SHOPPE BLACK, Author at SHOPPE BLACK

Follow These 9 Tips for a Successful Home Based Business

August 14, 2022August 14, 2022

7 mins read

In today’s connected world, it is not always necessary to have a big space or a warehouse to run a business. Thanks to the internet, all you need to run a business these days is just one small spare room.

Since more and more people are using remote strategies to pursue entrepreneurship with their headquarters at home, home based businesses are currently on the rise.

But again, just with any other business, starting a home based business comes with its own set of complications. From advertising to zoning, there is always something that will require your attention. Though this type of business allows you to run operations from your comfort zone, one of the biggest challenges faced by home-based entrepreneurs is maintaining professionalism at all times.

Here are some tips to keep you focused on your quest to make your home-based business a success and reap maximum benefits:

Determine If Your Ideas Are Appropriate for a Home Based Business

Home-based businesses are in vogue right now, but not all home-based businesses are guaranteed to work out. Starting a business out of your home requires you to consider a variety of factors, including your location, zoning, legal restrictions, licensing, work style, personality, and your family’s needs.

For example, you cannot start a manufacturing business in a residential neighborhood. And if your business involves a lot of in-person client interaction, it may not be practical to conduct your operations at your home office.

Narrow down your list of ideas to businesses that:

Are feasible to conduct from a home office
Allow most of the work to be done from home rather than on site

This will leave you with a list of business ideas that are practical and possible for you to start a business from your own home.

Examine Your Skills

Honing your skills can take time. You may be good at writing content or really good at designing or drawing. But running a successful business often requires acquiring new skills, such as marketing, cold-calling, or organizing skills. So you need to adjust the scope of your business based on your current skill levels.

Create a Proper Business Plan

For any business idea to be successful, there should always be a concrete business plan. The plan will act as a roadmap for success, laying out a plan for every aspect of the business from marketing to budgeting. A plan prevents you from going haywire and wasting unnecessary time on irrelevant things. It will help you to clearly understand your goals, prioritize the main business tasks, and ensure that your objectives are met on time.

A business plan will also be a must as your business grows, because small business lenders, investors, and potential partners will certainly ask for a business plan.

Moreover, as a business owner, a good plan will guide you to achieve specific targets as you grow. Operating a home-based business should have an appropriate short and long-term plan and specific steps to achieve along the way.

Create Business Networks

Even a home-based business owner must have a network of business relationships. How else will you be aware of current business trends and tools, and fill gaps in your personal experience?

You can join business associations that organize business events and conferences in order to stay updated on emerging issues in the business world. Join your local chamber of commerce to meet and form relationships with other business owners in your area.

Treat Your Business Like a Full-Time Job

One of the biggest attractions of home-based businesses is the comfort of working from home and the ability to work flexible hours. But this has proved to be a downside for many since having your working space combined with your leisure space can interfere with productivity.

It’s crucial that you come up with a schedule that dictates your working hours, make it known to your family, and restrict any distractions or interference. Therefore, setting aside certain time slots entirely for work is a good place to start.

Maintain Separate Business Space

Set aside a specific area in your home just for business. During working hours, keep all home activities at bay and never let them interfere with your business operation. If you have even one or two employees working for you, ensure that you have adequate supplies and materials they will need to carry out day-to-day operations, as well as a website and designated space for them to work.

Wear the Right Clothes

More often than not, people who work from home are tempted to wear whatever is within reach, even if it’s a pair of old pajama shorts. You don’t need to wear formal attire, but sticking to business casual helps keep your brain on the right track and promotes a professional mindset. When entertaining clients, you should dress to impress and stay appropriate to your industry.

Don’t Hold Back on Marketing

Your home-based business will also require a significant amount of time, investment, and of course, marketing. Though marketing can sometimes be a bit of a challenge for home based businesses, it’s significant to spend a few bucks on a marketing strategy, including a website and social media, to introduce your product or services to new customers. A quality marketing campaign can never go wrong and can, in fact, bring in huge returns.

Get the Right Licenses and Registration

Just like with any other business, licensing and registration of home-owned businesses are also mandatory, and every startup should adhere to all the rules and regulations set by different states and government authorities.

Running a home-based business? Lendistry supports small businesses and provides them with the resources they need to grow. For more information, call 888-594-7270.

