Jordyn Weaver is the founder of Forefront, an Atlanta-based start-up, that’s on a mission to bring Black brands to the Forefront by connecting them with influencers who promote their products to millions on social media. She’s also a 2024 Black Ambition HBCU Grand Prize winner.

Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas

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James Norman is Managing Partner and Sean Green is General Partner of Black Ops VC.

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Black Tech Green Money
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In this episode, Will Lucas discusses the importance of shifting from a service-oriented mindset to a platform-oriented approach in business. He emphasizes that building a platform allows for greater leverage, scalability, and the ability to create demand rather than just fulfilling it. Through personal anecdotes and examples, he illustrates how entrepreneurs can transform their businesses by thinking bigger and creating ecosystems that benefit not only themselves but also their communities. The conversation covers practical steps for building platforms, the rise of freelancers, and the types of platforms that can be developed to achieve success.

Takeaways

• If you are building a service, you're probably thinking too small.
• Service thinking is labor-centered; platform thinking is leverage-centered.
• Platform thinking separates your income from your hours.
• The power lies in controlling demand, not just talent.
• Building a container allows for multiple opportunities to flourish.
• Ecosystems compound and grow larger over time.
• Freelancers are on the rise, creating a need for platforms to organize them.
• You can build various types of platforms, including marketplaces and communities.
• Positioning is more important than having a large budget to start.
• Your small business doesn't have to stay small; it can evolve into a platform.

Will Lucas on Socials
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TikTok: @willlucasceo
Facebook: /wlucasii

Black Tech Green Money
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Facebook: /BlackTechGreenMoney

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Omi Bell is CEO of Black Girl Ventures

Will Lucas on Socials
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Black Tech Green Money
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Facebook: /BlackTechGreenMoney

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Morgan DeBaun is the Founder and CEO of Blavity and AfroTech.

Introducing, HealthStack Conference. Uniting health systems, pharma, tech, and AI startups to showcase real-world tech.

Will Lucas on Socials
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Facebook: /wlucasii

Black Tech Green Money
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Bryan Myers is President and CEO at [solidcore].

Will Lucas on Socials
Instagram: @willlucas
TikTok: @willlucasceo
Facebook: /wlucasii

Black Tech Green Money
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Dr. Jabaris Swain is Director-Innovation, MedTech at Johnson & Johnson, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Wharton MBA, and Harvard MPH.

Will Lucas on Socials
Instagram: @willlucas
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Facebook: /wlucasii

Black Tech Green Money
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Facebook: /BlackTechGreenMoney

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Will Lucas is the Brand Manager for AfroTech, and the Host and Producer for Black Tech Green Money podcast.

Will Lucas on Socials
Instagram: @willlucas
TikTok: @willlucasceo
Facebook: /wlucasii

Black Tech Green Money
Instagram: @blacktechgreenmoney
Facebook: /BlackTechGreenMoney

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.