April 1, 2024
Brand strategist Zakiya Larry shares essential money tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Originally Published Apr. 3, 2017.
Media coach and brand strategist Zakiya Larry shared effective business marketing tips. Larry, the self-described “Elevation Strategist” shared four essential tips that all 9-to-5’ers need to know before taking the leap into full-time entrepreneurship – a road that she has traveled herself. Before launching Quest Media Training – a strategic communications firm that provides interview preparedness, strategic messaging, crisis communications, and public relations – Larry served as the long-time director of media relations for T.D. Jakes Ministries.
“For many years, I ran my media coaching and strategic communications firm while maintaining my parallel career as a PR executive for an international inspiration and entertainment brand,” she told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
Based on her firsthand expertise, she said aspiring entrepreneurs must be diligent about saving and managing funds while they plan to launch a business.
“I think that it is really important to address entrepreneurial goals and mindset. There are different flavors of entrepreneurship and each one requires a different money approach. You can leap into full-time entrepreneurship or maintain what I like to call, your “parallel career.”
Larry shared four essential tips for those thinking about taking the leap.
Tip 1: Plan for up to six months.
This is beyond having six months of expenses tucked away. This is about developing habits that will keep you afloat during booming and lean times. For six months, practice saving EVERYTHING from the change in your pockets, at the bottom of your purse, and even stepping up how much you funnel into savings accounts and any retirement plans.
Tip 2: Pretend while you spend.
Teach yourself to ignore the fact that you have a consistent check coming in from your “parallel career.” Decide on an amount (usually less than you would typically spend) for, let’s say…groceries. Challenge yourself to spend only the allotted amount. If the total goes over the budget, put something back. Resist the temptation to dip into your “regular money.” Remember, it’s not there anymore. Or at least, it won’t be, soon.
Tip 3: Keep Automatic Payments Going.
Years ago, I paid off my car. The loan company automatically withdrew the car payment, monthly. I knew that full-time entrepreneurship was my ultimate goal, even if I didn’t know any of the details. So, after I settled that debt, I continued having the same amount of money automatically withdrawn on the same day each month, but this time, the automatic payment landed in my savings account and not the loan company’s account. This tip is great for those who want to maintain a parallel career but still fund their entrepreneurship dreams.
Tip 4: Create Passive Income.
While working on your core business, it is helpful to create something that many people can buy at an easily accessible rate. A quick way to supplement your income is to sell knowledge along with your product or service. You can do this through creating coaching programs or coaching materials that would not require you to interact much with the purchaser, but instead, still offers residual income to keep you supported while you spend your time on your core offering.
Written by Selena Hill
RELATED CONTENT: Philanthropic Fund Has Raised Over $2M For Entrepreneurs Of Color Pursuing Capital
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AI paves the way for a revolution in entrepreneurship, offering up new possibilities for creative content like never before.
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In today’s world, AI is more than a buzzword. It’s reshaping the operational framework of small businesses, from local mom-and-pop shops to emerging online startups. And it’s not just about automation; it’s about enhancing decision-making, understanding customer behaviors, and opening new avenues for innovation.
Changing the Game with AI
Any “modern” entrepreneur echoes the same idea – AI is not just the flavor of the week. It’s becoming a vital piece of how businesses grow and operate. While some fear for their jobs, others see it as something to change the world for the better. “AI alone isn’t going to replace people… people using AI in new ways will”, says Joshua T. Osborne, owner of Digital CEOs. “Marketing is seeing huge disruptions right now due to AI… but it’s only the beginning. Big Data companies, your local gym or concrete company, even nonprofits are starting to experience major shifts”.
Leveraging AI for Business Growth
Across the globe, businesses report transformative results after integrating AI into their operations. From automated customer service to data-driven marketing strategies, AI is a catalyst for growth. It’s not just about cutting costs; it’s about offering personalized experiences to customers, predicting market trends, and making data-backed decisions.
In the realm of marketing, AI’s impact is profound. Tools like Chat GPT revolutionize content creation, turning weeks of work into hours. These tools are not just about speed; they offer a level of creativity and personalization previously unimaginable. This innovation is a boon for businesses seeking to establish a strong online presence.
Democratizing Access to AI
A key driver in the growth of AI is universal access. Gone are the days where this technology is only available to coders or a wealthy few – that’s the concept of Democratized AI access.
It’s breaking down the barriers, and making advanced technology accessible to all. This shift is monumental, allowing individuals and small businesses to compete on a level playing field with industry giants. AI tools are becoming more user-friendly, empowering people with minimal technical know-how to achieve remarkable results.
Speaking to Digital CEOs Co-Founder, “We’re at a place in the world where every day people can leverage humanities collective knowledge to become experts overnight”, says Kochel. “Imagine a world where you can teach a kid some math problem in a way that only makes sense for them. That’s the impact AI is having. Or where a new cancer startup can identify a novel cure to a vicious disease. The world is about to change before our eyes… and it’s gonna happen fast.”
