Steve Harvey and Disney Showing The Power of a Dream!

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(Part 4) Workplace Dreams: Winning Big in Business One Success At a Time!

 The original King of Comedy has teamed up with Disney. Not that Steve Harvey is retiring his stand-up gig. Instead, he’s expanding on his dreams and that of Walt Disney. They’ve partnered to challenge young people at Disney’s Dreamers Academy. Is this a Mickey Mouse idea?

Many dreams have come through Disney’s parks, resorts and media networks. The company was started by brothers Roy and Walter Disney to develop cartoons. They’ve grown to revenue in the billions. Harvey and Disney hope to whet the appetites of young people’s hunger for achievement.

In joining forces, they show how “the brand” markets “the man.” The Disney brand sells itself. When you hear the name you know the legacy. So it is with Harvey. His national platform allows him to turn his “jackpot of jokes” into a brand that makes people take note.

                                                                                                            

Why is this a great move for them? It brings together comedy and cinematography. It extends their reach and support into the community. It adds value to their proven credibility. It’s a hook-up that inspires people to live-up. The partnership gives them presence to continue circulating their true essence.

Mickey Mouse has become a household name. Harvey continues to flex his game. Both are American icons from coast to coast. While not in the same league, they maintain a niche that they lead. Talk about building their magic kingdoms! So Disney and Harvey ask, what do you hunger to achieve?     

Tip: A dream is more than just wishing upon a star. It’s more like a catalyst that makes people go far.

Talkback: What is it about the Disney/Harvey brands that keep people coming back again and again?

Is IBM Starting Another Information Revolution?

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(Part 3) Workplace Dreams: Winning Big in Business One Success At a Time!

 What can Watson do for you? That’s the question IBM wants people to ask. They’ve launched a new information-age campaign. Watson is the name given to IBM’s new computer gizmo. It’s being used to compete against contestants on Jeopardy. It looks like this revolution will be televised!

IBM is the world’s largest provider of information technology solutions. A few decades ago they made the PC commercially viable. What seemed like a dream back then is being reinvented yet again. IBM Engineers use “artificial intelligence” to “think outside the box.” This helps explain their success.

Remember the DOS operating system? Well, the original IBM PC was a joint venture with Microsoft. IBM built the hardware. Microsoft provided the software. Sometimes a revolution happens through emotional intelligence as well. It’s in how you labor without “pissing off” your biz partner or neighbor.

Then there’s the value of market intelligence. What’s hot or what’s not? Who’s buying and who’s selling? What’s about to grow and what’s about to go? Someone must have known that desktop computing would be the new frontier. Today, IBM is staking its business on a new way to number-crunch.

Over 80 years ago IBM named Thomas Watson Sr. as President/CEO. He transformed the company to new heights. The slogan he introduced then was T-H-I-N-K. He thought something was missing in business at the time. The slogan then and campaign now might say a lot about genius in enterprise.   

Tip: A shift in earnings or lifestyle starts with how you think outside the box.

Talkback: How have computers become a blessing or curse in your day-to-day?

Drug Maker Johnson & Johnson Stays Ready for Primetime!

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(Part 2) Workplace Dreams: Winning Big in Business One Success At a Time!

 Johnson & Johnson is stepping up its game. They’ve announced a partnership to develop a blood scan test for cancer. Over 100 years ago the company was formed on a simple idea. Doctors needed sterile bandages to protect wounds from infection. So how do they stay ready for primetime?

Deon Sanders might say primetime is where performance meets showtime!  J&J’s history shows primetime as consistent performance at or above a level of brilliance. How do they do it? Think content. What’s the catalytic ingredient in a drug (or your expertise) that makes you go “zoom zoom?”

Every successful business starts with a great idea. But not every great idea becomes a successful business. There’s got to be a process that turns the idea into gold. J&J might describe this as drug-making mechanics. Athletes might see this as disciplined action from day-to-day practice.

What about performance when it counts? That’s where primetime delivery shows-up. Medicine is expected to work the way it’s designed and advertised. If not, the company is in hot water. Delivering the goods in business is just as critical. You’ve got to do more to “bring it” than to “wing it.”

 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was more like a social entrepreneur. He knew something about primetime. His benchmark was about being judged by the content of your character. That’s a good place to start. Then watch for an explosion of your performance in a way that makes you go “boom boom.”

Tip: Primetime is the way you roll in performing at or above the brilliance of your soul.

Talkback: How do you feel about the way Dr. King shined his brilliance in primetime?

A GM Comeback After Bankruptcy and Bailout.

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(Part 1) Workplace Dreams: Winning Big in Business One Success At a Time!

 General Motors (GM) is working its way back. This happened after filing for bankruptcy. It was their way of downsizing the operation. Now it looks like they’re on the up-and-up. They have new cars hitting the showroom floor. Could this be a lot like what happens in people’s career?

The recession has been brutal. So many people have hit the un-employment lines. They were downsized or put out to pasture. Some have toiled looking for work. Others have considered starting a business. A comeback starts with ambition. You must have the desire to turn your passion on fire.

