Business

Business

NBA Stars and MBA Greats Showcase Workplace Genius & Market Brilliance – #WUWECAST

Posted by

1

This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (Old-School Flava)

What do NBA stars and MBA greats have in common? For the NBA it’s the annual dunk-fest and 3-point shooting contest. Many of them were the usually suspects. But there were some new kids on the block. The oldtimers & newbies put on a show with high-flying feats and ‘high-fives’ in the seats.

The all-star game has been around for six decades. It’s as much a game as it is a commercial enterprise. The players put on a show on the court. Recording artists put on a show on the stage. Together it’s all about bringing together the ‘creative chops’ of NBA ballers with the musical talents of hit-makers.

Many of the NBA stars and MBA greats (Mega Bank Account) started from the bottom with a big dream. Washington Wizards guard John Wall’s story is one of turning the loss of his father at a young age into motivation. He remembers his mother’s dedication in working multiple jobs to raise the family.

Wall is using his passion, life experience and skill execution as workplace genius. He hopes to be counted among one of the best point guards ever. He’s focused on raising his game and market appeal. While other real MBA minds or front-office bosses are raising the brand to the utmost in market brilliance.

So it was another day at the office for NBA stars and MBA greats. Russell Westbrook was named game MVP. Stephen Curry won the 3-point shooting contest. Zach LaVine was the runaway winner in the slam-dunk. They delivered creative chops and workplace genius, leading the way in market brilliance.

nba-allstars

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (New-School Flava)

Another day at the office for NBA stars. Another day for MBA greats beyond fancy cars. From a night of jams at the dunk-fest. To loud cheers at the 3-point contest. Many of the oldtimers were in place. With some newbies showing their face. A slew of high-flying b-ball feats. And ‘high-fives’ in the arena seats.

All-star game going six decades strong. Rookies and breakout stars get to come along. As much a game played for the fun. As a biz enterprise making a run. Players put on a show for the fans. Recording artists put on a show with their bands. Creative chops of NBA ballers. Musical talents of today’s hit-makers.

As players they started-out with big dreams. MBA greats (Mega Bank Account) getting to the big leagues. Washington Wizards star-story of John Wall. Turning the loss of his father into getting the call. Setting a goal fueled by motivation. Reaching new heights inspired by Mom’s dedication.

Wall uses life experience as fire. Skill and workplace genius going even higher. As point guard he’s ready for the test. Hopes to be counted as one of the best. Raising his game and market appeal. Working real hard at getting a steal. MBA execs and mgmt chiefs lifting brand. To mega market brilliance in the stand.

What do NBA stars and MBA greats share as twins? Trying hard to get more wins. Russell Westbrook named game MVP. Stephen Curry won 3-point shooting spree. Zack LaVine runaway winner in the slam-dunk. His jams had a whole lot of spunk. Creative chops, passion and leadership brilliance in the trunk.

alicia-keys

Tip: When it comes to being a star with greatness it helps to have creative chops, passion and brilliance.
Talkback: Who’s in your top-5 as a pro-player, sports anchor/analyst or business star?
Groove-Tracks: Alicia Keys – ‘Girl on Fire’ –

Jimmy Cozier ft. Shaggy – ‘Choose Me’ –

This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

The Business of Sports: Marshawn & Serena Getting Paid for Games Played – #WUWECAST

Posted by

0

This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (Old-School Flava)

There were lots of highlights in sports over recent days. The biggest was likely how the Superbowl ended. With less than a minute in the game, the Seahawks decided to pass. We’ve heard the breakdown of the big game and TV commercials. So will Marshawn Lynch get fined and what about Serena’s fat check?

The game was a thriller down to the end. The commercials had their fare share of ‘hits and misses.’ This year’s Superbowl was the most watched TV program in history. Lynch didn’t get the call to run the ball. But his branding success beyond the big game says something about how to ‘coin a phrase.’

His approach to media has put a dent in his wallet. But he’s been able to turn that around into a branding ‘phrase that pays.’ This is also true for ads that are a hit. They appeal with humor or to the heartstring or by being hip. That’s how a favorite song, movie or commercial can empower our days in unique ways.

Some fans were drawn to the Nissan 90-second spot about ‘Daddy love’ while others were drawn to the Budweiser tale about ‘puppy love.’ To empower our days means trying to see something we didn’t see before, or experiencing something in ways we haven’t before. Isn’t that how the pros up their game?

