Smart Advice is our community-driven Q&A section. Each issue we solicit our favorite reader-submitted questions and ask one of our Smart Hustle Mentors, all of which are esteemed subject matter experts. Have a question you’d like to field to the Smart Hustle Mentors? Click HERE.
By Advice, Featured, Marketing,

The Journey with Ryan: How to Continuously Level Up in Business

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKAb8t1aIwg One of my mentors reached out to me and told me that these young guys were starting a new city club in Atlanta and I should get connected. I really had no idea what it was but I applied and went to their first event previewing their space, and lets just say, the Gathering...

Read more...
By Advice, Featured, Marketing,

The Journey with Nick: How to Make Lemonade Out Of Lemons

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOXajBGReeg Key Takeaways: Whatever life throws at you, make lemonade out of lemons Consider businesses with low barriers to entry Product diversity is key especially in seasonal businesses There is no way around the hard work, you have to put the time in Allow your vision and purpose guide your business decisions I...

Read more...
By Advice, Featured, Marketing

The Journey with Rennie: How the NFL Developed an Entrepreneur

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5bPcU7rslA If anyone knows anything about the University of Georgia, you know that the SEC is a big deal and we take football very seriously. When I met Rennie he was the linebacker for UGA and he was becoming a household name, being featured on billboards and regular appearances on ESPN. But of course Rennie’s...

Read more...
By Advice, Marketing, Operations, Sales, Social Media,

5 Ways to Improve Communication with Customers

If providing excellent communication isn’t always at the forefront of your mind, as a small business owner, it should be. Strong customer communication builds strong relationships. It’s a crucial key to success for every business. Take a look at these five strategies you can implement to improve your communication with customers today. 1. Make communication a...

Read more...
By Advice, Featured, Marketing, Tips

The Journey with Spendefy: The Pros & Cons of Having a Business Partner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObR2mQ6ZJQ4 Are you in search of business partner? Or wondering how do you find the right co-founder to grow your business with? Then you're in the right place. Antwon Davis and Eldredge Washington are co-founders of Spendefy – a tech company with a digital platform that makes it easier to find black-owned businesses in your city. The idea behind...

Read more...
By Advice

Are You Investing Enough In Your Business?

Are you investing enough in YOURSELF? If you are investing in yourself, educating yourself, ensuring you're healthy and giving to others, that's the fist way to invest in your business. By investing in yourself. Be sure to attend great events, be a member of networking groups (Adrian's Network and Shankminds are two of my favorite groups) Check out our full...

Read more...
By Advice

Why Free Products and Services Are Not Always Good for Your Business

I often hear business owners ask me what are some "free" products they should check out. Free accounting solutions, free graphic design services, free logos, free websites, etc. STOP THE MADNESS. Most free products are not good for your business. Some products, such as Asana and Slack are FREE and the free version are darn good....

Read more...
By Advice, Marketing

Personal Branding – Lynda West Interviews Ramon Ray On How He Does It

Personal branding is one of my most important topics for entrepreneurs to understand. Personal branding is what sets YOU apart in a sea of noisy competition. A strong personal brand is what makes people sit up and take notice. I've written quite a bit about it here.  You can also check out my course on...

Read more...