Written by | Ray Cornelius
Legendary NBA player and entrepreneur Earvin “Magic” Johnson recently appeared at 4th Annual Dream Project Symposium in Atlanta, GA. The two day event, founded by EGAMI Consulting Group CEO Teneshia Jackson, was created to build a platform for current and aspiring entrepreneurs and business professionals that leads to networking, creativity, and resource collecting.
The symposium took place at the Marriott Marquis and featured a myriad of celebrity speakers including Mr. Johnson as well as Miss Robbie star of OWN’s “Welcome to Sweetie Pies,” Beyoncé‘s stylist Ty Hunter, Money Maven Patrice Cunningham and Fashion and Lifestyle expert Tai Beauchamp.
During his Q&A session with Jackson, Mr. Johnson talked candidly about how his company, Magic Johnson Enterprises, secured strategic partnerships with such globals brands as AMC Theaters, SONY, Delta Airlines and Starbucks.
One of the biggest takeaways from the talk was to show willing to outsource time-consuming responsibilities to experts. For instance, if your business needs a more efficient payroll system, there are a number of Help with Payroll companies out there such as Zenefits that can provide HR management software to make balancing the books and paying staff quicker and easier.
Ultimately, business owners should always be on the lookout for new ways to save time and money, and embracing the latest developments in technology such as software can have a dramatic impact on productivity and workplace cohesion.
“I asked myself, ‘What companies are in suburban America that would fit in urban America?’ Since African-Americans were the number one people going to movies I thought ‘AMC or Sony.’ That would be a great fit because we already go to the movies and it’s one of the most affordable things we can do as a family,” said the former L.A. Laker.
He later shared 10 Tips on how to be a successful entrepreneur that I thought were worth sharing. Check them out below:
- Always be prepared and do your homework
- Stay focused
- Don’t be afraid to approach mentors
- Build relationships today for business tomorrow
- Reputation is everything…Be consistent!
- Drive the best company service your customers have ever seen
- Sometimes you have to take people to the deal
- Always reinvest in your company…your lifestyle change can wait!
- Always have an exit strategy…Don’t fall in love with anything!
- Always run a SWOT on Your Business (Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats)
Take a look at more conference photos below:
Standing Tall…Dream Conference creator and EGAMI Consulting Group CEO Teneshia Jackson
Beyoncé‘s stylist and fashion icon Ty Hunter
Sheri Riley with conference speakers Patrice Cunningham,
Black Enterprises Alfred Edmond and Prudential’s Shirley Ann Robertson
Media Personality and Lifestyle expert Tai Beauchamp with guest
“Magic” took the same principles he learned from the NBA into the boardroom
Magic Johnson with his ASPiRE TV employees
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com