How to Capitalize on the Skilled Trade Shortage

August 13, 2022August 18, 2022

6 mins read

Skilled trades have become an excellent alternative to regular degree jobs. However, the skilled trades industry is proving to be one of the hardest hit by worker scarcity.

As labor markets strive to rebound from the impacts of the pandemic, a talent shortage of historical scale has catalyzed. 75% of companies have reported talent shortages and difficulty hiring – a 16-year high.

The skilled trade shortage is a major concern with employers struggling to recruit, train and retain qualified workers within several industries including manufacturing and construction.

A 2018 report found that skilled trade positions such as mechanics, electricians, welders, pipe fitters, and carpenters were found to be the hardest roles to fill globally and in the US for the 6th year in a row.

There are several factors that have contributed to this.

The Great Recession

The construction industry took a huge hit during the Great Recession. The number of construction firms fell by nearly 150,000 between 2007 and 2013 and over 2.3 million jobs were lost due to layoffs, early retirement, and workers leaving for greener pastures.

Of the jobs lost during this recession, only 600,000 have returned, according to Rob Dietz, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Economics and Housing Policy for the National Association of Home Builders.

As many as 32% of billion-dollar manufacturers estimate they’ll lose $100m+ over the next ~5 years as Baby Boomers put down their tools.

Aging Skilled Workers

Baby Boomers are saying goodbye to their jobs in construction, manufacturing and engineering, and younger generations are looking for work outside of those industries.

The median age of a construction worker right now is more than 40 years old. The long-term problem is identifying the next generation of construction workers.

By one estimate, for every skilled worker coming into the workforce, there are five who retire. Even new workers are aging, according to Bill Irwin, executive director of Carpenters International Training Fund, the average age of a carpentry apprentice is 27. The ideal age is 19.

Capitalizing on the skilled trade shortage

Whether you are in the market to buy a business or start your own, skilled trades may be a good place to look.

Pandemic Inspired niches

Even though lockdown restrictions have eased, many continue to work remotely and are using this time to make improvements to their homes. As a result, tradespeople across many industries have reported boosted revenues and high demand for their services.

Creating Office Spaces – Basement and loft conversions are becoming popular and are used to create new office and home working areas. Garden rooms, orangeries, and conservatories are also seeing a spike in popularity.

Outdoor Spaces – Landscapers, gardeners, and tree surgeons have experienced a surge in business. Property owners are building new patios, decking, and removing unwanted trees in order to improve their outdoor space.

Soundproofing – People are looking to soundproof offices for a quieter and less disruptive working from home environment. Those who are homeschooling children or have little ones around all day are looking to soundproof children’s areas.

Tech savvy tradespeople

In a recent survey, it was revealed that one in five tradespeople are concerned that the way they are currently working is outdated and 10 percent admitted that they barely use any technology as part of their daily work.

However, tradespeople who have been working in the industry for less than 2 years are reportedly more comfortable with using technology. This suggests that in years to come, they will be more likely to use tech solutions to solve some of their biggest challenges.

This creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to build products and services for tech-savvy tradespeople.

This group has expressed that time-saving and money making are their main motivation to adopt new tech. They reportedly use tech to:

Browse merchant/manufacturers’ websites (66%)
Purchase products (61%)
Complete finances (40%)
Find online training/webinars (34%)

Training Platforms

With an estimated 31m skilled trade positions that will be left vacant in the US by the end of this year thanks to Baby Boomer retirements, the opportunity is ripe to provide training platforms, materials, and content to help fill the gap stateside.

Mentor matching

There is also an opportunity to create an apprentice/mentor matching platform that helps aspiring tradespeople connect with established mentors in the industry. This could function as a standalone service or as part of a larger trade school training offering.

Tony O. Lawson

Thanks for being a premium member! If you have any suggestions on topics we should cover, please email us at hello@shoppeblackpremium.com.

4 New Restaurant Revenue Streams to Boost Profits

August 11, 2022August 13, 2022

4 mins read

It’s never a bad time to consider new revenue streams for your restaurant or bar. Sometimes, a new strategy can be provided straight from your kitchen without having to look any further.

This is particularly true for restaurants that have successfully survived the pandemic. They’re adopting contactless tech solutions, developing merchandise, looking for creative event ideas, and cooking up new ideas whenever possible to attract more guests.

