Author: Henry Murphy

I woke up this morning with a thought on my heart: you haven’t failed enough. It’s something I’ll tell anyone building a business from the ground up, and it’s something I have to remind myself. I’m working on new design concepts, and honestly, I don’t know for sure if they’ll work. We can always feel good about what we’re doing, but the truth is, we’ll never really know until the market tells us. I’ve been thinking about how to roll these ideas out so that if I take a financial loss on one of the designs, I can quickly come back with the next one. I’ve also been considering how to get the public involved in the process.

I love entrepreneurship with everything in me—the trial, the error, the struggle, the learning. But I also love looking to others and seeing what they’ve been through. It reassures me that I’m not alone.

Take Daymond John, for example. Before his global brand FUBU took off, he was on the brink of bankruptcy multiple times. He mortgaged his house, poured everything into the brand, and faced rejection after rejection. But through it all, he kept going. Today, FUBU is a household name, and Daymond is one of the most well-known entrepreneurs. He failed, but he didn’t stop.

Then there’s Tyler Perry. He’s built an empire in film and theater, but his journey wasn’t easy. His early plays were financial disasters, leaving him homeless and living in his car. Yet, he held onto his dream. After years of struggle, his work finally gained recognition, and today, Tyler Perry Studios stands as a testament to his perseverance. He failed, but he didn’t stop.

And lastly, Cathy Hughes. The founder of Urban One had her home foreclosed and faced years of financial challenges. She sacrificed everything for her vision, and after years of struggle, she became the first Black woman to head a publicly traded media company. Now, Urban One owns over 50 radio stations. She failed, but she didn’t stop.

Let me leave you with this: the vision you see is real, but it’s going to take grit to get where you’re going. You can do it. Sometimes, you just need someone to tell you it’s possible. Daymond John, Tyler Perry, and Cathy Hughes—they’re all telling you it’s possible too. Keep going.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

It is not an easy task to take something from concept to conception. To dream about it, imagine it, and then actually put the wheels in motion. It takes grit, it takes grind. Now, imagine you’re still working your 9 to 5, taking care of your child, trying to provide the best way you can, while feeling that nudge, that overwhelming call to create something amazing. Not just a good idea—a great idea. Not only does the food taste good, but it’s healthy for you.

When I think about Nickole from Lush Vegan, that’s exactly what I see. Someone getting it out of the mud, putting in the work to build her skill set, refine her communication, and craft her brand story. It’s no easy task to be in corporate America while creating your own fine dining vegan restaurants in a metropolitan city, but that’s exactly what she is doing. When you’re the first to do something, and you didn’t come from generational wealth, using your own money and finding creative ways to make it happen—that’s a lot of pressure. Sometimes, you ask yourself, “Is it worth it?” Then you realize, if you don’t do this, the vision that God gave you won’t come to pass.

Nickole is attempting something big, but she can look at other strong women who didn’t have much and still did something phenomenal. Oprah Winfrey grew up in poverty, but she became a media mogul and the first Black woman billionaire through sheer determination. She didn’t have wealth handed down to her, but she created a legacy of her own. Similarly, Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, started with just $5,000 of her own money and a great idea. She pushed through every obstacle to build a billion-dollar empire, proving that it’s possible to create something revolutionary without generational backing.

I’ve seen Nickole grow tremendously over the years I’ve known her, and I can’t wait to look back five years from now and see how her empire has grown. I see fine dining vegan restaurants in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles. I see frozen goods in stores across the nation—and that’s just the beginning. Nickole is already on her journey, and she’s already making her mark.

If you’re reading this, take note of the two women I mentioned, but also keep your eyes on Nickole. She’s in the midst of her journey, making it happen in real time. Keep going. Dreams are attainable, but remember, they take before they give. You are worthy to possess the dream that God gave you.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

The diversity of influences never fails to fascinate me, showcasing the unique gifts bestowed upon each individual by a higher power. It’s a reminder that within the vast marketplace, there’s a place for everyone willing to authentically be themselves.

Take, for instance, a lady who started her journey as a manager at Target and transitioned into a YouTube influencer. Her story, followed closely by my wife and daughter, serves as a testament to the possibilities that unfold when one takes risks and remains consistent.

Her genius lay in a simple yet relatable concept – showcasing both high and low fashion, aligning with the budgeting reality of many. The blend of occasional high-end splurges with budget-friendly choices like thrifting or Target purchases resonated with a broader audience. It was this authenticity that made her stand out in the realm of influencers.

So, what’s your niche? How can you stand out and become the person your tribe is seeking? The answer lies in putting your unique ideas into the marketplace. Fear not the risk or the prospect of failure, for as Marshall once said, “The only life worth living is the one you’re afraid to live.”

In conclusion, your uniqueness is your strength. Embrace it, share it with the world, and discover the profound impact you can make in the marketplace.

When I first got started in business, I was very timid, and although that wasn’t my character, I felt like I was infringing on people’s privacy when I had to follow up with them on services they contacted me for. Man, I was so nervous I was like, “What do I say to him? How do I even approach this situation?” It’s almost like you’re talking to yourself. “Well, they hit me up first, so I know they want the service… maybe they didn’t like me?” You start asking yourself questions like this because you’re just unsure, but let me assure you, these are all natural emotions.