AI in Marketing and Advertising
Applying these skills in marketing and advertising is just the first step, an easy one at that. That’s why founders Osborne and Kochel are excited about their new Digital CEOs program.
AI is redefining the landscape of digital marketing. It allows individuals to achieve what has never been done before. It’s no longer impossible to become an expert copywriter overnight or have a robot write ads or landing pages, build websites, write blog posts, all without ever having studied those topics before a day in their life.
Every day people are now being empowered through programs like these to change their way of living – because democratizing knowledge through AI means democratizing the monetization of that knowledge. And that’s something that has the potential to change the world forever, like a new-age David and Goliath.
Conclusion
The influence of AI in entrepreneurship is vast and still unfolding. It’s not just a tool for business efficiency; it’s a catalyst for innovation and creativity. As the world moves further into the digital age, AI’s role in business development, marketing, and customer engagement will only grow. It’s an exciting time for businesses, big and small, as AI opens doors to uncharted territories in the digital world.
Contact Info:
Name: Sean Kochel
Email: Send Email
Organization: Digital CEOs
Website: https://www.digitalceos.io/
Release ID: 89123333
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Marc Randolph, the co-founder of Netflix, joins us for another episode of Ask Marc, a live Q&A series about starting and growing your business. The event will begin on Thursday, February 15th at 2:00 PM ET, streaming on our YouTube & LinkedIn channels.
Where can I watch Ask Marc?
Watch and stream: YouTube & LinkedIn
You can watch on your phone, tablet or computer. Ask Marc will be shown in its entirety on YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter
What time does Ask Marc start?
Date: February 15th
Time: 2:00 PM ET
The episode kicks off at 2:00pm ET.
Why should I watch Ask Marc?
Get free business advice directly from the co-founder of Netflix, Marc Randolph. Marc loves helping founders and small business owners, and this your free opportunity to ask him any of your questions about topics like:
- Starting a business
- Growing a business
- Raising money
- Building marketing campaigns
- Best practices
- Anything you want to know!
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After nearly a decade as a digital creator, David Dobrik has set his sights on entrepreneurship.
Dobrik has over 20 million subscribers combined on his two YouTube channels – David Dobrik and David Dobrik Too, and was one of the highest-earning YouTubers in 2020, making $15 million from his content back in 2020.
The creator, who turns 27 on July 23, makes content with his friends, known as the Vlog Squad, doing various stunts and feel-good giveaways. He also gifted his friends Teslas, and in turn, continued to rack up the views.
In 2018, he garnered 60 million views on a “breakup video” with his former girlfriend of three years and content creator Liza Koshy. The two frequently filmed videos together and had fans invested in their relationship. But things then came to a halt.
Image credit: Getty Images | David Dobrik smiling on a red carpet.
In 2021, Dobrik was hit with a slew of allegations and claims around foul play in his videos with few safety precautions. One subject claimed she was assaulted during filming. One of his pals claimed to be badly injured while filming one of his videos and hit the creator with a $10 million lawsuit that has yet to be resolved. Dobrik then took a break from the public eye.
Now, Dobrik is revamping his brand from happy-go-lucky creator to businessman — he opened a pizza shop and signed on for several equity brand deals — and now requires his subjects to sign consent forms, he told Rolling Stone.
Here’s more about Dobrik’s businesses and latest projects.
Where Did David Dobrik Grow Up?
Dobrik grew up in Košice, Slovakia, before his family relocated to Illinois when he was five years old, per Rolling Stone. In the U.S., his father started a real-estate photography business while his mother took care of the family. He played tennis and worked as a waiter in high school.
“His family and my family, we’re not the richest. We survive by our means,” Dobrik’s longtime friend Ilya Fedorovich told the outlet. “I think that one of the reasons that he’s supersuccessful now is that he didn’t have much when he was growing up, but he wanted a lot.”
He started posting videos on Vine when he was 16. He then continued his education at the College of Lake County in Illinois before dropping out of his first year to move to LA and be a creator full-time. Although Vine shut down in 2017, his star was already growing on YouTube.
RELATED: This 22-Year-Old Is Now the Most Popular TikToker in the World
What Controversies Have Surrounded David Dobrik?
In 2021, former friends claimed they were bullied into uncomfortable situations while filming. Content creator Trisha Paytas, who was often filmed while she was dating his friend, Jason Nash, told Vulture: “I have more PTSD from David and Jason than I do hooking on Santa Monica Boulevard.”
Additionally, allegations rose against former Vlog Squader Dom Zeglaitis after a woman claimed he sexually assaulted her for a video encouraged by Dobrik, per Insider Business.
Zeglaitis denied the claims and noted in 2022 that he and Dobrik hadn’t spoken since the allegations. Entrepreneur was unable to find legal documents in relation to the claims.
