Founder of Smart guidanceknown for enabling creators/coaches to scale their business.
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As a Gen-Z entrepreneur collaborating with other entrepreneurs, I’ve had a front row seat to the rise of Gen-Z in the business world. Generation Z is often called the most diversetech savvy and socially aware generation to date. And now we are bringing these values ​​to the forefront of entrepreneurship and making our voices heard.
Yes, we are the generation that has been on social media for so long, we can’t even remember life before that. But the extensive comments about “Gen-Z marketing” should no longer refer to how we should address and reach ourselves as a target audience. Core values ​​have been ignored for the sake of channel marketing, in an attempt to consume and push Gen-Z towards the status quo. But when the Great Resignation happened, a wave of creators, publicly built startups, side hustlers, product designers, and coaches entered the business world on their own terms.
Drawing on diversity, transparency and technical knowledge
Growing up in Finland with a Congolese background, I struggled to get interviews in the small-town conservative atmosphere. I didn’t give up and discovered that sales is a necessary skill no matter your background. It’s a skill anyone can learn, and I had the drive to learn it quickly. Today, I teach people of all generations and employ a team of diverse backgrounds, without having to promote it in a “marketing strategy” of diversity.
Many Gen Z entrepreneurs are displacing the old economy by applying authenticity and building diverse and inclusive businesses and remote structures. In the world of social media marketing, our core values ​​integrate seamlessly, improving the overall user experience.
This generation is also known for living with transparency and honesty, and rather than just hoping that these values ​​are reflected in the companies we support, we can and have created them ourselves. As a Gen-Z entrepreneur, you’ve gained experiences growing up in a fast-paced world that you can draw on to find unique perspectives on the role business can play in shaping society.
The continued rise of Gen-Z in entrepreneurship is also driven by technical knowledge, which makes us fast. Most of us have grown up with smartphones and advanced technology, giving us a better understanding of how they can be used to build and scale businesses. Instead of being tied to excel sheets, you can use this technological know-how to share knowledge and entertainment through authentic and relevant content, at a fraction of the advertising costs of the old economy. Take advantage of that natural technical acumen and you’ll likely find that you can do more in less time than previous generations.
Steps to success
There are a number of ways to use the Gen-Z perspective and skillset to build a business that is not only profitable, but also has purpose and a good work-life balance. Here are some steps that can help you succeed.
1. Bring passion to your work.
In my experience, it is crucial to align your work with your passions. You don’t want to wake up every day and reluctantly go to work. Instead, find what drives you and turn it into a profitable business. It can be anything from solving social problems to using technology to make people’s lives easier. Use your unique perspective and skills to create a business that stands out and makes a difference. Incorporating your passion into your work will not only keep you motivated, but also attract like-minded clients and employees who share your vision.
2. Learn how to scale.
Scaling up a business is a challenge every entrepreneur faces. To achieve sustainable growth, you must be prepared to take risks, experiment with new ideas and make adjustments where necessary. In the age of Gen-Z entrepreneurship, you have access to resources that previous generations didn’t have. Use technology to your advantage by staying up-to-date with industry trends and analyzing data to make informed decisions.
It is also important to build a strong team, delegate tasks and foster a culture of continuous learning. There are many ways to learn about scaling, from online courses to mentoring programs to podcasts. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Keep in mind that your business will likely grow at the same rate as you as an entrepreneur.
3. Balance your time and energy.
It is important for everyone to prioritize their well-being and avoid burnout. To do this, you need to learn how to manage your time effectively, set boundaries, and create a routine that works for you. Be sure to schedule time for self-care, exercise, and spending time with friends and family. Don’t fall into the trap of working 24/7, which you can detrimental for your mental health and productivity. Start planning and thinking about your work as a long game instead of a short game. This will help remind you to take breaks to stay in the long game, and you won’t have to worry if a month or even a year doesn’t go as planned. When you balance your time and energy, you can achieve more and enjoy the journey of building a successful business.
Our generation proves that doing business can be done differently and that success and purpose can go hand in hand. All in all, I believe Gen-Z’s voice in entrepreneurship is essential to the new evolution in building and growing successful businesses! So remember, my fellow Gen-Z’ler: don’t hesitate to build your business on your own terms.
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Janice has been with businesskinda for 5 years, writing copy for client websites, blog posts, EDMs and other mediums to engage readers and encourage action. By collaborating with clients, our SEO manager and the wider businesskinda team, Janice seeks to understand an audience before creating memorable, persuasive copy.