"You can do anything as long as you have the passion, the drive, the focus, and the support."
- Sabrina Bryan
While the quote above is inspirational read at face value, it lends credence to the notion we all need a little love from others to achieve levels of greatness. This holds true for most circumstances and definitely in the case of entrepreneurial endeavors. Whether it be aspirations to start your own firm or restaurant, or pursuing entertainment or athletic dreams, it'd be foolish to overlook the importance of belief and assistance from friends, family, colleagues and mentors. They are a person's first audience, and their love and attention can help grow one's recognition in their respective field tremendously.
As my goals and objectives shift from one of a young player in the entertainment industry with eyes on personal glory, to a "veteran" with focus on legacy, priorities change and EVERY thought and action taken is built on finding and creating opportunities for growth. What I've found is that all of us, even those not directly affected by another's dreams of being the next singer or businessman, can have a huge impact in that person's success. Though it can seem to be an arduous task, showing love is easy, and if done the right way, can be quite rewarding for all parties involved. If you feel like it is frustrating, allow me to lighten the load. Take a look at these six simple notions for supporting "the homie's" career or business.
1. Small Business Doesn't Mean Bad Business.
Performance gear powerhouse Under Armour was founded at a college. Hip hop superstar Ludacris sold his first CDs out his trunk. Just because a package or company is not available at a traditional or popular venue does not signify they are unprofessional or unworthy of your time or money. If they satisfy one (or all) of the 4Ps (price, product, promotion, place), consideration is warranted as it would be at any other establishment.
2. Real Recognize Real.
A businessman or woman with a great product always knows whether a potential client or customer has tried out their work, because consumers almost always provide feedback, good or bad. When my second book Homecoming was released, my barber bought a copy. He never mentioned it for weeks, months even, and in my mind, it was clear he had not cracked it open. My confidence was at the point that if he read the novel, he would read something funny or clever enough to mention it. One Friday I stopped in for a cut, and once it was my turn to hop in the chair, he was raving about this book, explaining how his son was similar to the main character. You may be surprised at how talented the people you know really are. Once you find out there is no reason for you not to spread the word. If you go to a good restaurant, you tell your friends. When Beyoncé releases a new cut that you love, you tell everyone, making snapchat videos with the song playing in the background. Allow me to ask, why are people that you have a relationship with or worse, your FRIENDS, not worthy of this same excitement if they have similar talents?
3. You Can Be Selective (Some Ideas Might Be Terrible).
My best friend once explained to me his concept of sharing/reposting the business or art of his friend circle and it was very insightful. He shared commodities that were in line with his values and personality. Furthermore, if he didn't actually like your product, or thought you had other material that was better, he would hold off. This is actually a fair idea. If a cousin or co-worker approaches you with a youtube video you feel is corny, or containing material that does not align with your lifestyle, it makes perfect sense that you wouldn't share it. On the flipside, if their next video kept you laughing to the point of tears, allow the next person to share your joy. There is no requirement for you to be a groupie or yes man just to support. In sharing or supporting what you actually enjoy, opportunities arise for the business owner to assess and enhance their product. While this premise is fair, consider the alternative: though you may not enjoy a particular product, it may be of interest to your friends or followers. A share of said product may serve to benefit others despite its inability to serve you.
4. Understand Your Power.
In the era of social media and and viral videos, sharing is caring. While financial investment and consumerism are two of the biggest examples of supporting a business or career, acknowledgement via the Internet can provide its own lucrative benefits. Consider Facebook: simply liking a post could result in increasing a viewership by dozens; 20-25 likes of a post by people in the same circle could extend the audience by hundreds or even thousands. As evidenced by the careers of such viral video celebrities as Issa Rae, DC Young Fly, King Keraun, and more, a internet buzz could change the trajectory of someone's career. This is possible for any entrepreneur with a supportive following or fan base.
5. Supporting the Homies is Supporting Yourself.
Entrepreneurs have the memory of an elephant. As they are commonly the recipients of the word "no" and often forced to deal with lack of support, they are very conscious of who offered guidance, encouragement, opportunity, and those who believed or liked their skill enough to purchase a by-product of it. There are few moments better than witnessing someone you supported reaching new heights in their particular area of interest. I frequently marvel at the success of my former cameraman and actor Kyle Morris, who now successfully serves as an emcee and host for events throughout the city of Philadelphia in addition to helping out with youth in their own goal development. When a person can point to a moment large or small where you did something to elevate them, the warmth you feel is like none other.
6. Encouraging the New Creators is to Keep the Current at Their Best.
As a man currently immersed in music, it is easy to hear the frustrations of fans with the content and diversity (or lack thereof) on radio and television. Artists make the same old stuff, and executives feed us new versions of the same artists making watered down versions of the same music. Industries across the board hear similar cries, but are met with the same results: without true demand for change, or waning support in the current options, no adjustments will be made. Whether it be music, politics, pr business, there are budding alternatives to the choices we have. It's always up to the consumer to demand that change come, either in the form of revision or overhaul. Recent changes to industries such as cable and phone providers show that with enough pushback, change can and will come. The same can be done for restaurants, political office, music, and much more, but only through the support of the people.
Experience teaches us that talent is something that God gives us all; whether it be to varying degrees or subjects, he wants us to utilize them. To do so, it takes preparation and a chance, which is something that they cannot always give themselves. We are not self made, as some tend to believe; to use 2007 slang, someone usually has to "co-sign" your work or "put you on". Those opportunities are necessary for people to develop and share their gifts; more often than not, each of us offers a chance for a talented person we know to share their gifts and be a blessing to themselves, their family, their community, and oft times in the Black community, their entire race. That said, as you see those driven and courageous enough to offer their talents, give them the consideration and support that a future difference maker deserves.
Ceddy P
Quick Tips in Sharing and Posting Links For Friends:
Add a Caption- Nobody knows what it is unless you tell them.
Show Enthusiasm- If it's not worth your excitement, why would anyone else care?
Leave Out Your Connections- Most people are close minded, and become even more so at the idea that you are only supporting because it's family. Leave that part out. Just say it's hot, or "check this out" instead.
Offer Critique (privately) - Creators are generally receptive to those who genuinely attempt to offer their feedback. Don't give advice if it is a.) not asked for or b.) in a field you have no expertise in. Your genuine respectful opinion however could be a positive impact on their overall presentation .
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