So, if you’re wondering how to create extra revenue streams for your restaurant, we’ve outlined a handful of tried-and-tested strategies right here.

1. Host Parties

In the post-pandemic world, the desire for places to connect with others in person is stronger than ever. Your restaurant can become a gathering place for parties and other events.

Whether you rent out the entire restaurant for these occasions or simply set aside private rooms for rent, you have the opportunity to generate a lot of extra revenue while also providing a one-of-a-kind service experience that’s sure to increase loyalty and word-of-mouth promotion.

2. Sell Branded Products

Selling something you’re known for as a branded product is one foolproof way to generate a secondary revenue stream. If you own a pizzeria, for example, you might make your own soft pizza base that your customers love. Why not sell readymade pizza base in sealed packets to your clients so they can try making a pizza at home?

Do you run a coffee shop with home-roasted beans? Package them and sell them. If you own a microbrewery with a one-of-a-kind brew, offer it for sale in growlers or kegs. The list goes on!

3. Organize Workshops

Do you bake the most amazing & delicious pastries? Maybe you have the best pizzas in town? Are customers constantly raving about your killer cocktails? If so, it’s time to show off your skills!

Organize virtual or in-house (if space & situation permit) workshops. Sharing your expertise, helpful tips, and experience will do wonders and increase customer loyalty apart from bringing in extra cash with the workshop fees.

4. Connect With Customers, Wherever They May Be

With the festival season comes food trucks! While many brick-and-mortar restaurants may lament the existence of food trucks, the reality is that customers love them. The convenience of walking up, ordering tasty treats, and enjoying those treats on an outdoor stroll makes many food trucks so successful.

While running a food truck in addition to a full-time restaurant may not be your goal, consider capitalizing on the outdoor eats experience by bringing pop-up food booths to fairs and festivals in your area.

Meeting people where they already are is a sure-fire way to bring in new traffic and convert casual tasters into loyal repeat customers, not to mention the boost to your bottom line!

Ready to break out into new revenue streams for your restaurant business? If you’re thinking of expanding your food business and need a loan, get in touch with Lendistry today. They offer a wide range of comprehensive and affordable financial services to help you grow responsibly.

Zanshuri, a Black Owned Eco-Friendly Laptop Manufacturer in the $74 Billion Green Tech Market

August 10, 2022August 13, 2022

6 mins read

According to a recent report, the global green technology and sustainability market size was valued at $10.32 billion in 2020, and is projected to reach $74.64 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 21.9% from 2021 to 2030.

Consumers, investors, and others who prioritize sustainability are looking for products, equipment, and systems that conserve natural resources and reduce the negative impact on the environment.

UK-based Zanshuri specializes in the design and manufacture of eco-friendly laptops desktops and more. Zanshuri products are currently being used in a variety of fields including emergency response, finance, commerce, and healthcare.

We caught up with founder and CEO, Chib Nwokonkor to find ou more about his business.

eco-friendly laptop

What inspired you to start your Zanshuri?

As a child, the word “Zanshuri”, was often on my mind. I remember asking my parents if it was the name of a distant family relative, a country from our past, or some type of food. My mother assured me it was none of those.

The name stuck with me over the years, and when I finally got to university to study Computer Science and Environment, I used part of my student loan to register the domain name.

Living and working all over the world allowed me to gain an understanding of cultural differences, as well as the similar challenges which we all face. This coupled with my interest in sustainability, gave me an idea of what I would do with Zanshuri.

eco-friendly laptop

How does a Zanshuri laptop or desktop compare to those made by larger tech companies?

The core products at Zanshuri are our range of laptop, desktop and server computers. The difference between us and other manufacturers is all our computers are designed to use as little electricity to complete a task as possible.

This means they more aggressively reduce their power use when on standby or doing basic tasks. They also make the best use of ambient cooling, such that unless it is absolutely necessary for cooling fans to operate, they will remain static. Instead, natural convection is used to cool the system internals, until a threshold is reached, and then the fans will start up.

Although we use industry-standard components from the likes of Intel, AMD, Crucial and Samsung, we modify the cooling array with our bespoke carbon solutions, thus ensuring they run much cooler than they normally would.

This combination of these factors leads to our computers using up to 90% less energy than other manufacturer’s systems.

eco-friendly laptop

Does being eco-friendly mean you have to sacrifice performance?