What did GM do? The company eliminated a few models. They re-positioned their marketing from “old-school to new-school.” They streamlined the product line to five brands. That’s like focusing more on what makes you strong (your talent) and eliminating what makes you weak (the distractions).

                                                                                                 

But it didn’t stop there. They launched a new campaign built around their reinvention. The company held dealers to a new standard. They rallied their employees. They promoted the new GM with an advertising blitz. Before you get others to believe in you, you first have to raise the belief in yourself.

GM dropped the Hummer. They’re ready again to be a winner. They’ve repaid the Stimulus funds back to Uncle Sam. The Volt electric car is on the rollout. There’s even an Onstar-type IPad App. GM’s return shows us that a setback is not a period, but a comma before the rest of the story. 

Tip: Recessions can be a time to downsize your appetite and upsize your dreams.

Talkback: How has the recession caused you to downsize your lifestyle?

Kobe Bryant, The Best Ever From High School to the NBA?

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 Fans are talking. Looks like Carmelo ’bout to go walking. Denver Nuggets offered an extension. Carmelo says no thanks, don’t mention. Might he be headed to the Knicks? That would be true kicks. Kobe not in the race. Lakers plan to keep his face. Sure looks like he’ll retire in place. In real good grace.

Coming straight out of high school. Soon others thought that was cool. After living off the US mainland. Lakers put some money in his hand. Quickly billed as the new Jordan. In Jamaica we’d say he’s like a “Don Gorgon.” Teaming up with Shaq. As a tag-team scoring attack. Adding points in packs.

Back then came shocking news. Bryant might have left assault clues. Nothing to do with the court. But under a hot chick’s skirt. A career breakdown? More like a personal letdown. In a matter of days coming clean. It could have been a worst scene. Things didn’t end there. Kobe came back as MVP of the year.

 

Then it seemed like his career was on fire. His performance numbers kept getting higher. Winning back-to-back rings. Re-signed to whopping contract that spells bling. No more love between Shaq and Bryant? Maybe a little, when they’re not defiant. It’s now Kobe’s team. Achieving big, a player’s dream.

A setback need not have the last word. Comebacks in life are not unheard. Look at Michael Vick. Pulling plays out his bag-a-tricks. Being down doesn’t have to mean out. The screaming fans wanna give a shout. After a breakdown comes a breakthrough. Victory is about turning failure into follow-thru.

Tip: Life after a disappointment means going from breakdown to breakthrough or turning failure into follow-thru.

Talkback: What does Kobe’s ups and downs say about not being deterred by setbacks or failure?

Shaquille O’neal’s Still Got Game, Eventhough He’s Not the Same.

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 Shaq is on the loose. With his 300 pound caboose. Taking it to the court. Trying not to play hurt. The Celtics signed him for a year. Shaq wants to play, that’s clear. Does he still have game? Eventhough his performance is not the same. It’s a matter of having fun. Doing what it takes to have won.

In his 19th season of pro ball. A career that stands tall. Winning it all with two teams. Achieving his wildest dreams. Doesn’t have the best shot. How he scores makes him hot. With high-percentage dunks. Puts defenses in a funk. Who would have thunk? That at his age he still had spunk.  

                                                          

Playing less in minutes. But still has the passion to win it. Coach Doc Rivers seemed surprised. That Shaq showed baller’s pride.  Finding a way to fit. On a team of high-end spirits. He knows at this stage it’s not about you. Or even what you do. But about how you “do you.” To be a role player tried and true.

He’s got this thing figured out. Using his celebrity and clout. To sometimes serve the needy. Or live in ways that doesn’t look greedy. Channeling his affable appeal. Into a Shaq Vs. reality TV deal. Where he takes on pros. In the sport that each knows. And puts on a show. With broad appeal like bingo.

How much left in the tank? Before his butt gets spanked? Success for him is how he competes. Once a Laker then a Heat. Dropping tracks with a hip-hop beat. Shaq finds a way to shine. Whether in the studio or on the pine. And that is what makes him keep at his grind.

Tip: The lottery says “you got to be in it to win it.” Success says “you got to bring it to have it!”

Talkback: What does Shaq’s pro career say about reinventing yourself and achieving success?

Lebron James Shooting for King of Miami Court.

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 The heat is on. For the next sighting of Lebron. As the NBA season moves into full swing. After another Lakers championship ring. Will fans show-up when the Heat play the Cavs? Or will they boo when they play the Mavs? Too soon to know. If the trade puts him in the flow. Or if it was a dog and pony show.

Once described as the chosen one. As a baller from Akron. Skipping college to go pro. Making millions with a cool ego. Achieving feats at a young age. Poised to command the world stage. Winning Olympic gold as he played. Building strong ties with Bosh and D-Wade. Hoping to reach legacy grade.

After a day in the locker room. James finds himself in the boardroom. Running his own biz. With friends that make him a marketing whiz. Pitching products for Madison Ave execs. In ways that make him look flex. Now in his mid-twenties and NBA season eight. The future for James looks really great.

What’s the difference between his business and brand? They both put money in his hand.  Well, business is how you make it “do what it do.” Brand is why the people keep on loving you. Business keeps you in the public eye. Brand makes you the apple of their eye. If you’re willing to do or die.

