Black woman entrepreneur working and planning

6 Shifts Black Women Can Make to Play Big in Business

As Black women entrepreneurs, we often begin our journey driven by hustle, passion, and resourcefulness. However, many of us haven’t been taught how to “play big” in business or exposed to wealth-building strategies that drive entrepreneurial success. This gap can leave us unsure about the money moves needed to shift from a small-time hustle to big profits and scalable operations.

Sis, dreaming big is just the first step. To achieve breakthrough success, you need a clear understanding of the stages of business growth and actionable strategies to navigate each stage. That’s where Sistahbiz steps in—helping sistahpreneurs like you make bold moves that multiply reach and revenue. Whether you’re selling skincare, coaching services, or graphic design, these six shifts will help you lay the groundwork for scaling your business.

Shift 1: From Generating Your Own Leads to Running a Sales Team

Initially, grinding to sell your product through fairs or your network can feel rewarding. Yet, as one person, you are limited in how far you can go. Hiring a sales team not only amplifies your reach but also significantly increases revenue potential. For example, imagine signing five new clients daily instead of one because a dedicated team is working to sell on your behalf.

How to Get Started:

  • Build a sales funnel and implement a CRM system like HubSpot or Zoho.
  • Develop sales presentations and scripts.
  • Write job descriptions and recruit salespeople through platforms such as LinkedIn or Indeed.

For additional tips, check out our blog post on creating scalable sales systems.

Shift 2: From Direct Sales to Channel Sales

Direct sales offer control and insight into your customers’ needs, which is essential early on. However, scaling often requires transitioning to channel sales, where third parties such as retailers or affiliates sell your products. This approach expands your reach and allows you to sell at a higher volume. Although you may share profits, the increased sales typically outweigh the cost.

How to Get Started:

  • Build an affiliate program using platforms like ShareASale or PartnerStack.
  • Create a retail pitch plan and identify potential third-party sellers.

Internal link: Learn how to craft a winning pitch with our Retail Sales Strategies Guide.

Shift 3: From No Employees to an In-House Team

Scaling requires a team to help you handle production, delivery, and sales. When you hire employees, you can focus on strategic growth instead of juggling every task. But, managing a team successfully requires leadership skills and strong operational systems. Once you develop these capacities, your in-house team can take your business to new heights.

How to Get Started:

  • Develop an organizational chart and clear job descriptions.
  • Plan for growth by aligning new hires with revenue milestones.
  • Invest in leadership training through programs like our Sistahbiz Leadership Accelerator.

Shift 4: From Business-to-Customer (B2C) to Business-to-Business (B2B)

Shifting to B2B sales can open doors to corporate or government clients with larger budgets. These customers often purchase in bulk or require services on a larger scale, significantly boosting your revenue. For instance, you could transition from offering one-on-one coaching to providing a training program for an entire department.

How to Get Started:

  • Create a proposal template or pitch tailored to businesses.
  • Use platforms like SAM.gov to identify government contracting opportunities.
  • Network with decision-makers at corporate events or through LinkedIn.

Shift 5: From Small Contracts to Big Contracts

Small transactions may keep you afloat initially, but landing large contracts can transform your business. For instance, you could pursue government RFPs (Requests for Proposals) or partner with larger firms to secure bigger projects.

How to Get Started:

  • Obtain certification as a Minority and Women-Owned Business at the state or federal level.
  • Attend information sessions hosted by city and state agencies.
  • Scout RFP opportunities in sectors like education, transportation, and public health.

Internal link: Dive into the benefits of certification in our post, “MWBE Certification: A Guide for Black Women Entrepreneurs”.

Shift 6: From Selling Within Your Network to Expanding Beyond

Selling within your network may feel comfortable, but real growth happens when you intentionally step into unfamiliar spaces. By connecting with groups outside your immediate circle, you can unlock new opportunities and learn valuable lessons.

How to Get Started:

  • Commit to attending at least one networking event per week.
  • Join organizations like SCORE or local business associations.
  • Explore online communities and mastermind groups that challenge your perspective.

With these strategies and resources, you don’t have to navigate business growth alone. Joining the Sistahbiz Suite gives you access to the tools, support, and community you need to scale smarter and grow faster. From our workgroups to on-demand business planning tools, our membership is built to help Black women entrepreneurs succeed at every stage. Ready to level up? Try the Sistahbiz Suite for free for 14 days at app.sistah.biz/signup and start transforming your hustle into a thriving enterprise today.