Author: kevin

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This has got to be one of if not THE best, MOST IMPORTANT interviews I have ever heard on the radio. There is nobody better to do it than these three members of the Breakfast Club. All can relate to the black entrepreneur concepts. If you are even THINKING about running a business or being an black entrepreneur watch this. I have heard so many great comments about this segment.

Streetz 94.5’s Steve Hegwood is having a ball… because he is doing what he loves to do on his own terms with his own company.

UPDATE: Several Staff changes have taken place since this was orginally posted.

There are not many urban programmers who can say that right now and while the thought of being an black entrepreneur in today’s urban radio arena may be far-fetched to most, it is foremost to programming vet Hegwood. He is experiencing the excitement and the lure of what Mom and Pop owners experienced in the 60s and 70s.

These days Mom and Pops no longer exist (outside of a few smaller market heritage stations) because corporations and syndication have dominated the urban radio landscape, so Hegwood’s station Streetz 94.5, is pretty much in a class by itself in a climate where research dominates tight and predictable playlists and on-air presentation.

In addition, black programming pros who once relished being on the cover of industry trades are now forced to remain under the radar so they don’t ruffle corporate feathers by having to ask for permission to even promote themselves. This appears to be a dominant force mostly in the urban radio arena and at the absolute worst time.

These are the days of social networks, digital media, and FREE worldwide promotion. Hegwood’s timing is impeccable because he can single-handedly have the freedom to promote his skills, talents, his brand, extend his playlist, secure local advertisers and even feature and break up-and-coming artists in one of the top markets for up-and-coming artists… Atlanta.  

Doing what the corporate radio stations can’t have garnered the outlet an average 3.2 share 18 to 34.  This, nonetheless, is very impressive for a station with a limited signal, and it proves how successful a true radio programmer can be when he knows the market.

Atlanta is one of the most interesting urban radio markets in the country. It has the most urban stations and is probably one of the only markets that run a majority of the syndicated urban morning shows. The market has seen some drastic changes over the last year and a half.

Frank Ski parted ways with V103 after 14-year run and the new morning show with Ryan Cameron is losing ground amongst other rating challengers like Rickey Smiley.  

Smiley has physically moved into the market as well as Steve Harvey, and while all of this is taking place, Vet programmer Steve Hegwood introduced Streetz 94.5 to the market almost two years ago, brilliantly taking advantage of all the confusion, changes, and programming concepts that the local radio industry has ignored in lieu of corporate structure and research.

“He’s going against the grain and in a brilliant way,” one local programmer, who asked not to be identified based on corporate rules, stated to Radio Facts.

Hegwood parted ways with Radio One a couple of years ago, which we covered in Radio Facts amidst a controversy that he is not in a position to discuss.

We championed Hegwood in his first attempt to start Streetz with an extremely limited signal, and Radio One’s Alfred Liggins stepped in and sued to shut the operation down.

We championed Hegwood because his station, even then, had great potential, and we wanted to see it do exactly what it’s doing today, making a huge impact on a large market station with a programming concept that is viewed as completely unconventional by today’s urban radio programming standard. Radio corporations have gotten greedy with their hands in many ventures, and it has greatly affected the industry in negative ways, such as new talent development, opportunities, and breaking new artists.

Steve Hegwood is ahead of his time and is one of the more respected programmers in radio. Hegwood’s success in the Atlanta market with such a limited signal (inside the perimeter) can only be attributed to great programming, great staff, and a great presentation.  We took a few minutes to speak to the President/CEO of Core Communicators Broadcasting LLC., Steve Hegwood in this biztipper.com exclusive interview…

KEVIN ROSS: Most programmers would love to do what you do, run their own station, call the shots and make a significant dent in the Atlanta radio market, Congratulations! What drove you to do this station and this format?

STEVE HEGWOOD: Anyone that knows me is aware that Atlanta is my favorite city in the world.  I  joined Radio One in 1995 to be in Atlanta, and we debuted Hot 97.5 in July of 1995. It has been my dream and my number one goal to own a radio station in Atlanta since 1993.

KR: Can you share the efforts it took to put everything in place?

SH: As you are well aware of Kev (you covered the story very heavily) I attempted to launch Streetz in 2009 immediately after leaving Radio One, which I am not able to speak about.

However, I made a number of costly mistakes from which I have learned greatly from. Fast forward to June 2012, and Streetz 94.5 was born! Streetz 94.5 is a Translator station that originates programming for Lincoln Financial’s WSTR HD-3 Channel.  I am proud to be among some of the early broadcasters that recognized the value of FM Translators.

KR: You have taken a lot of talent from other stations in the market. How do you pick your on-air talent, and what qualities do you look for most?

SH: For Streetz 94.5 we were lucky. Rashan Ali had just left WVEE. DJ Holiday was a very popular street/Club Mixtape DJ that wanted to add radio experience to his resume. We had worked together at Radio One in the past. The Assistant PD/Afternoon Drive Personality Jay-Tek and I had met many times in the past, I knew he was a good fit for Streetz.

KR: Atlanta is a HUGE urban radio market, perhaps the one market with the most urban stations. Why not do what you’re doing in another market where there is much less competition? 

