Ahmed Ejaz is an Optometrist, former UK parliamentary candidate and entrepreneur aiming to build a global British eyewear brand that also helps to end preventable blindness.
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Guest Resources
Ahmed’s LinkedIn – Connect with Ahmed on LinkedIn!
CambridgeSpectacle.com – Inspired design, beautifully finished! Visit their website and explore their collection!
3 Value Bombs
1) You have to be friendly in business to succeed instead of being ruthless.
2) Getting started is challenging, but you can surpass it by being well-rounded.
3) Have a passion for what you do, and be genuine and friendly. It is essential to build relationships in a good way.
Sponsors
FranBridge: Jon Ostenson, founder of FranBridge Consulting and top 1% consultant, represents the premier source for the best opportunities in the non-food franchise world. Sign up for a free consultation at FranBridgeConsulting.com!
HubSpot: Learn how HubSpot can help your business grow better and get a special offer of 20% off on eligible plans at HubSpot.com/eof!
Show Notes
**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.
Today’s Audio MASTERCLASS: Building the First Global British Eyewear Brand with Ahmed Ejaz
[1:27] – Ahmed shares something he believes about becoming successful that most people disagree with.
- He believes you must be friendly in business to succeed instead of ruthless.
[2:39] – Did your background in Optometry help or hinder you in building this brand?
- Helped in building the brand big time!
- He was able to put his passion and expertise into his business.
[3:30] – Why did you run for parliament?
- Politics is divisive no matter where you are in the world.
- He ran for parliament because of his love for the community and for making a difference.
- He thinks business and politics are linked.
[5:08] – What was one of the early massive challenges you faced, and how did you overcome that?
- Their first national order with ASDA Opticians…
- Getting started is challenging, but you can surpass it by being well-rounded.
[7:08] – A timeout to thank our sponsors!
- FranBridge: Jon Ostenson, founder of FranBridge Consulting and top 1% consultant, represents the premier source for the best opportunities in the non-food franchise world. Sign up for a free consultation at FranBridgeConsulting.com!
- HubSpot: Learn how HubSpot can help your business grow better and get a special offer of 20% off on eligible plans at HubSpot.com/eof!
[9:27] – Can you take on the big designer fashion houses? If yes, how?
- As a founder, Ahmed is confident in becoming the first ever global British eyewear brand.
- They are not just an eyewear brand, but they also have Optometrists behind their brand.
- They are committed and dedicated to making their eyewear brand the best.
[11:06] -What key takeaways do you want to share with Fire Nation?
- One of the challenges of starting up is getting investors on board.
- It is a trial-and-error process to get the right people.
[13:21] – What can you pass along in terms of lessons learned from your journey?
- Relationships with the people around your business matter.
- Being friendly and transparent makes a huge difference.
- Show who you are and what you are trying to do.
[14:32] – What have you learned from startups such as Warby Parker?
- Warby Parker is a massive inspiration to the entire industry.
- Ahmed first saw Warby Parker about ten years ago and made an offer to be his UK partner. He did not get a response, so he started his own brand.
- They mirrored Warby Parker’s model and what worked for other companies and learned from their mistakes.
- Look, study and learn.
[16:34] – Do you believe in business mentors? If yes, who are yours?
- Ahmed’s first business mentor became an inspiration for him.
[18:29] – Ahmed’s takeaway and call to action.
- Have a passion for what you do, and be genuine and friendly. It is essential to build relationships in a good way.
- Ahmed’s LinkedIn – Connect with Ahmed on LinkedIn!
- CambridgeSpectacle.com – Inspired design, beautifully finished! Visit their website and explore their collection!
[21:23] – Thank you to our Sponsors!
- FranBridge: Jon Ostenson, founder of FranBridge Consulting and top 1% consultant, represents the premier source for the best opportunities in the non-food franchise world. Sign up for a free consultation at FranBridgeConsulting.com!
- HubSpot: Learn how HubSpot can help your business grow better and get a special offer of 20% off on eligible plans at HubSpot.com/eof!
Killer Resources!
1) The Common Path to Uncommon Success: JLD’s 1st traditionally published book! Over 3000 interviews with the world’s most successful Entrepreneurs compiled into a 17-step roadmap to financial freedom and fulfillment!
2) Free Podcast Course: Learn from JLD how to create and launch your podcast!
3) Podcasters’ Paradise: The #1 podcasting community in the world!