Serena Williams continues to do that on the court. She’s now won 19 grand slams as one of the oldest ever. Her success is less about how she coins a phrase. It’s more about how she empowers her days and picks a next-level trail to blaze. Win, lose or draw, Lynch and Williams are laughing their way to the bank.

marshawn-lynch

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (New-School Flava)

Lots of highlights on the sports page. The Superbowl finish had some in rage. With less than a minute left on the clock. Seahawks coach paused to take stock. Decided to pass instead of run. That’s how they lost and the Patriots won. So will Marshawn Lynch again get fined? Or Serena’s check get nickel & dimed?

A thriller down to the end. Unclear who would rise or bend. Commercials had their share of ‘hits and misses.’ Most watched TV program without the kisses. Eventhough Lynch didn’t get the call. Seahawks could have run the ball. Lynch making waves beyond news wire. Coining a phrase in ‘beast mode’ attire.

Talking to media not his first love. Puts a dent in his wallet not glove. Runs over athletes with his backfield plays. Turns things around with a phrase that pays. True for ads that are a hit and pop. Using humor, heartstring or a little hip-hop. A favorite song to empower our days. Or movie-showing in unique ways.

Some drawn to Nissan’s ‘Daddy love’ spot. Others think Budweiser’s ‘puppy love’ was the shot. To empower our days means seeing things in a new light. Or even experiencing things at a new flight. Isn’t that how the pros keep upping their game? Just like them we can enjoy reaching the same.

Serena doing that on the court for sure. At 19 grand slams she’s ready for more. One of the oldest in the game to do so ever. Less about coining a phrase that’s clever. It’s in how she empowers her days. And picks a next-level trail to blaze. Win, lose or draw in the tank. They’re laughing their way to the bank.

serena-williams

Tip: Upping our game and empowering our days mean seeing and experiencing things in new ways.
Talkback: Will Marshawn Lynch or the Patriots get fined and how might Serena spend that fat check?
Groove-Tracks: Katy Perry ‘Roar’ – http://youtu.be/CevxZvSJLk8 and Bruno Mars ‘Uptown Funk’ – http://youtu.be/OPf0YbXqDm0

This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

What Lisa Price Did for ‘Carol’s Daughter’ Danny Meyer Did for ‘Shake Shack’

Posted by

0

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

“Lights, Camera, Shack-tion!” That’s the caption on the live stream of Shake Shack. Rumors are the ‘fast-casual’ burger chain is weighing an IPO. Meanwhile, the women’s beauty line of Carol’s Daughter is coming out of Chapter 11. What Lisa Price did for Carol’s Daughter, Danny Meyer did for Shake Shack.

They both had interesting beginnings. Price started making her products in the kitchen of her Brooklyn apartment. Meyer’s idea for a burger joint first started with a hot dog stand in New York. After a period of trial and error then things took off. Their expansion saw an infusion of money from angel investors.

It hasn’t been a ‘cake walk’ of a journey. Ms. Price remembers selling her products at flea markets. Women kept asking about other kinds of products, beyond the one’s she had available. They’ve taken their businesses through the highs and lows by listening to the customers and responding to the market.

The secret to their success holds true for dreamers and career climbers. It’s found in the ‘hustle and flow’ mentality that has seen them through. Carol’s Daughter is bouncing back from bankruptcy with an entrepreneurial spirit. Shake Shack is blazing new trails and reaching new heights with a teamwork ethic.

Carol’s Daughter has grown from nickel and dime sales to multi-million dollar brand. Shake Shack has grown from shakes and fries to an international burger chain. The flagship store in NYC is seen on their live stream with long lines of waiting customers. They both started off with a few dollars and a dream.

lisa-price

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

“Lights, Camera, Shack-tion!” Found on their live stream caption. The ‘fast-casual’ burger chain weighing IPO. As told by folks in the know. Meanwhile Carol’s Daughter files Chapter 11 not 9. To turnaround women’s beauty line. Lisa Price is for what ladies purses pack. As Danny Meyer is to the burger Shack.

With interesting beginnings under their belt. And a passion for what in their gut felt. Price started in her Brooklyn kitchen. After putting away the cooking mitten. Meyer’s idea was a hot dog stand. Which began to make money in the grand. After trial and error along the way. Their expansion came on investor day.