SH: Atlanta has over 1.4 African Americans, second to only New York. Clearly, there was enough room for another Urban station.  I also was aware of Atlanta’s economic base in which we were confident we could generate revenue for the station.

KR: This is the first time (that I recall) V103 is having challenges with ratings after being the top dog in the market for many years; many programmers say your station is responsible for that. Did you expect to make such an impact in the market?

SH: There are a number of great choices for the 18-34 Demo in Atlanta, and now Streetz 94.5 is one of them.

KR: How’s your relationship with other programmers in the market?

SH: I have Known Reggie Rouse for many years, and I have major respect for Reggie. Tony Kidd, the VP or Urban Programming for COX/WALR KISS 104.1, is a very talented programming executive. I have admired his success for years. Derrick Harper, Program Director WAMJ Magic 107.5, we worked together at Radio One.

KR: We get non-stop complaints from programmers at corporations who feel they are not able to program their stations based on what their market demands in opposition to national research and decision-makers who they feel don’t understand the music. How much of your style of programming is based on research, as opposed to the market itself?

SH: This is Atlanta, for the most part, is a world by itself! For Streetz, we use a couple of research methods to determine the playlist. Unlike some of the other stations, we saw an opportunity to play local new music first and get credit for it, so we did! Examples of Local Artists: Trinidad James, Migo’s, K Camp, August Alsina, Rich Homie Quan and many more!

KR: It would appear that since you started off as the little guy in town (growing rapidly) that you can take more chances on the air. What else do you do that the other corporate-owned stations can’t or won’t do in the market?

SH: This is how we look at it; we’re in Atlanta, GA,  Market # 9. We have to be as good or better than any other radio station in the market.

We want to win all decisions that are carefully decided, and all programming and promotions activities are strategically planned. I think the number one advantage of Streetz being in the market goes to the local advertisers. We give them a viable option.

KR: Miss Sophia is another former V103 employee. (Sophia is a drag performer and comedian) Atlanta, as everyone knows, has a huge gay population, and this target is often ignored by many urban programmers in local markets. Nationally syndicated shows, however, see the advantage of having diversity. Most black programmers are very conservative, is there room for that in today’s and tomorrow’s radio industry?

SH: Miss Sophia is a very talented person, period. Man, Woman or Drag Queen, Miss Sophia is funny, and that’s the reason we hired her.

KR: You also have a woman, Rashan Ali, hosting mornings. Oddly, this is still unconventional in urban radio outside of DeDe McGuire in Dallas. How is the show performing, and how did you conclude that Rashan would be best for that slot?

SH: I worked with Rashan Ali at Radio One as part of the A-team Morning Show. I knew she was talented and very popular with females in Atlanta, so we met and began forming a show. I will say we admire the success that DeDe McGuire is having at KKDA Dallas, and it was part of our motivation to give it a shot. I am pleased with the success of the “The Streetz Morning Grind “Show.

KR: With major corporations now getting into various other ventures, including the music business, do you find that it’s a battle to compete for station events and artists’ appearances?

SH: It is, and will always be, a battle with other stations to get artists for events. Relationships go a long way.

KR: Why don’t we see more urban programmers do what you are doing?

SH: It is very difficult to raise funding to purchase a station, that’s the primary reason and they are not trained or educated on how to purchase a radio station.

KR: What advice would you give urban programmers who are out of work, over 45, and waiting for an opportunity today?

SH: Stay aware of the business, not just programming. Read all trades, not just urban trades, to spot trends, read up on new station acquisitions and format changes, and to stay aware of FCC changes. Look for other opportunities at the station, such as Sales, Promotion,  Digital department, and Engineering. To be honest, a check is a check!

KR: How do you feel about syndication?

SH: I am a fan of syndication, I have worked with Russ Parr, Big Boy, and Steve Harvey, and currently, our station in Little Rock, Arkansas, Streetz 101.1, airs Rickey Smiley.

KR: Where do you see urban radio programmers in the next 5 years?

SH: I hope they make themselves more valuable to their companies. The days of picking the songs and jocks are OVER! What makes you valuable in today’s radio, I hope every PD understands that social media is your tool, not your enemy.

KR: Do you plan to take the Streetz brand to other markets?

SH: Currently in Atlanta & Little Rock, my hands are full!

KR: Name 5 current programmers from any format that you respect the most.

Elroy Smith (Radio One) WRNB/WPPZ
Reggie Rouse (CBS Radio)  WVEE Atlanta
George Hamilton (Cook) KKDA Dallas
Jon Ivey  VP/(Clear Channel) KIIS LA
Brian Douglas (Entercom) WJMH Greensboro

PD’s to look out for?

1) Dionne Burkette  WMMJ Washington, DC
2) Talus Knight        WFXM Macon, GA
3) Devin Steele        WHRK Memphis
4) Nate Bell             WQOK Raleigh

KR: Anything else?

SH: I Thank God for the Blessings!

More times than not in today’s media black men are portrayed in a negative light and the music industry sometimes gets that same stigma …

… but the combination of black men in music and with the recent headlines black music has been BAD! The good news is that there is a large group of black men in music who are doing power business moves not just in the United States but across the globe.

