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One of the worst feelings in the world for a creative person is having some version of writer’s block.  Blogger, poet, author, painter, podcaster, student, business owner, or entrepreneur; your preferred creative medium doesn’t really matter. We’ve all had to overcome this beast at one point or another.  In fact, I’m working through a pretty stubborn block as we speak so I decided to lean into the problem and share with you my 10 Best Practices to Quickly Overcome Writer’s Block.

(Hint: #10 is to create a piece of content about overcoming writer’s block...but SHHH! Don’t tell anyone.  I don’t want to ruin the surprise)

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Voices of Black Business Show Notes

**Click any timestamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.**

Today’s Voice of Black Business: 10 Best Practices to Quickly Overcome Writer’s Block [08:30] I Had Big Plans to Do Great Things

Have you ever had one of those weeks that started out great but by Tuesday, everything was completely off track.  That’s exactly what just happened to me. I just knew this was going to be a productive seven days. I had plenty of appointments but not so many that I felt overwhelmed.  I was ahead of schedule on releasing a few key pieces of solid content. Most importantly, I had blocked off the first two days of the long Labor Day Weekend to create and publish back-to-back podcast episodes to give my listeners plenty of content that would carry them through the holiday and into next week.  I was sure I had it all lined out, but Murphy (with his stupid law) had me dead in his sights!

[13:30] Suddenly It All Went Downhill

Saturday morning, a technician came to my house to upgrade our internet package from 40mb to 1gb speed.  The process went smooth enough and my internet was blazing in no time. As soon as the tech left, I began the process of connecting all of our devices to the the new Wi-Fi network.  For my office desktop PC, I had the brilliant idea to connect it directly to my Wi-Fi range extender via ethernet cable to create a more stable connection. When I moved the PC to access the ethernet port in back, I somehow pulled one of the video cables which caused a disconnect inside the PC.  The motherboard completely stopped recognizing my graphics card. Fifty troubleshooting attempts and 14 HOURS LATER, I managed to get the motherboard to read the graphics card again.  Great! There went Saturday.

[16:35] The Final Straw

It’s cool, I may have lost Saturday, but Sunday, I’m goin’ in!  NOPE! Sunday, I’m goin’ OFF! As in, the internet customer service because their defective “top-of-the-line” modem stopped working overnight!  I had NO internet, like NONE. And you guessed it, there are no techs on call or stores open on Sunday...and Monday is a holiday. No internet until TUESDAY...and the tech tried to tell me I they couldn’t get a modem to me until WEDNESDAY!  Oh, that was IT! I was done! Escalate me to a MANAGER NOW!

[21:45] From Resolution to Writer’s Block

After securing an early Tuesday morning tech appointment and guarantees of bill proration and credits I reconnected my old, slightly slower (and I do mean slightly...could have done without the new modem in the first place...😠😠😠), modem and was back online in no time.  Everything should have been all good, but the stress of it all completely stole my energy to create.  There’s plenty of work to do, and I had all the tools available to do it but my head and heart just weren’t in the right state to create.

Why Does Writer’s Block Happen?

Usually, creative blocks are caused by negative emotions.  These can stem from a variety of circumstances, including:

• Feeling overwhelmed by a pile of work and deadlines
• Self-doubt or low confidence in your ability to create good work
• Perfectionism, which is often just another manifestation of self-doubt
• Frustration due to an endless string of distractors (This is definitely where I fit today!)

The best ways to overcome these barriers are to either:

1. Lean into what you’re feeling in the moment and write or create something that gives those emotions a place to escape and live.
2. Do something, ANYTHING that brings positive thoughts, emotions, and energy back into the forefront of your psyche.

The examples in this list are my best practices for overcoming writer’s block, but they may not work for everyone.  Hopefully you’ll find a few that help get your creative juices flowing!

10 Best Practices to Quickly Overcome Writer’s Block

• [29:25] Have a productivity process in place

1. My favorite is the Kanban Board

• [31:20] Crowdsource ideas, inspiration, and content

1. Social media is a great place to do this
2. Pose a question to your followers and engage in a conversation around your topic

• [33:10] Outline / Mindmap your content ON PAPER

1. Some of us conceptualize through images and relationships
2. Others prefer to work through words and hierarchical structure
3. In either case, building a written mind map or outline will give you the framework for a great piece of content
4. Visit these great resources to learn more about mind mapping and structured outlines.

• [36:40] Do a physically productive thing

1. Mow the lawn, work in the garden, fold clothes, etc.
2. The feeling of wasting time sometimes compounds the effects of writer’s block
3. Complete other important but mindless tasks to get the emotional boost from feelings of accomplishment
4. Have your idea journal handy

• [39:55] Do an emotionally or spiritually fulfilling thing

1. Meditate
2. Take a ride through your city
3. Go on a walk or jog in nature or through the park
4. Have your idea journal or some method to capture flashes of brilliance with you; trust me, you’ll need it!

• [41:25] Listen to a podcast

1. A good podcast episode can inspire you to take action and…
2. It may even give you step-by-step instructions on how to accomplish your goal
3. You may opt to read a blog or watch a youtube video to get the same effect
4. The advantage to podcasts is that you can listen to an episode WHILE doing most of the other things on this list!