He apologized for his involvement in a video titled “Let’s Talk” in March 2021, claiming that consent is pertinent to his content. Following the allegations, Dobrik lost thousands of followers and brand deals from partners including EA Sports and Dollar Shave Club, per Vulture.
Dobrik was brought under scrutiny again following the release of a documentary titled “Don’t Try This At Home” by former Vlog Squad member Jeff Wittek in April 2021. He claimed he was badly injured and broke part of his face and skull in a wakeboarding accident that was being filmed for a video. Dobrik claimed on his podcast that he paid thousands for Wittek’s medical bills, but he denied Dobrik’s claims.
In June 2022, Wittek sued Dobrik for $10 million for negligence. The suit has yet to be settled.
What Businesses Is David Dobrik Involved in?
At the height of his YouTube days, Dobrik was getting paid thousands to post on behalf of brands, like SeatGeek, Fan Joy, Dollar Shave Club, EA Sports, Chipotle, and more.
But after doing hundreds of brand deals, he never had a stake in the companies he promoted, he told Forbes.
“There are so many things that I could have done to set myself up for the future. One thing is with equity. With SeatGeek, there was a company that I was part of a lot. But never, ever did it cross my mind to ask for equity. So that’s what I wish that I would have been a lot better at,” Dobrik told the outlet in August 2022.
“I was never good at putting myself in positions where I was getting equity and I was also getting the cash to promote,” Dobrik continued. “Now, when I do things, especially when it’s a longer relationship that I have with a company; then there will definitely be cash options and then equity.”
With his hiatus from the limelight (he hasn’t posted on YouTube in over a year), Dobrik has been focused on growing his business portfolio.
Dobrik told Forbes he partnered with Happy Hour Tequila Seltzer in a cash deal and said he also partnered with a supplement company founded by his childhood friend called Xeela Fitness. The brand currently sells just pre-workout and protein supplements.
Then there’s Doughbriks, a Chicago-style pizza restaurant located in Los Angeles that Dobrik worked on for two years before the restaurant’s grand opening in November.
RELATED: Twitter Is Mourning the Loss of 97-Year-Old TikTok Star Grandma Holla
“Doughbricks came about because I’m from Chicago and I love pizza,” Dobrik said. “This is something that is really new to me. A physical object for a digital person. That’s why I think it’s crazy because everything is online. Any product is always online.”
Dobrik’s restaurant brought in huge crowds on opening day, with one family driving 200 miles for a bite, according to NBC News.
THIS IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE. THANK YOU OH MY GOODNESS THANK YOU
Dobrik hasn’t posted a new episode of his Views Podcast since April 2022. Despite transitioning away from YouTube, he’s active on TikTok with 26.3 million followers.
What Is David Dobrik’s Net Worth?
Dobrik was crowned one of the highest-paid YouTube stars of 2020, racking in $15 million for his content.
During an episode of the Views podcast in 2019, Dobrik said he was making about $275,000 a month from YouTube.
He gave fans a tour of his $9.5 million mansion in Los Angeles that has its own Hawaiian Punch fountain. He also collects various memorabilia, including a $10,000 fully functioning Iron Man suit.
Dobrik’s net worth is estimated to be $25 million.
If you or anyone you know has been sexually abused, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, judgment-free support as well as local resources to assist in healing, recovering and more.
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Lisa Dent
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A native of Rockford, Lisa Dent, heard 2 pm to 6 pm weekdays, began her radio career in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin in 1981. She has worked at stations in Minneapolis, San Diego, Seattle, and Houston. Dent returned to Chicago in 2002. (Click for more.)
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Running a one person business is challenging, but we’re here to help you. Tune into our video series, Solopreneur Office Hours, as our expert, Terry Rice, answers your most pressing questions.
Running a one person business is challenging, but it doesn’t have to be confusing.
In our new series, Office Hours for Solopreneurs with Terry Rice, you’ll get your most pressing business questions answered live while also learning from the challengees of your peers. Be sure to tune in on May 31st at 3 PM EDT as he removes all the guesswork around pricing, personal branding, selling your services and more.
Don’t miss out—register now!
About the Speaker:
Terry Rice is the Business Development Expert-in-Residence at Entrepreneur and host of the podcast Launch Your Business, which provides emerging entrepreneurs with the critical guidance needed to start a business. As the founder of Terry Rice Consulting he helps entrepreneurs make more money, save time and avoid burnout. He writes a newsletter about how to build your revenue and personal brand in just 5 minutes per week.
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Crowdfunding, equity financing, grants, or debt financing? Which do you choose to raise money for your business?
Join our webinar, Bianca B. King, Entrepreneur & Marketing Strategist, teaches you 7 methods that you can use to raise money to launch their companies, including the advantages and disadvantages of each type of funding.