We are able to ramp the energy consumption of our systems up or down, automatically, depending on the needs of the user at that precise moment. As a result, our computers tend to outperform the competition, whilst still being able to undercut them in terms of running costs in the long term also.

What patents do you currently have pending?

We currently have patents pending on our developments, including one for non-dynamic cooling within a closed system, which in basic terms means reducing temperatures within a container without relying on fans or liquid systems.

What do you need to help take your business to the next level?

Right now the business needs significant investment to help us raise our profile, continue to refine our Intellectual Property and grow our headcount.

Being a small business in the UK has its challenges, some of which include Brexit, rising costs, and a restricted local market.

We believe the right investment can help us to become more visible to the global marketplace, establish a presence outside of the UK and achieve exponential growth through the wider rollout of our products and services.

Where do you see the business in 5 years?

Five years from now I would like to see us achieve all of the above. We should be a global entity and have premises on each major continent at the very least. Our products have been proven to work effectively as we have an established and growing client base.

Zanshuri has the potential to implement widespread change in an industry which has given lip service to power reduction for so many years. It is already common knowledge that some data centers use more energy than some towns and cities in the world.

This cannot be allowed to continue unaddressed. We are able to do something about it now, with products that actually work and are not just theory. It is an exciting time for all. My team and I are eager to make their mark on the world. This is the way we will do it.

Tony O. Lawson

If you want exclusive access to the latest business trends and investment opportunities sign up for a premium membership.

Top 5 AI Robotics Trends in 2022

August 8, 2022August 8, 2022

3 mins read

We live in a time where technology is moving faster than we could have imagined. One such popular breakthrough has been artificial intelligence. The AI Robotics market is expected to grow from USD 6.9 billion in 2021 to USD 35.3 billion by 2026.

As technology has advanced, more and more technological developments have been implemented in this field. A lot of efforts are being put into making artificial intelligence robots safe, friendly, and efficient, from increasing functionalities to improving security.

Keep reading to learn more about the trends in AI Robotics in 2022.

1. AI-Powered Robotics and RPA

RPA improves quality control, lowers costs, and boosts efficiency, among other benefits. The adoption of RPA is growing exponentially in the 2020s. Integrating AI in robots and RPA will allow us to automate many processes that humans currently handle, thus saving time and resources on tasks that machines can perform. AI is the ideal complement to RPA, allowing for more accurate and efficient automation.

2. Rise of Cobots

Cobots are collaborative robots that are low-cost, safe, and easy to deploy. These are intended to collaborate with humans in businesses to combine the strengths of human employees and robots. Many industries have been adopting cobots to lower their production costs while improving the quality of their products.

3. Robotics in Healthcare

The healthcare industry is also taking advantage of the benefits of AI and robotics. Robotic devices that perform surgeries are being used to conduct complex operations. These machines can help surgeons work more efficiently, allowing them to spend less time on each patient. They can also assist with rehabilitation after an injury or illness by monitoring progress through exercise programs.

4. Delivery Robots

The era of delivery robots has been on the rise, with increased demand for them in the retail and food and beverage industries. The global delivery robots market is expected to grow at a higher CAGR of 31.3% from 2022 to 2030. The reduction of delivery costs in last-mile deliveries and increased venture funding are key drivers of growth in this market.

5. Smart Factories

As robots become more intelligent, manufacturing and distribution businesses have become smarter. Industrial robots and automated solutions are assisting businesses with assembly lines more efficiently. When performing repetitive tasks, industrial robots provide manufacturers with greater consistency and quality.

Artificial intelligence is changing the way people interact with computers and machines. As we move towards a more digital world, robotics will play an important role in our lives.

AI is a game-changer in many industries and shows no signs of slowing down.

Tony O. Lawson

If you want to learn more about the latest business trends and investment opportunities subscribe for a premium membership.

Attorney Talk: Things to Know Before Starting a Web3 Business or an Investment Fund

August 5, 2022August 5, 2022

1 min read

The Coleman Law Firm is a Black owned law firm owned by Bernard Coleman. Bernard has closed more than $1 billion dollars in transactions for clients in a variety of industries, including technology, entertainment, personal care, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, venture capital, and government contracting.

His firm specializes in representing diverse founders, small businesses, and early-stage growth companies through the stages of formation, organization, capitalization, expansion, and acquisition.