• [43:50] Break your task down into micro-units

1. Use Kanban (mentioned above) or a similar technique to organize and prioritize your micro tasks
2. Attack these one at a time until the larger task is complete
3. Repeat these steps as necessary anytime you need a quick productivity boost

• [45:55] Do a quick workout

1. Stay home, go to the gym, take your pet for a walk, or try something different
2. Just do something that gets your blood moving and the adrenaline pumping

• [47:15] Spend time with friends or family doing something fun and mentally engaging

1. Conversations, card games, and board games are great short-term distractors that actually stimulate creative thought
2. Enjoying any of these with close friends or family layers the benefits of positive emotional response on top of mental stimulation

• [50:05] Write an article or do a podcast episode on how to overcome writer’s block!

1. I told you it was coming! 😂😂😂
   1. Grabbed my sticky notes pad and a pen
   2. Began writing down known tasks that I need to accomplish for the coming week - first in line was to produce a podcast episode - decided it should be about overcoming writer’s block, since writer’s block was the only thing I was able to think about at the time ANYWAY!
   3. Posted my stickies to the Kanban Board, then moved my podcast episode note into the “In Progress” column
   4. Posted the following question to social media: “What are some tricks you use to overcome writer's block?”
   5. Started writing my outline for the post while engaging with followers who responded to the question
2. Seriously, as soon as I recognized that I was in the midst of a mental block, I took these key steps:
3. So, did it work? Did writing about writer’s block help me defeat writer’s block?  Hey...you’re reading this, aren’t you?!?!?

Game. Set. Match.

As I mentioned earlier, writer’s block (and most other forms of creative mental blocks) stem from some form of negative self-emotions.  You can lean into them and create or replace them with positive vibes and create. These best practices always work well for me, but they may not be for everyone.

Leave a comment and share your favorite tips for beating writer’s block and living your most productive, creative life!

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Do you know the difference between a “customer” and a “client”?  If not, don’t worry! I struggled with understanding the nuance for a long time in my consulting career.  In today’s episode, we’re going to examine the definitions of customers vs. clients, and lay down five key actions you can take to build business relationships that are more than transaction deep.

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Submit a question for our new monthly Question & Answer episode to: [email protected] 3 Key Points:

1. Know the difference between Customers vs Clients: Customers come to your business to get a product or a service.  Your relationship is transaction-based. Loyal customers will happily patronize your business again and again, but that doesn’t make them clients.  Client relationships typically feature and exchange of value based on a trust relationship and demonstrated expertise.
2. Become the Concierge: Everybody claims to “know a guy who knows a guy”.  You want to be THAT Guy (or Gal)! Build a strong and diverse professional network and always look for opportunities to refer your customers to other people who can solve their problems.  Not only does this increase your personal value in their eyes, but your peer business relationships grow stronger because of your referrals! DJay Reace and Oliver M. Fitzpatrick have some great techniques for building professional networks!
3. Have a Coaching or Consulting Offer Ready: If you build real relationships with your customers, many of them will ask for more access to you and your expertise.  You NEED to be prepared for this with a structured coaching or consulting offer! Take the time, while you have it, to put together a basic offer for your services and have an agreement in your file library.  There is no shortage of coaching/consulting agreement templates available on the web, but here’s the one that worked best for me Templates for Coaches.

Sponsors

• Mike D’s BBQ - My good friend, Mike De Los Santos makes some of The World’s Best Barbeque Sauce!  Don’t just take my word for it. Check out the growing list of awards Mike’s sauces and rubs are racking up!
• • Get your Labor Day grill on point with The Best BBQ Sauce in North Carolina, 2017!
  • Visit https://buyblackpodcast.com/bbq to Make Your Order Now!
  • Use the code BUYBLACK to get FREE SHIPPING and an EXCLUSIVE GIFT with your purchase!
  • Throw Some D’s On It!
• 10to8.com - The Free Online Booking Software that comes with Batteries Included!
• • https://buyblackpodcast.com/10to8
• Show your support for Buy Black Podcast!
• • Become a Patron and gain Exclusive Access to behind-the-scenes and original content!
  • PLUS get a shoutout on our new monthly Ask the Experts Q&A Episode!
  • https://buyblackpodcast.com/patreon

Voices of Black Business Show Notes

**Click any timestamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.**

Today’s Voice of Black Business: Five Steps to Convert Customers into Loyal Clients Gerald’s #1 Piece of Advice: Show that you care about THEM...not their money!

• [04:30] Define clients and customers
• • Customers buy a goods or basic services from your business
  • Clients typically purchase professional services from a business or individual
  • Customer transactions usually involve immediate value exchange
  • Client transactions usually involve value exchanged over time for expertise
• Customer examples
• • Gym memberships
  • Cars
  • Cell phones
  • Car washes
  • Pet supplies
• Client examples
• • Personal training client
  • Referred Car Salesman
  • Exclusive Cell Phone Salesman
  • Personal Car Detailer
  • Pet care and grooming specialist
• What’s the difference in those scenarios?
• • Not associated with advanced degrees or professional certifications
  • Demonstrated expertise
  • Personal relationships
  • Mutual trust and respect
• [09:45] Stories
• • Car clients who followed me to AT&T
  • Small businesses who only purchased new phones through me
• Your mission - Expand your relationship with customers...turn them into CLIENTS!

