Beyoncé’s Marketing Syllabus for Entrepreneurs: Lemonade

I've taken my share of marketing classes, but after watching an hour-long short movie, I learned even more about marketing than when I earned my Master's degree in Business Administration! When life gives you lemons, you learn to make lemonade. If you’re anything like me: you sell it for profit. Recently Beyoncé released a groundbreaking visual album that broke the Internet and HBO. The obvious talk was what her husband, Jay Z, allegedly did to her and the Beyhive hunting down “Becky with the good hair,” (Sorry Rachael Ray). There were also more subtle, yet prevalent undertones throughout the project illustrating girl power, feminism, Black girl magic, and most importantly, being an unapologetic woman in power.

 Lemonade is an amazing blueprint for the entrepreneur teaching:

1. Creativity Bliss
2. Freedom
3. Genius
4. Lemonade is Your Product
5. Personable Pitch

** Taking Control 

Creativity Bliss

Baddie Bey is not afraid to have a naked conversation with her audience. Whether or not it’s her truth can be disputed, however, she was not shy about expressing these feelings through her art for business purposes. This is the time where you discover what works and what does not for your business. In an over saturated market, the critical acclaim Beyoncé received the first week of her project was stellar. Entrepreneurs, it’s okay to do something outside of the box in your industry. Bottom line: find what works for you in your area of expertise. That is your most profitable lane we call it the “sweet spot.” Besides, being like everyone else is boring! Here's the formula: Creativity + truth/experience = lemonade for your industry. Be unapologetic about your approach. Trailblazers always break away from the normal way to do business.

Freedom

The most successful entrepreneurs like to live on the edge. We do “it” afraid. Many liken the experience to jumping off of a cliff and building an airplane on the way down. Taking a business risk reminds me of the pregnancy process: it’s exhilarating, taxes your body, drains your finances, it can be uncomfortable (please get used to being uncomfortable,) and you lose plenty of sleep. It has painful moments: moments of unsurety, it stretches you, makes you stronger, more flexible, and more fearless. The freedom an entrepreneur possesses is birthed through the experience that gives you your fearlessness: the birthing process. In the end, everything you experienced no matter how tumultuous, was worth it. Yes, we entrepreneurs take risks unlike any other, but what’s a normal journey look like anyway? Don’t fight it. Taking calculated risks in your can be one of the most freeing and rewarding experiences you will ever have.

Genius

In the words of entrepreneur, Ming Lee, “the best marketer wins.” And the award goes to... Mrs. Bootylicious Carter! Marketing talent is rare. She’s no Mary Kay Ash by creating network marketing, but all it takes is one post on social media and the BeyHive is spending tax money on Formation Tour tickets; paychecks on Ivy Park athletic gear; or fasting lunch to purchase the latest $20 album. How can this information help your business? Market your product/service in such a way that your customers praise your greatness without you having to tell them to do so! The best marketers know how to tell one hell of a page-turning story to grab your attention, keep your attention, and close the deal with the customer purchasing what’s been placed in the cart online. Geniuses close the deal!

Lemonade Is Your Product

It is a must you learn how to be a great storyteller as an entrepreneur. Authors typically sell their life experiences. Beyoncé took her alleged sour life experiences and turned them into a lucrative visual masterpiece. There’s no reason why you can’t sell your pain and profit from life’s misfortunes. Some take lemons and do nothing. Some are smart enough to make lemonade. Some make lemon drop martinis. But the entrepreneur distributes it as a product or service and makes a profit! Be like Beyoncé, profit from your life experiences.

 Personable Pitch

Being relatable does wonders for you no matter what industry you are in and no matter where you are in life. I don’t care how big your team is. I don’t care how great your product is: people ultimately buy you! If you are mean, snobbish, unrelatable, you will not sell...period! Making more friends, becoming more likeable at work, and in social environments helps you to close the deal! Our pitch must be relatable to win over investors, securing the dream job/interview, or procuring new clients. In being relatable, your potential client resonates with your pitch and ultimately purchases the product/service you are providing. The short film, Lemonade, was 2016’s second quarter cash cow. The notoriously private Beyoncé tapped into topics and social issues that are prevalent to her fans today. Translation: she made herself relatable. Even if the alleged affair isn’t true, she knew it would resonate with the millions of people that have been on the rollercoaster we call love. She was able to communicate with a sense of authenticity. We entrepreneurs should be able to do the same. Warning: Please don’t be dishonest or manipulative. Fake tears damage your credibility. The personable pitch heavily depends on building strong relationships. You don’t want to damage the trust of your customer just to get a sale.

**Bonus - Taking Control 

Boss Beyoncé took control of the media. All press is good press right? Well the pop empress legalized and trademarked (if she’s smart) phrases that people have recently used against her. Exhibit A: “Boycott Beyoncé” tees. She literally owned her naysayers. She made a strategic move that the infamous Olivia Pope would have publically endorsed. This is her Formation tour merchandise. Even Comcast purchases all unfavorable domain names like Comcast Sucks.com. Take notes entrepreneurs. Companies are no longer trying to defend themselves publically. Your primary concern as an entrepreneur is to provide the best products/services to your clientele ala lemonade. Bon appétit!

