The world is brimming with bright individuals who create positive impacts within the community they are operating in. The ripples they make echo throughout the populace as they also try to constantly challenge themselves to become better. As entrepreneurs, they have made it their mission to enrich themselves while providing the best kind of service in the market. With their influence and experience, they set out to inspire other entrepreneurs as well. This week, NY Weekly features 10 entrepreneurs who share their secret to success:
1. Robert Cannon
I always suggest recruiting a team that shares your vision and your ethics. Make sure you have incredible passion for what you are doing and it will help you through the tough times. Look for a mentor that you trust and will be brutally honest with you. Don’t be afraid of failure and take chances. Learn from your mistakes, do not take them personally, have accountability and it will take you to the next level.
Website: www.cannonwealthsolutions.com
2. Sean Grevy
My advice to anyone who wants to become an entrepreneur is simple: never give up. You have to be willing to sacrifice everything and be utterly fearless in your mission to build your business. Showing up is half the battle, and following up is the second half. Show up to everything but remember that time is money.
It is also vital to have a purpose. As for me, I started my business, 43 Oak, to provide for my family and the families within my 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the 43 OAK Foundation. Everyday, I remind myself that “hungry dogs run faster.”
And lastly, always remain humble. You have to know how to learn from other people because everyone has a story. It’s imperative to stay inspired as you go through your journey. Always remember, managing your own business can be extremely difficult, but also extremely rewarding when executed properly; so stay focused, and maintain confidence in your mission!
Website: www.43oak.com; www.43oakfoundation.org
3. Matt Purcell
Effective content is about mastering the art of storytelling. Facts tell, but stories sell.
In a crowded marketplace where everyone is focused on doing things faster, more efficiently, and automated, be the brand who dares to be human. Show your customers that you care.
Find existing raving clients and do some testimonial content touching on pain points and solutions. Showcase your company history, the struggle gives your customers something with which to relate. Use ground-level employees that carry inspiring stories of overcoming obstacles, and you can share how that represents your company’s values.
This is the kind of priceless content that connects potential customers to your brand.
Website: www.mattpurcell.com
4. E.Z. Smith
My message to aspiring entrepreneurs is based on the 3 Pillars of my Coaching System:
- Simplicity
- Consistency
- Result Driven Action
The ability to simplify your operations allows you to train, lead and most importantly delegate responsibilities so you may focus on growing your business.
Consistency as a business owner creates the ability to inspire both your employees and clients while creating an atmosphere of consistency and “living what you preach.” This will be vital when creating your Position Of Authority in your market.
Results Driven Action means one simple thing: if it does not create success in your business, you should not be focusing on it. Only items that have an extremely High Value ROI should gain your attention on a daily basis.
Website: www.ez4wellness.com
5. Yahu’Kwame Ga’vli Akachukwu Blackwell
My advice I would give future entrepreneurs is simple but very effective at the same time: the journey is INSIDE OUT, not outside in. The first key to success is “philosophy.” If a person’s philosophy is broken, so shall be his or her habits.
Law of Attraction says that we “attract” what we “become;” so the key to obtaining more is to “BECOME” more, to invest in yourself “AS A PERSON.”
If we work hard on a job, we will make a living, but if we work hard on OURSELVES we will make a fortune. On an external level, the next steps would be mastering credit, budgeting money, and constantly studying business. But again this all begins with philosophy! That’s the key.
Instagram: @yahu_rockblackwell
6. Luis Beltre
Invest and aim for your dreams no matter what circumstance you’re in, is what I want to impart to others.
Music inspired me all my life, from listening to Dipset Ruff Ryder to Frank Sinatra and Rick James. I was raised on the streets and I’ve always had my friends’ backs whenever I needed them.
As I grew up, I started to invest my money into convenience stores and small restaurants found in Allentown, Pennsylvania. I got into the music industry in 2019 and started a label called GoodVibeMusic. I partnered up with a producer named Dundeal and TChalla and bought a studio in Atlanta called Deaf Star studios.
Rappers like Young Thug, Migo, and Mulatto can be found here recording their latest tracks. I signed Swav6 when I first started the label and a producer named Trizzil Bangin. I’ve been inspired by everything that’s been going on and working on Swav6 for the musician’s next EP release. I have also been tirelessly working on my music for fun and I’ll be dropping a couple of singles soon.
Instagram: @goodvibevilla
Website: www.swav6.com
7. Austin Zelan
A purpose-driven business looks beyond the surface level that everyone sees. Business decisions must always be taken in view of the purpose of the business, otherwise they could eventually come to compromise it. Do things based on purpose, not on cost or convenience. Those things should not be the main driving factor of any business and are secondary in nature. Always remember that purpose must come first, and everything else will fall into alignment.
Instagram: @austinnzee
8. Andrea “addiRockART” Cordero
Profits are fleeting and empty on their own. Every business of course needs to make money to survive, but there’s so much more a business can do other than just provide a service. Sometimes it takes thinking outside the box. I’ve always been inspired by my hero, Jon Bon Jovi (who is both a rockstar and huge humanitarian), who put a call to action to everyone in 2020 with “Do what you can.”
As an artist and designer, it wasn’t clear to me how I could make a difference, but I decided to lend my art, branding, social media, and web design skills to as many charities as possible during the pandemic. People are largely visual, especially with platforms like Instagram, so I made graphics to support and advertise causes in the UK and USA, and aided in raising thousands of dollars by boosting visibility. Take your passion, your skill set, and really try to see how your business can make a difference. If nothing else, your customers will appreciate they are not only benefiting from your service, they also have a deeper connection to your mission.
Instagram: @addirockart
9. Keith Ross Nelson
My two tips I learned recently in Kung Fu. One is a saying on the wall of our Dojo. It says Train only to Master Yourself. Just ask, “Are you doing your best?” You’re only in competition with yourself. Don’t worry about others.
Just do you. The second one I came up with was, you never know so always be respectful. Be nice; be respectful; be honorable.
Instagram: @keithrossnelson
10. Jessica Lewis
To have a purpose-driven business you not only must know your purpose as the leader but also find the need to solve a problem. To be purpose-driven, you must be people-focused, and solutions-oriented. One cannot go without the other. Otherwise, the disconnect will lead to discontent and discourse. Combining purpose, solutions to problems, and people-focused efforts, your mission will be solid and you will never lose passion for your purpose.
Website: www.jessicamlewis.com
Opinions expressed by NY Weekly contributors are their own.
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