Five Steps to Convert Customers to Loyal Clients

1. [15:15] Deliver unexpected expertise
2. 1. Listen intently to your customers
   2. Sniff out the underlying questions or concerns they have
   3. Provide answers or solutions proactively
   1. Become a concierge for your customers
   2. Be “the guy who knows a guy”: take every opportunity to refer a customer to someone who can solve their problems not directly related to your business
3. [16:50] Connect them with the people and resources they need
   1. Give them your contact information, and take calls free for a limited time (This mainly applies to entrepreneurs whose business model is not already based on client service)
   2. Once your customers have experienced the value of having access to your expertise, present them with your coaching or consulting offer
4. [17:58] Make yourself available to them away from the office (tip-toe this delicate line)
   1. People expect to PAY for the value they receive
      1. In this case, the “neighbors” are your different types of relationships with customers, clients, friends, and family
      2. The “fences” are the agreements (preferably written) that separate those relationships into neat buckets
   2. The phrase, “good fences make good neighbors” can be modified to apply here
   3. Your coaching or consulting relationship needs to be set apart, structured with an agreement, and paid in full
      1. I didn’t feel right charging him
      2. He didn’t feel right picking my brain for an hour at a time for free...so he ghosted...for months
         • Don’t undervalue your services. If you don’t know how to set your rates, start with a round number and adjust to the market
         • $100/hr or as a flat fee is a good starting point for most entrepreneurs
      3. Bottom line, charge people for the value you provide. A good friend or client wants to pay what you’re worth
   4. I learned this lesson first hand, almost lost a friend & client
5. [20:45] HAVE A COACHING OR CONSULTING OFFER READY!
   1. You have got to charge clients for your services
   2. In many cases, you should charge a premium
   3. But, regardless of how much your clients pay you, the money is simply the key used to unlock the door to your expertise
      1. You genuinely solve or help them solve their problems
      2. You remove stress and simplify your client’s life
      3. You put their happiness, and well-being at the forefront of your relationship...always
   4. Real VALUE is created and transferred in two ways
6. [30:35] Prove that you care about them, not their money

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2. Black Business Directories...Directory!
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4. Productivity Apps for Entrepreneurs

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Too many businesses struggle and eventually fail because they don’t have repeat customers.  In this episode, my guest Thierry Augustin teaches us how list building and an attentive email remarketing strategy can increase your ecommerce revenue ten-fold in less than 30 days!  

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Submit a question for our new monthly Question & Answer episode to: [email protected] 3 Key Points:

1. Most companies lose money acquiring new customers. It doesn’t matter how many new sales you make if you’re losing money on every transaction.  Put your energy toward email list building and nurturing relationships with your existing customers.
2. Leverage great, relevant content to keep your customers engaged.  Email marketing campaigns are a continuous value exchange.  Deliver content that keeps the conversation going, builds trust with your customers, and shows that a long relationship with your company will enhance their lives.  
3. Intentions don’t matter. Segment your email list based on customer behaviors! Personalize your remarketing campaigns. Focus on customers who engage with your emails and your content.  Most importantly, give special attention to the ones who continue to buy your products.

Sponsors

• Mike D’s BBQ - My good friend, Mike De Los Santos makes some of The World’s Best Barbeque Sauce!  Don’t just take my word for it. Check out the growing list of awards Mike’s sauces and rubs are racking up!
  • Get your Labor Day grill on point with The Best BBQ Sauce in North Carolina, 2017!
  • Visit https://buyblackpodcast.com/bbq to Make Your Order Now!
  • Use the code BUYBLACK to get FREE SHIPPING and an EXCLUSIVE GIFT with your purchase!
  • Throw Some D’s On It!

• Show your support for Buy Black Podcast!
  • Become a Patron and gain Exclusive Access to behind-the-scenes and original content!
  • PLUS get a shoutout on our new monthly Ask the Experts Q&A Episode!
  • https://buyblackpodcast.com/patreon

Voices of Black Business Show Notes

**Click any timestamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.

Today’s Voice of Black Business: Stop Ignoring Your Customers! List Building + Email Remarketing = MORE REVENUE w/ Thierry Augustin Thierry’s #1 Piece of Advice: Get Started!

• [02:25] Interview begins
• [03:20] Thierry started in medical school, then realized that his passion was in writing, ecommerce, and marketing.
  • Med school fast track
  • Travel, work, health industry
  • Writing
  • Fashion startup
    • Got hooked on e-commerce and online marketing
    • They were able to leverage content very well through email marketing
• [06:00] Built niche consulting business in List Building & Email Remarketing
  • Social Media Marketing versus Email Marketing
    • You don’t own the social media platform
    • All of your traction and followers can be gone at the drop of a hat
    • You do own your email list
    • You can market to anyone on that list for free any time you want
  • Email marketing and remarketing
    • How to segment your list
    • Capitalize on repeat customers
  • What to offer in exchange for email address
• [11:00] Don’t be a jack of all trades.  Why Thierry decided to niche down to email marketing rather than being a general consultant.
• [12:45] The components of a great email marketing campaign
  • Promotional strategy
  • Great offers
  • Behavioral List Segmentation
    • Intent doesn’t matter
    • What do customers actually do?
  • Consistency of communication
    • Keep your promises
    • “Done is always better than perfect”
• [17:20] The Value of the Repeat Customer (avoid the shiny object syndrome)
  • Most companies lose money on new customer acquisition
  • Most customers don’t become profitable until their second or third purchase
  • List Building is essential to getting a customer into your funnel and keeping them there as long as possible so they continue to make purchases
  • Focus email remarketing on customers who are most likely to make new purchases