In this interview, Bernard discusses:

Why he left the world of Big Law to start his own firm.
Helping underrepresented founders raise capital via equity crowdfunding.
The legal ramifications of not differentiating between independent contractors and employees.
Best practices for trademark protection.
Determining when a cryptocurrency should be classified as either a utility token or a security.
Intellectual property issues in the Metaverse.
The benefits of acquiring businesses via the franchise model.

Tony O. Lawson

Disclaimer: The information provided does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information provided is for general informational purposes only.

Access exclusive content about the latest business trends and investment opportunities. Sign up for a premium membership.

5 Ways to Get Funding for your Web3 Startup

August 4, 2022August 5, 2022

4 mins read

Raising funds to get your Web3 startup off the ground can be challenging and overwhelming. However, there are a few tried-and-tested methods that you can try to attract capital for your Web3 venture. This article will explain some of these methods to you.

1. Self Investing & Asking Peers

Some founders of startups choose to invest their own money into the startup. Investing in your own idea is a sign of trust and confidence that could appeal to potential external investors. It shows them that you have faith in your project and are willing to take financial risks for it.

Also, if you’re a founder of a Web3 startup, don’t overlook your personal network as potential investors. If you know friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues looking for new investment opportunities, pitch your idea to them.

However, you and your peers alone cannot fund the entire startup. Once you’ve garnered as many funds as possible from your peers and contacts, you need to look to other external sources to get your startup on its feet.

2. Grants from Traditional Entities

Grants are pretty popular among the Web3 community as they are an important source of non-repayable funds. You also don’t have to give up any equity in your company when you accept a grant.

You can take advantage of this by applying for grants offered by traditional organizations that are part of the public and the private sector. Some of these organizations are looking to grant funding to promising startups aiming for innovation in the Web3 space.

When applying for grants from traditional organizations, however, remember that they come with specific stipulations, so read the fine print.

3. Grants from within the Web3 Industry

Many renowned organizations within the Web3 industries are looking to offer grants to startups that use their particular technology. For example, big names like Ethereum, Solana, or Cardano can offer you substantial funding, but the competition can be too fierce.

You could also consider grants offered by newer blockchain players in the market. Establishing your startup on one blockchain network can help you raise funds to expand your idea to others.

4. Web3 Accelerators & Incubators

Startup accelerators and incubators are typically designed to help fresh entrepreneurs grow by providing training, education, and a sufficient workspace. While they may not always be direct sources of funding, they do prepare you for the next steps in fundraising.

If you’re still developing the skills or confidence to build your startup and pitch to potential investors, accelerators and incubators could be of great help to you. However, ensure that when choosing an accelerator or an incubator, you pick one that caters specifically to Web3 startups.

5. Web3 Crowdfunding

While crowdfunding isn’t a new concept, it works slightly differently for a Web3 startup. Mostly because crowdfunding for new Web3 projects happens on blockchain networks. You can find various decentralized crowdfunding platforms that aim to raise funds from the wider Web3 community to help DAO projects. You can browse through your options and create a crowdfunding campaign for your startup!

Do extensive research on how each of these funding sources could benefit the startup idea you have in mind. Before approaching potential investors for funding, think of optimal ways to create and market your brand and get comfortable with pitching to investors.

Tony O. Lawson

Subscribe for a premium membership to access exclusive content about the latest business trends and investment opportunities.

Black Owned Home Decor Businesses to Support in 2022

August 3, 2022March 18, 2024

2 mins read

Home is where the heart is, and there’s no place like a stylish and unique home that speaks to your personality.

We’ve listed some more Black owned home decor businesses that can help you add character and style to your living or working space.

These businesses have everything you need from light fixtures to wall art. S,o if you’re looking for a way to customize your space, check these companies out!

Black owned home decor businesses

Yowie

black owned home decor companies

Located in Philadelphia (and online), Yowie features a carefully curated selection of home goods, decor, and items for the lifestyle. You can find everything from tumblers and artwork to textiles and decor, all thoughtfully crafted and displayed.

Karen Jai Home

Karen Jai Home offers a wide assortment of items including decorative bust statues in splashes of uplifting hues, elegant and earthy storage baskets hand-woven by Bangladeshi artisans, modern vases, timeless furniture, and much more. Use Code SHOPPEBLACK for a discount.

