First and foremost, I have to once again reach out to the family and friends of the “King of Pop” with condolences. Your Michael will Truly be missed!
To Michael I say, Mission Accomplished!!!
For those that cry out, Michael passed away too soon, I remind you of a quote from my late Dad; “Man Plans, God Dis-plans.” In other words we can make all the plans in the world but the Universe is the ultimate planner.
With this in mind, we must seize every day, every moment and live our lives to the fullest! Put aside the excuses, BUT’s and NO’s and just GO FOR IT. Ask yourself, if you were to die today, would you have truly lived to your fullest potential? Would the world be able to say Mission Accomplished? Or would you be on your death bed saying ” I Wish I had?”
Finally, regardless of what we thought/think of Joe & Katherine Jackson – they have and continue to be the ultimate ENTREPRENEURIAL PARENTS -
A few years back as I sat at my office desk, gazing out of the window and wishing to escape,I longed for permission.
Permission to take the leap of faith,to go the extra mile, to risk it all and essentially DANCE – because in my mind, I knew it was time to DANCE into my season and cultivate my entrepreneurial vision.
BUT like most of us, life kept getting in the way-
Then, on Christmas 2002 – my fantabulous mother, who is a “shero” in her own right, gave me a book (Mark D. Sanders & Tia Sillers) complete with CD (Lee Ann Womack) offering the words I needed to hear –
“I HOPE YOU DANCE….Promise me you’ll give faith a fighting chance…”
Fast forward – 10 months later (2003)and a few conspiring “challenges” that would “catapult” and “inspire” me to leave that office, step into the world and become a full-time participant in my entrepreneurial life. In my decision,I did not know all the answers and was not sure of the entire plan but it all just “felt” right!
….”Because I want you to dance as you journey thru life’s good and bad times”are the words inscribed in my book from my MOM-and these are the words I offer each and everyone of you in this post…..
“I HOPE YOU DANCE” inspired by the song by LEE ANN WOMACK.
Until next time,…”I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance”
DANCE, DANCE, DANCE!
For many families struggling to raise children and build businesses simultaneously, life can truly be a test of endurance.
Alprentice David Emory Davis, grew up as a child of parents – considered social/community activists and entrepreneurs. Was their path to entrepreneurial parenting by default or by conscious choice? At a time when association with The Black Panther Party could mean life in jail or a death sentence, how does one raise politics, social ideology,enterprise and family all under one roof?
In his upcoming book, URCHIN SOCIETY:America’s Gift To Urban Society – Mr. Davis discusses his experiences and what it was like growing up; “Panther Cub”
Here’s a preview of the book, and an excerpt from our interview:
Patience is something that only children – can teach us.
We all know that to reach our goals we need all the patience and focus in the world. Anger only distracts us from the issues at hand. Anger gives an opponent the over hand by giving them control of our actions. Anger centralizes the negative – energy of others.
Remember that as you watch: “The Rock” Obama…..
Stay focused and find healthy ways to deal with anger – it can only make you a better person….
For some time now, the nation has been fighting over the need for “Affirmative Action.” As the economy continues to collapse or re-design itself on a global scale, could this process quite possibly be “leveling of playing field?”
I mean for the first time in decades – seems we are able to use technology to democratize institutionalized systems and networks. In this era, a musician, writer, broadcaster or aspiring entrepreneur can use the free tools available online to find,build or fill a niches. Just think that for the first time in ages, individuals can reach just about anyone DIRECTLY through social networks. We are meeting individuals we might not have met before via the internet and this is allowing us to do business locally, nationally and globally.
So, as we look at the traditional systems adjust, I really do feel that this is the best time for growth and expansion – because regardless of one’s class, gender, race, religion, nationality, etc – if you are innovative you can find success. In this climate, the notion of “leveling the playing field” seems to happening across segments daily!
So as tempting as it might be to fall into the negativity of the uncertain, I say AFFIRM you – and take ACTION to gain control of your own destiny and future.