I used to run a company called the Sweat Shop ATL, and no, it’s not like the sweatshops you’re thinking of. I called it the Sweat Shop because as we worked, we were always sweating. I thought the name was fitting because when we first started, we were in a small room heat pressing shirts with screen print transfers. I was starting to get a little buzz, so people would ask me about printing their stuff because they knew I was printing my own merchandise at Unapologetic. If you called me to talk about what I do, I’d flow seamlessly because I love what I do. However, if you weren’t ready to pull the trigger at that time, then I’d feel a little uncomfortable following up with you.

But let me tell you—the follow-up game is everything. Most of your customers will call to inquire, but they won’t always buy right away. Sometimes they just want to see what else is out there, because like most people, they’re looking for a better price. But here’s the thing: my goal is always to win them over with my personality. It’s about that personal connection. If people connect with you personally, and you deliver professionally, you’ve got a lifetime customer.

Here are a few suggestions you can use when following up with your customers:

1. Acknowledge Previous Conversations – “Hey [Client’s Name], just wanted to follow up on our conversation about [service/product]. Have you had a chance to consider the options we discussed?”

2. Highlight the Benefits – “I truly believe our service can help you [solve their problem], and I’d love to help you take the next step when you’re ready.”

3. Offer New Insights – “I’ve been thinking more about your project and came up with a few additional ideas that could really enhance what we discussed. I’d love to run them by you.”

4. Be Friendly and Direct – “Just checking in to see if you’re still interested in moving forward. I’m here to answer any questions or concerns you may have.”

Never forget—the follow-up game is everything. Stay consistent, build those connections, and you’ll build lasting relationships that keep your business thriving.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

When I think about investing, three things come to mind: investing in ourselves, investing in ads, and investing in the stock market.

When it comes to investing in myself, I think about learning how to build a website, how to create a course, how to be a better communicator, and how to improve my writing so I can become a better author. These are all examples of developing the skills that allow us to grow and become better in our personal and professional lives.

When I think about investing in ads, I know that proper planning is key. I teach this to my students at The Ground Up Academy because once you’ve built your brand’s foundation, ads can become the catalyst for scaling. But before running ads, there are crucial steps that can’t be skipped: knowing your “why,” defining your brand story, and establishing a solid brand identity. These elements are the foundation of any successful ad campaign. Without them, the ads will lack direction, and your message won’t resonate with the right audience.

On top of that, you need a system in place—like mapping out the customer journey through email and text messaging. Without a well-thought-out plan, ads can create more chaos than growth. Everything needs to connect smoothly for your marketing efforts to be effective. That’s why I emphasize to my students that investing in these foundations and the right tools is crucial before diving into ads.

Then, when I think about the stock market, I realize I need to start by understanding the basics. What is a ticker symbol? What are ETFs and mutual funds? I have to invest time into learning the fundamentals before I can expect to see results from any financial investment.

No matter what you’re pursuing, investing—whether in yourself, ads, or the stock market—never stops. It’s continual. Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep going.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

I’m not sure when I developed the skill of brain dumping, but it probably emerged when my vision started to change. I had to find a way to get the ideas out of my head to gain more clarity and create space for new, creative thoughts.

I love to brain dump by using talk-to-text or voice recording myself. That’s why I enjoyed doing the podcast so much—it was a form of brain dump for me. It allowed me to share my experiences from the entrepreneurial journey, including valuable lessons I’ve learned. Now, I still practice this technique: I come in, dump everything out of my head, and then go back to organize my thoughts. When I do this, I often realize that there are insights I can apply immediately or use to teach others based on my experiences. There’s real power in that process.

Ironically, I thought it was fitting to brain dump this blog to illustrate the effectiveness of the technique.

Brain dumping is the practice of quickly writing down or recording everything that comes to mind about a particular topic. It helps clear mental clutter and enhances clarity. This technique allows you to free associate your thoughts, making it easier to identify priorities and generate new ideas without the pressure of structure or coherence.

As I’ve practiced brain dumping more, I’ve noticed that it’s become a valuable skill set. The more I do it, the better I get, and the more ideas flow. I’ve discovered new techniques and strategies that I can implement in my business.

Here are my final thoughts: Brain dumping is more than just a technique; it’s a powerful tool for unlocking creativity and enhancing productivity. By allowing yourself to freely express your thoughts, you create a pathway for clarity and insight that can drive your business forward. If you haven’t tried brain dumping yet, I encourage you to dive in and experience the benefits for yourself. You might just find that it opens up a world of possibilities you hadn’t considered before.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

When I got started with my brand in 2013, I didn’t know much about the business at all. I was kind of like a parrot mimicking everything that I saw other big brands do. I failed to realize the psychology behind it all and didn’t realize the same psychology was affecting me every single day and how I purchased items. As I’m penning this blog, I was looking at a 75-inch Samsung TV on Costco, and the Rule of 100 showed its face. I was already looking for it, but it drew me in—it got me. I wasn’t ready to pull the trigger yet, but the way that they framed it already sold me.

