Andy Ayim MBE’s Post

Utmost important exercise for upcoming entrepreneurs 📌 📌 Starting a startup primarily requires an In-depth planning and self-assessment. Here are set of questions you should ask yourself before building a startup to ensure you're prepared for the challenges ahead: 1. What Problem Am I Solving?  2. Is There a Market Need for My Solution?  3. What Makes My Solution Unique?  4. Who Are My Competitors?  5. What Is My Business Model? 6. Strengths and weaknesses 7. Do I Have a Solid Business Plan?  8. Do I Have the Right skillset?  9. How to recruit the right talent? 10. What Are My Funding Requirements?  11. How to raise Investments? What are different ways of doing it? 12.How to get Investors? 13.How to research about the Investor? 14. How to plan to attract and retain customers. 15. How to build network and relationships? 16. Have you considered the legal structure of your business and understand the implications? 17.Have you thought about your long-term goals 18. What Are the Key Risks and Challenges? 19. What should be my exit strategy if I failed? 20. Am I Ready for the Commitment? Additional Tips: 💡 Learn to be patient and persistent. 💡If possible do a pilot testing on small scale which helps in building confidence, also a better evidence for investors. 💡Start attending Industry conferences, Startup meetings by which you may find support from a right mentor  💡Start building wisdom on all departments  💡Make your employees happy, Inculcate discipline and they will take care of yours. #BuildStartup #Startup #Entrepreneur #Challenges #Investment #Business #Businessmodel #USP #MarketResearch #Analysis #SelfAssesment #Competitor #BusinessMarket #EmployeeSatisfaction #hiring #talent #patience #Funding

Want to know what early stage investors care about? It's four things: 1: Who are your first customers? 2: Who are the candidates in your network that you can place? 3: What is your defined business proposition and why will it work? 4: How are you going to win business successfully? (and why) We actively help founders define and develop strategies for a successful business launch. If you're thinking of taking the next step in your career and want to discuss your business idea, book a confidential chat with us. Book your chat here - https://hubs.la/Q02Ph_xt0 #startup #recruitment #entrepreneurship

Waiting for the perfect moment? Spoiler... It doesn't exist. So, you think landing that big contract will kickstart everything? Or maybe, signing that one deal? Here's what happens: You do it. And then? Off to the next 'big thing'. It’s a never-ending carousel. But hey, want to know a secret? Real entrepreneurship? It's not about waiting. It's about using what you've got, right now. Leveraging everything at your disposal to build what you don't have. Waiting for X to do Y? That’s a fast track to nowhere. In our world, standing still is going backward. Here's the deal: Start with what you have. Your biggest asset isn't the next big thing. It's what you're doing with the current 'small' thing. Break the "when I have X, I will do Y" mindset. Flip it to "I'm using X to build Y, right here, right now." That's the doer's mindset. Don't wait for opportunities. Create your door and kick it open. Because in the real entrepreneurial world, the best time to start? It's always now. Now, I'm curious—what’s the one thing you’re holding onto, waiting for the "right time" to start?

#Entrepreneurs: What Happens After the Dream Ends? #Corporations: Do you have a system to tap into entrepreneurial brilliance? Entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of innovation—creators of ideas, businesses, and opportunities. In the United States, entrepreneurship thrives, with some of the highest numbers of entrepreneurs per capita globally. These individuals transform industries, fuel local economies, and enrich culture through creativity, grit, and vision. Small businesses, in particular, are vital—they contribute nearly half of private-sector jobs and are the lifeblood of our communities. But let’s look deeper. For all their impact, many entrepreneurs face another reality: failure. Businesses close. Dreams shift. Lives’ work—built on blood, sweat, and tears—ends. 💭 So, what happens after?  - How many entrepreneurs start again, driven to create something new?  - How many pivot into consulting or corporate roles?  - How many struggle to find their next step, unsure how to channel their skills into a different path? Interestingly, today’s corporations seem eager to hire individuals with “entrepreneurial spirit”—those with self-motivation, drive, and a talent for innovation. But do companies actually hire former entrepreneurs? Or do biases—like concerns about independence or adaptability—prevent them from seeing the unique value these individuals bring? 💥 A Missed Opportunity? Former entrepreneurs possess resilience, strategic vision, and the ability to take initiative. Could corporations partner with these leaders to foster innovation, accelerate growth, and build stronger teams? What untapped potential could be unlocked by welcoming entrepreneurial minds into the corporate world? And what about small business owners themselves? After the chapter closes, how can society better support their transition—whether through:  - Resources to start again,  - Strategic consulting opportunities, or  - Pathways to integrate their expertise into established businesses? 💫 A Path Forward 💫 At Conscious Creator Inc., we honor the entrepreneurs who dream, create, fail, and rise again. The question is not just what happens after failure—it’s how we transform the experience into growth, new opportunities, and meaningful partnerships. *To entrepreneurs: What’s next for you?  *To corporations: Are you ready to tap into entrepreneurial brilliance? ✨Let's build something better—together. #ConsciousCreatorInc #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Innovation #Resilience #Collaboration

