Aug 21
I’ve always wanted to start my own business, but I have kids to support and I like the things that come with my job like medical, 401k and a steady paycheck. If I start my own business, I could possibly fail and lose both the business and the security that I have become accustomed to. Please advise.
- Xiomara, Arizona
Don’t think you are so safe where you are working now! There are always cut backs, company mergers, or you could straight up get fired. You are POWERLESS in these decisions! The only thing you can be sure is that when you work for somebody else, you are working towards their dream and not your own!
If you start your own business, you can open your own 401k, and personally get medical for you and your employees. Research and slowly start the business at night or on the weekends you’re while still currently employed. Then you can make sure this is what you want to do. Remember, owning your own company has its set backs as well. Your employees hate you, you never sleep, every decision you are responsible for and you risk it all every day. The good part is, the challenge makes you feel alive! You can possibly become financially secure and there is nothing in the world like following your own dreams! It’s a sacrifice! TRUE POWER is to understand that “SACRIFICE IS GIVING UP SOMETHING OF LESSER VALUE FOR SOMETHING OF GREATER VALUE.” Good luck in your final decision.
Daymond John
Aug 21
My husband tries to open a new business every other year. He has tried it all – clothing, magazine, limo service, music producer, and even a modeling agency. But he always ends up quitting because he complains that his competition is luckier than him, that he never gets a break and nobody will help him. I support my man to the end, but he is becoming very bitter and makes the same mistakes time and time again. How can I help him? –Laurie, Tampa
Sounds like your husband is just trying to open businesses that he thinks will get him rich quick. If you open a business, it has to be your passion and not for the money … the money will come. First of all, a jack-of-all-trades is the master-of-none, so he needs to set one plan and stick to it. The second issue is that he has to stop hating on the competition! His competition loves when he is hating, cause the more he is thinking about them, the less he is paying attention to his own business. Finally, as for everybody else being lucky, TRUE POWER is to “UNDERSTAND THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS LUCK! LUCK IS WHEN PREPERATION, DESIRE AND FAITH MEET OPPORTUNITY.” You have to change his way of thinking before anything good will come in both business and life. I wish you guys the best!
Daymond John
Aug 21
I own 3 small Soul Food restaurants and now I’m ready to blow up and go nationwide. Several wealthy white investors have offered to invest and help me reach another level. My workers are telling me I would be a “sell out” if I work with them, and to “keep it real.” What do you think? – Delroy, Canton, Ohio
When FUBU was red hot!, we had several offers to sell but we didn’t take them because several people were saying we should “keep it real!” Well those same people are now the first ones to say, “I wouldn’t be caught dead in FUBU.” So you can’t pay attention to that. You have to consider if the investor’s money is needed, is it a good deal, and will you have control. If all those work for you, then get the deal poppin! As for selling out, what the hell are we in business for but to “sell out!” When a concert is sold out, a store is sold out of an inventory or a hotel is sold out of rooms – it’s always a great thing for the owner. The bottom line is the bottom line. True POWER is to “FORM ALLIANCES IN LIFE AND BUSINESS AND NOT JUDGE THEM UPON COLOR BUT UPON CHARACTER.” See ya at the top homie!
Aug 21
I’m just starting to make money in the music business and I’m finding out that this game is foul. I’ve lost many opportunities because I can’t stand dealing with the trifling individuals in the business! I end up cutting people off because I don’t want to deal with the BS. But this is my dream and after all my struggle, I don’t want to just give up. How should I handle this? – JUSTICE (ATL)
Hey Justice! I think we all can agree that the music industry is foul. Actually, all business is foul if you don’t have all legal documents in order. So first, get a lawyer and make sure your paperwork is straight.
When playing chess, do you get mad or stop playing every time your opponent makes a move? Do you question their intentions? No, because you know they are just positioning themselves to win. Well, it’s the same in life. People always take action against you to “try to win”. But you don’t have to spite yourself by getting angry and cutting people off. To be successful you have to understand the motives of others. If you cut everybody off, you will have no one to work with or for you.
True “POWER” is being able to make people feel comfortable, be aware of their good and foul potential, and don’t take it personally. People will be people! We can always play strong – but “IS A WEEPING WILLOW STRONG OR WEAK BECAUSE IT BENDS WHEN THE WIND BLOWS?” Learn to be flexible homie! And you will learn how to succeed in the game!
