This is one of the best movies you can lock yourself with and learn a lot as an entrepreneur. Here are a few lessons from the movie.
Madam was a washerwoman whose hair was a mess and she got help from another lady who produced hair grower products. She asked to help sell the lady’s product because it worked on her. The lady declined and she took the products and tried to sell it herself.
Lesson 1: When she went to sell in the city square, no one listened to her. She started telling the story of how the products helped her. Storytelling sure sells.
Lesson 2: She wanted to partner with the lady and sell the products but the lady declined. Madam Walker started her own formulation and started selling her product. Find opportunity in everything and look for a gap in the market.
Lesson 3: Madam heard black people were moving to a particular city and she took her husband and relocated to this city. Go where your customers are.
Lesson 4: When she arranged for her saloon opening, no one came: Did she stop? NO: Keep pushing and never remain on the ground.
Lesson 5: The Salon was in her home, her workers were family and friends. Start small and don’t be afraid to ask for help from family.
Lesson 6: Madam needed to expand and become more popular and she thought of endorsement from an influential person. You should always think of the next step when things don’t go as planned. Which blog or influencer should promote me, Are my hashtags working?
Lesson 7: She sought for partnership and investors. Is it time to look for investment, is it time to expand?
Lesson 8: Her biggest competition moved to her city and tried to take her customers. You will have competition, what are you doing to stand out in a saturated market?
Lesson 9: Her factory burnt down, it didn’t stop her. Don’t sulk, get up and do the work.
Lesson 10. Her Son-in-law sold information to her competition; her husband also did the same. It is called a trade secret for a reason. Hold your trade secrets to your chest.
Lesson 11. You are your brand’s biggest representative.
Don’t just read this. Watch the movie, learn and most importantly ACT on it. What have you learnt from the movie?