intention, become a source and vessel of wealth creation. Black women are a creative and adaptable group of people who aren't afraid to take risks. We are setting our intention in 2021 to serve our people and our community. One thing about building a high growth business is that you need to be in the right state of mind. Your expectations need to be aligned with your actions but more importantly, your mindset needs to be focused on separating your business goals and revenue goals. You must disconnect your personal emotions from money.
Below are some power tips to help black female founders achieve their goals this new year:
Dodge the distractions
Growing a business is the hardest part, there are situations in our lives that have created the belief to be an expert or jack of all trades but you do not have to be a jack of all trades. There is a book “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” by Greg McKeown.
Build your dream team
Join a community online and offline. The pandemic has presented some opportunities for those who are ready to serve, we have seen more collaboration unfold and less founders working in silos. This will help with team building and leadership. If you see someone you would like to meet reach out to them. You would be surprised at how receptive they will be to your invitation
We often come from a background that can seem lonely, friends and families may not support what you do. However, this should not stop you from asking for help. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. There are people who have been on the path you are currently experiencing asking for help or guidance can go a long way in your business. It is very important to always ask for help and delegate tasks ladies.
Manifest your prophesy
You must be action biased and view all opportunities as a learning experience. Believe in your ability to achieve the impossible. Learning from other successful business founders is one of the best ways to reach your full potential as an emerging entrepreneur. You can spend an hour in your day reading biographies, books by successful entrepreneurs, listening to podcasts, and YouTube.
Your network is your net worth
Black female founders lack access to high-worth networks and information, and this is mandatory for success. Mentorship is vital to the success of budding businesses because it helps combat overarching inequalities in the working world. Having access to one-on-one advice from successful founders who have had exits or built multiple thriving businesses. Get an opportunity to learn from others who learned how to successfully manage and overcome the struggles of building a successful business.
Get the funds
There are ways to go about getting funds for your business, through your savings, family and friends, grants etc. At BIPOC Foundation we believe the future is Black and when black female founders become successful businesswomen it has a ripple effect on communities, societies, they also have the opportunity to invest in the ecosystem and continue the cycle of job creation and wealth creation.
Gratitude is the gateway to abundance
Make a list of what you are grateful for, expressing gratitude is a very powerful act. What are you grateful for in your past, present and future. Lets recognize the lessons and blessings in the opportunity to experience this journey with your families, friends, colleagues, teams, non for profit etc.
Resilience
We believe that everyone deserves to eat and build a table if they choose to. Black people have experienced a large deal of disappointments and some might find it hard to recover from. Learning to deal with disappointments and having the ability to get back up after you've been knocked over and over again is what it takes to be successful. We have to move ahead no matter what.
Rest
It is often said that health is wealth! Everything you are trying to achieve will not matter if you are not here to enjoy the fruit of your labor. You have to be intentional about putting in the work to rest when needed in order to show up in your best self. Schedule time to get enough hours of sleep daily. This will ensure steady mental and emotional balance.
Schedule your success
It takes a special kind of intuition to know when to make the right decision for your business. We are on a mission to help Black female founders but first you must keep a track record of the hours and time spent on your business activities. What are those activities you are doing in a day that are not getting you money. I have a one year old and had to learn the skill of time management and productivity. Do you have a schedule?.
Be your business evangelist
Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth, Growing a business is more than just marketing it. It involves marketing, networking, partnering, distributing and adapting. None of these things by themselves are enough to successfully grow a business, you need a combination of all the above.
Smash your goals
Be around more goal-driven individuals, amplify that part of yourself you envision. Focus on your goals and make that part about you become a habit. Be expressive of who you are and have confidence in creating the future you envision.
Cheers to having big dreams and growing in a meaningful and sustainable way