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 The CEO and published author, Ask TPJ, is a millennial M.B.A. graduate in love with helping others fulfill purpose by working in the areas of personal development, business leadership, and project management. Tricia J. specializes in non-profit organizations, project management, business administration, organizational strategy, and small business start-ups. She’s also a mom to a starting lineup of 5 little A’s

I got a text from a good friend the other day about her new year's resolution. She called it her "one-word resolution." Instantly, I laughed because she and I don't talk often, but I do the same thing. I call my word my "theme" for the year. I know, it's not as fancy as the "one-word resolution," but it gets the job done for me.

If you are associated with me, being productive is a mandatory prerequisite to gaining access to my inner court friendships. everyone around me has to be purpose driven. There's no time to walk around aimlessly. Those who lack discipline should probably stop reading this blog now. Unless   discipline is your word for the year,

"Why is having a word for the year so important," one might ask? In a nutshell, here's why:

• 1 word helps to keep you focused
• Around here, we like to focus on one goal at a time. 
• It helps you prioritize. 
• Having one word helps you determine what is most important. Do you really have time to watch television for hours? Or can you use that time to be more productive?
• It improves your decision making skills
• You will be forced to make a decision concerning that impromptu lunch date or research session. 
• Helps you avoid inconsistent behaviors 
• If it doesn't revolve around that one word (for the most part) you probably want to avoid doing it. 
• Provides clarity for your vision
• If you don't have a vision statement for your life/business, stay tuned next Monday for that blog!

I know, I know, one word is hard to choose, but it is necessary to succeed as a leader in life as well as operating a successful business. Here's some reflection points to help choose the best word to improve your year: 

• Where are you in your life/business? 
• Where do you want to be? Short-term? Long-term? 
• What word will help you work toward that goal? 

My friend shared her word with me for accountability. I use my word as an anchor. No matter where this year takes me, my word will help keep me focused concerning this year's personal and professional goals. So what's your word? Discuss with your mentors, associates, co-workers, and friends. Make sure you come back and share your word with us in the comments! 

Vault Relationships

No sibling is perfect. Neither are your friends. The value of covenant relationships has depreciated tremendously. Relationships are not valued as they should be. Often times we focus on offenses and flaws the other party has. 

The most important factor to your relationship with anyone is being Holy Spirit led. Am I my sister's keeper? Absolutely. Are boundaries necessary? Absolutely. It is your duty as a covenant sister to be vulnerable, honest, and protective. 

Know your role. It's easy to step out of bounds if the relationship has not been defined. I know we can be some emotional creatures! Often times our relationships are filled with cattiness, gossip, and other harmful tactics meant to divide us. But that does not have to be so! There are two types of sisters you have: a vault & a trash can.

A vault is a secured place built within, where we store our valuables. We are careful to put our most important information, possessions, and valuables there. It also protects one from unauthorized use with a tightly closed door and more importantly an intricate lock code system. A vault sister is that safe place. Not only can she be a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen, she will pray with you. She prays for you. She may even help you carry a burden. But do not get too comfortable with her. Becoming so familiar may cause you to devalue her and your relationship. You may get so common with her that you began to dump all of your baggage and trash into her. 

The trash can holds unimportant, broken, invaluable items. These items have depreciated or have began to decompose. When you treat a covenant sister like a trash can, you fill her ears with meaningless words, eat up her time, and distract her from her purpose. 

Before you step into a relationship, be objective. A friendship or covenant relationship should not be taken lightly. She may seem fun now, but I promise you seasons do change. And there is nothing wrong with change, but please know that the commitment and work still remains. 

She will get on your nerves. She will fall and need your prayers. She will talk too much. She will make mistakes. She will get offended. She will request apologies. She will need your grace. She will need your mercy. She will stumble and need your correction. She will get dull and need your sharpening. She will earn your trust. She will require forgiveness. She will need your assistance to reach her destiny. And you probably thought friendships were all about fun, shopping, or talking about your favorite television show. HA! Covenants require getting your hands dirty. You don't get to walk away when things get tough. 

Love covers a multitude of sins. It's important to cover your sister, not expose her. 

Are you a vault or a trash can? Can you be trusted? Can God trust you with His daughter? Will you protect her vulnerability? Will you talk about her with others? A good rule of thumb that will save many relationships is, if it's not your story to tell, don't tell it. You don't need another person on your level to pray with you about it. 

As a covenant girl, each sister should be a vault. Treat her as such. Value her time as you would value someone important. Value the God in her. Never forget she is human just like you. Value her concerns, prayers, insecurities, and secrets just as you would your own. 

                                                                                                                   -Ask TPJ 

Tips & Tricks to Win NaNoWriMo

1.  Open Your Big Mouth 

You know why I tell my Facebook and Twitter friends I’m doing the NaNoWriMo challenge? Because it makes me accountable! No way can I back down after I’ve told the entire social media world I’m going to take a stab at it. Trust me, halfway into the challenge you’ll be happy you have people asking how your book is coming along. This affords you an opportunity to grab more coffee and pick your best selling manuscript out of the trash to keep going. The motivational words from others do wonders for you during November.

