Female entrepreneurship with Hanan Shahin: Building a Try-Before-You-Buy software for e-commerce.

This week's episode with Hanan Shahin,?co-founder and CEO of Bloomcart,

a try before you buy software for e-commerce.

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> Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ndvOKnBSIICI0FL46wvp4?si=6d9049cda4284b8c

> Youtube https://youtu.be/0FMdFOvmvk0

Here are the top 4 lessons from this episode with Hanan Shahin:

1. Skills are learnable—what matters is the willingness to learn: Hanan emphasized that while experience is valuable and can provide a foundation for learning, what truly serves well is the mindset and approach cultivated through that experience. Whether designing buildings or crafting experiences, the mindset of an architect or entrepreneur can be applicable and impactful across various domains.
2. Scalability isn't just about making more money, it's about maximizing impact. Hanan realized the importance of scalability when her previous business wasn't considered for grants due to its lack of scalability. Understanding scalability opened her eyes to the potential for greater impact and growth. With Bloomcart, her approach shifted from just selling products online to offering a try-before-you-buy service, doubling conversions and realizing the power of customer trust and convenience.
3. Funding your startup is like choosing a diet—it depends on your goals. Bootstrapping works if time isn't an issue, but fundraising can speed things up. Hanan started Bloomcart with borrowed money, believing that while cash helps, it doesn't define success. Free testing methods, especially on social media, can be game-changers.B2C businesses often make money faster, while B2B models need patience. If you can wait, bootstrap; if not, consider fundraising.
4. Finding a good advisor in the words of Hanan is like an exploration. Programs like Founder Institute or Flat6Labs often provide access to credible advisors who understand startups. However, personal fit matters more than recommendations; what works for one might not work for another. Trial runs, talking extensively, and trusting your instincts are vital. Assess if an advisor genuinely helps or just flaunts superiority.Ego clashes exist—some advisors aim to showcase their prowess rather than genuinely assist. Recognizing time wastage, even if unsure how, is a telling sign. Advisors should ideally fit your needs; sometimes, an industry expert might not understand startup nuances. Engaging with advisors in specific domains like sales or marketing can also be invaluable when building a startup.

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