Author: kevin

As black entrepreneurs, especially BLACK black entrepreneurs we are a unique group of people who are often very misunderstood. People think we sit around and make a ton of money and do nothing but live a life of luxury. While most of us, who are successful, would not have it any other way, it is rare that we get to reap the benefits of our hard work because we often become addicted and married to our businesses and it is not always easy when you have TOO much control. In addition, others fail to realize that we often struggle to find others who are like-minded and we are often looked up to but often fail to have others to look up to when we need help since our resources as black entrepreneurs are so limited in the black community. Because of all this our personal lives can also be in disarray especially when we are with someone or surrounded by people who are NOT black entrepreneurs.  We must take care of ourselves and our needs. Without knowing what happened to Titi Branch, I can only imagine the joy and stress of running an successful haircare business and finding normalcy in her personal life. She was one of the co-founders of the wildly successful natural hair care line, Miss Jessie’s and she died Dec. 4, of an apparent suicide. She was 45. With her sister Miko, Branch ran a popular New York salon.

ATLANTA – Lonnie Johnson is a nuclear engineer, who graduated from Tuskegee University with a Ph.D.  He is also a former NASA scientist and inventor. He founded his company,  Johnson Research, and Development, in 1989 and his company is behind the hugely popular Super Soaker water gun and Nerf toy guns which he licensed toy giant Hasbro to sell in a specific agreement.

That agreement which specifically entailed Johnson held the rights to not only his guns but any technology with “three-dimensional products” at 2% based on appearance and 1% on “two-dimensional representations” was breached because Hasbro created separate products with the same technology and claimed them as their own.  Johnson stated in his original agreement from 1996 that the technology was also his and he was to be paid royalties on the design. Hasbro did not abide by the agreement and Johnson has been awarded a whopping $73 million in back royalties according to the law firm King & Spalding.

Johnson Research filed a claim against the giant toy company in February inciting Hasbro’s underpayment of royalties for the Nerf line toys from 2007 to 2012. An additional separate breach of contract against the behemoth toymaker filed in the district court of Atlanta accused Hasbro of violating the original agreement.

Hasbro was forced to open their books to determine sales of his agreement pro ducted from 2006-12. In the arbitration we got everything we asked for,” said Atlanta attorney Leigh Baier. “The arbitrator ruled totally in Lonnie’s favor.” The attorney also said Johnson “is very pleased” with the outcome.

source AJC

ATLANTA – Lonnie Johnson  is a nuclear engineer, who graduated from Tuskegee University with a Ph.D.  He is also a former NASA scientist and inventor. He founded his company,  Johnson Research and Development, in 1989 and his company is behind the hugely popular Super Soaker water gun and Nerf toy guns which he licensed toy giant Hasbro to sell in a specific agreement. That agreement which specifically entailed Johnson held the rights to not only his guns but any technology with “three-dimensional products” at 2% based on appearance and 1% on “two dimensional representations” was breached because Hasbro created seperate products with the same technology and claimed them as their own.  Johnson stated in his original agreement from 1996 that the technology was also his and he was to be paid royalties on the design. Hasbro did not abide by the agreement and Johnson has been awarded a whopping $73 million in back royalties according to the law firm King & Spalding. Johnson Reasearch filed a claim against the giant toy company in February inciting Hasbro’s underpayment of royalties for the Nerf line toys from 2007 to 2012. An additional seperate breach of contract against the behemoth toymaker filed in the district court of Atlanta accused Hasbro of violating the original agreement. Hasbro was forced to open their books to determine sales of his agreement pro ducted from 2006-12. In the arbitration we got everything we asked for,” said Atlanta attorney Leigh Baier. “The arbitrator ruled totally in Lonnie’s favor.” The attorney also said Johnson “is very pleased” with the outcome.

source AJC

 

Business is like Marriage. There is relationship, love, then the marriage, the honeymoon then you get to really know the ins and outs of your business. Finally, your business can change on you, it may lose its attraction to you or you to it and if you stay in it for the sake of the money, the clients will know and they will not be getting the best service. End the marriage while things are still going somewhat well and you can both leave the situation happy. Start a new relationship (business) beforehand. Here are a few tips to help along the way with making your decision. Click NEXT below to see the segments. click “NEXT” above or below for next reason

You don’t Enjoy Doing it Anymore

This is the BEST reason. Isn’t this why you started your business in the first place? You were tired of working for someone else when you could do it on your own? Well now that you are on your own why are you waiting to leave? As black entrepreneurs we are doing what we LOVE first then the money comes. When it’s the reverse and we are doing it because we can do it and not because we WANT to do it, it’s time for a change. You are not married to your business like you think you are. Can you sell it? That should be the first option that you look at. Make sure you understand Capital Gains laws and don’t let that deter you from moving on if it gets confusing.

