There’s a time and place for everything, so how do you know when’s a good time to take things to the next level? Here’s a great example

I recently received this question via my IG DM, and being me I couldn’t help but get excited at the fact that he is already up and running, and inadvertently built the opportunity to have a successful launch without having to work extra. Which then reminded me of a common problem I help folks with, “when is the right time to scale?”

Tommy asks

“Dear Nerd,

I want to start my own clothing brand. Before starting my own brand I decided to sell clothing online so I could save money for the business.

I would like to know how to reach people and build trust with them. Maybe this online shop will be a better idea and will succeed so that I can have two businesses.

And if my own brand wouldn’t succeed I would still have a backup. Waiting for your response.

Thanks in advance.

Sincerely,

Tommy from The Netherlands”

Dear Tommy (and all the Tommy’s out there)

I’m going to start with congratulating you, you went the self-funded route and took action with learning how to sell

*Rogues*

Being self-funded and rapid experimentation will be two very powerful things that decide whether you make it or not. You’ll see what I mean as you grow, these two skills will save you headaches and keep you away from the douchey Daniels, glorified brokers that tell you they’re VC’s (that was subtle right?)

Related: Creative Rogue Michaela Coel Cuts Through Show-Biz BS, Turns Down $1 Million Deal With Netflix

Pro-Tip

Start with things like:

• “Is checkout a breeze?”
• “Do the customers have questions?, What are their questions?”
• Grab your free copy of my go-to Growth Branding Exercise Here
• If I were to shop at say a mall, would your new brand idea look good being sold in the same store as what you already sell?
• If yes, congratulations, you’re now proud to announce to your delighted customers that you’re carrying a new line!
• If no, why not? Is it less than? More than?

Trust But Verify

As you ask yourself these questions, remember the two components that build you

• Being Self Funded
• Rapid Experimentation

Frank Lopez, co-founder of Sassy Bird did just that, while his city is in a state of confusion and standstill, he’s amassed an audience of over 15k on Instagram, rapid growth with sales, and he’s already eyeing an expansion with two more locations, during a pandemic and shutdowns.

😍 Sassy Bird Serving Up Some Love

Frank, being GrowthHaxx’s ROGUE Of The Month for July, was excited to share how he approached things

My background in general contracting taught me that taking care of people comes first, it doesn’t matter if they’re getting a whole new kitchen or some of Lancaster’s best chicken, making sure you remember that the customer is going throughh this and money’s tight was a great reminder.

When we started working with Frank he was juggling lockdown, he went into action, which included:

• Learning new skills
• Leveraging his existing audience to learn more about them (see questions mentioned above)
• Personally talking to his customers
• Focused on putting his staff in their customers’ shoes over and over
• Experimented with delivery options
• Involved his staff in improving their offerings

Sovereignty Is The Security

Which brings me to the next thing, you mention “two businesses” GOOD, keep them sovereign & in a partnership — why?

Because the trust you build up in what you sell benefits your personal brand, and you don’t want your personal brand to depend heavily on your store (it causes folks to cut corners and forget what made them successful, to begin with)

Your existing eCommerce business financed your new idea, and it also gave you an audience to begin delivering more quality to

I look forward to seeing all you accomplish

Wish You Were More Creative? Beginners Mind Might Just Be For You— An Intro

Are you in a similar situation? Dm me here

Remember, CREATE, don’t compete