Making NOW your moment

Akeem Shannon, Founder and CEO at Flipstik Inc., delves into strategically navigating the CPG landscape. As an entrepreneur, one bold move can open up numerous opportunities for business and personal growth. Akeem's journey, from pitching on Shark Tank, to strategically leveraging a Snoop Dogg endorsement, shows the power of seizing the moment, taking risks, and turning setbacks into opportunities. Today, Akeem discusses making now your moment.
About the speaker

Akeem Shannon

Flipstik Inc

 - Flipstik Inc

Akeem Shannon is Founder and CEO at Flipstik Inc.

Show Notes

  • 01:46
    Flipstiks Shark Tank pitch and deal negotiation
    Flipstik was offered $100,000 for a 25% stake in their business on Shark Tank but declined the deal. Despite not closing the deal, the show provided validation, and credibility, increased sales, and later increased Flipstiks valuation from $400,000 to $5 million.
  • 07:42
    Learning from failures and the importance of persistence in entrepreneurship
    Despite challenges that may require you to pivot, it's crucial to continue moving forward and learn from failures to grow. Be willing to take risks and empower your employees to take bold actions and try new things, assuring them that its okay to make mistakes.
  • 12:07
    Leveraging viral moments for long
    Despite a video of Snoop Dogg endorsing Flipstik going viral on social media, it didn't immediately result in sales. However, it eventually led to Flipstik's Shark Tank appearance, retail opportunities at Target, and features on blog sites, boosting sales and brand recognition.
  • 13:56
    Seizing opportunities and embracing uncertainty
    Making bold moves such as cold emailing GM and Formula 1's owner, led to unexpected opportunities like a show and a potential collaboration with Formula E. Ultimately, it showcases the power of taking the first step and trusting that it will lead to where you need to go.

Quotes

  • "Despite not closing the deal on Shark Tank, it led to a $5 million valuation for the business later, and the validation we received from the show was incredible. The show is huge for any business." - Akeem Shannon

  • "When it comes to entrepreneurship, take the first step. And then take the next step until there aren't any more steps to take." - Akeem Shannon

  • "You cannot fear failure, it's critical to your growth. You only learn from your mistakes." - Akeem Shannon

  • "When our moment with Snoop Dogg went viral on social media, did we make sales right away? Of course not. But it got us on Shark Tank, into Target, on all the different blog sites." - Akeem Shannon

  • "There's no right move. There's just your next move. I never know what the right next step is. But I just take the next step. And I just trust that as I keep taking them, Ill get where I need to go." - Akeem Shannon

About the speaker

Akeem Shannon

Flipstik Inc

 - Flipstik Inc

Akeem Shannon is Founder and CEO at Flipstik Inc.

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