Here’s What I Learned (and Missed) From My First Business

Paid partnership with Amazon Black Business Accelerator

Ever feel like you traded one hustle for another?

We all dream of escaping the 9-to-5 to chase our passions. 

For me, and maybe even you, that meant embracing entrepreneurship head-on.

But what happens when your dream business starts to feel just as demanding?

In December, I made the hard decision to sunset my first company and labor of love. 

The truth is, I was completely exhausted and overwhelmed. 

But a few months later, with some distance, a realization struck: entrepreneurship is tough, but sometimes it’s us standing in our own way.

As I reflect on my first company, I’m more convinced now than ever that there are ways to build a sustainable business when you tap into the right resources.

For all my product-based entrepreneurs out there, one resource I want to highlight is Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator. 

Here’s my story, and how I believe this accelerator can help you overcome my pitfalls: 

1. Education & Community are Key

   
   As a first-time entrepreneur or solopreneur, you may find yourself throwing things at a wall and hoping they stick. 
   
   Trust me, you’re not alone. It’s a part of the process and we all go through it.
   
   But, what if you could have a community to learn from sooner rather than later? I’m talking about people who’ve been in your shoes, made the mistakes you’ve made, and truly want to help you get to the next level.
   
   When I started to surround myself with entrepreneurs in my space (and even those in different industries), I got smarter…
   
   I was able to execute quicker because I leveraged their advice…
   
   And, through those connections, I was able to get into the room with the decision-makers who became some of my first clients.
   
   Now you probably already know the importance of having a community, but finding a group of people who look like you and share your challenges may be the hard part.
   
   That’s where Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator steps in. 
   
   The accelerator gives you access to Black entrepreneurs, invites to free monthly webinars and access to a library of foundational resources dedicated to helping you grow your business.

   
   

2. Get the Help You Need 

   
   Another thing I’m super focused on in this 2nd round of entrepreneurship is growth, but without the cost of my mental health.

   
   Say it with me, “We’re ditching the 24/7 hustle and investing in the tools that work for us.”

   
   These days, I would much rather pay a fee for a monthly subscription or tool that ensures my business functions seamlessly rather than try to save a few dollars creating it myself.

   
   The point: use your resources, people!

   
   If you’re a product-based business, and you want to start generating sales quickly, you can spend the hours, days, weeks, months and years creating your own website and social media promotion strategy…
   
   Or, you can build your Amazon storefront and have all the tools you need to thrive seamlessly integrated from day one. 

   
   When you participate in Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator, you’ll get the support you need to set up your store, and you’re eligible to earn up to $1,000 in Buy with Prime Credit. (That’s just a fancy way of saying you’ll be able to offer shoppers benefits like fast, free delivery and a trusted checkout. Who doesn’t want that?!)

   
   

3.  Go Where Your Customer Is
   
   My first business was a diversity consultancy helping companies recruit talent of color.
   
   We initially launched on Instagram, because that’s the platform we were most familiar with and used daily.
   
   But, if we take a step back and look at what we were “selling,” Instagram probably wasn’t the right channel.
   
   People get on Instagram for entertainment.
   

   People get on Linkedin for jobs.
   

   When we switched our social strategy to focus more on creating content on Linkedin, we saw an increase in jobseekers joining our community and companies looking for talent.
   
   Which at the end of the day, generated more revenue for the business.

   
   Now, let’s talk about your product-based business.
   
   What are you selling?
   
   What’s the top platform people go to buy things quickly?

   
   The answer is likely Amazon.

   
   By selling in Amazon’s store you make it easier for potential customers to discover your products and shop with you. 

So if you’re ready to escape the hustle and bustle, build your community of thriving Black entrepreneurs and meet your customers exactly where they are, I encourage you to check out Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator.

Learn more and sign up here.