• [24:20] How do you get people to exchange their email for something of value that’s not tied to a product purchase?
  • Create & offer great content
  • Make a relevant tie-in to the products you sell
  • Build automation into your email marketing campaigns
  • Personalize the experience, email list building is customer relationship building
  • Articulate the value of the relationship, your company, your team, and your products throughout the campaign
• [32:00] Back from Sponsor Break
• [32:30] Thierry’s Rules for Running an E-Commerce Business
  • Sales and Marketing go hand in hand
    • You must have a marketing budget if you want to succeed
  • “Customer retention is way cheaper than customer acquisition”
    • Have a back-end already in place before you launch your business
    • Keep the conversation going after the initial purchase
  • Every transaction is really an exchange in value
• [34:35] Mastering the value exchange - a case study from the vintage makeup industry
• [38:00] Thierry’s Secrets to Email Marketing Success
  • Create bundles...increase the customer’s average spend
  • Build recurring revenue models
    • Subscription
    • Automation
  • Personalize the experience for your customers
    • This is where it really helps to understand your customers’ behavior
    • Provide them with content and offers that you know they are interested in based on the things they have done before rather than treating all members of your list as one group
• [42:15] StellarEmails.com - How Thierry’s Company can help you
  • Outsource the learning curve
  • The Stellar Emails team handles the full process for your business
  • Monthly cost - starts at $1000/month
  • No long-term commitment
  • Clients have achieved up to $150,000 increased revenue in the FIRST 30 DAYS just from effective email remarketing!
• [50:00] Thierry’s biggest challenge has been admitting when he needs help and hiring someone to provide that help.  Shifting from the role of “doer” to “leader” is consistently one of the hardest things for entrepreneurs to do
• [52:40] Thierry’s favorite time-saving tools
  • #1 most important is a Notepad & a Pen - Don’t miss out on all the wisdom in the world around you!
  • Asana - “Asana helps you coordinate all the work your team does together. So everyone knows what needs to get done, who’s responsible for doing it, and when it’s due.”

Thierry’s Exclusive Offers for the Buy Black Podcast Community

• Hire Stellar Emails. No Commitment, businesses can start for as little as $1,000/month
  • https://stellaremails.com  
• Want to learn the core elements of email marketing? Sign up for the Inbox to Income online course for self-starters!
  • Use the coupon code BUYBLACK2018 and get a $50 discount
  • https://thierryaugustin.podia.com

Connect with Thierry

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/taugustin_
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/thierryaugustin
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thierryaugustin

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1. How to Register a New Business in Your State
2. Black Business Directories...Directory!
3. 200+ Business Building Resource Websites Link Library
4. Productivity Apps for Entrepreneurs

Join the Voices of Black Business

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• Join our Facebook Group: Buy Black Podcast Community
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In this episode, Pam Sam teaches us about myEcon, the Black-Owned Network Marketing Company dedicated to empowering people, families, and communities  through financial literacy.  

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Submit a question for our new monthly Question & Answer episode to: [email protected] 3 Key Points:

1. The easiest way to build wealth is to decrease the amount of money going out of your home and redirect it toward debt reduction and financial investments.
2. Financial literacy is one of the most powerful tools to pull individual people, families and entire communities out of poverty.   
3. Aside from being Black-Owned, myEcon separates itself from other network marketing companies by helping its members build wealth in a multitude of ways beyond simply recruiting and selling products.  The majority of potential income streams only benefit the individual member rather than that person’s entire “upline”.

Sponsors

• 10to8.com - The Free Online Booking Software that comes with Batteries Included!
• • https://buyblackpodcast.com/10to8
• Show your support for Buy Black Podcast!
• • Become a Patron and gain Exclusive Access to behind-the-scenes and original content!
  • PLUS get a shoutout on our new monthly Ask the Experts Q&A Episode!
  • https://buyblackpodcast.com/patreon

Voices of Black Business Show Notes

**Click any timestamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.

Today’s Voice of Black Business: Why myEcon? Understanding Financial Literacy Network Marketing w/ Pam Sam Pam’s #1 Piece of Advice: Prioritize Financial Literacy for Yourself and Your Children. Make A Financial Plan Early in Life & Update it Often!