Hasn’t been a ‘cake-walk’ to say the least. Had to pinch pennies and forgo the feast. Ms. Price started selling at the flea market. Before landing retail shelves in Target. Women’s feedback pointed to even more. Giving her a sense of customer score. Through highs and lows for moving sales out the door.

Secret to their success true for dreamers. Even for career climbers driving beemers. Found in their ‘hustle and flow’ mentality. And also buzz from well-known celebrity. Carol’s Daughter says bankruptcy is back in the past. Entrepreneurial spirit will make them outlast. As Shake Shack boosts rating with teamwork cast.

Carol’s Daughter no longer just nickel and dime. Now a multi-million dollar brand in its prime. Shake Shack no longer just about french fries. Now an international burger chain on the rise. NYC Flagship store with line of customers in waiting. Both started with a few dollars and a dream in the making.      

Tip: A few dollars and a dream can take you from idea, to emerging startup to breakout enterprise.

Talkback: Who would be willing to invest some dollars and a dream in Shake Shack or other gut idea?

Can Ivanka Trump’s Business Cred Stop the Atlantic City Casino Slide?

Posted by

0

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

The electric slide is something you do on the dance floor. It starts with a few steps to the right, then to the left. Some more steps forward and then backward. That’s how it goes for getting your groove on. But business/career reinvention is a little different. So can Ivanka Trump stop the Atlantic City Casino slide?

In the past few years ‘Do-AC’ has been the marketing slogan. The region has seen a drop in revenues as visits fall and casinos close. Mayor Don Guardian knows Atlantic City has seen better days. But he thinks it’s too soon to write them off. Careers, businesses and cities have come back from hard times before.

Think back to the pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson when revenues hit the skid and nosed-dived due to product recalls. The turnaround was gradual and methodical. It’s as if the executive team knew the secret of (re)inventing your brand. Think like a CEO, lead like a Mayor and flow like a MVP champion.

Maybe that’s the formula Atlantic City will have to try. Johnson & Johnson did it through diversifying of business line. The things near to their core were kept and the rest sold or sent to the dump. They also went with a system-wide approach to standardizing the manufacturing platforms across the company.

So Ivanka as Trump EVP might not be the go-to person on casino ops. She’s just as busy honing her entrepreneurial chops. Her passion is with fashion accessories and women’s shoe line. Biz execs know (re)inventing your game/brand takes a value-adding entrepreneurial spirit and team-player work ethic.      

 ivanka-trump

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

The electric slide starts to right to the right. Then goes to the left to the left. Forward motion like quick step. Then backward strut is all that’s left-over. Well, biz/career rewind is a different kinda makeover. That’s how you roll shaking your groove hide. But can Ivanka Trump stop the Atlantic City Casino slide?

Past few years ‘Do-AC’ was the slogan. Campaign to change image from the dungeon. A sharp drop in revenues and in visit. With casinos closing minute by minute. Mayor Don Guardian says AC’s seen better days. Knows it’ll take more than a family that prays. For careers, biz and cities to re-invent pay raise.

Think back to pharma company J&J. Revenues hit the skid with no time to play. Turnaround after recalls was more gradual. Going from nose-dive to revamp was methodical. Exec team knew a few secrets for (re)inventing the brand. Think like a CEO, lead like a Mayor and flow like MVP on award stand.

Maybe that’s a formula for Atlantic City to try. No time to complain, point fingers or cry. J&J diversified their business line. Core products stayed close, others spun off the vine. Plus, they went with a system-wide approach to manufacturing. Changing company platforms put them back in the winning.

Ivanka as Trump EVP might not be casino’s head. Those operations in AC being left for dead. She’s just as busy with her own fashion and shoe wear. Honing her entrepreneurial chops year after year. Biz execs know (re)inventing yourself is no picnic. Takes a value-adding entrepreneurial spirit and teamwork ethic. 

Tip: (Re)inventing your career, biz or brand takes a value-adding entrepreneurial spirit and team-player work ethic.

Talkback: So does Atlantic City stand a chance with more competition and the rise in online gaming?

