The Dream Project – Part 4 – Kevin Lowes and Daymond John

I saved the best for last with the Dream Project Conference!  The two speakers that everyone was talking about were Kevin Liles and Daymond John! Who are these speakers you may ask?

Kevin Liles is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of KWL Enterprises, a strategic holding company anchored by the noted brand and talent development firm, KWL Management. KWL Management works with entertainers, athletes and models to develop brands, forge partnerships, and cultivate successful careers.

Daymond John is CEO and Founder of FUBU, a much-celebrated global lifestyle brand, and a pioneer in the fashion industry with over $6 billion in product sales. His marketing firm Shark Branding offers advice on how to effectively communicate to consumers through innovative means and connects brands with the world’s top celebrities for everything from endorsements to product extensions. In 2009, he joined the cast of ABC entrepreneurial business show the Shark Tank by acclaimed producer Mark Burnett.

All of us there was so excited to hear what both of these men had to say.  Kevin Liles topic was Let’s Talk Business.  He gave some excellent advice to those who are interested in becoming or who are interns.  He said find out what you love and do it for free.  “If you have not done it for free then you did not do the work!”  When Mr. Liles was a intern he knew that his goal was not to be a intern forever but to become the President of the company.  That was his vision and he stresses that it should be ours also.  Mr. Liles said “Be your best all the time and that everyday is a opportunity!”  ” You never know who is going to be your blessing at that time!”  He also said when you want something so bad, do not let your ego get in the way.  Mr. Liles explained that being prepare before that moment of opportunity happens will help your business tremendously.  Make sure you have discipline, faith and patience during these challenges.  Even though you are dedicated to the mission of business, you must have a balance of your life.  You alone should not be  the company.  Mr. Liles talked about when he felt consumed with his work of his business that he had weighed over 300#’s.  He then decided that he needed to take control of his life and health.  He did this by losing over 185#’s and started a healthy lifestyle plan.  Taking over his life and loving himself allowed him to become more successful than he was before!!  What a testimony!

Daymond John was the closing speaker for this conference and boy did he had alot to say.  Mr. John explained as children we are all born thinking like entrepreneurs but we are not taught to like a entrepreneur.  The reason why is that our dreams fade overtime when we get older and the fear starts to set in therefore we are unwilling to explore in doing our dream.  He said that we need to surround ourselves with people who want to work with you and he stress the importance of finding a mentor.  Mr. John explained that the next best thing is to empowering your community by creating jobs and opportunities.  Follow Magic Johnson format of business.  Mr. John did give us insight about the Shark Tank.  It takes about 6 months to close the deals in Shark Tank unlike what is shown on the show.  This was interesting to know because alot of us would think that the deal is closed immediately on the show.  Mr. John also said that as a entrepreneur you must realize that you are not creating anything new but you must identify the your market and learn to sell your business to everyone.  Word of Mouth is the key to a successful business.

I truly did enjoyed the Dream Project Conference and I learned so much from it. I am making a effort to start implementing all of the things that I learn for that one day of the conference.  So if the Dream Project Conference comes to your town make sure you go!  It will be here next year in the Atlanta and I will be there!!

 

 

 

The Dream Project – Part 3 – More Breakout Sessions

The Dream Project Breakout Session just keep coming!! The next breakout session I went to was the Secrets to Success where a panel of business owners discussed about the secrets of having a successful business.  I had a chance to meet Mr. Kevin Johnson who is the owner of Johnson Media Inc.  Mr. Johnson leads a marketing and communications firm that serves many Fortune 100 businesses.  He is author of best-selling book The Entrepreneur Mind: 100 Essential Beliefs, Characteristics, and Habits of Elite Entrepreneurs.  (See more click here ).  Mr. Johnson had some 3 key points about becoming successful.

1.  Build a good team – make sure you hire slow but fire fast.  Find new people particularly interns.

2. Get your finances in order and keep your credit score high.

3.  Be at the right time and at the right place for business.  Make sure you are putting out the right content.

Mr. Johnson also said that you must start from a place of integrity and it is ok to say no when it comes to business.  He did stress the importance of finding team members who will support you and get the education that you will need for money management.  He also explained that there are no secrets to business and you need to find answers by thinking big and looking beyond your location and culture.