• [02:15] Interview begins
• [02:55] Pam has a background in Business Administration & Marketing. She left her corporate job to open a franchise that helped people buy houses. She left that franchise to become a Financial Advocate / Activist and, shortly thereafter joined myEcon.
• [06:30] Why myEcon is good for the community: it empowers people with information they need.
• [08:30] myEcon strategies to reduce your tax burden and redirect those savings to debt reduction and investments
• • Use the tax code to benefit you as a small business owner and investor
  • myEcon members are independent contractors...a.k.a...business owners
  • Updating W-4 to reflect that you are a business owner with expenses
  • Reduced tax burden is redirected toward investments
• [13:00] What happens when you sign up for myEcon
• • Your website setup
  • Restructure your W-4
  • Use tools to identify your Freedom Number
  • The Cash Back Mall
  • Financial Literacy Training Series
• [26:25] ***Ad Break Ends***
• [27:50] What makes myEcon DIFFERENT from other network marketing companies?
• • Doesn’t rely solely on recruiting to make money
  • Doesn’t require you to purchase products each month (auto-ship) to be part of the organization
  • Very low overhead, very few salaried employees
  • The savings are reinvested into paying commissions to members
  • Can become a millionaire without being a great recruiter or salesperson
  • • Follow the financial literacy strategies of tax burden reduction, debt reduction, investments
  • “It’s like a coat. It can fit around anything!” - Keep your day job
• [35:45] Pam’s experience with myEcon - from the beginning to today…

Connect with Pam

• https://www.facebook.com/pam.sam.5
• https://pamsam.myecon.net
• Try the myEcon Cashflow Manager FREE - https://pamsam.myecon.net/cfm/

Buy Black Podcast Exclusive Black Business Resources!

1. How to Register a New Business in Your State
2. Black Business Directories...Directory!
3. 200+ Business Building Resource Websites Link Library
4. Productivity Apps for Entrepreneurs

Join the Voices of Black Business Community

• Download the Buy Black Podcast App: iPhone/iPad      | Android
• Join the Facebook Group: Buy Black Podcast Community
• Follow me @buyblackpodcast : Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
• Send Feedback to: [email protected]
• Apply to be featured on the show: https://buyblackpodcast.com/podcast-guest
• Want to become a show sponsor?

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In this episode, I breakdown the the reasons behind and benefits of rebranding the show from “Buy Black: Build the New Black Wall Street” to “Buy Black Podcast | The Voice of Black Business”.

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3 Key Points:

1. Rebranding made it easier for the show to get found by people searching the keywords “black business” and “black entrepreneur”
2. Rebranding put Buy Black Podcast into a stronger, more authoritative position in the marketplace  
3. Rebuilding the website made it easier for the great, exclusive resources we’ve aggregated at https://buyblackpodcast.com to be found and used by the people who need them

Voices of Black Business Show Notes

**Click any timestamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.

 

• Today’s Voice of Black Business: Brand New Rebranding Episode for the Buy Black Podcast Brand

 

• [00:03:10]Acknowledgements & Appreciation to Listener Bryonna, who pushed me to rebuild the Buy Black Podcast website
• Why Rebrand the show?
• • [08:30:00] To Get Found
  • • Nobody searches for “Black Wall Street”
    • Grayscale cover art didn’t stand out in the directory
    • People search the terms “Black Entrepreneur” and “Black Business” much more often
    • Changing the name had immediate effects
    • • Apple Podcasts - Top 30 results
      • Spotify - Top 3 results
      • Stitcher - #1 result for “Black Business”!
  • [00:15:30] To take a Stronger Market Position - Convey Authority in the industry
  • • The Voice of Black Business

 

 

• • • • Where Black Businesses come to have their voices heard
      • Where consumers come to hear Black Business Voices
      • Where media outlets come to get the Black Business perspective
    • More media options while representing one brand
    • • Blog writers (written voice)
      • Videos (black product reviews)
      • Live Radio Programs (real-time connections)
  • [00:19:00] Freedom - To Be Myself Behind the Mic
  • • “Buy Black: Build the New Black Wall Street is a very “woke” name
    • Felt like I had to take every subject seriously
    • Had to do every episode from a serious angle
    • I felt trapped in the “wokeness” of my own project
    • “If you find that you’ve built a prison for yourself, tear it down and build a vacation resort in its place.” -Gerald Jones
    • Being in business is fun, trying new things is fun
    • Recording a podcast should be fun
    • The Voice of Black Business can be serious or silly, insightful or insecure...as long as it’s genuine
• What changed?
• • [00:26:30] The Podcast
  • • Name
    • Artwork
    • Format (keep it tight)
  • [00:27:50] The Website
  • • [00:30:20] Homepage
    • • Quickly navigate to what you’re looking for
      • Navigation Box: “What Do You Want To Do?”
      • • Listen to the Show - Embedded Smart Podcast Player
        • Be A Guest - Guest Information Form & Schedule Pre-Interview
        • Support Black Businesses - Black Business Directory..Directory
        • [00:38:15] Start A Business - Links to Register a New Business in Each State
        • Find & Share Resources - Over 200 Business Building Resources
        • • Add new links to our list
          • Embed our list on your website
        • Learn More - Our Story (About Us Page)
        • • Mission - Amplify the Voices of Black Business
          • Vision - Be ‘First In Mind’ for Building and Supporting Black Business
          • Core Values - “Community First. People Always.”
    • [00:43:40] Menu
    • • About
      • • Instagram Feed
        • Press Kit
        • Media Features
      • Podcast
      • • Subscribe to the Show
        • Download the App
        • Sponsorship Packages
        • Make a Donation on Patreon
      • Resource Library
      • [00:52:00] Shop
    • Sidebar
    • • Download & Subscribe Links

 

• [00:56:40] Your iTunes Reviews

 