This is a wonderful time to be Entrepreneurial and brand new.
I know it has been a little while since I’ve posted but so much has been going on like: The new economy, global positioning, parent-hood and just trying to define what it means to be an entrepreneurial parent.
However, when I saw this video today of this group of seniors living their entrepreneurial dream and getting their “groove on” I could not help but be inspired!
Enjoy – and remember you’re never too old to make it happen! GO GET ‘EM Y’ALL —
On this most historic day, we look back almost 40 years – when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr had a DREAM.
The difference between having a dream and achieving it is a matter of a few million steps.. The important thing is that EVERYDAY we must commit to ONE more step – even if it appears small.
Tomorrow, The United States of America will inaugurate its 44th President, Barack Obama. The dynamics and mechanisms at work with the universe to have these two incidents coincide within a day of one another is something short of destined.
With this in mind, I am reminded of the phrase “Walk Into Your Season.” Yes folks, I am crystal clear that we all have our season and destiny – and it is imperative that we tune into those elements that are “conspiring” to place us in our own historical place.
So, NEVER, EVER Stop working and living your DREAM.
As we approach a new year with great hopes and anticipation for CHANGE, I would like to remind everyone to be:
“Careful What You Ask…The Universe Will Deliver!”
The above quote has become one of my favorite sayings of all time. In my journey to Entrepreneurship, “The Law of Attraction” is something I have had to take really seriously. This includes the friends we keep, the family members that surround us and most importantly what we visualize. Sometimes we look @ our own lives and cannot accept the place we find ourselves. The road is hard and we certainly will lose some “friends” along the way but that is part of the journey. Until we take responsibility for our own condition- we cannot make the necessary moves to rescue ourselves and get to the places we want to go. Keep in mind, that some CHANGE might involve getting rid of folks that are not helping you to attract success – spiritually, mentally, emotionally and/or financially.
So, get ready to ring in the new year by COMMITTING TO and FOLLOWING UP on your plans for Real success.
Now, Visualize With Me For:
A Prosperous New Year, In 2009 & Beyond!
And In The Words Of My Girl Mary J……NO MORE DRAMA, PLEASE -
Hey everyone, I just wanted to send out a special shout-out to my boy Mike Street (Greasy Guide.com) who has started the series on his blog – “Job Hunting In A Bad Economy.”
Just think, If President-Elect Obama could win the toughest Job Interview of his Life and land on Time Magazine as “Person Of The Year” – You can make your dreams a reality too!
Oftentimes, a Public Relations Firm or Publicist is hired by a firm to make sure the right message gets out there – and of course to get some free publicity.
There are many that practice PR – merely thinking that a press release is enough. I am here to say that -when a PR campaign is not fully explored – and the hope for short term supersedes the long term brand value, there could be problems – maybe even lawsuits.
Take for example the recent case – between Rapper 50 Cent aka Curtis Jackson and Yum Brands’ (Taco Bell). For those that might not know, they are currently involved in a lawsuit -
Here’s what happened:
Taco Bell puts out a press release (open letter) over the wires and in it, they request 50 cent to drive to one of their chains, rap his order and then change his name to 79, 89 or 99 Cent, just for the day. In turn, the Yum Brands chain would donate $10,000 to the charity of his choice. -
“Fiddy” then claims he had not been consulted by the marketer and so files a lawsuit.
As the drama continues, Mr. Jackson’s Lawyer, Peter Raymond of Reed Smith, explains that his client gets good money for endorsements and when he decides to support something, he likes to control it pretty closely. The basis for the lawsuit was that the Press Release made it appear that Taco Bell had consent for a co-promotion as well as trademark infringement.
So, is this case for the dawgs? Aye, CHIHUAHUA, we’ll find out soon enough….
Now, when we think of Entrepreneurial parents with “Swagga” – you have got to think of Sean P.Diddy Combs. Now, Mr. Combs has built an musical empire, clothing line, fragrance line, and more – he has dabbled in politics with “Rock the Vote” and was very vocal in the recent 2008 Presidential Elections.