There’s been a major change in your industry

Sometimes there can be a major change in your industry where budgets are not what they once were and you find yourself stable or struggling in your business. Don’t want until you go backwards. You may have also aged-out of your business and you don’t get or command the customers, clients or fees that you once did. The worse thing that we can fear is getting old and hanging on to something that is dead. Once it’s gone it’s gone and it’s best to leave when you are on top instead of when you are broke.

It’s affecting your health

Sometimes we can go from 0 to 60 when it comes to joy in doing our business then back to -60. The stress of doing what you don’t want to do ESPECIALLY when you are in total control of it can take a MAJOR toll on you. Being stuck can be destructive.  If you are gaining weight, your blood pressure is high or you are sleeping more than usual and don’t have the joy you once did it will affect your entire life, not just your business. What good is being dead to your business? Know that you can have that same joy again and it’s better to get out while you are still healthy enough to get healthy again.

You’re on top

This is the BEST time to leave. You can get the most money, your contacts are still fresh and you can start something new. PLAN make sure you have someone to back you up. Are you prepared to work a regular job until you do something else? Are you prepared to start a new business? Have you started it before you decide to sell? It’s good to have another source of income in place before you sell.

You want to do something else

What relationships have you developed during your business that can help you start a new one? Time to get out those business cards and start doing a few hobbies and taking a few lunches (your treat) You would be AMAZED at what you can find out over lunch and it’s time to develop as many relationships as possible. Even if you don’t know what you want to do it’s very difficult to focus on it when you are doing a business that you no longer enjoy because it eats up your energy. It’s risky but if you continue to do what you don’t enjoy it will zap you of the energy you need to do something else. Your mind needs to be clear, which is why it’s important to leave when you can sell the business.

Business is like Marriage. There is love, then the union the honeymoon then you get to really know the ins and outs of your business. Finally your business can change on you, it may lose its attraction to you or you to it and if you stay in it for the sake of the money, the clients will know and they will not be getting the best service. End the marriage while things are still going somewhat well and you can both leave the situation happy. Start a new relationship (business) beforehand. Here are a few tips to help along the way with making your decision. Click NEXT below to see the segments

You don’t Enjoy Doing it Anymore

This is the BEST reason. Isn’t this why you started your business in the first place? You were tired of working for someone else when you could do it on your own? Well now that you are on your own why are you waiting to leave? As entrepreneurs we are doing what we LOVE first then the money comes. When it’s the reverse and we are doing it because we can do it and not because we WANT to do it, it’s time for a change. You are not married to your business like you think you are. Can you sell it? That should be the first option that you look at. Make sure you understand Capital Gains laws and don’t let that deter you from moving on if it gets confusing.  click “NEXT” above or below for next reason

There’s been a major change in your industry

Sometimes there can be a major change in your industry where budgets are not what they once were and you find yourself stable or struggling in your business. Don’t want until you go backwards. You may have also aged-out of your business and you don’t get or command the customers, clients or fees that you once did. The worse thing that we can fear is getting old and hanging on to something that is dead. Once it’s gone it’s gone and it’s best to leave when you are on top instead of when you are broke.

Its affecting your health

Sometimes we can go from 0 to 60 when it comes to joy in doing our business then back to -60. The stress of doing what you don’t want to do ESPECIALLY when you are in total control of it can take a MAJOR toll on you. Being stuck can be destructive.  If you are gaining weight, your blood pressure is high or you are sleeping more than usual and don’t have the joy you once did it will affect  your entire life, not just your business. What good is being dead to your business? Know that you can have that same joy again and it’s better to get out while you are still healthy enough to get healthy again.

You’re on top

This is the BEST time to leave. You can get the most money, your contacts are still fresh and you can start something new. PLAN make sure you have someone to back you up. Are you prepared to work a regular job until you do something else. Are you prepared to start a new business? Have you started it before you decide to sell? It’s good to have another source of income in place before you sell.