Miss Robbie and ‘Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s’ Took Road Trip for ‘New Day, New Dreams’

Posted by

0

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

Oprah and Tyler have a good thing going. Since OWN’s launch she’s forged a strategic partnership with Perry for new programming. Some of the network shows are still getting their stride. Others are taking further steps. So Miss Robbie on a Sweetie Pie’s episode took a road trip for ‘new day, new dreams.’

She’s opening a new location in the blues city of Memphis. That’s not a far way from St. Louis or from her earlier career as a backup singer with Ike & Tina Turner. They travelled from St. Louis to get the location off the ground. Miss Robbie says at her age or any age it’s never too late for a new venture or adventure.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said it this way: “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” Miss Robbie and her team are working hard at hiring staff, upgrading operations and meeting the locals. As with any venture, the business side is about how to create, manage and grow the returns stream.

While making plans on the new venture she ran into a setback. An injury from a fall caused her to need surgery. She took time-off to take care of her health. Miss Robbie knows that in life “no pain, no gain.” But it’s also true that “no health, no wealth.” The personal side is about taking care of mind, body and soul.

Miss Robbie will soon be known not just for soul food. She’s also launched a Sweet Tea line. We know how folks down south love their sweet tea. It might be the next best reminder of home-cooking and the human side of everyday living. It’s in leaving a good taste and cherished feeling for life’s best moments. 

miss-robbie

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Oprah and Tyler on a roll. Friendship going good says informal poll. Since OWN’s launch we’ve seen. A strategic partnership in between. Some TV shows still getting their stride. Others plotting along for the ride. So Miss Robbie’s Sweetie Pie’s makes a move. With a road trip and ‘new day, new dreams’ groove.

Opening next spot in Memphis blues city. Of jazz sounds and sights looking pretty. Not a far way from the St. Louis hub. Or her days with Ike & Tina in the club.  She chose to move around. In getting the location off the ground. Says at her age not too late for this venture. Or even for having a new life adventure.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said it best. “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts,” oh yes! Miss Robbie and company working hard at hiring staff. Upgrading the shop, meeting the locals between a laugh. As with any venture or biz team. Gotta create, manage and grow the returns stream.

While doing some of her daily chores. She ran into a setback and some sores. After falling, surgery was the next action. To get back her health satisfaction. Taking time-off during the rain. Knowing in life “no pain, no gain.” Plus, “no health, no wealth” was on her mind. By taking care of body and soul in kind.

Serving more than just soul food. Even if her lingo may seem crude. Launching a Sweet Tea product line. Maybe even thinking about fine wine. Down south folks love their beer and tea. Next best thing to home-cooked meals under a tree. Leaving a good taste of the past. With more cherished feelings that will last.

Tip: The business side of any venture takes creating, managing and growing the value while the personal side takes creating, managing and growing in values.

Talkback: What’s your pick on a typical summer’s day: Sweet Tea or Cold Drink?

Drew Brees’ New Orleans Saints and a Billionaire’s Gift Provide Everyday Folks a Lift

Posted by

0

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

Jim Justice (yes that’s his name) is a big-shot with a common touch. The owner of the Greenbrier Resorts in West Virginia invested his own money to build a training camp venue for the New Orleans Saints. Those who know him aren’t surprised. This billionaire’s generous gift provides everyday folks a lift.

Justice and his staff say it’s a good business decision. The idea’s inspiration moved him to throw his weight into the project. It didn’t hurt that he earned his wealth the blue-collar way. He accumulated his fortune in coal-mining and agriculture. That’s a recipe for lending a hand and burrowing the land.

The idea came about when head coach Sean Payton reached-out to Justice after a golf game. Who knows what was said but he committed 30 million dollars to make it happen. The financial incentive might have something to do with the fact that Justice is a long-time Saints fan. Plus, the return is priceless.

So Justice’s “sod squad” put things in motion. They moved earth, concrete and steel to finish the project in 100 days. They found the motivation to complete this assignment because it has a double impact. The complex’s medical institute will also be where other sports athletes get hands-on physiotherapy care.

The Saints began their training camp with access to three fields and a 3000-seat arena. Their three-year contract with the venue will allow them to practice away from the Bayou’s summer heat. In addition, it will give local kids and West Virginia fans a chance to have fun experiencing the pros up close and personal.

  drew-brees

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Jim Justice, (yes that’s his name). A big-shot with common touch who doesn’t play the game. Owner of Greenbrier Resorts vacation spot. A West Virginia native with lots of money in the pot. Spending some to build training camp for NFL Saints. A billionaire’s gift giving folks a lift from the bricks to the paints.