By Lamonte Hayes

Just like 77% of all Americans, it’s early morning and I’m checking my Instagram feed and I come across a post from Diddy, Puff, Sean Combs or one of his many other monikers. You could easily consider his eyes and tell him he was having a rough time even before you hit the play button. He started to speak and his words had so much passion on how “Sometimes you think your purpose is one thing BUT life is ever-changing and its levels to this SHIT!’ “You gotta redesign and clarify your purpose”

This post stuck with me most of the day. Later that same day I canvassed the financial sections in Wall Street Journal and The New York Times and I realized that several black men in the music have embraced life with ALL its changes and redesigned themselves and clarified their business and are making power business moves!  Click NEXT below to see more hip hop black entrepreneurs

Nasir Bin Olu Dara Jones is also known as Nasty Nas or just plain Nas is one of hip hops finest also comes across my social media feed making financial headlines as on the Wall Street Journal page as online platform Pluto TV is being sold to The Viacom Corporation for $340 Million dollars. The Pluto TV platform offers its users more than 100 streamable live TV channels and on-demand programming for free and NAS and his financial equity firm Queensbridge Venture invested in the Pluto TV platform back in 2014. Bravo!

In 2013 Nas established the Queens Bridge Venture Partners firm and was quoted saying “I’ve always wanted to be surrounded by the smartest people in the world, and didn’t want to limit it to just music,” Over the past 5 years QBVP has enjoyed sizable financial victories like Pill Pack, which is a door-to-door pharmacy service that was acquired by Amazon in 2018. The exact terms of the deal were not being officially disclosed but sources close to the deal say it was for just under $1 billion.

Currently, the QBVP portfolio includes several online platforms like Robin Hood, Splash and House Party that some say are next to a big hit in Silicon Valley.

Another co-owned Nas venture Sweet Chick recently made news headlines. This chicken and waffle micro chain during the recent federal government shutdown where over 800,000 federal workers experienced the longest government shutdown in United States history gave free meals to federal employees at their locations in New York and Los Angeles which is where many vowed to return after they were put back to work.

I think this was a wonderful community to give back and a great business move.

Snoop Dogg

Calvin Cordozar Broadus was introduced to the world as Snoop Doggy Dog in 1992 and a few years later he developed into a musical phenomenon.  Fast forward 26 years Snoop on the growing list of black men in music who have evolved and are making major power business moves.  In 2015 Snoop decided to title his co-owned private venture capital firm Casa Verde Capital and the initial focus would be on “seed investments” in the developing cannabis industry. The term Casa Verde translated means “Green House” and over the years “green smoking” is something that makes Snoop is known for. With the current legal climate of decriminalizing cannabis possession and the $45 million-dollar initial investment in Casa Verde the fund is secure and is headed towards double or possible triple-digit profits. 

LL Cool J and Ice Cube

From venture capital firms to television sports channels black men in the music industry continue to make major business moves and maneuvers. Hip Hop Titans Ice Cube and LL Cool J were also making recent CNBC financial news as they are making a bid to purchase 22 regional sports television networks. In 2018 The Walt Disney Company made a $71.3 Billion-dollar acquisition of 21st Century Fox. During this purchase, several lawmakers believed that Disney who owns ESPN, shouldn’t be able to own all of Fox’s sports networks. The Justice Department is forcing Disney to sell several sports stations.

This includes Fox Sports San Diego, Fox Sports Arizona, Fox Sports Detroit, Fox Sports Southwest, and so on. Nestled in the list of channels is the YES Network. Per several reports, this total package of 22 television stations is valued between 15B to 25B. Ice Cube & LL have included billionaire Carolyn Rafaela in the partnership and are in talks with others’ financing sources to come aboard to complete the financing. These acquisitions would be a major power business move for all involved.

Swizz Beatz

Kasseem Dean musically known as Swizz Beatz recently earned his certificate from the Owner/President Management Program at Harvard Business School. This program focuses on growing corporate and financial success while advancing leadership skills needed for becoming a CEO, COO, President, Managing Director, or Executive director of a major company. Kasseem is known by many as the super-producer Swizz Beatz who once was a DJ that evolved into a producer and then a recording artist and a now a powerful businessman.

As a brand promoter, Swizz has a lengthy resume of working with luxury brands like Tesla, Reebok, Aston Martin, Lotus and executing exclusive partnerships with Bally and Monster Headphones. Swizz was recently named the Global Chief for Culture for Bacardi Limited. He will be using his celebrity savvy for brands like Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire and Dewar’s. His goal is to create partnerships and ideas with these specific brands into music, art, and film and create business and awareness for the hip-hop culture globally. Just another example of power business from the focus on the spreading hip hop culture on a global scale.

T.I.

Clifford Joseph Harris was professionally known as T.I. or Tip with his long-time business partner Jason Geter just launched an investment group titled Syndicate Tech Cypha. The focus of this fund is a target tech startup in its early, growth, and late stages.  T.I. being one of today’s seasoned music veterans has found some success in film, television, clothing nightclubs and an artist-owner in the streaming service TIDAL. Tech Cypha is not T.I.’s first attempt in the tech investment space as has his first endeavor 13 years didn’t garner desired results. After recalibrating and focusing more on providing startups with capital, marketing, and branding direction through guided mentorship and various partnerships that include leveraging influencers as they pool their resources in technology investment.  This again is another example of one of our hip hops elder statesman leading by example and continuing to make powerful business moves. 

