Windows
Windows
’s first foray into small business was as a computer consultant, more than two decades ago. The lifelong Windows user – a self-identified geek – didn’t know why he was so drawn to technology from such an early age, but he built do-it-yourself electronic kits from Radio Shack (such as transistor radios) as a kid. His dad being an electrician also probably influenced him too. His comfort level with modern tools went hand in hand with a willingness to take on risk – something he compares with free climbing. Ray – who grew up in the Midwest, “where neighbors nod at each other and say hello” and later, New York City – projects an extrovert’s comfort with events and public speaking and pivoted toward remote versions of both during the pandemic. “I like small business. I like the hustle. I like the risk. I like working for myself. I like the freedom, the independence,” Ray says. “It's in me to do that art of creation and work with who I want, how I want and serve them what I want. That's why I started my second, third and fourth businesses.” He embraced the internet and blogging, which led to his current role: helping small businesses through news, trends and insights on his site. A small but mighty team churns out stories and tips. The site is available year-round, but expects to see a spike of traffic during National Small Business Week, which runs May 1 – 7. “I love inspiring people and helping people live better lives,” says Ray, who has constantly adapted to technology and the times on his self-employed journey – which includes a stint at the U.N. (on an administrative level), a brief interview with President Obama and completing the FBI Citizens Academy. “If I can help a small owner grow their business, I enjoy it. Telling their stories, of their entrepreneurship, of black enterprise especially, energizes me.” Ray says Smart Hustle appeals to any kind of small business; but in particular, creators (such as podcasters), career coaches, authors and speakers gravitate to it. On it you’ll see , and . [caption id="attachment_177135" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Ramon Ray at a conference in Orlando in 2022 (Photo courtesy of Ramon Ray)[/caption] Ray, who chose to follow his entrepreneurial passion over jobs that wouldn’t let him pursue his side gigs, shares some important lessons he’s picked up along the way:
- Entrepreneurship is hard. Hire the right team to help you.
- Focus on who you’re serving.
- You don't have to scale big. There's that little sweet spot, a middle road where you can enjoy your craft and get paid for doing it.
- Be the “celebrity CEO” of your marketplace, build a community of fans.