5 Tips for Running a Business in a Tough Economy & Not Burning Out by Abadesi Osunsade
In a recent episode of “Coffee & Oysters: The London Business Babe Podcast,” Abadesi Osunsade, founder and CEO of Hustle Crew, shared her unique insights into navigating the world of business as a founder in the tech industry. With her experience and distinctive perspective, she shed light on overcoming challenges, adapting to change, and the importance of inclusion. Here, we delve into her top business tips that go beyond the conventional, catering specifically to niche areas that founders often overlook.
Embrace Change and Pivot When Necessary
Abadesi’s journey as an entrepreneur highlights the importance of being adaptable. Hustle Crew, her business dedicated to inclusion education, has undergone various pivots since its inception in 2016. She emphasizes that adjusting your business model isn’t a sign of failure but an indication of growth and responsiveness to evolving market needs. “I see a slowdown as a sign that things need to change,” she stated. Staying flexible can help your business meet the demands of the market and maintain its relevance.
Develop Processes Early
Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Abadesi wishes she had leaned into developing processes earlier. Having a well-documented process can make scaling and delegation smoother. This tip is especially crucial for solo founders, who often face the challenge of translating their personal ways of working into a shareable format. “What is the cookbook with all the recipes to let my business thrive?” she asks, highlighting the importance of having structured guides for operations.
Set Personal Boundaries
In business, maintaining sanity is as crucial as chasing success. Abadesi swears by her personal policies, such as no breakfast meetings unless well-compensated and ensuring a daily movement routine. “If I am not out there at a yoga class or in a sauna, I will just be at my screen.” Such habits not only keep her healthy but also prevent burnout, a common threat to entrepreneurs.
Harness Marmite Energy
One of Abadesi’s standout marketing strategies is what she calls “Marmite energy” — positioning your brand or business in a way that polarizes opinions. By being authentically herself, she attracts clients who are aligned with her vision while repelling those who aren’t ready for it. “I want people to either love us or hate us,” she explains. This approach can help businesses find and connect with their true audience without watering down their brand identity.
Invest in Effective Tools and Self-Care
Abadesi mentions several tech tools that are indispensable to her work routine, such as Notion for business operations and Calendly for scheduling. Beyond tech, she embraces self-care practices, such as regular facials, which she describes as essential to maintaining her well-being. “Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, I don’t need it. But yes, I will be going. It feels so good,” she acknowledges, highlighting the importance of personal health investments.
Conclusion
Through these tips, Abadesi Osunsade not only provides a blueprint for success in business but also emphasizes the importance of authenticity, adaptability, and self-care in the entrepreneurial journey. Her insights remind us that thriving in business requires both a strategic and a personal focus, where embracing change and fostering inclusion are just as critical as monitoring the bottom line. Whether you’re a new founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, there’s much to learn from Abadesi’s thoughtful approach to business.