Justice and staff says it’s a good business decision. Inspired to throw his weight into project’s vision. Didn’t hurt that wealth earned the blue-collar way. With some “old money” he used it to pay. Built his fortune in agriculture and coal-mining. Lending a hand, burrowing the land from sun-up to moon’s rising.

Head coach Sean Payton is how things came about. After a golf game to Justice he did reach-out. Who knows what in the world was said. But Justice put-in 30 million almost off the top of his head. Financial incentive more than money in a pan. Priceless returns ‘cause Justice is a long-time Saints fan.

Sod squad did their part to put things in motion. They moved earth, concrete and steel, just not the ocean. Turned on motivation completing project in 100 days. It had a double impact beyond the training camp phase. Complex’s medical institute remains year-round. With physiotherapy care to keep athletes sound.

Saints began camp with access to three fields. This shows how much power and money Justice wields. A 3000-seat arena and a three-year signing sheet. Allows Saints to practice away from the midday Bayou heat. Giving kids and fans a chance to have fun. Seeing the pros play under the West Virginia sun.

Tip: Inspiration primed with money can spark the motivation to move a business idea from dawn to sunny.

Talkback: Who got more attention in sports recently, Ray Rice, Stephen A. Smith or Jim Justice?

The Best of Apple and The Best of IBM in Let’s Make a Deal!

Posted by

0

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

Coming this fall to an Apple store near you.. MobileFirst by IBM. Years ago putting them together would be unheard of. Back then it was the battle of the PC versus the MAC. It might have even been “no love” for IBM from Steve Jobs. But now, the best of Apple and the best of IBM say let’s make a deal!

The recently announced partnership brings Apple’s mobile computing and IBM’s enterprise solutions in marriage. That’s like saying apps from IBM will run on iPhones. In addition, mobile devices from Apple will be sold by IBM to their corporate customer base. That’s an iWin for cloud services and iEnterprise.

Both CEOs are looking more to the future than the past. They see how market evolution is opening doors for new innovations. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO describes the business collaboration as transforming enterprise. It’s also turning strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats into risk/reward conversion.

That’s Wall Street lingo for “money, money, money!“ Could there also be the aspect of “value, value, value” for Main Street? What happens in corporate can be scaled for the “mom & pop” market. Plus, this partnership is a lesson in “enterprise refresh” for reinventing a stalled career or giving a business new life.

The deal brings two mega businesses together to serve an emerging solution. Putting egos aside, the CEOs started something that’s likely to be watched by others like Google and Microsoft. It’s said that nothing from nothing leaves nothing. But the magic of enterprise starts with a passion for something.

apple-ibm

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Extra, extra, coming this fall. IBM in Apple stores at your beckon call. MobileFirst by IBM is the new hook-up. Might leave others feeling shook-up. PC and MAC as one unheard-of in years past. But this looks like something that will last. No love at first sight, let’s keep it real. Apple and IBM say let’s make a deal.

Apple mobile and IBM enterprise in a fling. A partnership together like a marriage ring. Apps from IBM running on iPhone. Puts corporate customers in the tech zone. Apple to sell IBM devices in-store. IBM to market iTunes and even more. That’s an iWin for the service cloud. Sure to make folks iEnterprise proud.

CEOs looking to future ahead. Not stuck in their current bread. Seeing market evolution in opening doors. With new innovations from ground floors. Apple’s head guy says collab to transform. Biz enterprise value from the norm. Strengths, weaknesses opportunities, threats. Risk/reward uptick into heights unseen yet.

That’s Wall Street lingo for big money, money, money. Putting bucks in the bag like nuts and honey. Could there be value for the Main Street hop? Things can be scaled for the local “mom & pop.” A lesson in “enterprise refresh” for stalled careers. Or for giving a business new life in the coming years.

Deal puts two mega shops in fusion. To serve an emerging biz solution. With egos aside, this bond is likely to be watched. By Google and Microsoft before similarly being hatched. They say nothing from nothing leaves nothing.  But the magic of enterprise starts with a passion for something.

Tip: The magic of enterprise is not just thinking big but also starting small with a passion for something.