Wondering if you qualify for the Start Here Pitch Competition? Here are a couple things to check before you apply. 1: Open to Entrepreneurs Explanation: Whether you're just starting out or already have a business idea, if you're ready to pitch, this competition is for you. 2: Based in the Upper Cumberland Explanation: You must be located in the Upper Cumberland region. This ensures that we support local entrepreneurs who want to grow their business in our community. 3: Pre-Revenue or Early-Stage Startups Explanation: If your business hasn’t generated significant income yet or you’ve just started, this is your chance to gain exposure and resources to take it to the next level. 4: Innovative Ideas Explanation: We’re looking for fresh, innovative ideas that solve real problems or meet unique needs. Think big and show us how your idea stands out! 5: Willing to Present Your Business Plan Explanation: Participants need to be ready to present a well-thought-out business plan. This shows us you’re serious about turning your idea into reality. 6: Revenue Growth Plan Explanation: Your business must have plans to generate $1 million+ in revenue or add that much in the next three years. We want to see scalable potential! 7: Employee Growth Explanation: You need to plan on growing your team by 5+ employees or adding at least 5 new hires in the next three years. We're supporting businesses that create local jobs! 8: Serving Regional or National Markets Explanation: This competition is for businesses that aim to serve markets beyond just the local community. Think bigger! 9: Connection to the Upper Cumberland Explanation: You must have a connection to the Upper Cumberland region—whether you started here, are starting here, or plan to relocate here. 10: Fewer Than 50 Employees Explanation: If your business currently has fewer than 50 employees, you can participate! #thebizfoundry #cookevilletn #pitchcompetition #pitchyourbusiness #smallbusiness #entrepreneur #businessidea

Dare to disrupt your career path? 💥 Dive into the world of entrepreneurship while employed or in-between jobs and unlock a universe of growth and opportunities. Find out the 8 compelling reasons why now is the perfect time to launch your venture. #EntrepreneurJourney #CareerGrowth #StartupLife #BusinessInnovation #ProfessionalDevelopment #SideHustleSuccess #EntrepreneurialMindset #NetworkingTips

From 9-to-5 to Entrepreneurship: Brief Journey & Learnings The thought of leaving a stable job for entrepreneurship can be daunting, but I learned that preparation makes all the difference. When I was in a corporate role, the entrepreneurial spark never left me. Alongside a fulltime job, co-founded a startup and continued to manage it part-time with extra stretches on weekends and after office hours. It was tough, but every step was worth it, before finally joining-in on a full time basis. If you’re considering this path, plan smart, build your financial runway, and leverage your network. Entrepreneurship is not just a career shift; it’s a leap toward your passion. Do you also think about making the jump? Would love to hear! #Entrepreneurship #CareerTransition #StartupLife #SideHustle #BusinessPlanning #Networking #WorkLifeBalance

It is not too late to take your business to the next level.

Why Are You in Business ? Statistics reveal that 70% of entrepreneurs start their businesses seeking a career or lifestyle change. Only 21% are driven by passion, and 9% regret their decision. But is a lifestyle change the right reason to start a business ? With 90% of startups failing, I believe the misalignment between the "why" and the business vision is a major factor. We might have a complete different statistics if business are always driven by passion. Some entrepreneurs often launch new startup after a successful exit—shows it was not all about money, they loved what they do. Let’s be clear: business isn’t all sunshine and rainbows like social media portrays. It’s a challenge—a challenge that some of us thrive on. But remember, a fulfilling career can also offer a better life. So when you choose your path, make sure it aligns with how you want to spend your time. Choose wisely. *During tough times, we often start a business to change our way of life. These ventures usually begin as self-employment, offering lifestyle changes and a new career path. But what I'm discussing here goes beyond that—it's about businesses that take it to the next level from there.

🚀 Calling All Aspiring Entrepreneurs! 🚀 Do you have a business idea or an early-stage venture you’re ready to take to the next level? Are you looking for the tools, mindset, and strategies to set yourself up for long-term success? 📣 Introducing Launch Lab: The Accelerator Program That Prepares You for Success Here’s the truth: 💡 20% of businesses fail in the first year. 💡 60% don’t make it past year three. Why? Lack of planning and the right mindset. At the Launch Lab, we’re redefining what it means to succeed as an entrepreneur. This is not your typical accelerator. Our program is built on a foundation of intense mindset training and hands-on workshops to help you prepare, pivot, and thrive. 🧠 Mindset Focused: Learn how to think like a successful entrepreneur and develop the resilience needed to navigate challenges. 📊 Practical Workshops: Dive into actionable sessions on customer persona building, prototyping with AI, lean canvas development, marketing strategies, and creating a pitch that wows. 🌟 Limited to Only 6 Participants: You’ll receive personalized mentorship in an intimate, high-impact environment. Selected founders will have access to financial support to accelerate their growth. At Knox St. Studios, we believe that the more you prepare, the higher your chances of success. This is your opportunity to build a solid foundation for your business and join a community of like-minded innovators. 📝 Apply Now: https://lnkd.in/eRNbFETZ ⏳ Deadline: December 15, 2024 📍 Location: Hybrid- Durham, NC Don't let your dreams become another statistic. Take the leap. Let’s launch your business—together. #Entrepreneurship #MindsetMatters #StartupSuccess #LaunchLabAccelerator #KnoxStStudios #NCIDEA #BusinessGrowth Anjanette Miller Mel Wright Jonathan Collins Chisa Pennix-Brown LadyBizness Forward Cities La-Tasha Best-Gaddy Katrece Boyd LaTrisha Rushing NC IDEA Jessie Hathcock Ramon P. Llamas, MPH (LION) Beth Powell Yerxa Fadi Jawdat Hindi Ruka O. American Underground Adria Dunbar, PhD Adrienne Simmons Nisla Love