Aug 21
I’m stressed baby! I keep hitting the glass ceiling! I’ve been striping for 7 years now and I make great money. I’ve started 3 separate businesses and funded them with my dancing money. But just when I think I see the light, I keep failing for some reason or another. It’s come to the point that I don’t think I will ever have another career. Should I just quit trying after 3 strikes and stick to adult entertainment?
- Sylvia, ATL
Easy answer! YOU QUIT WHEN YOU DIE!! You call 3 times failing, a glass ceiling? How about this? Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 3 decades only to rise and be the President of the same government that jailed him! Irv Gotti and Diddy both faced trials of their lives to come back and reinvent themselves as stars of TV and music! LL has spanned a red-hot music career for 20yrs when most artists can’t last 3! Tyra Banks and Kimora Lee Simmons both flipped modeling careers into being powerful CEO’s! I can go on and on of those who will not quit, no matter the setbacks. When you were a baby and tried to walk, after you fell down 10 times, did you decide to quit and crawl for life? No, so why stop now? TRUE POWER is to know that “YOUR FAILURES WILL ONLY FUEL YOUR SUCCESSES.” See you at the top or sliding down a pole. The choice is up to you.
Daymond
Aug 21
I’ve been in the entertainment management game for 20 years. I’ve gotten paid well and traveled the world over. The only down side is, cause its a service industry, I’ve never been able to get that exit strategy big payday like many other businesses and brands. I’ve luckily invested in the right stocks, so I’m not strapped for cash. The problem is, investing in artists for years has taken a toll on quality time with my wife and kids, but I find myself still hungry at 50 yrs old. Is it to late to invest in another business to finally get the big payday?
Holla,
Angel, CA
It sounds like you’ve made the right moves! You have successfully invested in the right businesses, artists, and stocks. I’m sure this wasn’t easy, but it paid off. If you are not strapped for cash, I do agree that you should invest in a new business! And the new business should be “your family.” You can still look at a new venture as well. I’m sure you didn’t invest in only 1 artist and your portfolio probably has many stocks also. Treat your life the same. Nobody has ever been on their deathbed and said “I should’ve spent more time in the office.” TRUE POWER is to “BALANCE YOUR LIFE.” If you’ve managed artists, then I’m sure you will have no problem managing your family to be superstars in whatever path in life they choose. And you never know, maybe they can give you some ideas on the new business. It might end up being a family business!!
Respectfully,
Daymond John
Aug 21
Ten years ago I walked into the largest moving company in my city and begged for a job. The owner, a man I’ve admired for years, gave me a minimum wage job and I busted my ass until I moved up and learned the entire biz in 3 years. I opened my own joint and now I’m his biggest competitor!! I was always told to set my sights on the leader and knock them off the top. So should I push harder to knock him off cause ‘business is business’ or am I acting like crabs in the barrel? What do you think?
- TD, Houston
Nah, that’s not crabs in the barrel, it’s much worse!!! Crabs don’t intentionally help the other, they just try to pull each other down. In your case, he gave you your first chance and you advanced quickly. He could have ignored you or kept you in one department, so you could be neutralized and no threat. I would suggest do what real power players do. If you guys own the 2 biggest companies in town, form a 3rd company 50/50 each and snatch up all the business out there. In Kanye West’s new song “Big Brother” he described what “TRUE POWER” is when talking about Jay-Z, “If you admire somebody you should go ahead and tell ‘em. People never get the flowers while they are still here to smell ‘em.” Call your ex boss and mentor and get paid together!!!!
Regards,
Daymond John
Aug 21
I have a software company and I consistently develop product that kills the big guys. Just because their brands are known and mine is not, they get more recognition. Now they want to buy into my company and make me a division of their company. I would love to sell some of my products, but they insist I stay on! The problem is, I don’t want to work for anybody and developing my brand is just as important! So I find myself scared to talk to them. Please advise.
- Norman, Seattle, Wash.
You have a good problem! First of all, you are the brand! Not the product. We buy into Microsoft because we buy Bill Gates, the same with Warren Buffet, Steve Jobs, Spielberg, Trump, etc., etc. So if the brand (you) is afraid to negotiate then the brand will be afraid to act when hard times come. This is the reason the big guys want you to stay on, so you can update, and make the right moves in the company to change with the times. If freedom and your own brand name is what you want, then find a way to negotiate that with them. If they want you bad enough, they will make it work! TRUE POWER IS WHAT JFK ONCE SAID, “WE SHOULD NEVER NEGOTIATE OUT OF FEAR, BUT WE SHOULD NEVER FEAR TO NEGOTIATE.” See you at the top homie!
Daymond John
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