Maybe that’s a reason why. James made some fans cry. When he announced his national TV good-bye. He still shows he can fly. As passion makes you shoot for the sky. And reach the level of a new high. This will keep them coming back for more. Even on days after a lower than usual score.

Tip: Business is to brand as money is to hand. You gotta make it “do what it do.”

Talkback: Can Lebron’s playing days make good for Miami or make him the best ever to have played the game?

Akon: The Ex-convict or Music Industry’s Next Akonic?

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 Another rapper in the slammer? Better call MC Hammer. Been there done that! Who knows how to turn around a bad rap? Akon’s refreshing his game. Though there’s confusion over his name. American born son of Senegal. Knowing it’s important to stay legal. Using his music career to go global.

Rumor is he used to hang-out with crooks. Getting locked up was all it took. Taking time to find his creative voice. By then he really had no choice. Scoring hits after a while. Becoming loved for his African smile. Change is gonna come they often say. Knowing full well that a life of crime doesn’t pay.

TI and Lil Wayne’s been there too. The wakeup call when the system turned the screw. Spending quality time 24/7. Can cause you to look-up to heaven. Some have used this time turning to books. Akon instead has become a master of hooks. Signed for the flava of rhymes he cooks. 

Working with every musician under the sun. Must be his way for having fun. From Lady Gaga to T-pain. Not yet working with the Prince of purple rain. Collaborating with artists even after they’re gone. Like Michael Jackson still forever #1. Making money in checks of royalty. Musical expression of his reality.

                                                        

What’s the lesson from his life of passion? It’s in ample supply no need to ration. Akon (like Debarge) knows life gives a second chance. Skip the complaining, let go the song and dance. Set a goal and go get it. You have skills and talents that’s the right fit. So make it work for your media kit.

Tip: Some use hooks others write books but success is about how your passion cooks.

Talkback: Has Hip-Hop lost its way or will it be around to stay?

Breaking News: Michael Jackson Makes Records After Life.

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 Jacko is wacko! That’s what they’d say. Then he stopped giving them the time of day. No love lost. But he had to bear the cost. It’s how things went down. Treating him like a clown. Breaking news, selling millions?  A fan base in the billions. MJ still loved and missed plenty. A pop star icon to many.

Beaten by his father. Joe comes clean to Oprah. Michael never had a true sense of identity. Beyond his singing and dancing proficiency. Plus a case of low interpersonal chemistry. Identity is how you see yourself. Image is how you’re branded on the shelf. Identity is to person. As image is to personality.

Growing up in Indiana small town. Soon signing with Motown.  Hits after hits became his trademark. Like Off the Wall and Beat It video in the dark. World tour concerts with screaming fans. Taking time to lend a hand. The greatest pop entertainer ever. Chances of seeing another Michael, never.

This is it! Allegations to deny or admit. Michael loved being around kids. Not good for his PR grid. Daily trips to the courtroom. Defending sleeping with them in his bedroom. Soon marrying Lisa Marie Presley. Hoping to start a family. That wasn’t to be. Debbie Rowe made surprise delivery.

The world stopped that day. Felt like a movie, don’t press play. Doctors feeding him drugs. Michael searching for hugs. Manslaughter case trial. Family moving past denial. Career dreams in a glove. Dancing across the stage like a dove. Passion is all about love. From the heart to the man above.

Tip: Passion without control is like a runaway train without brakes.

Talkback: Is Michael Jackson ever going to get a chance to rest in peace?

Fantasia for Real, Now That’s The Deal!

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 Fantasia renews her faith? Hold up, stop the hate! Says the God thing’s been tricky. Life and times get kinda sticky. Season 3 contestant on American Idol. Winning it all, becoming suicidal. Urban music queen. Plays herself on the TV screen. Fantasia for real. Telling her story in how she heals.

Auditioned for Idol in ATL. Trying to get away from her hell. Was raped as a young teenager. Dropped out of school to become wage earner. Had a child at a young age. Seeking the chance to turn a new page. Always loved to perform and sing. Encouraged to believe and spread her wings.

Caught up in so much drama. Like her song about being a baby mama. Sued by a divorcing spouse. Accused of breaking up their house. Got a brother who’s holding her back. Hoping to put his life on the same track. Trying to free herself from family stress. Hoping to move on from life’s past distress.  

Believing in miracles after her winning season. Thinking things happen for a reason. Admitted she took prescription meds. The pressure was blowing-up her head. Needed to re-group after Broadway ill. Got dropped from Color Purple Playbill. Life’s not a fairy tale. For some, it’s just on a higher scale.

Who knew she couldn’t read? Or that she had so many mouths to feed. Fantasia had to sign record contract. Not knowing how big would be her impact. Set to shine in new movie deal. Sure to be a hit not a steal. Says she’s returning herself ‘back to me.” Ready, willing and able to reach her destiny.

Tip: “Get a grip” means don’t trip, but work smarter, serve harder and take life a little farther!

Talkback: How do you avoid or get past the drama that might come your way?