Karmetria Burton, who Karmetria Burtonwas also on the panel, is the general manager of Supplier Diversity for Delta Air Lines.  Ms. Burton explained the importance of having a up to date business plan readily available.  She expressed that being an entrepreneur that you express enthusiasm and excitement when you are introducing your business to anyone.    She also explained that you should follow your passion and have determination mindset to follow through your business.   Become a certified GMSDC – Regional Minority Business Supplier Diversity and learn about the contracting cycle.   Build the right relationships with your clients and make sure you sell solutions to your clients needs.

The other persons that was on the panel was from the Latin Chamber of Commerce.  Their representative explained that business owners should not be afraid to go and seek out advice.  You must be willing to go there and take the time to learn.  A business owner must be financially solid and do not be afraid to become a partner.

One of the last things that all the panels stress was again the importance of building relationships.  If someone says no be nice in responding to that person.   Be patience , persistence and network!!  Put a value on your service and be strong!  Set expectations for a positive business.

Next week is the conclusion of the Dream Project where Kevin Lewis and Daymond John will speak!!  Can not wait for this!!

 

 

The Dream Project – Part 2 – The Breakout Sessions

 

 

The Dream Project Conference had alot of breakout session that it was hard to select which ones to go.  The first one I decided to go to was the Women in Business seminar.  I had the pleasure of meeting Egypt Sherrod from the HGTV Show Host of Property Virgins  and founder of her own real estate firm called The Egypt Sherrod Real Estate Group.  (I love that show!) She is such a sweet and gracious person.  Egypt was the moderator of this breakout session and it was great to hear her talk about the importance of women becoming successful business owners and leaders.  I love the quote that Egypt said “We are so much more than our resumes!”

Me and Egypt Sherrod !!

During this session there was a panel of other successful women business owners speaker who were open to talk about what it takes to become a female business owner and leaders in their field of expertise.  Gina Barboza, who is the Director of Music Licensing & Development Turner Entertainment Networks, said that “Women need to come together and help each other by sharing knowledge with each other”.  “Put God first and be true to yourself and not become afraid to fall apart a little bit.”  She also said that there is 1.3 trillion Hispanic market and there is certainly a need for your services there.  She states that social media is such a valuable tool to marketing but you will need to be careful of the content and the message that your business is giving out.  Make sure you have value to your vision!

Gina Barboza !!

Next was Melissa Dawn Simkins, the President of the Velvet Suite, which is a new brand of leadership development transforming how people think, look and perform like champions for elite performers in business and sports.  Melissa Simkins explained that women often miss the value of who they are.  We need to prove to others that we a person of success.  Women need to define their value and be honest with themselves.  Women must also value their relationships with others which may in turn produce future profitable connections.  I truly agree with her on that!!

Then was Astid Chirnos, President, Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte, North Carolina, who spoke about that women are not minorities anymore!  We all need to allow our communities to succeed and create an abundance of opportunities in our communities.  Create a business not a job!  She stressed that we all have 24 hours in a day but what we need to do is not manage our time but our energy!! Find a coach and mentor to keep you balance!

Beverly High !

Iris Reese,  CEO at Fusion Multicultural Marketing  of the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina said that this seminar is for women to “Put themselves first, get rid of the limiting beliefs and manage the fears in their lives!”  Other ladies on the panel were Lily Winsoft who discussed about women to not be afraid and to encourage themselves to go out there and make a difference  and Beverly High who talk about women in owning and purchasing their land.  Look at the opportunities in gardening and farming as a business.  Check out the Dept of Agriculture for further information.

Women in Business Panel !

In the closing of this breakout session the ladies of the panel gave us women audience more important informative information.  In order to start a business you should hook up with your local chamber of commerce and look for people who are in business that you would be interested in partnering with.  Join your local credit union and develop a relationship with your bank.  Look out for Angel investors but make sure you have a sound business plan and be able to present this with passion!! Know what is your purpose is and find the people who are willing to finance it!  Truly smart women to listen too!!

In next week’s posting,  I will discuss about what else I have learned from another breakout session that I attended.   Make those dreams come alive this week!