@justinekwezi
Hello My Loves,
We are back!!!! It’s been a while since our last entry but I promise, it won’t be that long again. A quick recap, since I’ve been gone I went to Uganda, took some time to create, and finalised our Christmas / Winter collection. I have been perfecting our black LBD which is now new & improved, and available for pre-order. I also shot the Sexy Safe Reliable Campaign! It was absolutely amazing to get a chance to start putting some creativity back into our campaigns. Now I’m here, Sunday the 4th, I finally have a moment to slow down and talk to you all. I thought this would be an excellent topic to start with, I recently had an article about Kwezi’s Journey come out and I realised, have I ever given any of you business tips? Well, today’s the day. Buckle up. 5 things I wish I knew sooner, starting a business…
1. Cut out the thinking time.
Simply, this means shortening the time between thinking and doing. Most of the time, the most successful people are the people who have the most resources and can get the job done in the fastest time. We can all have an idea, but essentially you are competing with huge brands, that have the resources and the audience to execute the idea faster than you. The only difference is they don’t have you! So there is a possibility that they won’t do it well, but are you willing to take that risk? Even if your product or service isn’t ready, use the time to speak to your audience, and learn in your field, Is the thing you’re creating the best it can be for them? You know nothing about the success of your product until you get it out there.
2. Is this a career for you?
If you’re looking for ease, safety, and security this is not it. You guys have no idea the tears I have cried and I’m not a crier. You have to be risk-tolerant and you have to be willing to pick yourself up every time something goes wrong. There will be points where it goes wrong because this is the first time you’re doing something like this. The lows can be really low, but it doesn’t always mean you should give up. You have to be able to re-strategise, keep going, and control your mental health and emotions to be able to make good decisions not just for the business but for yourself. Personally, I can’t give up without a fight, find peace in the small wins and learn to love the mistakes.
3. Don’t lose faith in your product
It’s not always the product that’s the issue, of course, all products require development in the beginning, but sometimes you need to assess your strategies. Are you reaching the right audience? Is the audience you think you want, the right audience? You see how Stanley Cup would market to male workers but the Pilates princesses are the ones selling out the product. If you are set on your audience, is this something they want? Do they know why they need it or how to use it?
4. You are your USP (unique selling point)
There is literally no one on this planet who can be like you. They can imitate but they can’t duplicate the sauce! Stop looking at how others are marketing their products and really tap into you! If you are confused, spend some time with yourself, learn who you are, and what you like, without the distraction of social media and translate that through your product, marketing and your brand. Your product has to scream you through and through. If it has no fans you’re dead. Thank you.
5. DON’T REST, never back down, never what!
Probably slightly toxic advice, but anything that doesn’t serve you or your business should not be happening. Your business should not pay the price. I don’t mean completely stop prioritising yourself but you have to sacrifice something to reach the heights you want to reach. You have to want it bad enough. I’ll let you know how this advice goes because I need to take it myself.
As always it was short and sweet, use this week to anticipate the next topic because we’re back baby!
With Love,
-JK x