Nipsey Hussle

UPDATE: Tragically, Nipsey Hussle was murdered in front of his Marathon clothing store in Los Angles in 2019.

One of rap’s newest rising stars Nipsey Hussle is fresh off releasing his critically acclaimed first major studio album “Victory Lap” and has now turned his focus is on creating a resource network for students in underserved communities nationwide. Nipsey and his partner David Gross a real estate developer created a STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, Math) center and co-working space in his native Crenshaw District called Vector 90. “Too Big to Fail” is the title of the STEM Center and is designed to bridge the gap between Silicon Valley and the inner city and focus on the lack of diversity in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. Their hope is to serve as a conduit between underrepresented groups and corporate partners in Silicon Valley and beyond and the goal is to use resource networks and duplicate it in markets across the country. This is not only a power business move but a move that will affect change for generations to come.

Nipsey is the owner of the fashion brand Marathon Clothing.  His flagship brick and mortar store in the Crenshaw Boulevard District where it’s labeled as a “smart store” where customers use a phone app to enhance their buying experience and preview exclusive content from Nipsey himself. This app was created by a 21year old young black man Iddris Sandu who has written algorithms for Instagram, Snap Chat, Twitter and the collaboration between himself and Nipsey was to blend technology into the fabric of the shop and create an unbelievable buying experience. Labeled at the first “smart store” in the country the plan is the build 10 other locations with each store having its own driven strategy.  Nipsey being a young music veteran doing big business and creating a template for others to follow in retail along with empowering younger black men to participate in the process.

50 Cent

Queens native Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is also no stranger to doing a superior level of business after his redesign years ago. Back in 2007 while still at the top of his rap career he was a minority shareholder in a company Vitamin Water. Coca Cola bought the entire company for over 4 Billion dollars and Curtis walked away with $100 million dollars.

Like his recording resume his resume on business is lengthy and comprehensive from energy drinks like Street King where a portion of each sale is donated to help provide food for targeted areas on the continent of Africa to SMS studio headphones. The high-quality headphones also have the concept of donating a portion of each sale targeted areas that need clean drinking in various countries in Africa. 50 Cent also aligned himself with a spirit brand Effen Vodka where he became the majority stakeholder and he signed a lucrative deal with a luxury underwear brand Frigo reported north of 10 million dollars.

Also, back in 2008, Curtis Jackson started a film company with Lionsgate that produced over 10 feature films and then he made his transition into a television company G-Unit Films.  This company has sold a multi-project deal to six different networks including the hit show Power on STARZ which he co-created, stars in, and executive produces and with its success if opening other opportunities for GUF on television.  These are all examples of a black man who in music who still records new music but it doing big business and evolving at the same time.

Ray J

36-year-old William Ray Norwood Jr. also known as Ray J or Brandy’s brother is also on the list of redesign and understanding his purpose. In 2017 after selling several million records, Ray J partnered with a wholesale company of consumer electronics distributors in the United States to create Raycon. This deal was reported to be north of 30 Million Dollars. Two years later he takes one product from the RayCon portfolio and sells it to Canadian company LoopShare for a reported 7 figure dollar amount. Financial reports indicate Ray Con is generating 2 to 3 million dollars a month and that its redesign is doing big business.

Jay-Z and Diddy: A Combined Force

Going back to Diddy and his heartfelt Instagram post he talked about the redesign that everyone must go through and I all could think of was his good friend Sean “Jay-Z” Carter.  Both Diddy and Jay are no strangers to first being black and then being in music and both redesigning while doing superpower moves. They have both traded back and forth the number #1 cash earning positions on the Forbes list in the hip-hop and it’s all due to their redesign.   

They both a long list of business accomplishments but the most notable are back in 2008 Jay Z, created a partnership with Live Nation the global entertainment company with revenues north of 10 Billion Dollars gave birth to Roc-Nation the entertainment company. Roc Nation has a reach an artist and producer management, sports management, touring and film. Some reports read as of today Roc Nation has over $600 million worth of athlete contracts and endorsements in their portfolio. Roc Nation has newly formed publishing arms which is rumored to have close to $50 million dollars’ worth of assets is that power business is music all spearheaded by Jay Z.  Then in 2015 Jay-Z acquired a 56-million-dollar global subscription-based music streaming company named Tidal. Currently, Tidal is valued north of $500 million.

Sean Diddy Combs continues to add to his legacy of power business with his long-lasting relationship with spirit brands Cîroc and Deleon Tequila which both have a massive global reach and continue to evolve. 

Revolt TV the digital cable television network created by Diddy is in its 6th year of operation and has a growing subscriber base with shows like State of the Culture, The Breakfast Club broadcast and its array of eclectic music videos. 

Diddy also has a portfolio that includes a calorie-free beverage Aqua hydrate for athlete a Charter preparatory school in Harlem, New York and let’s not forget the Sean John clothing brand established back in 1998 still garners global sales and adds to his Sean Combs Enterprises brand.  

More times than not in today’s media black men are portrayed in a negative light and the music industry sometimes gets that same stigma but the combination of black men in music and with the recent headlines black music has been BAD! The good news is that there is a large group of black men in music who are doing power business moves not just in the United States but across the globe.

