As a journalist, I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the business world. From tech startups to brick-and-mortar stores, these individuals have all climbed the ladder to success in their own unique ways. In this blog, I’ll be sharing some of their tips and tricks for making it in business.
Firstly, it’s important to have a clear vision and purpose for your business. This is something that Pooja Bavishi, the founder of Malai Ice Cream, strongly believes in. Malai Ice Cream is a Brooklyn-based ice cream shop that specializes in unique flavors inspired by Bavishi’s Indian heritage. When asked about the key to her success, Bavishi shared, “It's important to be clear on what you want to do and why you want to do it. Once you have a clear sense of what you're trying to achieve, it's much easier to make decisions that align with your values.”
Another important factor in making it in business is persistence. Many entrepreneurs face numerous setbacks before achieving success. Bethany McDaniel, the founder of Primally Pure, a natural skincare company, shared her story of resilience. “I was rejected by dozens of retailers before I finally got a ‘yes’ from Anthropologie,” said McDaniel. “That one ‘yes’ gave me the confidence to keep going and eventually grow my business.”
Networking is also key to success in business. By building relationships with other professionals in your industry, you can gain valuable insights and opportunities. Edith Dorsen, the co-founder of the venture capital firm The Women’s Venture Capital Fund, emphasized the importance of networking. “You never know where your next opportunity will come from,” said Dorsen. “Make it a priority to attend industry events and build relationships with other professionals. It can pay off in ways you never imagined.”
In addition to networking, it’s important to seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support. Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart, the founder of the vegan fashion brand Vaute Couture, credited her mentors for helping her navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. “Having mentors who believed in me and my vision was invaluable,” said Hilgart. “They helped me stay focused and gave me the confidence to keep going even when things were tough.”
Another important factor in making it in business is adaptability. In a constantly changing business landscape, it’s important to be able to pivot and adjust your strategy as needed. Tyler Haney, the founder of the athletic apparel brand Outdoor Voices, shared her experience of pivoting her business model. “When we first started, we were focused on high-performance activewear,” said Haney. “But we quickly realized that our customers were more interested in clothes that they could wear for everyday activities. So, we shifted our focus and that’s when things really took off.”
Finally, it’s important to stay true to your values and beliefs, even when it’s not the easy choice. Lisa Price, the founder of the natural hair and beauty brand Carol’s Daughter, spoke about the importance of authenticity in business. “People can tell when you’re not being genuine,” said Price. “If you stay true to your values and beliefs, even when it’s not the popular choice, people will respect you for it. And that respect can be invaluable in building a successful business.”
In conclusion, making it in business requires a combination of vision, persistence, networking, mentorship, adaptability, and authenticity. The entrepreneurs I’ve interviewed have all followed their own unique paths to success, but these core principles have been consistent across their stories. By taking these lessons to heart and staying true to your own values and beliefs, you too can make it in the competitive world of business.