Avelo Review

In an era where digital presence is increasingly crucial, two young entrepreneurs, Neo Kalungu-Banda and his business partner Ben, are attempting to carve out a niche in personal branding through website design. Their approach is refreshingly direct yet slightly rough around the edges – a hallmark of young entrepreneurs finding their footing.

The Initial Pitch:

When Neo reached out with a message offering a "free website," my initial reaction was a mix of curiosity and scepticism. The pitch was bold: "No costs included!" targeting professionals like myself in TV production. The website, hosted on Wix, proclaimed its mission with the tagline "Avelo, to be Desired" – highlighting the digital transformation of personal marketing.

Navigating Trust and Transparency:

My experience revealed several crucial learning points for these budding entrepreneurs:

Building Trust: The most significant challenge was the uncertainty surrounding their offer. The constant feeling of a potential scam – waiting for an unexpected financial ask – underscores the importance of clear communication and structured engagement.

Proof of Concept: Their most promising asset would be their willingness to use themselves as demonstration models. I recommend that they create their websites; they could showcase the very service they're selling.

Business Model Clarity: The shift from "completely free" to a future payment model highlighted the need for upfront transparency. Their approach would benefit immensely from a more structured Business Model Canvas and a Riskiest Assumption Test.

Key Recommendations:

- Schedule introductory calls to establish personal connection and trust

- Develop a clear, transparent business model

- Use personal projects as compelling marketing tools

- Embrace flexibility and be prepared to pivot based on market feedback

What Stands Out:

Despite the rough edges, what truly impresses me is their entrepreneurial spirit. They're not afraid to learn, to try, and potentially fail. In the world of startups, this attitude is worth more than a perfectly polished initial offering.

The Most Promising Element:

Their willingness to do and learn simultaneously is their greatest strength. As they navigate the complex world of personal branding and digital marketing, their openness to feedback and iteration could be the key to their eventual success.

Final Thoughts:

To Neo and Ben: Keep testing, stay humble, and remember that successful businesses are built on understanding customer needs and being willing to reshape your vision accordingly. Your journey is just beginning, and the lessons you learn now will be invaluable.

One Love

Jay