So the frenzy over the launch of Beyonce's "athleisure" line Ivy Park has settled and it gave me a chance to just reflect on all the craziness that just took place. Although I didn't personally attempt to buy any of the pieces, I can't help but be amazed at how Beyonce's level of influence knows no bounds. And after giving it some thought these 5 things about business and launching came to mind which I'm hoping will be beneficial to you and your business endeavours.

Collaborating

Yes - This is Queen Bey, who we know could be very successful launching a line completely on her own. However Beyonce knows the power of a strategic partner, which is why she teamed up with Sir Philip Green, Businessman and Chairman of the Arcadia Group, a retail giant that includes Topshop and Dorothy Perkins among others. Think about this when you want to collaborate as well. Don't pick the most good-looking partner, pick one that actually knows what they're doing in the field that you're in. The collaboration should be mutually beneficial as otherwise you might find it hard to get someone to say yes. However when done right, they can increase your reach and/or results dramatically. 

Branding

Branding is this thing that we're all trying to figure out and get perfect. Unfortunately, I've seen one too many people try WAY to hard. You don't need ALL of that fluff. So here's my advice, get a professional! At the very least get 5 or 20 "second" opinions. It doesn't take much in most cases, and Ivy Park proves this. The look is so simple yet intentional and therefore impactful. The entire line, comprising of some 200 pieces, consists of only 7 colors! Guys, Keep It Simple Silly! (I know that's not what the last 'S' actually stands for, but NONE of my readers are stupid, so ;)

Power of a Story

Why does Beyonce share the meaning behind the name of the brand? Becuase we want to know. We care, we're nosey, and it can even motivate us. Sharing your story is what differentiates you from everybody else. A thousand people may make and sell jewelry, but only YOU have your story. I wrote about Simone Smith, LL Cool J's wife before and the story behind her jewelry line, and it's what sets her apart. 

People don't buy stuff, they buy the story.

So if jogging through a Houston park kept Bey motivated, then heck, I'ma wear this Ivy Park Racerback Tank and stay motivated to keep on keeping on too, and never give up. Cause if Bey can do it, daggon it, I'ma get close. 

[Related: Don't Be Afraid to Tell the Truth - Share Your Story]

Create Expectation/Buzz

Whenever you plan on launching something, creating high expectations and a buzz will definitely work in your favor. The buzz was so high for the Ivy Park collection that people didn't care about any reviews before purchasing. I heard that apparently the sizes run small, and a Large isn't really a Large. But guess what? It still pretty much sold out. I'm not implying that you should overpromise and under-deliver because you're just shooting yourself in the foot. What I am implying though is that through either previews, samples...some sort of way, you leave your audience longing and anticipate the full/complete version.  

Connection

Beyonce is great at connecting with her fans. Why? Becuase she KNOWS them. She created a product that THEY would love, and more importantly, that they could afford. What's the point in creating an amazing product that your audience can't afford?  I read one report in The Guardian of a fan buying the clothing because she could visualize Bey wearing it herself, and so this is a way for her "be" Bey. Not much imagination was needed to envision the songstress in the line as she appears and wears it in all the commercials. NOT a coincidence. So the lesson here is Know Your Customer! (or audience, same difference).

There you have it. The 5 business tips I learned from the Ivy Park launch. I hope they were beneficial to you and that you manage to apply them to your hustle one way or another. Keep your hopes and dreams alive, keep hustling, and keep on believing that your story and your brand matters, because YOU matter. 

Stay blessed!