Talkback: If you had to put two former business rivals together, who would they be?

Lebron James Knows the Business of NBA Basketball is Bigger Than Game Time

Posted by

0

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

The suspense was building as the rumors were swirling. Who would Lebron James play for next season? Would he and Carmelo Anthony end up on the same team? What would happen to Miami’s big-three? Well his answer came in an essay. James knows the business of basketball is bigger than game time.

He announced his decision with a letter to fans on SI.com. His reasoning was summarized in three words, “I’m coming home!” His return to the Cleveland Cavaliers shows the signs of a “bigger person.” After his less than amicable departure, he now sees pro basketball as bigger than points, rebounds and assists.

James sends a message to those on the court or some other career field of dreams. It’s not just about performance. It’s also in having a greater purpose. His decision says something about how he combines vision, passion and mission to impact millions. In his words, “my calling here goes above basketball.”

Maybe James’ decision puts “hustle and flow” on notice. He wants to have a greater balance of on-court energy with social advocacy. He’s a good example of showing that you serve the game, the business and the greater community with your presence and talents as extensions of divine providence.

Back in the Caribbean, James would be described as “the don.” This means he’s got a handle on things. He says his four years in Miami were like a college career. Now he’s ready for a new season in the game of basketball and life. You can’t fault a person in wanting the best for himself and his hometown family.     

  lebron-james-fam

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava) 

Media suspense was building. Local bar rumors were swirling. Who’d Lebron James play for next season? If not the Heat what would be the reason? Carmelo and James on same team? What about Miami’s big-three dream? James knows basketball business is bigger.  Than game time stats as a winner.

Posted his decision on the net. A letter to fans on SI.com was the set. Clear and to the point as if from Rome. James simply said “I’m coming home.” Returning to Cleveland the place of his heart. The city and Cavaliers given a new start. A less than friendly exit before. James sees game as bigger than the score.

Makes this point to players on the court. And to other career field of dreams sport. Performance is an important thing for sure. But having greater purpose is worth even more. James combines vision, passion and mission. As he’s set to impact more in the million. Because his calling goes above basketball opinion.

Maybe decision puts “hustle and flow” on point. He can use his experience to anoint. With greater thrust in on-court energy. Plus special service in hometown advocacy. Good for representing the pro game. In sports, biz or career fame. By engaging your presence and talents. As an extension of divine providence.

Back in the Caribbean James would be seen as “the don.” Back on the block he’s seen as “the one.” Having a man’s handle on things. He’s already earned two rings. Four years in Miami was like a college career. Ready for a new season with little or no fear. Just can’t fault him for showing his love and care.     

Tip: How you “change the game” is a function of performance and purpose that is bigger than the game itself.

Talkback: How surprised were you that both Charles Barkley and Stephen A. Smith hinted that James would return to Cleveland?

Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic Blends Business and Pleasure into Dream Flight

Posted by

0

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

What will cost around $200,000 and leave you almost breathless? That’s a trip into space as a “tourist astronaut.” This vision is moving closer to reality with space flight pre-orders so far of $70 million dollars from 580 individuals. Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic blends business and pleasure into a dream flight.

It’s a long time coming with a few more milestones to cross. Branson, the serial-entrepreneur is forging ahead and building partnerships. His company recently announced the hotel venue and veteran chef who’ll service clients visiting the spaceport launch site in New Mexico. This will boost the local economy.

The space flight cost includes pre-flight training. This prepares passengers for the exhilaration of the trip. Not everybody has that kind of money. But anybody having put a dream in flight or a business in motion knows it takes some specialty training to get going. This is preparation for climbing to the next level.

There’ve been a few delays with the vision rollout. Branson’s team says it’s to ensure efficiency and safety. So they’ve continued a rigorous series of testing. With dream/biz startup there’re delays too. There’s also the testing of faith, skill and commitment. These delays help ensure readiness for greatness.

Branson has seen his share of biz startups and project hiccups. The company’s vision of becoming the first commercial spaceline remains on track. The passengers will enjoy an “out-of-the-seat, zero-gravity” experience. That’s a good way to describe dreams and biz ventures that produce trailblazing results.   

 richard-branson

  

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Cost of $20K leaves some penny-less? A trip to space that leaves you breathless. Tourist austronaut’s the next it-thing. A vision moving closer to a rich dad’s fling. Pre-orders so far of $70 million dollars. From 580 regular folks and space scholars. Richard Branson’s dream of business and pleasure followers.

