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wadnes

@wadnsj

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I help startup founders win the right customers
Building @wearekapab 🇭🇹
↓ Great product. No sales? Here’s why

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Had the most vulnerable conversations I ever had last week as I did a few things that I’m proud of myself for doing. Here’s a recap of my thoughts

3AM PST Note to Self

In this game of life, the process of leveling up won’t be “sexy” — you’ll be tested but embrace the journey. Ask for help. Don’t skip steps and realize that the only person you’re in competition with is yourself. If you want to live the life you want instead of settling for the life you’ll get, take a risk. Calculated or not, the outcome will bring you two things. An accomplished goal or a lesson learned. Either way you win so...why not? | 📸 @joshglpa by @wadnsj

Building something good doesn’t guarantee people will buy it.

You can have a great product.
A great service.
A great idea.

And still struggle to get customers.

No matter what kind of business you’re building, the same principle applies:

More attention won’t help if people don’t understand why they should choose you.

People buy when they understand:

What problem you solve.
Why it matters to them.
Why they should trust you.
And why you’re the right choice.

So before asking:

“How do I get more people to see this?”

Ask:

“Why would the right person even choose this?”

Attention gets you seen.
Clarity gives people a reason to choose you.

BTW, I’m hosting a workshop during @newarktechweek on the 5 mistakes that keep startup founders from getting customers and what to do instead.

If you want to unpack this topic with me and other founders, pull up. We’d love to have you.

Peep the next pic for details.

Link in bio. by @wadnsj

A September to remember:
Euro-stepping through Paris, catching top-tier views, and celebrating my favorite person.

(And yes, je parle un peu français 🥐☕️🇫🇷) by @wadnsj

I ended up at a tech conference I had no plans of going to. And looking back, it turned into one of the most memorable trips I’ve had in a while.

From spending quality time with family and friends to having a new found appreciation for electric scooters.

Normally, last-minute trips or anything that requires me to do the most are an automatic no in my playbook.

But apparently I’m in my Shonda Rhimes “year of saying yes to everything” season, so I made an exception and I’m so glad I did. #renderatl by @wadnsj

I got accepted into the Black Venture Institute, a two-week program by BLCK VC (@blckvcorg ) that teaches Black professionals and operators how to break into venture capital.

Over 300 people applied.
I’m one of the few who got in.

For the past decade I’ve built my career across product, marketing, and sales working for companies like TikTok, Spotify, and Hypebeast.

Through my consultancy @wearekapab, I help startup founders build GTM strategies that turn cultural relevance into real growth.

But I’ve always been drawn to the other side of the table and learning how great investors spot innovative founders early. How they evaluate risk and how they help companies grow from day one.

Long term, I’m building toward a career in venture capital, whether that’s becoming a scout or angel investor we’ll see where the journey takes me as I’m excited to stay committed to my vision of backing people and products from historically underserved and overlooked communities working to make a difference.

They say teaching is the best way to learn so I’ll be sharing what I learn in real time so be on the lookout. by @wadnsj

First pod feature of the year🎙️
Major thanks to my guys over at
@socialcurrencyseries for having me.

I got the chance to share my story and what I’m building with @wearekapab

KAPAB means “capable” in Haitian Creole.

Sharing this as a reminder to you (and myself) that you’re capable of turning your wild ideas into reality.

You just have to start.

Link to full interview in bio.

If you’re a tech founder and you want to win the right customers on repeat.

Let’s talk. by @wadnsj

I dreamt with my eyes open & made it happen.

We brought culture to @newarktechweek and the community showed out.
 Forever grateful. 🙏🏽

I remember going to AfroTech and hearing every panelist talk about “culture.”
 But no one ever broke it down.

We say it. We sing about it. We build businesses around it.
 But few know what it looks like to actually build with culture in mind.

From watching founders I admired up close like @justinrgerrard and @brianjgerrard_ who built and exited a company they started, to @anthonyfrasier who’s been preaching for years to never dumb down your greatness.
 I realized the cool kids always talked about culture, but few explained how to apply it.

So I decided to take on that challenge, and I’m proud we delivered something that helped founders see culture differently.

Culture isn’t what makes you cool. It’s what makes you connect.

🎥: @donteze by @wadnsj

Last year I attended @newarktechweek and this year I spoke at it. Crazy how life works.

What’s even crazier is the keynote speaker was my old boss (@iphonz).

I couldn’t make this up if I tried.

Thank you for everyone that supported our event focused on educating founders, small business owners, and students on how they can use culture to drive business growth to win and keep customers.

180 RSVPs, emails and texts. The love was real.

Glad we were able to produce an event that actually helped people. @thetaught @curatedbydarren couldn’t have done it without you guys!

@citimedina and the @equalspaceco team, thanks for giving us the opportunity to share our experience with the Newark tech community.

Last year this was all an idea. Now it’s something crossed off my list. Excited to keep applying pressure and keep turning ideas into reality. by @wadnsj

Didn’t want to go at first, but I had a change of heart.

Sharing the experience, the magic, and the storytelling creates memories that are priceless.

You know you made the right choice when you’re just standing there looking at fireworks thinking...

@neyo really snapped when he wrote these lyrics:

“You’re the best thing I never knew I needed.”

#disney 🏰👑 by @wadnsj

Back on IG after a three year break.
New mindset. New outlook. Same goal.

Excited to share what this
new chapter looks like for me.

Becoming season…loading by @wadnsj

In a generation where marriage is going out of style cheers to those who actively choose each other and work daily on growing together🥂 by @wadnsj

Dear Summer ‘22
Thanks for being memorable
Love,
WJC by @wadnsj