This list is growing and as an elder in this music business told me, “Black people and our music are the architecture of cool and OUR Cool is what makes the world turn and be a better place.”

Lamonte Hayes is a Cultural Maven and Brand Builder and managing partner at BWP Marketing.

www.bwpmarketing.com

The only Black-owned streamer in the country – Xperienc On Demand.

Earlier this summer, new ground was broken in Memphis when boxing champ Floyd Mayweather put his boxers up against those of Lank the King in what was called the Bi-Centennial Beat Down.

That wasn’t what was groundbreaking though – it was the fact that for the first time ever, the fights were streamed worldwide by what’s probably the first and only Black-owned streamer in the country – Xperienc On Demand.

For way less than people were paying in the past to see the fights on Showtime, etc., hundreds of thousands of people from around the globe witnessed the fights LIVE. And Mayweather, along with partners in the event Lank the King and Mike Dockery, were so pleased with the outcome of the streamcast with Atlanta-based Xperienc that they are planning to do more events in the future with the network.

Xperienc On Demand, in just two short years, already has a variety of content on its platform, from singers and producers to positive programming and sports events. Three independent films are in development and the popular Atlanta-based Who’s Got That Vibe will begin streaming within weeks, and allow viewers to vote as well.

The network offers 14 channels with ongoing content. Each channel has shows and each show has episodes. Those are in addition to a platform of more than 100 independent shows by Xperienc creators.

The network is the brainchild of three African American men, each from different backgrounds, who came together to revolutionize streaming. Xperienc gives anybody with an idea a chance to get his/her product out there, and in a big way, at the same time providing an black entrepreneurial opportunity. Xperienc doesn’t buy content; instead, it provides an outlet for creators of content to stream podcasts, TV shows, movies, concerts and video at a price determined by the creator and Xperienc. How much Xperienc retains and how much the creator of the content receives is also negotiated. It’s usually a 50/50 split.

“Xperienc is the television channel, network and record company with distribution for both film and music,” explains one of the partners, Domonique Mitchell. “XOD has licensing on almost every major streaming app and platform of which our shows air and will be available to more than 270 million household viewers in the U.S. alone, and be accessible all over the world.”

It’s quite different from other streamers, such as Netflix and Hulu, for example, which provide the programming and content, with subscribers only given a menu to choose from at one subscription price (usually monthly). Xperienc On Demand is exactly what the name implies… an on-demand service. Users only pay for what they want to see.

“The strength in our service offering is our network… what separates us is the diversity in the platforms that we reach,” explains Gerald Poe Jr., another of the three partners in Xperienc. “You can stream on Facebook and Instagram… we stream on all those platforms plus Roku, Amazon and more.”

Kenneth Hutchins, the third partner, points out that the spirit of the company lies in its dedication to black entrepreneurs. “We had to put together a platform that allowed our producers to maintain 100 percent ownership and to allow them to monetize that ownership at much higher levels than any other platform.”

Added Poe, an information technology expert who has built and sold multiple technology companies: “That meant we had to build a network that was smarter, faster and more robust than our competitors. We offer mixed qualitative content that you won’t find on these other platforms.”

Poe’s partners come for different backgrounds. Businessman Kenneth Hutchins is the founder of HGH Green Builders and offers more than 20 years of experience in business development. He is also the founder of the What’s Positive movement. Domonique Mitchell is an expert in entertainment with decades of experience in distribution, and artist management and development.

There are also two Black women affiliated with Xperienc’s hierarchy: Jasmine Baskins, who has a background in digital media, and Rashatta Daugett (president of affiliate affairs), who has experience in business management, event management and business administration.

Poe has an extensive background in technology. He’s developed and sold his own technology companies and worked as a senior technology specialist for firms such as NASA, the EPA, FDA and Tesla, just to name a few. In addition to being a part of Xperienc, he’s the main principle with Focus, which deals with drone technology.

Giving others an opportunity to share their products and services while making their own money is a key element of Black-owned company’s mission.

“Our network allows our producers to monetize from their own personal efforts of products that they bring to the table,” Poe explains. “We have a robust affiliate program. We focus on giving creators the opportunity to thrive in their own space, without converting them to an industry standard.”

He continued: “What we love about XOD is that we are truly helping creators go from start to finish to take their content to the masses. We are providing an black entrepreneurial outlet for qualitative content providers to retain more of their earnings while sharing their content around the world.

Mitchell, Hutchins, and Poe believe their streaming company will revolutionize an industry that is fast becoming the norm among millennials and the X Generation. Studies from demographics experts such as Nielsen show that most users in those demographics stream way more than they watch television.

“We want to disrupt the industry with our creators by pushing ownership,” Poe says.  “This is no longer the world of big brands… we can help the creators reach their target market.”

Added Hutchins: “We’re very proud of the fact that not only are we a strong African American team of Black men that works together, we also have strong women who bring a lot to the table. In fact, they are the heartbeat of this company.”

Some of XOD’s content creators include R&B singer Angie Stone, platinum producer Kevin KHAO Cates, who produces the shows “KoolRiculum” and “Bridge da Gap.” Cates has produced tracks for T.I., Rick Ross and a host of hip hop artists. Others with works on Xperienc include Babbie Mason (award-winning singer/songwriter of Christian music), life coach Centrell Reed and Theresa Jordan, just to name a few.