Now, as a brand owner, I know the importance of clearing out merchandise after a big launch. When you drop multiple items at once, you will always have leftover stock. That’s the reason brands run sales: to move that inventory. Since this is bound to happen in your business too, understanding how to frame those discounts is essential.

Here’s where The Power of 100 comes in. Let’s say you’re selling two hoodies—one priced at $75 and the other at $125. For the $75 hoodie, offering a 20% discount sounds a lot more compelling than saying “$15 off.” That percentage feels bigger, even though the amount is the same. On the flip side, for the $125 hoodie, framing the discount as “$25 off” feels more powerful than “20% off,” even though both discounts are identical. This is the psychology behind the Rule of 100—it’s all about how the value is perceived by your customer.

The Rule of 100 teaches us that for products under $100, a percentage discount feels bigger, while for products over $100, showing the dollar amount packs more punch. This subtle difference in how you present discounts can make all the difference in how your customers perceive value.

In business, how you frame things matters. Use the Rule of 100 to sell smarter, move your inventory, and boost your revenue.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, people often underestimate the power of the coffee shop. It’s not just a place for a caffeine fix; it’s a sanctuary for thought, human connection, and unexpected opportunities for ministry.

A coffee shop is more than a space to work or enjoy a beverage; it’s an opportunity to engage with a diverse community. Whether pouring into someone, offering a prayer, or receiving wisdom from unexpected encounters, the coffee shop becomes a dynamic hub for connections.

In a previous blog, I explored the benefits of consistently visiting a place and getting to know the people there. While Starbucks is a frequent stop, downtown Los Angeles boasts a plethora of unique coffee shops, each with its own charm and possibly better coffee. Variety opens the door to new experiences and connections.

The allure of coffee shops with food extends the stay, providing an environment conducive to productivity and relaxation. The potential for community in these spaces is immense, with every visit presenting a chance to meet someone new or strengthen existing connections.

The next time you step into a coffee shop, remember it’s not just a place for a beverage; it’s a gateway to community. Don’t neglect this hidden gem in your pursuit of connection and meaningful interactions. Let the coffee shop be more than a routine stop – let it be a space where community flourishes.

Every now and then, I jot down thoughts for blogs I want to create, but sometimes I can’t quite recall what sparked the original idea. I recently stumbled across a note that said, “Do not grow weary. Do not let your heart be troubled.”

Life has a way of hitting us hard at times, and it can weigh heavy on the spirit. But in those moments, it always does me good to remember who God is, what He’s done, and how deeply He cares for me.

When I read the scriptures, I’m reminded that He is the same God throughout all generations. The same God who used Moses and Aaron to declare to Pharaoh, “I Am who I Am,” and freed the children of Israel from bondage. He’s the same God who spoke to Moses from the mountain and parted the Red Sea. And He’s the same God who spoke to Job from the whirlwind:

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?

Tell me, if you have understanding.

Who determined its measurements—surely you know!

Or who stretched the line upon it?

On what were its bases sunk,

or who laid its cornerstone,

when the morning stars sang together

and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4-7)

I remember when we were transitioning from Atlanta to Los Angeles, I reassured my wife, “He’s the same God in Atlanta as He is in California.” No matter where I am, I know I can cast my cares on Him because He cares for me. And I declare with boldness, “God’s got me.”

Today, I didn’t feel the need to write about entrepreneurship. Instead, I wanted to speak to those who might be going through something tough right now. I believe you need it right now at this moment.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

I have to admit, I’m a sucker for rewards. Whether it’s my go-to coffee spot, Starbucks, or when I’m booking a flight with Southwest, I’m all in when it comes to stacking points and getting perks.

Take Starbucks, for example. There’s nothing like getting that email announcing a buy-one-get-one-free offer or the thrill of knowing my next drink is free just by redeeming rewards. Whoever came up with this system—pure genius. It keeps me coming back, and that’s the point: loyalty.

The same goes for Southwest Airlines. If I’m flying anyway, why not rack up some Rapid Rewards points? Every time I book a flight, I’m quick to tell my wife, “Send me my rewards number!” It’s a no-brainer because the points add up, and I can use them for future flights or other perks. It’s a win-win. I’m loyal to Southwest not just because of the service, but because of the rewards system that gives me value for something I was already planning to do.

It doesn’t matter where you get your coffee or which airline you choose—it’s all the same. A good reward system builds loyalty. It keeps customers coming back and makes them feel like they’re getting a little something extra. If you already have customers shopping with you, offering incentives through a reward system can make them want to shop with you even more.

Now, if you’re running a store on Shopify, adding a reward system could be the key to boosting customer retention. Here are three apps I recommend to make it happen:

1. Judge.me – Perfect for collecting and displaying customer reviews while rewarding loyal buyers.

2. Smile.io – One of the highest-ranking loyalty apps, allowing you to easily set up points, referrals, and VIP programs.

3. LoyaltyLion – A feature-rich loyalty program app that integrates with your Shopify store seamlessly, offering points for purchases, referrals, and more.

At the end of the day, we didn’t create the reward system—but the reward system works. So, take advantage of it and implement one into your business today.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.