A long time concept in the making. A few more milestones for the breaking. Branson as serial-entrepreneur whiz. Forging ahead in partnership biz. Company picks hotel as their preferred inn. For local business economy it’s a win. Veteran chef to spice-up the taste. So that client visits don’t go to waste.

Space flight cost includes pre-training. With drills and lessons even if it’s raining. Prepares passengers for trip exhilaration. Souring into the skies short of space exploration. True, not many have that kind of cash. But dreams and biz startups don’t happen in a flash. It takes a next-level climb to a bigger stash.

A few delays in rollout efficiency. Branson’s team wants to ensure safety. With a robust series of pre-flight testing. Things take longer than the asking. Dreams and biz visions have delays too. A testing of your faith, skills and being true. Delays that ensure launch readiness. As a pre-cursor to reaching greatness.

Branson’s seen his share of startups. Along with setbacks and project hiccups. Company’s commercial spaceline a first. Remains on track, no ways worst. Passengers will enjoy “out-of-seat” ride. Then a zero-gravity pre-return glide. A good way to describe dream biz ventures. That produce trailblazing adventures.  

Tip: A trailblazing biz innovation is to a dream as winning is to a team. It makes for an exhilarating experience.

Talkback: What are the chances of space flight becoming as common as regular commercial flight?

Dr. Dre and Go Pro’s Nick Woodman Turn Eureka Moments into Billionaire Status

Posted by

0

doc_lg

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

It was announced as something like the “deal of the century” for a Hip Hop entrepreneur. That’s how some might see it as Apple paid $3 billion dollars to purchase Beats by Dr. Dre. Recently there was the Go Pro IPO launch. So Dr. Dre and Go Pro’s Nick Woodman turn eureka moments into billionaire status.

The word on the street was Dre had an interest in selling speakers, not sneakers. Woodman’s interest was capturing his surfing experiences. Their business vision leveraged marketing over manufacturing. It’s a lesson for job seekers wanting to “go pro” after college and those in industry with business innovations.

A new success model is to think social. Over the years, modern economies have moved from agricultural to industrial. They’ve shifted from tech industrial to tech informational. Now it seems we’re in the age of a social revolution. More people are engaging across various platforms and human relation experiences.

These days we’re “on the go” in many ways. Woodman realized people wanted to record their mountain climbs with friends or their bike rides on trails. He developed a camera that could be mounted anywhere. Dre saw the growing interest in music streaming. Their success model came out of thinking mobile.

Dre tag-teamed with Jimmy Iovine a record executive. Woodman got startup capital from his father, a former investment banker. The seed money and partnerships have achieved a return on investment in the billions. That might be due in part to some street smarts. But it might also have to do with thinking global.

dr-dre

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Something like “the deal of the century.” As hot as a rise in the mercury. Hip Hop entrepreneur now biz icon. As Apple pays $3 billion dollars in bacon. For buying Beats by Dr. Dre. While those investing in Go Pro say “hip hip hooray.” Dre and Woodman turn eureka moments. Into billionaire status of investments.

Word on the street with gossip seekers. Dre had interest in speakers, not sneakers. Woodman saught pics of his surf board run. Visualizing the experience as documented fun. Their vision built around plain-old marketing. Than old-school-styled manufacturing. Good for those wanting to ‘go pro’ in biz branding.

A new success model is to think social. Economies have moved from the farm to industrial. And even from agriculture to tech informational. Now it seems we’re in the social media age. With people engaging various platforms on the human relations stage. Where hot products get featured on the main page.

Woodman saw people wanting to capture. Mountain climbs, bike rides and moments of rapture. So he came up with a camera for any occasion. That could be mounted and used for mass exploration. Dre saw the potential in music streaming. Their success model built around “think mobile” signal beaming.

A tag-team with Dre and Jimmy Iovine came together. Having stood the test of time in any weather. Woodman got startup capital from his father. Was like cash money from an investment banker. With financial returns in the billions of dough. Takes street smarts, thinking global and reaping what you sow.

Tip: As economies modernize the flow of commerce, innovation happens through “thinking shifts” in enterprise.

Talkback: How much of their success was about industry good standing versus creative brand marketing?