The Challenges of Growing a Small Biz in Atlanta

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“Flexibility is probably the number one characteristic you need to have as entrepreneurs,” explains J Haleem Washinton, author and entrepreneur coach. No matter how much you plan, there will always be things that happen unexpectedly that require you to think on your feet and pivot in a new direction. Successful entrepreneurs are the ones who can roll with any changes that come their way. Today, J Haleem joins host D-Rich along with Dr. Daryl Green, business marketing and management professor, to discuss the challenges of growing a small business in Atlanta.

Entrepreneurship is not without its challenges, but it also provides incredible opportunities for people to earn a living outside of the often inaccessible corporate world. Due to his felony record, even with a college degree and Dean’s List letters, J Haleem was unable to get accepted to any reasonably paying position after graduation. Instead of giving up and going back to hustling on the streets, he created his own opportunities. No one was going to give him a fair shot due to his criminal record, but he was determined to provide for his family and was flexible enough to work around any obstacle he encountered along the way.

Growing a small business is a challenging, yet rewarding endeavor. It can be very isolating and lonely, especially if you do not have a strong support system. J Haleem shares that without support, it is often too tempting for people to give up and go back to the streets. That’s why regardless of the level of support you have, flexibility and knowing how and when to pivot is the number one skill set that all entrepreneurs need.

Quotes

• “A lot of people don't understand marketing is more than just selling and buying.” (1:31-1:35 | Dr. Green)

• “In 2020, we realized something, even churches, that if you don't have a digital platform, you don't exist.” (1:57-2:06 | Dr. Green)

• “What I learned is that a lot of times when I fell, there was nobody around. There was no support.” (1:12:26-1:12:32 | J Haleem)

• “Hustle while you work.” (1:15:38-1:15:39 | J Haleem)

• “Once I figured out how I wasn't going to starve, then I had the chance to focus on other people.” (1:19:56-1:20:01 | J Haleem)

• “Flexibility is probably the number one characteristic you need to have as entrepreneurs.” (1:21:15-1:21:20 | J Haleem)

Links

Connect with Dr. Daryl Green, DSL:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdarylgreen/

Connect with J Haleem Washington, CPC:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamjhaleem/

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