You want to do something else

What relationships have you developed during your business that can help you start a new one? Time to get out those business cards and start doing a few hobbies and taking a few lunches (your treat) You would be AMAZED at what you can find out over lunch and it’s time to develop as many relationships as possible. Even if you don’t know what you want to do it’s very difficult to focus on it when you are doing a business that you no longer enjoy because it eats up your energy. It’s risky but if you continue to do what you don’t enjoy it will zap you of the energy you need to do something else. Your mind needs to be clear, which is why it’s important to leave when you can sell the business

How can you market your skills to get the attention of major corporations, your boss or even a potential client? How do you broker great deals and ensure long term income and work on a great retirement for yourself? We are honored this week to have as a guest the man who has brokered blockbuster deals for superstar entertainment Mogul Steve Harvey. Harvey’s seemingly meteoric climb up the ladder to success was based on true talent a great plan and surrounding himself with the right people.

Those in the music industry are very much aware of Rushion’s McDonald’s position as the man who has brokered major deals for Steve Harvey including his first major radio agreement with Radio One in Los Angeles, Steve’s current deal with Premiere/IHeartmedia for the nationally syndicated Steve Harvey Morning show. Rushion also brokered deals for Steve’s best selling books Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, Straight Talk No Chaser, he is responsible for brokering the deals for the hit movies based on the books. He helped to negotiate the deal with Family Feud and many more deals along with Attorney Ricky Anderson when Steve and Rushion decided to become business partners over 20 years ago. In this podcast, Rushion gives great advice and points out many mistakes people make in the process of attempting to reach their goals as well as his best advice to avoid pitfalls. I greatly hope that you walk away from this great segment of The Radio Facts Radio Show more equipped for success. We’re featuring one of the most respected men in the industry, the multi-talented, creative brand liaison and broker Rushion McDonald.

OPRAH & DEEPAK’S 21-DAY MEDITATION EXPERIENCE EXPANDS REACH ACROSS MULTIPLE PLATFORMS ONLINE AND IN RETAIL

All-New Companion Mobile App Launches in iTunes and Google Play Stores

Latest Meditation Experience “Energy of Attraction: Manifesting Your Best Life” Open for Registration at Oprah.com/meditate

“Transformation Trilogy” Available in Hallmark Stores and Omni Hotels & Resorts Introduces “Energy of Attraction” As Part of Its Commitment to Wellness

cid:[email protected]

Oprah & Deepak’s 21 Day Meditation Experience: Transformation Trilogy CD Set

Hi res image: https://harpo.box.com/s/ksrh3kedomue03jmlgzc

Chicago, IL – Oprah & Deepak’s 21-Day meditation experiences will expand across multiple platforms, broadening its reach with strategic online expansions and collaborations in retail and travel categories, including an all-new free Companion Mobile App, a “Transformation Trilogy” cd-set available in Hallmark stores nationwide starting November 11, and an introduction to the latest meditation Energy of Attraction: Manifesting Your Best Life for Omni Hotel & Resorts guests as part of its commitment to wellness.

In an effort to increase accessibility for the 21-Day Meditation Experience’s ever-broadening, on-the-go listener demographic, Oprah Winfrey and Deepak Chopra developed and launched the “Oprah and Deepak 21-Day Meditation Experience” Companion Mobile App. The initiative presents a new way to stream or download the meditations anytime, anywhere on a smartphone or tablet (iPhone and Android). Once signed in, the App’s library automatically populates all registered meditations and also provides instant access to any previously-purchased content. Other features include a private interactive journal to record and review personal progress and reflections with access to inspirational messages, mantras and centering thoughts, giving participants an invaluable picture of their growth and development. The App is available for free in iTunes (click direct link here) and Google Play (click direct link here) stores.

Significantly expanding the series’ retail presence throughout the U.S., the brand new “Transformation Trilogy” cd-set, which incorporates three of the latest audios, Energy of Attraction: Manifesting Your Best Life, Expanding Your Happiness and Finding Your Flow, will first be made available in participating Hallmark Gold Crown stores throughout the U.S., beginning Tuesday, November 11.

In another innovative collaboration, Omni will introduce Energy of Attraction: Manifesting Your Best Life, to its roster of health and wellness offerings for guests, further extending its commitment to wellness.

Currently in the first week, the all-new meditation, Energy of Attraction: Manifesting Your Best Life, which launched November 3, is open for free on Oprah.com/meditate. The audios, voiced by Oprah and Deepak Chopra, offer a unique meditation each day, and a series of thought-provoking reflection questions designed to anchor the teachings and serve as a powerful guide for aligning one’s deepest desires with true purpose, helping to manifest the greatest possibilities for life.