Marie Burgos Collection

The Marie Burgos Collection offers design professionals and homeowners bold new contemporary lighting, furniture, and decorative accessories with a fresh perspective. In her design projects for residential and commercial interiors, designer Marie Burgos emphasizes harmony, comfort, and abundant style.

Clare

black owned home decor businesses

Clare is on a mission to make paint shopping easy and fun. Clare’s founder, Nicole Gibbons, is an interior designer, lifestyle expert, and TV personality with years of experience and a penchant for picking the perfect hue. Clare’s products are delivered right to your door, making the process of painting your home simple and mess-free.

black owned home decor businesses

For 20 years The Maasai Shop has been filling homes with authentic, handmade items. This Kenya-based company specializes creating in the finest beadwork, wood, and leather products.

Promote your business

Want to invest in Black-owned businesses? Please complete this brief form.

5 Global Trends Affecting the Fashion Industry

August 2, 2022

4 mins read

Fashion trends continue to evolve and change daily. A major key to being successful in the fashion industry is to identify these trends and act on them before your competitors.

However, many fashion companies find it difficult to do this since they may not have a good understanding of the global trends affecting their industry.

The revenue of the global apparel market for 2021 was estimated to be around 1.5 trillion USD, and it was expected to rise to about 2 trillion by 2026. The industry is quickly moving towards growth while these trends are still evolving. If you want to learn more about the global trends that are affecting the fashion industry right now, keep reading!

1. Sustainability

67% of consumers consider sustainable materials to be a factor in purchasing a fashion item. Sustainability is a significant trend in the fashion industry, and it’s not going away anytime soon. The popularity of sustainable clothing has been on the rise for years, but now more than ever, people prioritize this type of clothing.

Consumers seem to prefer organic fabrics made without harsh chemicals or pesticides that can pollute our landfills or bodies when worn by humans over time. They’re also great for sensitive skin types because they’re free from synthetic dyes in many conventional fabrics (like polyester).

2. Inclusivity

Inclusivity is good for business. A more diverse mindset creates better products, which makes the brand more competitive in the marketplace. As we’re seeing with the fashion industry, it attracts a more extensive customer base that might otherwise be overlooked or ignored.

There is a huge shift toward inclusivity, particularly concerning body types. Brands are realizing that their customers want more than just one kind of model—and they’re responding by making room for all kinds of bodies and identities.

3. Influencer Culture

Influencer culture is still a powerful tool for brands to reach consumers. Influencers help reach new markets and find new fans, and as the influencer economy continues to grow, we’re seeing more and more brands getting involved.

Consumers want to know what they’re buying is authentic—and they’re increasingly turning toward influencers who can tell them via their personal channels like Instagram.

4. Retailers are Going Digital

Customers are shopping online now more than ever before. And with good reason: online shopping is convenient, cheaper, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible. So, it’s no wonder that many retailers are focusing on their web presence first when it comes to marketing efforts.

5. Resale Culture

According to a survey, there were 52.6 million total clothing resellers in 2020, primarily online in the US. Both resale sites and rental platforms have emerged as a sustainable alternative to fast, disposable fashion. Consumers are getting more comfortable with the idea of owning less and paying for temporary access to items they need instead of buying them outright.

The fashion industry is changing fast, and brands that don’t keep up with these trends will lose out. To remain competitive, they must embrace sustainability, digital-first retailing, and smarter consumers who want instant gratification and inclusivity of all body types.

This Sibling Duo Runs a Trucking Consulting Business That Has Helped Launch over 100 Trucking Businesses

August 2, 2022

8 mins read

Lashanta and Lateasha Witherspoon are the owners of LLG Transportation Consultants, a Dallas-based trucking consulting business and a one-stop shop for all your trucking and transportation needs.

We caught up with the sisters to find out more about them and their business.

What inspired you to start your consulting business?

Our father is one of the primary reasons we started our transportation consulting business. He has been in the trucking industry for over 30 years and has been an owner-operator for over 20 years. Traveling on the road with him every summer and experiencing the ins and outs of trucking inspired us to start our own trucking business.

Our dad also inspired us to help other individuals such as our family and friends in the trucking industry. We started helping with dispatching and then transitioned into organizing documents, retrieving funds from unpaid invoices from factoring companies, and compliance items.

