I have been watching American’s Next Great Restaurant and as I watch I think about my own business. No it is not a restaurant but it all started with an idea. All the contestants have an idea of what type of restaurant they want which includes what they will serve, their logo, how they will serve the food, the taste and how to market their business for the best return. These are lessons all business owners think about and work hard to accomplish.
Ujima Magazine started with an idea. From there the development of my concept came, the logo, how the information would be delivered, how I would market the magazine to gain interest just for starters. But just as the contestants found they had to make some changes to accommodate their goals, so have I. It has been difficult to cut back on things I found important to the magazine such as the amount of pages. But I think of the bigger picture which is I have a magazine that can still reach our community despite the struggle.
There are a few things I have learned as I push forward in building the Ujima Empire.
1. Be clear about what you want to do. Decide the type of business you want to pursue from your ideas. Go with the one that fuels your passion if nothing else.
2. Surround yourself with people who are pursuing their own business for support and feedback.
3. Stay true to your dream despite naysayers because if you believe in what you are doing, you will be fine.
4. Understand that success for most people do not happen overnight, so be ready to work hard for your dream.
5. Make good business decisions that will impact your business for the good. But don’t be afraid to make mistakes because you will. But learn from them and keep going.
I continue to learn each day something new about my business and myself. But I embrace it and push on.
What have you learned? Can you share your lessons?
Damita Miller-Shanklin is the founder and publisher of Ujima Magazine and co-host of Ujima TV with Damita and Evelina.
1 comment:
This is so cool and great advice! You are truly an example of someone who is living their dream. Continue to walk in your purpose...you are doing it well!
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