• • • I will feature your reviews on the site
  • Episode Posts
  • • Structured Show Notes
    • Clickable Time Stamps
    • Full Show Transcript
• [01:00:20] Perks & Offers
• • For Guests
  • • Featured Business Quick Links Page
    • Featured Guests Quick Links Page
    • Featured Business Directory Listing
  • Sponsors
  • • On episode ad reads (up to 3 slots available each episode)
    • Premium Directory Listing
    • Social Media shout outs and “brought to you by” page recognition w/ links to your company’s website
  • Patrons
  • • Shoutouts in NEW monthly Question & Answer episode
    • Access to exclusive original and behind the scenes content
    • Patrons only social media community??????
• [01:05:25] Help Us Change the World
• • Become a Patron / Become a Sponsor / Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
  • Leave a review / Recruit new listeners
  • Follow us on social media (@buyblackpodcast everywhere)
  • SHARE OUR CONTENT & RESOURCES!
  • Buy and Wear our Merch
• [01:09:45] New Opportunities
• • Monthly Question & Answer Show
  • • Submit your questions to [email protected]
    • Artist Collaboration: Create Buy Black Podcast Merch, Receive royalties
    • Writers Collaboration: I need blog writers.  You need experience and exposure. Let’s talk!

Joylynn M. Ross: “Act Like an Author, Think Like a Business” Conference EXCLUSIVE OFFER Exclusive Buy Black Podcast Promotional Offer

• Register for 2 Conference Days, Get 3rd Day FREE!
• Type “Buy Black” when asked how you heard about the conference during Online Registration
• Register Here: https://www.pathtopublishing.com/copy-of-conferences-events
• Be a Conference Sponsor: https://www.pathtopublishing.com/sponsorship-registration
• Donate to Scholarship Fund: https://squareup.com/market/writings-by-joy/item/conference-scholarship-donation

Buy Black Podcast Exclusive Black Business Resources!

1. How to Register a New Business in Your State
2. Black Business Directories...Directory!
3. 200+ Business Building Resource Websites Link Library
4. Entrepreneurs Toolkit

Join the Voices of Black Business Community

• Download the Buy Black Podcast App: iPhone/iPad | Android
• Join the Facebook Group: Buy Black Podcast Community
• Follow me @buyblackpodcast : Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
• Submit a question for our new monthly Question & Answer episode to: [email protected]
• Send Feedback to: [email protected]
• Apply to be featured on the show: https://buyblackpodcast.com/podcast-guest
• Want to become a show sponsor?

Subscribe to Buy Black Podcast | The Voice of Black Business

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In this episode, Stephanie R Bridges shares excerpts from the inspiring stories and poems that she has written and captured in her books.  This is one of the most powerful and expressive conversations we have had on Buy Black Podcast. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

Subscribe to Buy Black Podcast | The Voice of Black Business

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3 Key Points:

1. Children need the freedom to explore and express their voices without judgment from adults.
2. “Black on Black” is not a crime…and it never was…and it never will be.  
3. Share Your Story!

Voices of Black Business Show Notes

**Click the timestamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.

• Today’s Voice of Black Business: In Spirit, Power and Truth – Inspiring Stories & Poetry by Stephanie R Bridges
• [00:04:48] Interview Begins and Stephanie re-introduces herself to the Buy Black Community
• [00:06:27] Children’s Books Introduction
• [00:13:39] “If I Were Part of the Animal Kingdom”
• [00:16:08] YouTube, Free Book Giveaways, and Sponsorships – How Stephanie provides access to her books for people who can’t afford to purchase.
• [00:27:32] “Keep the Peace” – Compilation of stories & poetry from women aged 6 to 60
• [00:33:05] Encouraging girls and boys to use their voices…and not trying to control, “correct”, or redirect their perspectives.
• [00:37:51] “List of Stuff the Allows Me to Stay at Peace” -Malia
• [00:39:40] Stephanie talks about her upcoming “Keep the Peace” style project focused on helping boys and young men use their voices to speak their truth
• [00:46:08] In Spirit, Power and Truth…excerpts from Stephanie’s book of adult-oriented poetry about her life’s journey
• [00:56:00] “Black on Black”
• [01:02:56] “Right Now”
• [01:16:11] Stephanie reveals her plans for an upcoming book release that we can expect to find on Amazon in September 2018
• [01:18:33] “Dandelions – Part 1”
• [01:22:35] Stephanie and I discuss the Act Like an Author, Think Like a Business Conference that Joylynn M Ross is hosting in September 2018
• [01:30:41] Stephanie’s number one piece of advice to anyone who has a story inside of them

Support Stephanie’s Creative Work

Patreon: https://patreon.com/stephanierbridges

Amazon (this section contains affiliate links):

• If I Were Part of the Animal Kingdom – https://amzn.to/2mzO4GV
• My Favorite Color is Blue – https://amzn.to/2uIgoLJ
• Fight the Air Guy – https://amzn.to/2mCJ8RQ
• Can We All Just Get Along? – https://amzn.to/2OdtBEC
• Keep the Peace Activity Book – https://amzn.to/2LydaE8
• Keep the Peace Journal – https://amzn.to/2LvsUYv
• I SPaT: Poems Inspired by God’s Grace and Mercy – https://amzn.to/2LFFamn

