21 Take Aways from Vision Keepers Economic Growth

[williamjackson]

21 Take Away's from Vision Keepers Economic Growth Sub Committee
by William Jackson,
Volunteer and Community Activist
#MyQuestToTeach

Economic development involves fulfilling your
dreams through education and networking.

You cannot allow fear and other peoples
expectations to dictate your journey.
If you are serious about your success act on it.
Develop your plan and execute it.
You must make a declaration and take full
responsibility for your life and hold yourself
accountable. Work to make your dreams a
reality. Never give up on your dreams and
address challenges that you face, there are
always answers.
These are take-aways from the recent Vision
Keepers Economic Growth Sub Committee
meeting.

1. Networking is still importat for business
success and exposure never underestimate it.
2. Your Social Media profile should represent
your mission and vision statements for your
business.
3. Separate your personal and professional
Social Media platforms to minimize confusion.
4. Remember what you say on your personal
sites can reflect on your business ethics and
values. When you are successful in business
you may have to sacrifice personal invisibility.
5. Don't always rely on SEO for exposure
WOM - Word of Mouth is still valuable and
can make or break a business.
6. Business owners should be seen volun-
teering in their communities, sponsoring
events and even attending cultural/civic
events. Stay active and engaged throughout
the community.
7. Always have your business cards available
even when going into the grocery store or
gas station, even the mall may have
unseen opportunities.
You never know who you meet. Have your
business "pitch" memorized and ready you
may be asked at the most inappropriate
time.
8. If your an introvert do extrovert things.
Get out of your "box" and expand your network.
9. Volunteer to speak at business events, meetups,
and cultural events. Your the expert of your
business, always act that way.
10. Use your Social Media platforms to collaborate
not just compete.
11. Join the Chamber of Commerce, Better Business
Bureau and other consumer groups. Serve on
several boards and committees.
12. Have a Social Media plan and a Social Media
mission, allocate time to monitor your stats,
data and analytics.
Use this data to manage your digial impact.
13. Use a graphic artist to design your logo,
visual appearance is everything. First
impressions digitally do matter.
14. Get your domain name, register for a fictitious
name and consider copyrighting your name and logo.
15. Before you bring family and friends in your
business make sure they respect your vision and
passion for your business. Make sure everyone '
has a role and does their job and does not use
family relationship matters to do what
they want to do.
16. Take business classes, workshops and attend
conferences and seminars. Most of these can be
written off on taxes as business expenses. Check
with your accountant.
17. When possible obtain an intern that is
interested in your area of business. Give back in
knowledge and support diversity in business.
18. Have a 5 yr, 10 yr and 15 yr plan of growth
for your business.
19. Integrate diverse technologies, Apps, tools
and platforms to advertise and enhance your
business.
20. Be authentic and genuine in what you do.
21. Google search and Hash tag yourself and
your business to see digitally what is on the
web about your business and yourself so you
can address issues.



Resources:
New Town Success Zone and Vision Keepers
George Maxey, Executive Director
The Center for the Prevention in Health
Disparities at Edward Waters College
1401 Grunthal Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32209
george.maxey@ewc.edu