The only Black-owned streamer in the country – Xperienc On Demand.

Earlier this summer, new ground was broken in Memphis when boxing champ Floyd Mayweather put his boxers up against those of Lank the King in what was called the Bi-Centennial Beat Down.

That wasn’t what was groundbreaking though – it was the fact that for the first time ever, the fights were streamed worldwide by what’s probably the first and only Black-owned streamer in the country – Xperienc On Demand.

For way less than people were paying in the past to see the fights on Showtime, etc., hundreds of thousands of people from around the globe witnessed the fights LIVE. And Mayweather, along with partners in the event Lank the King and Mike Dockery, were so pleased with the outcome of the streamcast with Atlanta-based Xperienc that they are planning to do more events in the future with the network.

Xperienc On Demand, in just two short years, already has a variety of content on its platform, from singers and producers to positive programming and sports events. Three independent films are in development and the popular Atlanta-based Who’s Got That Vibe will begin streaming within weeks, and allow viewers to vote as well.

The network offers 14 channels with ongoing content. Each channel has shows and each show has episodes. Those are in addition to a platform of more than 100 independent shows by Xperienc creators.

The network is the brainchild of three African American men, each from different backgrounds, who came together to revolutionize streaming. Xperienc gives anybody with an idea a chance to get his/her product out there, and in a big way, at the same time providing an black entrepreneurial opportunity. Xperienc doesn’t buy content; instead, it provides an outlet for creators of content to stream podcasts, TV shows, movies, concerts and video at a price determined by the creator and Xperienc. How much Xperienc retains and how much the creator of the content receives is also negotiated. It’s usually a 50/50 split.

“Xperienc is the television channel, network and record company with distribution for both film and music,” explains one of the partners, Domonique Mitchell. “XOD has licensing on almost every major streaming app and platform of which our shows air and will be available to more than 270 million household viewers in the U.S. alone, and be accessible all over the world.”

It’s quite different from other streamers, such as Netflix and Hulu, for example, which provide the programming and content, with subscribers only given a menu to choose from at one subscription price (usually monthly). Xperienc On Demand is exactly what the name implies… an on-demand service. Users only pay for what they want to see.

“The strength in our service offering is our network… what separates us is the diversity in the platforms that we reach,” explains Gerald Poe Jr., another of the three partners in Xperienc. “You can stream on Facebook and Instagram… we stream on all those platforms plus Roku, Amazon and more.”

Kenneth Hutchins, the third partner, points out that the spirit of the company lies in its dedication to black entrepreneurs. “We had to put together a platform that allowed our producers to maintain 100 percent ownership and to allow them to monetize that ownership at much higher levels than any other platform.”

Added Poe, an information technology expert who has built and sold multiple technology companies: “That meant we had to build a network that was smarter, faster and more robust than our competitors. We offer mixed qualitative content that you won’t find on these other platforms.”

Poe’s partners come for different backgrounds. Businessman Kenneth Hutchins is the founder of HGH Green Builders and offers more than 20 years of experience in business development. He is also the founder of the What’s Positive movement. Domonique Mitchell is an expert in entertainment with decades of experience in distribution, and artist management and development.

There are also two Black women affiliated with Xperienc’s hierarchy: Jasmine Baskins, who has a background in digital media, and Rashatta Daugett (president of affiliate affairs), who has experience in business management, event management and business administration.

Poe has an extensive background in technology. He’s developed and sold his own technology companies and worked as a senior technology specialist for firms such as NASA, the EPA, FDA and Tesla, just to name a few. In addition to being a part of Xperienc, he’s the main principle with Focus, which deals with drone technology.

Giving others an opportunity to share their products and services while making their own money is a key element of Black-owned company’s mission.

“Our network allows our producers to monetize from their own personal efforts of products that they bring to the table,” Poe explains. “We have a robust affiliate program. We focus on giving creators the opportunity to thrive in their own space, without converting them to an industry standard.”

He continued: “What we love about XOD is that we are truly helping creators go from start to finish to take their content to the masses. We are providing an black entrepreneurial outlet for qualitative content providers to retain more of their earnings while sharing their content around the world.

Mitchell, Hutchins, and Poe believe their streaming company will revolutionize an industry that is fast becoming the norm among millennials and the X Generation. Studies from demographics experts such as Nielsen show that most users in those demographics stream way more than they watch television.

“We want to disrupt the industry with our creators by pushing ownership,” Poe says.  “This is no longer the world of big brands… we can help the creators reach their target market.”

Added Hutchins: “We’re very proud of the fact that not only are we a strong African American team of Black men that works together, we also have strong women who bring a lot to the table. In fact, they are the heartbeat of this company.”

Some of XOD’s content creators include R&B singer Angie Stone, platinum producer Kevin KHAO Cates, who produces the shows “KoolRiculum” and “Bridge da Gap.” Cates has produced tracks for T.I., Rick Ross and a host of hip hop artists. Others with works on Xperienc include Babbie Mason (award-winning singer/songwriter of Christian music), life coach Centrell Reed and Theresa Jordan, just to name a few.