Connect With Stephanie

• Website: https://stephanierbridges.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/stephanier.bridges
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/stephanie.bridges.144
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/i_spat
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2nTMnnXDsiDr5oQq_ZzhTw

Joylynn M. Ross: “Act Like an Author, Think Like a Business” Conference EXCLUSIVE OFFER Exclusive Buy Black Podcast Promotional Offer

• Register for 2 Conference Days, Get 3rd Day FREE!
• Type “Buy Black” when asked how you heard about the conference during Online Registration
• Register Here: https://www.pathtopublishing.com/copy-of-conferences-events
• Be a Conference Sponsor: https://www.pathtopublishing.com/sponsorship-registration
• Donate to Scholarship Fund: https://squareup.com/market/writings-by-joy/item/conference-scholarship-donation

Buy Black Podcast Exclusive Black Business Resources!

1. How to Register a New Business in Your State
2. Black Business Directories…Directory!
3. 200+ Business Building Resource Websites Link Library
4. Entrepreneurs Toolkit

Join the Voices of Black Business Community

• Download the Buy Black Podcast App: iPhone/iPad | Android
• Join the Facebook Group: Buy Black Podcast Community
• Follow me @buyblackpodcast : Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
• Send Feedback or Questions to: [email protected]
• Apply to be featured on the show: https://buyblackpodcast.com/appointments
• Want to become a show sponsor?

Subscribe to Buy Black Podcast | The Voice of Black Business

Apple | Google | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeart

Individual Artist Grants Are Out There for You

In this episode, my guest, Stephanie R Bridges, and I talk about everything from what it truly means to be supportive of black business owners to struggling as an artist and finally how to find and win grants that you can use to fund creative projects. 

This was a fun and free flowing conversation, but don't be fooled. Stephanie delves deep into the subjects and passionately delivers actionable tips for each of us to support ourselves and our community better.

Connect With Stephanie

Website: https://stephanierbridges.com 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/stephanier.bridges 

Facebook: https://facebook.com/stephanie.bridges.144 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/i_spat 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2nTMnnXDsiDr5oQq_ZzhTw 

Support Stephanie's Creative Work

Patreon: https://patreon.com/stephanierbridges 

Amazon (this section contains affiliate links):

• If I Were Part of the Animal Kingdom - https://amzn.to/2mzO4GV 
• My Favorite Color is Blue - https://amzn.to/2uIgoLJ 
• Fight the Air Guy - https://amzn.to/2mCJ8RQ 
• Can We All Just Get Along? - https://amzn.to/2OdtBEC
• Keep the Peace Activity Book - https://amzn.to/2LydaE8
• Keep the Peace Journal - https://amzn.to/2LvsUYv 
• I SPaT: Poems Inspired by God's Grace and Mercy - https://amzn.to/2LFFamn 

Joylynn M. Ross: “Act Like an Author, Think Like a Business” Conference EXCLUSIVE OFFER Exclusive Buy Black Podcast Promotional Offer

• Register for 2 Conference Days, Get 3rd Day FREE!
• Type “Buy Black” when asked how you heard about the conference during Online Registration
• Register Here: https://www.pathtopublishing.com/copy-of-conferences-events
• Be a Conference Sponsor: https://www.pathtopublishing.com/sponsorship-registration
• Donate to Scholarship Fund: https://squareup.com/market/writings-by-joy/item/conference-scholarship-donation

Connect With Me

[email protected]

Download the Buy Black Podcast App

https://buyblackpodcast.com/app

Join the Buy Black Podcast Community Facebook Group

https://facebook.com/groups/buyblackpodcastcommunity

Follow me on Twitter…

https://twitter.com/buyblackpodcast

…and Instagram.

https://instagram.com/buyblackpodcast

Serve Society & the Marketplace Through Social Entrepreneurship

In this very exciting episode my guest, Joshua Bunch, teaches us about Social Entrepreneurship and how to attract different types of investors to get a tech startup off the ground.  He and his co-founders developed "Outro", a Yelp-like app that allows users to rate and review bars, clubs and social venues based on safety, atmosphere, and enjoyment.  Josh demonstrates how he combined his passions for people and technology to help bring this potentially life-saving app to the public.  Join us with pen and paper in hand!  This man's got some wisdom to share.

Attracting Investors

• How to get funding for your app
  • Bootstrapping
  • Bank Loans
  • Angel Investors
  • Venture Capitalists
• Crunchbase.com - "The Master Record of Data on the World's Most Innovative Companies"
• Types of Venture Capital Investments
  • Seed - Money to turn an idea into a product
  • Startup - Money for the initial building phase of the business
  • First Round thru Fourth Round - Money to build, grow, and scale while adding value to the business
• Venture Capitalist Offerings
  • Cash
  • Resources
  • Workspace
  • Any or all of these are provided in exchange for a stake in the company (i.e. - ownership equity)
• Venture Capitalists Look for Strong Management
  • Capture data from users
  • Capture feedback from users
  • Make your app user-friendly, highly responsive to feedback
  • Founders & Managers must know their roles and be proactive

Networking Skills are Critical

• Always have a business card on you
• Talk to as many people as possible
• Attend as many conferences and events as possible
  • Free events and conferences are all around you
  • Go. To. Them.

