Fresh off the Grammys (two days ago!) and the excitement of the award show, while admittedly bummed about our Nigerian nominees (but hey, eyes on AFCON!), I have a lesson in place, as always, even from entertainment.
@gettyimages
During Jay-Z's powerful acceptance speech for the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, he dropped a mic-drop quote: "We gotta keep showing up in life until you get all the accolades you deserve, until they call you a genius and until they call you the greatest of all time." And that, my friends, is today's message...
Before you start doubting your hustle, let's channel our inner Jay Z and talk perseverance. Because when it comes to building a badass small business, grit is as important as that killer business plan. Here's how we keep grindin' and get those results:
1. Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Building a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Forget get-rich-quick schemes! As Jay-Z emphasized, "you gotta keep showing up." That's the key. Consistent effort, day in and day out, leads to success brick by brick. Celebrate each win, learn from setbacks, and remember, "even by your own metrics, that doesn't work" - giving up is never the answer.
2. Don't Fade into the Background Noise: feeling discouraged? We all do sometimes. But as Jay-Z said, "Some of you may get robbed. Some of you don't belong in the category." Don't let the competition or doubt drown you out. Instead, "channel your frustration into fuel", adapt, innovate, and keep pushing forward. Remember, "comebacks are sweeter than smooth starts."
3. Remember Your Crew: One of the coolest things about Jay-Z's speech? He thanked everyone who helped him along the way. That's right, no entrepreneur is an island. Remember the mentors, friends, and early customers who believed in you? Show them some love publicly. As Jay-Z referenced, "thanks to Dr. Dre sitting in the house, Andre Young, thank you... you showed us that we can be... rock stars...". This not only inspires others but strengthens your network and shows you're a leader who values community.
4. The Grind is Real, But Keep It Real Too: Let's be honest, building a business is not always glamorous. But like Jay-Z, who hustled hard to get where he is, be prepared to put in the work. Sweat the details, stay focused on your goals, and don't get sidetracked by shiny objects. Remember, "some of you are going to go home tonight and feel like you've been robbed" - true joy comes from building something amazing, step by step.
5. Find Your Voice and Use It: Jay-Z used his platform to speak his truth. You can do the same for your business! Find your values, your message, and what makes you unique. Don't be afraid to stand up for your industry, your community, or what you believe in. Authenticity resonates, and it can attract customers, partners, and allies who share your vision. Remember, Jay-Z encouraged everyone to "keep showing up... until they call you the greatest of all time."
6. Level Up Your Skills: Knowledge is Power: Remember Jay-Z's early days learning the ropes? Invest in yourself like he did! Network with experts, seek mentors, and keep learning and growing. Remember, knowledge is power, and staying ahead of the curve is key to success.
7. Giving Up is Rarely the Answer: Feeling overwhelmed? It happens! But remember Jay-Z's words: "giving up or boycotting things is hardly ever a solution." Don't let challenges defeat you. Instead, find new ways to approach problems, adapt your strategies, and keep pushing forward. Persistence and resilience are crucial qualities for any entrepreneur.
So there you have it, small business owner! Use these nine lessons from Jay-Z to fuel your hustle, keep learning, and dream big. And when you reach the top, remember to extend a helping hand to those climbing behind you. That's the true mark of a leader, just like Hov. Now go out there and make your own Grammy-worthy success story!