From there, we began reaching out to other trucking companies and asking what assistance we could offer that allows them to focus on driving.

We knew we didn’t want to own a truck initially due to the financial obligation and wanted as low overhead as possible, so we started our transportation consultant business.

What services does LLG Transportation provide?

LLG Transportation Consultants helps motor carriers start their trucking companies. We also offer training and courses on LLG University, our education platform.

We provide several step-by-step, instructional curricula to help individuals who want to learn how to start their own back-office support and compliance consulting business like LLG, learn how freight dispatching to start their own company, or simply looking to make additional income.

The services we offer can be purchased individually or as a package. We help people obtain their Motor Carrier number, USDOT Number, BOC-3, UCR registration, IFTA Registration/Quarterly Taxes, FMCSA Clearinghouse, Drug & Alcohol Consortium Enrollment, etc.

How would you describe the current state of the trucking industry?

The trucking industry is at a decline due to the rise in diesel prices and low rates per mile. Another issue is the shortage of drivers and growth in the implementation of self-driving trucks.

These changes may cause a slight shift in the way the industry operates; however, we don’t foresee self-driving trucks being effective for a few more years and we don’t think truck drivers will be removed.

Even though the industry is slow, people are still starting trucking companies daily with the expectation that the economy will get better and drivers seeing an increase in rates. The gas prices are starting to decrease which is a good sign for many motor carriers and companies.

Can you describe the type of growth you’ve achieved since your business launched? What do you attribute that growth to?

We have had to adapt to unexpected growth right from the start. During the first week of launching, we received several inquiries and calls from motor carriers looking to start their trucking company.

In response to an overwhelming amount of interest, we modified our business model in order to keep up with the demand.

God has truly favored us. It has been almost 2 years as business owners, and we have had the pleasure of being featured and interviewed on several major platforms including Shoppe Black!

What we attribute our rapid growth to is being authentic, informative, and knowledgeable. We initially started our trucking business in January 2019 but didn’t officially launch until November 2020.

We wanted to make sure before we launched that we knew the industry well enough to be able to change the trajectory of what was missing and ultimately needed to make a difference in the trucking industry.

What are your individual roles in the business?

Lateasha is our marketing/training Director. She oversees marketing/advertisement, creates all courses and material, sends out campaigns on promotions, onboarding trainers, processes all package and compliance services, and the mentorship coaching for our company.

Lashanta is our financial/accountant consultant. Her 13+ years working as an accountant for a nonprofit organization, a loan officer at a well-known credit union, and a supervisor for a major corporation have helped her master the role of being a bookkeeper, budget analyst, business credit coach, and financial planner.

We are something like your Venus and Serena Williams of Trucking. Being in two separate industries has helped us to understand our individual roles and master them without feeling overshadowed by the other.

How do you balance being business partners and siblings?

It was difficult at the beginning. However, with continuous self-development, therapy, and leadership coaching, we have grown to understand and respect each other’s boundaries. We have also learned the importance of effective communication and decision-making.

Where do you see the business in 5 years?

In 5 years, we see LLG Transportation Consultants as a major corporation with locations in several states that offer ongoing back office support and compliance services and training but also owning a successful CDL trucking school and offering CDL training.

In addition to that, possibly having a parking lot where drivers will be able to park their trucks and feel safe and secure.

Also, one day we would like to have our own trucking show with other amazing, boss women in the trucking industry traveling the world educating on trucking in general and helping other companies with compliance issues to avoid audits and fees.

What advice do you have for entrepreneurs in the trucking industry?

Before starting your trucking company, make sure you are knowledgeable about the entire process and understand the financial responsibilities of starting a trucking business. Yes, anyone can YouTube and Google this information, but some things come from experience.

Invest in an expert(s) such LLG Transportation Consultants to ensure you are doing the process right the first time. Trust us, it will save you a lot of money and headaches. My dad always tells us, “A bought lesson is the best lesson”.

Lastly, we want readers to know that we are having our 2022 Compliance Conference on September 3rd in Dallas, Texas at the Hilton DFW Lakes Conference Center in Grapevine, TX.

Tickets are on sale now for in-person and virtual options on our website. Also, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @llgtransportationconsultants for tips.

And, feel free to give us a call at 1-888-799-3055 ext.1 for any help starting your trucking company or general inquiries.