2. AM & PM Writing 

Nothing like trying to write 50,000 words in 30 days! Because I recently finished my degree, I think of the daily 1667 word count minimum as a 1700 word essay. Students can always push out a last minute paper, right? Just think 30 last minute papers! For those that cannot, try breaking it down into writing 833 words in the morning and a nightcap of 833.This way you can still work on your word count throughout the day. Small progress is still progress.

3. Don’t Quit

Stick to it! After 21 days anything you do becomes a habit. If you’ve been saying you are going to write a book for the past few years and have failed to do so, please use this as a tool to get you going. Not only will NaNoWriMo afford you 720 coffee-filled hours to complete your novel, it will also make your writing muscles strong. Exercise hurts, but the results are always appreciated in the end.

4.  Plan Appropriately

Do not underestimate the power of a thorough plan. If you didn’t do so this year, consider it for next year’s preparation. A good outline will provide you a great skeleton to work with as you build the body of your story. The same goes for character development. Please make sure your characters are not one dimensional and your target audience is able to relate to them. Use flash cards to map out your plot and characters. 

5. Write Now, Edit Later

Please do not fall in the trap of editing as you write. I repeat, DO NOT EDIT AS YOU WRITE! This not only keeps you from reaching 50,000 words. (Trust me) It also disrupts your flow. Stay in the moment with your scene, characters, and imagination. You have December through October to edit your masterpiece. You’ll thank me later!

6. Invest in a Quiet Space

I don’t care if it’s your closet with a mini laptop lamp; do what you’ve got to do to get this writing done! Check the website to find a group near you! http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/regions. If you can’t get to the nearest group, don’t count out your local library, Starbucks, or café. You’d be surprised at what you can accomplish in an hour. (By the way, Starbucks is anointed to help you get some work done.)  
7.  Look on the Bright Side 

There will be many days your house will go uncleaned, kids will eat something quick and easy, (I suggest a crock pot) and you will be exhausterated. Yes, exhausterated. I know you didn’t think you write an entire novel in 30 days getting eight hours of sleep every night. Haha! Nice try. Grab your favorite caffeine product of choice and get to work. Even if you do not finish the challenge. Keep going! At least you've started.

If you haven’t already, it’s not too late to sign up for the challenge. Click this link. http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/sign_up Add me as a friend. We’ve got to stick together. Look for me in the search box. My username is TPJ. Good luck!

Smart Goal Setting

Having a growing family and the desire to accomplish milestones in life simultaneously has honed not only my multi-tasking skills, but also my goal setting. Everyone sets at least one goal per year. (i.e. New Year’s Resolution) How many of us actually accomplish those goals we set?  That’s where smart goal setting comes into play. Life continually has us asking, “What is my purpose?” and many times that is found in something we are passionate about. But even if one’s goal is just to lose
 20 pounds and he or she isn’t so passionate about it, smart goal setting and diligence will aid as important tools to accomplishing the set goal. Don’t let a failed goal stop you from accomplishing a new goal. I will share tools I use to help me accomplish some of my past goals and tips I am currently using for future goals.


 Going through the day can most definitely go awry without a plan. Imagine doing so for most of the 365 days we call one year. It can be so easy to wake up, go to work, come home, go to sleep and do it all over again the next day, and the day after that until years have passed. It is important to ensure that when years do go past, there has been something worthwhile accomplished. Being purpose driven is key. Don’t worry it is not a hereditary gene! We must teach ourselves to be diligent in all things. Making a to-do list each night assists me in accomplishing more things in 24 hours than most. It helps me make wise decisions and avoid too much idle time. Prioritizing my tasks/goals by importance helps identify which tasks I need to complete and on schedule. Marking goals using the “ABC’s” help me to set realistic goals as far as what I can accomplish in the allotted time I have available. “A” being the most important, “B” being of importance, but not urgent, and “C” being something I’d like to accomplish, but doesn’t have a sense of urgency.

Also try color coding if Letter's aren't your thing. I also use a specific color for each person in my house. Each member of the A-Team has a specific color pertaining whatever is on their respective schedules. Also Dad & I have specific colors to identify who is doing what on a specific day. Creating a system that works for YOU and your household is what matters most. Feel free to "tweek" until you feel comfortable.

7 Steps to More Effective Goal Setting
1. Write down your goals. Identify your goals. What is it that you want to do exactly? Is it realistic?

2. Accomplishing goals requires a plan. Make steps like the Yellow Brick Road to get to the goal.

3. Prioritize goals, figure out realistic completion dates, & Revisit goals frequently.

4. Create Specific Measurable Action-based Realistic Timely (SMART) goals.

5. Long-term Goals should be broken down into many small milestones. “Write the vision, & make it plain.” In due time with a good strategy and diligence it will come to fruition.

6. Set goals for EVERY area in your life. (Personal, professional, family, etc.)

7. I can’t say this enough! Don’t be afraid to modify your goals and or execution tactics. Review, update, & revise constantly!