The latest earbud released by Figgers communication is second to none in the market. With this earbud, you will be able to speak to anyone, anytime from any part of the world, without bothering about the language the other person is speaking. The earbud is comfortable and stays firmly in your ears. The amazing part is that you can get all of these mouth-watering functions for just $49.99. I bet you won’t dispute the fact that the F-Buds have set a new pace and a big shoe for other firms in the industry to chase.

According to the company, the earbud also offers 50 hours of talk time after a full charge and up to 100ft of clear sound with Google voice command. The company left no stone untouched while designing the F-Buds. The earbud is also water-resistant, which makes it remain dry and not fall off during severe exercise and during the rain.

Once the F-bud is put into its case, it takes only 30minutes for a complete charge. This is the only earbud in the market as of now that will translate any language (when you pair it with and F-3 along with Google translate), allowing you to do international business seamlessly.

Figger Communications is the youngest telecommunication firm in the industry. It is headed by a young and intelligent magnate Freddie Figgers.

Dwayne Ashley, CEO of Bridge Philanthropic Consulting (BPC) –The Powerhouse Behind the Largest African American Owned Fundraising Firm, Raising $800 Million!

Dwayne Ashley, founder and CEO of Bridge Philanthropic Consulting (BPC) is the man who thinks big and bold, coupled with strategic thinking and wise council in the philanthropic world. Ashley has raised over $800 Million for his past employers and happy client roster which includes, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, United Negro College Fund, 100 Black Men of America, Louis Armstrong Foundation, Usher New Look, Steve Harvey Foundation, Madonna and the United Way of Texas Gulf Coast, to name a few.

What makes him a successful black entrepreneur? It’s his fearless and authentic manner of being a solicitor. Ashley embraces his commitment to social justice and helping organizations of color maximize their fundraising success. He’s a powerhouse of energy and possesses a passion for fundraising.

Ashley is a thought-leader in the field and he has shared his valuable concepts in numerous articles, and books. They include; Eight Steps to Raising Money: Measuring Your Fundraising Impact, 8 Winning Steps to Creating a Successful Special Event with Carol Campbell, Director of Events at Prairie View A&M University, I’ll Find A Way or Make One: A Tribute to HBCUs with noted journalist Juan Williams, and Dream Internships: It’s Not Who You Know, But What You Know!

“Yes, we are good at what we do because it’s our passion, but BPC is a social movement——a community of caring and dedicated philanthropy executives from diverse backgrounds serving communities who need fundraising expertise the most.” Says, Dwayne Ashley, CEO and President, Bridge Philanthropic Consulting

Bridge Philanthropic Consulting (BPC) the nation’s only full-service Black Owned fundraising firm. The company has a proven track record of extraordinary success helping philanthropic organizations and institutions to realize their dreams, accomplish their missions and grow their aspirations. With more than 120 years of combined experience, BPC’s leadership team, have raised hundreds of millions of dollars for clients throughout the world. BPC provides counsel to plan or enhance capital campaigns, annual giving, major gift programs, special events, program development, conference management, organizational development, team building, board training, planned giving and strategic communications, among other services.

About Dwayne Ashley

Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dwayne Ashley, is an alumnus of Wiley College and the University of Pennsylvania’s Fel’s School of Government. He is very proud of his great-grand mother’s contribution of land to establish one of the oldest schools to educate blacks in Heflin, Louisiana. The school is now one of the oldest black churches in the state of Louisiana. Dwayne dedicates his work in philanthropy in memory of his late two older brothers, Ronald and Howard Ashley and his childhood friend, Late Houston City Councilman, Larry Green. Dwayne is a member of The Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals since 1991.He has served as a member of the Boards of Association of Fundraising Professionals in Philadelphia and New York Chapters. He is one of the Co-Founders of Jazz Houston, a performing arts organization dedicated to Jazz in Houston.

About Bridge Philanthropic Consulting

Since 2016, Bridge Philanthropic Consulting’s (BPC) mission has been to bridge relationships and resources to impact social change. BPC is the nation’s largest full-service African-American owned fundraising firm. BPC is one of the most experienced fundraising firms in the country and provides counsel in capital campaigns, annual giving, major gifts programs, special events, corporate and government program development, conference management, organizational development, board training, planned giving and strategic communications. For more information visit the website and social media networks at: http://bridgephilanthropicconsulting.com/about/

Make More Money with Your Business: Time to stop the Struggle

Make More Money – One of the greatest complaints and challenges in business is almost always finding ways to make more money. We rarely consider the REAL reasons we don’t make money but it goes BEYOND “the Economy” or “Budgets” truth be told clients will always FIND money for services they believe in AND THAT THEY VALUE! In addition, consider that there are small businesses who absolutely do NO selling and make all the money they need and more because they are doing one or all of the things below. First and foremost, this article is for people who DO the work, not those who look for the easy way out by copying from others or who are looking to make a lot of money quickly. If you are doing what someone else has already done you and you are not MUCH better at doing it, you won’t last and you won’t grow.  (click Next above or below to see the and next segment)

Look at what you are producing. Are you up to date?