The popular online offering “Oprah & Deepak’s 21-Day Meditation Experience” is co-produced by Harpo Studios and The Chopra Center, and inspired by popular OWN programs and the meditation practices of Deepak Chopra, which connect members of its core community to the benefits of regularly practiced meditation. More than 3.2 million people have participated in Oprah and Deepak’s past meditation experiences, accessing them from hundreds of countries around the globe.

To join the social media conversation, use #EnergyofAttraction

About OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey’s heart and creative instincts inform the brand – and the magnetism of the channel. Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable. Depth with edge. Heart. Star power. Connection. And endless possibilities. OWN is a joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications. The network debuted on January 1, 2011 and is available in 85 million homes. The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform Oprah.com

Surround Yourself with the Right People

We love to report stories of successful minority black entrepreneurs and this dynamic duo has achieved an incredible amount of success with seemingly no effort. However I personally know that’s not he case because I was right there when Steve’s business partner Rushion McDonald recently stated “I have very few conversations that don’t pertain to money and if I could figure out a way not to sleep I would.” McDonald was talking about his never-ending commendable negotiation skills respected by many industry, business and show biz people alike.  He is the fuel that lights Steve Harvey’s fire and while the general public may not know who he is, the marketing and advertising world does. There is absolutely no stopping Steve Harvey these days and one has to wonder how he manages to do it all. Rushion recently told the story of how he and Steve met and decided to become business partners at a packed house for the Living Legends Dinner in Hollywood, CA. As stated I was lucky enough to be there and while he was the last one to get an award and many people had already left, his speech and ability to motivate the crowd was by far the best one. Back in the day, Rushion and Steve were both comics working the same shows many years ago and decided to team up as business partners to make Steve the star while Rushion handled the business end. Harvey did a sitcom years ago and left after doing 5 seasons (which meant he is probably still getting residuals from that) even though the network, we have heard, begged him to stay because the show was still successful. Steve’s move to leave when he did was brilliant as it’s always better to leave on top then to be asked to leave on the bottom when it comes to leverage.

(Recently, Harvey surprised his wife Marjorie with a white Rolls-Royce Phantom Drop head Coupe as a 50th birthday gift. The $443,000 car is a handmade convertible that is the most expensive Rolls-Royce model at this time)

After that Steve went on to continue something that he had started in Chicago many years before his TV show and that was radio when he did the morning show at WGCI and was bitten by the radio bug. However this time, Steve wanted to be on several stations to create more leverage. Let’s face it, it’s hard to fire someone from 20 stations at the same time vs one person from one station. In addition, he would have some control over advertisers. He inked a deal with Radio One and that worked for a while then things went south. Rushion explained that they could not let anyone think they were down about the situation so they acted as if they were still on the air, did some radio shows around the country as free agents and then they went to Premiere Radio for a deal and the corporation picked the show up. Now Steve in on more stations then he has ever been and his success in radio has led to his NY Times Bestselling books. After that, the movies about the books, He took over as the FIRST black host of Family Feud, a show that has been on for over 30 years. Harvey’s success on that show has opened the doors for other blacks to host game shows ALSO being the first ones like: Wayne Brady who is the first black host for Let’s Make a Deal and Steve’s friend Cedric the Entertainer who got to host Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Now Steve has moved to daytime talk and these are just some of the things that he does and he makes it all look so easy in the process. There is so much to write about Steve’s success, I thought that he could say it best with this motivational video about what it takes to be successful. Enjoy.

JOHN VARVATOS, DETROIT NATIVE AND FASHION ICON,
TO OPEN BOUTIQUE IN DOWNTOWN DETROIT
High-end American Men’s Fashion Designer to open a retail shop on Woodward Avenue in Downtown Detroit

John Varvatos, famed American menswear designer, today announced he would open his first Midwest retail boutique in the heart of downtown Detroit. With the store opening, Varvatos, a Detroit native, is taking an active role in in the city’s ongoing resurgence. The 4,000 square foot store will be located at 1500 Woodward Avenue. Built in 1891, the historic Gordon Lloyd-designed, Queen Ann-style mid-rise building is one of more than 60 properties owned and operated by Bedrock Real Estate Services. The boutique is slated to open in spring 2015.

The boutique – the first high-end designer fashion retailer in decades to open a permanent storefront in downtown Detroit – will offer John Varvatos’ complete menswear line including the John Varvatos Collection, John Varvatos Star USA and Converse by John Varvatos. Varvatos, an award-winning and highly accomplished global fashion designer, launched his first clothing line in 2000 after a successful design career with some of the world’s most respected menswear design houses. Varvatos credits his Detroit-area upbringing and Motown, rock & roll, blues, jazz, and punk music influences as some of the inspiration for his contemporary men’s fashion collections.

