219: Common Pitfalls to Avoid as a New Black-Owned Business
Release Date: 09/26/2024
Black to Business
Building a powerful personal brand is one of the most effective ways to stand out as an entrepreneur, and in this episode, we’re diving deep into how to do just that. If you’ve ever wondered how to package your expertise, communicate your value, and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry, this episode is for you. Crafting impactful brand messaging is essential for positioning yourself as an expert in your field, connecting authentically with your audience, and creating opportunities to grow your business. Toni S. Brown shares her FAST Method (Foundation, Audience,...
info_outline 234: Scaling Beyond Services: How to Add Products to Your Service-Based Business w/ Anthony StandiferBlack to Business
You’ve built a solid service-based business. Your clients love what you do, and you’re making an impact. But as you think about the future, you’re wondering, “How can I scale without burning out? How can I build something that works for me, even when I’m not actively working?” That’s where adding products to your business comes in. For many service providers, creating a physical product can feel overwhelming. Where do you even start? How do you choose a product that makes sense for your business? And what if it doesn’t sell? These are all valid questions, and in this...
info_outline 233: Aligning Your ‘Why’ with Your 2025 GoalsBlack to Business
The start of a new year is more than just setting resolutions. It’s about reflecting on your purpose and aligning your goals with what truly matters. As Black entrepreneurs, our journeys are uniquely layered with challenges, wins, and responsibilities that extend beyond business. This episode is designed to help you tap into your "why," ensuring that your 2025 goals are not just impactful but deeply connected to your vision and mission. In this episode, Monique dives into how revisiting your purpose can lead to clarity, focus, and intentional growth in the new year. Whether you’re feeling...
info_outline 232: Wrapping Up 2024 & Looking Ahead to 2025Black to Business
As 2024 comes to a close, this special solo episode is all about reflection, celebration, and intention. It’s been an incredible year for the Black to Business community, and Monique T. Marshall is here to share some of the biggest milestones, the lessons learned, and an exciting look ahead to what’s coming in 2025. For Black entrepreneurs, closing out the year is more than just wrapping up loose ends, it’s about honoring the work you’ve done, reflecting on the challenges and wins, and setting the stage for what’s next. Whether you’re celebrating a year of growth or...
info_outline 231: Navigating Grief in Business: Supporting Yourself & Your Team w/ Kimberli GrossBlack to Business
Grief is a reality that many entrepreneurs face, yet it’s a topic rarely addressed in the business world. Whether it's the profound loss of a loved one, a failed business venture, or significant life changes, grief can deeply impact your emotional, mental, and physical well-being and, ultimately, your ability to lead and grow your business. As a leader, you're not just managing your own emotions but also navigating the grief of your team members, making it vital to foster a culture of empathy and support. In this powerful episode, Kimberli Gross, founder of Celebrate Still, Inc.,...
info_outline 230: Your End-of-Year Business ResetBlack to Business
As entrepreneurs gear up for the end of the year, we understand the mix of emotions you're facing. The pressure to close out strong, the uncertainty about next year's direction, and the nagging feeling that your business systems need an overhaul. This episode of the Black to Business podcast cuts through the typical "new year, new you" rhetoric to deliver a practical, actionable framework for assessing where your business truly stands and creating a strategic path forward. We recognize that as a Black entrepreneur, you're not just running a business – you're often blazing trails, building...
info_outline 229: Planning for the Unexpected: How to Financially Prepare Your Business for Disabilities w/ Tanya TaylorBlack to Business
We understand that as a Black entrepreneur, your business is your lifeline, your passion, and your source of financial freedom. But what happens when the unexpected strikes—like a sudden disability? Too often, these scenarios are overlooked in entrepreneurial planning, leaving business owners financially vulnerable. This episode dives into an essential yet rarely discussed topic: how to financially prepare your business for a sudden disability. We explore why planning for disabilities is critical for long-term business success and financial security, especially for Black entrepreneurs who...
info_outline 228: The Power of Self-Gratitude & Celebrating Yourself as an EntrepreneurBlack to Business
As entrepreneurs, we’re often so focused on what’s next—whether it’s hitting the next goal, serving our customers, or building for the future that we forget to pause and celebrate ourselves. But entrepreneurship is bold. It’s about betting on yourself, navigating challenges, and creating something meaningful. This journey deserves recognition, and that’s exactly what we’re talking about in today’s short and sweet solo episode. Things You’ll Learn During This Episode Why choosing entrepreneurship is a bold and courageous decision Practical ways to make self-gratitude a...
info_outline 227: Handling Stress and Overwhelm in Your Business During the HolidaysBlack to Business
The holiday season is here, and while it’s a time filled with joy and connection for many, it also comes with its fair share of challenges especially for entrepreneurs. From juggling year-end goals and customer demands to balancing personal obligations like family gatherings and holiday shopping, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But it doesn’t have to be this way. In this episode, Monique dives into actionable strategies to help you manage the stress and overwhelm of running your business during the holidays. THINGS YOU’LL LEARN DURING THIS EPISODE How to identify the sources of...
info_outline 226: Protecting Your Business: Building a Strong Legal and Branding Foundation w/ Temi SiyanbadeBlack to Business
Building a strong legal foundation is essential for any entrepreneur, and as a Black business owner, you know that protecting your work and ensuring a secure, lasting brand isn’t just a step—it’s a strategy for success. In this episode, we dig into the essentials of creating a legally sound business that not only protects your assets but strengthens your brand. We understand the journey of entrepreneurship can be complex, especially when it comes to legal matters that may feel intimidating or hard to navigate. In this conversation, Temi Siyanbade, a dynamic business attorney and...
info_outlineStarting a business is no easy feat, and for Black entrepreneurs, the challenges can often feel even more overwhelming. From navigating limited resources and accessing capital, to breaking down barriers in the business world, there’s a lot to handle. On top of these systemic challenges, many new business owners fall into avoidable traps—common pitfalls that can stall progress before it even begins.
In this episode of the Black to Business podcast, we’re diving deep into these common mistakes so you can sidestep them and set your business on a path to success. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, we understand the importance of laying a solid foundation. You’ve got a dream, and we’re here to help you build it.
THINGS YOU’LL LEARN DURING THIS EPISODE:
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Why skipping market research is a huge mistake and how to avoid it.
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The importance of legally protecting your business from day one.
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How to manage your finances effectively and treat your business like a business, not a hobby.
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The role of business planning and why you can’t afford to wing it.
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The power of community, networking, and why you shouldn’t go it alone.
This episode is your guide to avoiding the most common mistakes new Black entrepreneurs make. We’ve packed it with actionable insights that you can start applying to your business today. And if you’re looking for more, check out the Blackpreneur Blueprint—a step-by-step guide to help you avoid these pitfalls and build a strong foundation for your business. Get it at blacktobusiness.com/blueprint.