While providing for his offspring an Entrepreneur – he has constantly pushed the button, as he raises his family, business and dreams under one roof. Whatever, you think of him as an individual, he is certainly an ENTREPRENEURIAL PARENT….
In his latest move, P. Diddy says that “It Is Time For A Black James Bond” and he needs to be it! So, Enjoy – P.Diddy’s James Bond Audition Tape!
Special thanks to my associates over at greasyguide.com – for hipping me to this video.
In their recent interview with Barbara Walters, President & First Lady elect Barack & Michelle Obama have been talking about how their marriage and children will transition during the move to their new home @ 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
As any parent knows, whenever the job calls – and you have to transplant your family into a new environment, there is stress. Stress from dealing with the unknown and most importantly about how everyone will adjust, while maintaining some sense of normalcy.
One of the items that many have found interesting is the fact that the First Lady To Be, Michelle Obama has stated that the children (Malia & Sasha) will do chores in the White House – like making up their beds. There are some people who see this as unrealistic – however, in an attempt to keep children grounded, this idea makes perfect sense. We have to admit however, that the synergy between this husband and wife team seems to be the formula that will make any transition – work.
For everyone else out there, with so much going on in our world today – what challenges are you facing – as you try to keep a balance and things somewhat “NORMAL” for your children family?
Whenever that commercial for Electrolux comes on, I can’t help but laugh out loud – Not because it is funny (in that sense) but because, I can totally relate. Like most working/Entrepreneurial parents juggling a gazillion projects at one time (and well) that ad serves as a testimony. It illustrates and reminds all that to run a family and balance work life takes nothing short of great management and organizational skills. For Ripa who is a Co-host on Regis and Kelly, A Mother, Wife, Pitch Woman, Actress and more, 24 hours like most of us can be a really short day -
So for anyone that underestimates the RESUME of a Working Mom or Dad, I’d say check out this Electrolux Ad – and be clear that this is not just an ad – It is a DAILY reality!
So as we all fight for CHANGE, let’s make sure to we support policies that will support the already overworked parents of the world…….
I decided to take some time to focus on myself because as we all know – the demands of life can be overwhelming.
As, I reviewed plans – and looked into the New Year – the one thing I resolved was that my new phrase will be “SUPERWOMAN ain’t coming!” As women, it is sometimes difficult to take of our capes – and -take a break from rescuing the world.
I say, we most certainly have the ability to Save The World but not all at the same time. We have to keep in mind that our overextended schedules can be like Kryponite for the soul – and if we do not take some time to energize – we can burn out.
So, I say it is okay to take care of home, business, man and kids – but every so often (without guilt), find the time for yourself – put up a sign on the door, and let the world know:
The other day, I received a “wonderful” email from someone that needed to respond to my last post -regarding Superwoman. In the email, the author found it necessary to remind me of grammatical errors, misspellings and various other violations she/he found in my writing. With all my inadequacies the writer declared, that I could NOT possibly “BE SUPERWOMAN.”
I had to remind myself that declaring myself SUPERWOMAN was not point of the post. The point was to offer support to my fellow “sister friends.” At that moment, I glanced over at another email (I keep this one posted in my home office) that a FRIEND sent to me some time ago:
A hater is someone that is jealous and envious and spends all their time trying to make you look small so that they can look tall.
When you make your mark, you will always attract some haters…That’s why you have to be careful who you share your blessings and your dreams with because some folk can’t handle seeing you blessed….
If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you can rest assured that the water bill is higher there too!
So, like the final words of my “posted” email reminded, You can handle haters by:
1. Knowing who you are and who your TRUE friends are
2. Having a purpose
3. Remembering that what you have is by divine prerogative and not human manipulation
Enjoy, take care, and remember that when living dreams, there are always going to be – HATERZ EVERYWHERE YOU GO –