Key Quote

"Opportunities won't come to you.  You have to go to them." -Josh Bunch

Biggest Challenge

• Taking myself seriously
• Overcoming impostor syndrome

#1 Piece of Advice

"If you have an idea, pursue it.  Don't let other people convince you it's a waste of time."

Download Outro Now

https://apple.co/2NS1jzi 

Connect With Josh

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-bunch-880844ba/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshyy_sosa/ 

Email: [email protected]

Connect With Me

[email protected]

Download the Buy Black Podcast App

https://buyblackpodcast.com/app

Join the Buy Black Podcast Community Facebook Group

https://facebook.com/groups/buyblackpodcastcommunity

Follow me on Twitter…

https://twitter.com/buyblackpodcast

…and Instagram.

https://instagram.com/buyblackpodcast

Joylynn M. Ross: "Act Like an Author, Think Like a Business" Exclusive Buy Black Podcast Promotional Offer

• Register for 2 Conference Days, Get 3rd Day FREE!
• Type "Buy Black" when asked how you heard about the conference during Online Registration
• Register Here: https://www.pathtopublishing.com/copy-of-conferences-events
• Be a Conference Sponsor: https://www.pathtopublishing.com/sponsorship-registration
• Donate to Scholarship Fund: https://squareup.com/market/writings-by-joy/item/conference-scholarship-donation

Year In Review Why We Do the Show

• Media Platform Ownership: Control our message and our image
• Direct dollars, resources, network connections to grow our businesses
• Tack ownership of our economy, the first step in the Five Levels of Control
• Build "Black Community Inc." Vertical and Horizontal Integrated Economic Network

Who We Do It For

• Alton Sterling: Officers Not Charged
• Philando Castile: Officer Not Charged
• Tamir Rice: Officer Not Charged
• Jordan Edwards: Officer Charged w/ Murder
  • Trial has been delayed twice
  • Set to begin August 2018
  • We can't allow them to slide an acquittal past us
  • We must be vigilant

How We Change the World

• Realize the Power of our Ideas & Resources
  • Visualize a value creating asset
  • Identify the resources needed to bring it to life
  • Build an asset with our resources
  • Use that asset to build wealth for ourselves
  • Use that asset to provide value for others in the community
• Master the Five Levels of Control
  • Take Ownership of Our Economy
  • Take Control of Our Political Destiny
  • Use Political & Economic Leverage to Demand and Receive Justice for Our People
  • Build Media Platforms, Control Our Image
  • Build Educational Facilities, Control What the Next Generation Learns About Our Culture

Connect With Me

[email protected]

Download the Buy Black Podcast App

https://buyblackpodcast.com/app

Join the Buy Black Podcast Community Facebook Group

https://facebook.com/groups/buyblackpodcastcommunity

Follow me on Twitter…

https://twitter.com/buyblackpodcast

…and Instagram.

https://instagram.com/buyblackpodcast

 

Turn Your Book Into Your Business

In this episode, my guest Joylynn M. Ross, BLESSEDSelling Author, Editor, and Publisher, teaches us how to get our business ready for our book.  Her step by step process is perfect for aspiring writers, coaches, consultants, and anyone who has a book and a business inside of them that needs to be let out!

Joylynn's Highlights

• Money comes from the business you build off of the book
  • The book is only an extension of your business
  • An extension of your message
• Leverage your intellectual property
• People Care about What You Do and How What You Do Can Help Them
• Don't be afraid to teach people what you know
  • But don't be afraid to charge them for the lesson
• We are starving people by keeping what we know and what we do from them
• Don't wait for your book to get ready

Get Ready For Your Book

• What is the question everyone is constantly asking you?
• Read to get prepared for your book
• Most people already have their books written
  • Capture your intellectual property
  • Turn podcasts into publications
  • Transcribe your videos
  • Review and capture all of your social media posts
    • Categorize, organize, and publish
• Use voice recognition software like Dragon to dictate your book
• Hire a ghost writer

Don't Just Dive Into the Industry

• Learn the publishing process
  • Writing
  • Editing
  • Design
  • Publishing
  • MARKETING
• Know who your audience is
  • Can't write a book for everybody
  • Who, specifically, are you trying to help?
  • Build your audience before you bring them the book
• Forget trying to get people interested in you
  • Show that you are interested in them
• Determine your "Why's"
  • Why am I writing?
  • Why am I publishing?
  • Why am I selling this book?
• Hustle a Plan
  • It costs to put your message out there

Don't be afraid to invest in yourself

Don't be afraid to invest in your business

Business Building Tools & Resources

• https://www.clickfunnels.com/
• https://pathtopublishing.com

Connect with Joylynn

Register for the "Act Like an Author, Think Like a Business" 2018 Conference - https://bit.ly/2tVDuxl 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JoylynnRoss 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/enjoywrites 

https://enjoywrites.com 

https://pathtopublishing.com 

Connect with Me

[email protected]

Download the Buy Black Podcast App

https://buyblackpodcast.com/app

Join the Buy Black Podcast Community Facebook Group

https://facebook.com/groups/buyblackpodcastcommunity

Follow me on Twitter…

https://twitter.com/buyblackpodcast

…and Instagram.

https://instagram.com/buyblackpodcast