“For me, this is much more than a business opportunity. It is also about changing the complexion of a great city and creating a different kind of legacy,” Varvatos said. “Detroit is well past its tipping point and I’m thrilled to be playing a role in the city’s ongoing transformation.” His decision to return to his hometown was greatly influenced by the opportunity to partner with Dan Gilbert, Founder and Chairman of Quicken Loans and Rock Ventures, and his Bedrock Real Estate Services team on their vision to transform one of America’s iconic cities. “To have a world renowned designer like John Varvatos choose downtown Detroit for his first Midwest store shows the confidence that specialty retailers have in the future of the city,” said Gilbert. “The creative class has played an important role in Detroit’s history and we are excited to have Varvatos return to his hometown and play a significant role in igniting Detroit’s fashion community.”

In the past two years Detroit has seen a heavy influx of businesses and retailers opening in the city, eager to take part in its renewal. “This is a huge win for Detroit,” added Dan Mullen, Vice President of Leasing and Development for Bedrock Real Estate Services. “Varvatos is setting the tone for the bustling shopping district that will grow along Woodward Avenue and will help us recruit other like-minded brands that will create the ultimate destination for downtown.”

The block that houses the building where the boutique will call home has become known as the ‘Madison Block’ – the epicenter for tech startups in Detroit. The arrival of John Varvatos marks the beginning of a fashion revolution in Detroit’s urban core while continuing to honor the block’s ongoing theme of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Visit www.johnvarvatos.com or join us on social media @JohnVarvatos

JOHN VARVATOS, DETROIT NATIVE AND FASHION ICON, TO OPEN A HIGH-END BOUTIQUE IN DOWNTOWN DETROIT

High-end American Men’s Fashion Designer to open a retail shop on Woodward Avenue in Downtown Detroit

John Varvatos, famed American menswear designer, today announced he would open his first Midwest retail boutique in the heart of downtown Detroit. With the store opening, Varvatos, a Detroit native, is taking an active role in the city’s ongoing resurgence. The 4,000 square-foot store will be located at 1500 Woodward Avenue.

Built in 1891, the historic Gordon Lloyd-designed, Queen Ann-style mid-rise building is one of more than 60 properties owned and operated by Bedrock Real Estate Services. The boutique is slated to open in spring 2015.

The boutique – the first high-end designer fashion retailer in decades to open a permanent storefront in downtown Detroit – will offer John Varvatos’ complete menswear line including the John Varvatos Collection, John Varvatos Star USA and Converse by John Varvatos.

Varvatos, an award-winning and highly accomplished global fashion designer, launched his first clothing line in 2000 after a successful design career with some of the world’s most respected menswear design houses. Varvatos credits his Detroit-area upbringing and Motown, rock & roll, blues, jazz, and punk music influences as some of the inspiration for his contemporary men’s fashion collections.

“For me, this is much more than a business opportunity. It is also about changing the complexion of a great city and creating a different kind of legacy,” Varvatos said.

“Detroit is well past its tipping point and I’m thrilled to be playing a role in the city’s ongoing transformation.” His decision to return to his hometown was greatly influenced by the opportunity to partner with Dan Gilbert, Founder and Chairman of Quicken Loans and Rock Ventures, and his Bedrock Real Estate Services team on their vision to transform one of America’s iconic cities.

“To have a world-renowned designer like John Varvatos choose downtown Detroit for his first Midwest store shows the confidence that specialty retailers have in the future of the city,” said Gilbert. “The creative class has played an important role in Detroit’s history and we are excited to have Varvatos return to his hometown and play a significant role in igniting Detroit’s fashion community.”

In the past two years Detroit has seen a heavy influx of businesses and retailers opening in the city, eager to take part in its renewal. “This is a huge win for Detroit,” added Dan Mullen, Vice President of Leasing and Development for Bedrock Real Estate Services.

“Varvatos is setting the tone for the bustling shopping district that will grow along Woodward Avenue and will help us recruit other like-minded brands that will create the ultimate destination for downtown.”

The block that houses the building where the boutique will call home has become known as the ‘Madison Block’ – the epicenter for tech startups in Detroit. The arrival of John Varvatos marks the beginning of a fashion revolution in Detroit’s urban core while continuing to honor the block’s ongoing theme of innovation and black entrepreneurship.

Visit www.johnvarvatos.com or join us on social media @JohnVarvatos