7 Financing Options
Equity Financing:
Debt Financing:
-
Small Business Loans
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Peer-to-Peer Lending
Alternative Financing:
Register now to secure your seat!
About the Speaker:
Bianca B. King is an entrepreneur and professional matchmaker on a mission to help women accelerate their success. As the CEO & Founder of the exclusive collective Pretty Damn Ambitious™, Bianca matches high-acheiving women with premier vetted and verified coaches so they can finally amplify their ambitions and achieve the personal growth and professional success they desire. Bianca is also the President and Creative Director of Seven5 Seven3 Marketing Group, a digital marketing agency that has served hundreds of entrepreneurs since 2008.
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Podcasts have exploded in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a unique way to engage with audiences and can be a powerful tool in every stage of the marketing funnel. In this article, we’ll discuss how to leverage podcasts across different stages of the marketing funnel and achieve maximum impact.
Related: 5 Reasons Why Brands Should Think About Creating a Podcast
Top of Funnel (TOF): Attracting potential customers
The top of the marketing funnel is all about attracting as many potential customers as possible. Podcasts can be an excellent tool for this stage as they offer a unique way to engage with a broad range of potential customers and showcase your brand’s thought leadership. By providing valuable content in the form of informative and entertaining podcast episodes, you can capture the attention of potential customers and start building a relationship with them.
To leverage podcasts in the TOF stage, you’ll want to focus on creating content that’s informative, educational, and entertaining. Consider interviewing industry experts, providing behind-the-scenes looks at your business, or offering tips and tricks related to your niche. By providing value to your listeners, you’ll establish your brand as a thought leader in your industry and create a positive association with your business.
Additionally, it’s essential to promote your podcast effectively to attract new listeners. Consider leveraging social media, email marketing, and paid advertising to reach new audiences and drive traffic to your podcast.
Related: Podcast As Marketing Tool: It Creates Value For Listeners
Middle of Funnel (MOF): Nurturing potential customers
The middle of the marketing funnel is all about nurturing potential customers and building their trust. Podcasts are an excellent tool for this stage as they offer a more intimate and personal way to connect with your audience. By sharing your brand’s values, mission, and culture through podcasts, you can build a deeper relationship with your audience and create a sense of community around your brand.
To leverage podcasts in the MOF stage, you’ll want to focus on creating personal and engaging content. Consider showcasing customer success stories, hosting Q&A sessions with your audience, or providing in-depth product demos. Doing so will build trust and credibility with your audience and create a sense of connection with your brand.
Additionally, it’s essential to create a consistent podcast schedule to keep your listeners engaged and build a loyal audience. Consider releasing new episodes regularly, such as weekly or bi-weekly, to keep your listeners coming back for more.
Related: 4 Reasons to Start Your Own Podcast
Bottom of Funnel (BOF): Converting potential customers
The bottom of the marketing funnel is all about converting potential customers into paying customers. Podcasts can play a critical role in this stage by providing an engaging and entertaining way to directly promote your products or services.
By creating podcast episodes that focus on specific products or services, highlighting their features and benefits and offering exclusive discounts or promotions to your podcast listeners, you can convert leads into paying customers more effectively.
To leverage podcasts in the BOF stage, you’ll want to focus on creating direct and actionable content. Consider featuring customer testimonials or case studies that showcase the benefits of your products or services, hosting live Q&A sessions to address any lingering questions or concerns, or offering exclusive discounts or promotions to your podcast listeners.
Additionally, it’s essential to include a clear call-to-action in your podcast episodes to drive conversions. Consider directing listeners to a landing page, product page, or contact form to make it easy for them to take the next step and become paying customers.
Related: The Basics of Podcasting and How It Can Grow Your Business
Conclusion
Podcasts offer a unique way to engage with audiences and can be a powerful tool in every stage of the marketing funnel. To leverage podcasts effectively, you’ll want to create valuable and engaging content that speaks to your audience’s needs and interests, promote your podcast effectively to attract new listeners, and include clear calls-to-action to drive conversions. By doing so, you can differentiate your brand from the competition, build trust and credibility, and reach new levels of growth. .
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The co-founder and first CEO of Netflix, Marc Randolph, has a personal mission to help entrepreneurs around the world achieve their dreams. He has mentored hundreds of early-stage entrepreneurs and helped seed dozens of successful tech ventures, and now he wants to help you.
In our livestream series Ask Marc, you have the opportunity to ask Marc Randolph any of your most pressing business questions, from big-picture problems to in-the-weeds details, including:
- How do you start a business on a small budget?
- What’s the best way to raise funds?
- What are the top actions a business should take to grow revenue?
- What is the best way to find and hire the right talent?
This is a remarkable opportunity to ask one of the most successful and innovative business leaders anything you want! Submit your questions now then join us on March 28th at 3 p.m. EST to hear your answers live.
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