This is a HUGE mistake I have seen people make in the music industry and my business. The music industry is very fast paced and things can literally change from week-to-week. Many small businesses in the industry are not up to date. They are run by one person who doesn’t have a staff and who constantly uses excuses for not hiring anyone like they don’t have the extra money. You have to spend money to make more money. Most times we DO have the money even for assignment based jobs but we are often cheap and greedy and we don’t want to share our profits.

There are some people who legitimately need the money but most people I come across could cut out the cable they never watch at home and put that money into building their brands. You will NEVER have the extra money if you are not up to date and if you don’t spend some to make some (wisely of course). Hiring family is not a good idea because they may or may not want to do what YOU do and it creates problems. Hire someone even part-time or on assignment who is strong where you are weak. If you are not able to keep up with current trends in your industry it will be very obvious in what you produce. Don’t take that chance because once you are labeled “dated” you are just that and potential clients will lose interest in you.

Make More Money with Your Business:

Stop using your Tenure

People who use their tenure to bully clients into buying are mere crybabies. Your tenure is meaningless if you are dated and at times it can even work AGAINST you because you will appear OLD. Bullying someone with your tenure is not going to help you make more money when you are producing a crappy product. I have had this problem for years with competitors who ALWAYS call my clients whenever they see an ad on my site or my publications. They moan and groan like kids in a playground about being left out and how they have worked so many years in the industry and should have the same benefit as my brands do but they never do the work.

They copy and steal from others (including me) and want their own credit for it. They do that because their products suck and the clients often come back and tell me this. Focus on the product FIRST. What is it that you can do that nobody else, even competitors can’t do? If you can’t come up with anything, like my competitors can’t you will rely on whining and bellyaching about being left out like its a child’s baseball game and you were the last to be chosen. Clients are outrageously annoyed by business owners like this and if you have to struggle especially after your first year in business and you don’t have several steady clients… something is wrong.

Use Social Media

I am a HUGE social media person with my business and it works to my advantage because most if not all of my competitors have never taken the time to learn or understand how important social media is. Social media can certainly help you make more money if you know how to use it. Just because you are over 40 doesn’t mean we can’t be on top of the trends but some people are lazy. I will tell you if you want to earn more you have to be more and DO more and part of that is constantly branding your product. Social media doesn’t have to be a chore and it can actually be automated by using a few services while you work. There are also apps for retailers that can either film you working or help keep customer up to date to check out your services.

Stop comparing yourself to others

I had a boss that once told me that if you are in a race and you look to either side of you, you lose time… he said only focus on the finish line. I have to agree especially if you want to make more money. When you look at what someone else is doing AND you compare yourself to them, it speaks volumes about your services or what you lack. What can you do BETTER or how can you provide more appealing services to your clients? Stop copying and come up with your OWN way of promoting and succeeding with your brand.

Make More Money with Your Business:

Upsell Your Current Clients

Chasing dead clients is a waste of time. There are some clients who will NEVER support you. Stop calling them and asking them to support you and focus on your current clients who would probably be willing to spend even MORE money with you if you have something ELSE to offer of value. Don’t try to raise your rates on them, you may lose them if you do that.

How Can You Improve?

Having a business is not only about working, but it’s also about researching new trends and educating yourself. Are you doing that? Some black entrepreneurs work WAY too many hours a day, especially those with mobile businesses. Check out Groupon and Meet-ups for meetings that will help you network with other black entrepreneurs so that you can learn more about what’s going on in your industry.

Take your Clients to lunch

This is one of the most valuable things that MANY black entrepreneurs ignore today but it STILL works and helps you make more money. Take your clients to lunch (and please don’t expect them to pay, most of them will insist on paying anyway if they value YOU). They want to talk to you and get to know you better. Great clients will tell you things you need to hear about your industry when you spend just a small amount of personal time with them. You have to keep investing in your business by using your leverage

Send out an email blast

Do you have a new product? What’s the latest news with your business? I can’t tell you how many new clients I have gotten via email blasts that I do daily. People pass your email blasts around and it’s a great way to keep your brand in the minds of others and to make more revenue. Give your email blasts some added value talk about something of interest to your client base and industry. Give them some tips or news, they LOVE it.

Make More Money with Your Business:

Consider Google Adwords

Want to draw more people to your business? Google Adwords is excellent but it takes a little bit of time to understand. It’s not quick and easy to understand but it works. You can target your campaigns to a specific demo, city and zip code and use specific keywords to generate your ads. There are always free $100.00 coupons online to promote your brand. Check www.google.com/adwords for more info

12 REASONS YOU SHOULD NEVER HIRE FRIENDS

Attend Conferences where your Clients go

There are literally hundreds of conferences every year. I go to a few very important ones to meet potential clients face to face. I like to meet marketing people at various corporations. This is not always an easy process to earn money right off, it takes a while to develop relationships to make more money but I don’t like gatekeepers and middlemen and at these events, you can meet people face to face.  People will do business with you because they like you and believe in you. They can’t do that if they don’t KNOW you

Get a feature in a POPULAR Blog in your field

Write press releases about your business or new products. There are services like PRWeb that will put your press release in front of thousands of bloggers, websites, magazines, and newspapers. Are you using them?

Make More Money with Your Business:

Get Testimonials from Satisfied customers

This is a great way to garner MORE interest in your product. Use this at all times and make sure you rotate especially from well-known people