I cannot believe it! I'm finally graduating. The the world of graduate school for me is quickly coming to a close. Fortunately, this educational journey has been a tremendous experience for me.

In fact, i've learned more about my life and the aspects of success by simply following my purpose. However, for those future bright graduate students' making your way to your first year of graduate school, let me give you some helpful advice. Keep in mind, the below list is an opinionated list of my own. You can choose to take your own journey, but I would like to offer some words of wisdom. Let's begin!

1. Time Management is Key

Many students will hear about the importance of time management, but it really is the difference between understanding a concept and missing out. Time management is crucial to the overall success of your courses but it is also the foundation you will take into your career on a daily basis. Be sure to learn this lesson and master it during the short time you have in graduate school.

2. Network

Look to your left! Now, look to your right! In your classes you're going to have other successful minded people next to you. Utilize their wisdom and create a force to be reckon with. In fact, you possibly could be working with that very same classmate in the future.  Networking is a necessity in the world in general, so make sure to take full advantage of it in the classroom.

3. Read and Keep Your Textbooks

This is super important. Make sure to actually read what you're studying in class. Seriously, you will be tested on things that are only found in the text ( At least at my school ). Secondly, keep your textbook. It is true, the average graduate maintains about 20% of what they learn. Keep your books as a refresher, if you ever need to brush up on something again.

4. Create a Relationship With Your Professor.

This is super important to linking with business professionals. The best networking elements and contact are in front of you daily. Utilize them. Ask your teacher about their contacts! Ask about post-grad internships or opportunities within the community. Have your teacher look at your resume and cover letters.

5. Enjoy your Experience

Oddly enough, grad school is a lot different from your undergrad. In a graduate course, you are more likely to have a job where you can save up. Make sure to save plenty of your money but also enjoy life. Take a trip to museums, amusement parks, beaches, and restaurants. Grad school goes by super quick, enjoy it!

6. Follow your Passion!

Go after what you want! Grad school is the place to take life by the horns and go for it. Do not be afraid to fail! Just focus on the aspect of success by simply pursuing your passion. If you love business, start a small one in school. Grad school is the best place to make mistakes and learn from them.

7. Go Out with Your Classmates

You will be surprised by the amount of different experiences your classmates can bring. Be opened with them and try new things. Life is too short not to enjoy it. Create a life long friendship with your classmates. You will see them all the time. Take advantage of that time and have a buddy for the long run.

8. Stay Motivated

Motivation is the key to becoming successful in grad school. Stay motivated and continue going back to your original plan that brought you to grad school in the first place. Never stress yourself out to the point that you cannot focus on the thing you love.

9. Get Rest/ Stay Healthy

Make sure you are getting adequate sleep. Partying every night will catch up with you in grad school. Make sure that you are getting rest and that you are focusing on maintaing a healthy diet.

10. Take Control of your life!

You are in grad school because you are smart enough to do it. Never forget that you are going to be an asset for someone or yourself one day. Basically, be the change you want to see in the world. Grab life by the horns and force your success into fruition.

Now this list is purely my opinion on the matter of school. However, I can attest to the effectiveness of the list and message. After all, I walk the stage in two weeks with a Master Degree.

The world's most entertaining and controversial reality show has made a successful return to the television screens of many drama thirsty individuals, including myself. In fact, the reality phenomenon has created a buzz like no other with the recent additions to the cast.

To avoid giving out spoilers on the show, I will only discuss the new additions to the show and the juicy drama that has transpired thus far. To begin, let discuss the new cast...

Let's begin with Bambi, her most notable mention is comes from Basketball wives LA. She was the quite party girl who knew how to push the buttons of her cast mates. However, on Love and Hip Hop she expresses her deep love for rapper Scrappy. However, rapper scrappy isn't to fond of being with one woman. Furthermore, the media just found out about Bambi being pregnant with his child. Unfortunately, Scrappy has stated many times that he isn't in love with Bambi, but will make it work out for the bun in the oven.  It would seem that her story line will revolve around Scrappy and his antiques with multiple women. Check out Scrappy's confession to fellow cast member Kirk.

Get More: Love & Hip Hop Atlanta

Next, we have Tammy Rivera. Tammy is the fiancé of rapper, Waka Flocka Flame. They have had a tremulous 3 year relationship, however, they have finally decided to walk down the aisle. Rivera, is a business women with a very successful line of clothes for women. She is also a stylist and fashonista too the stars.

She brings a more humble, relaxed, and educated appeal to the show. However, the recent previews have shown trouble brewing with Rivera and cast member Joseline Hernandez. Check out a video about her high end fashion line.

Get More: Love & Hip Hop Atlanta

Then, we have the secret addition to the show. Kaleena Harper (Spoiler alert) , who is the secret cast member that will be introduced very soon. Unfortunately, the drama just began and she hasn't stepped onto the show yet. However, for those who do not know who she is, Harper, was the third member of the highly successful group Dirty Money. After their disbandment, she has been working hard to become the solo artist she was born to be.

Last but not least, we have rapper Young Joc, who has officially joined the cast. The Atlanta recording artist is known for hit songs like "Its Going Down" which garnished him major success in the early 200s. Now, he is back in the limelight and has the heart of the infamous Karlie Redd. Their relationship constantly changes with the day. In fact check out the clip below to see Joc's reaction when Karlie is caught red handed flirting with R&B singer, Jeremih.

Get More: Love & Hip Hop Atlanta

The show continues to gain a tremendous following. Especially after the infamous sex tape of cast member Nikko and Mimi Faust. Let's just say that the show is maintaining it's audience and racking up money for media moguls in VH1.

Stay tuned for the drama every Monday at 8:30pm/eastern time.

(Courtesy The Square Dealer)

After my first blog post, I learned a lot of information from two well-known business developers. Their names are Guy Kawasaki and Tim Berry. Both men have great accolades in their fields of business development.  My first post highlighted their work and their extreme dedication to helping new business owners grow to the next level.

In this blog discussion, I will highlight specific changes that I’ve made towards my business plan based on the “Top 2 Key Components” that were given out by both men.  I will address the importance of their advice and how it effectively helped strengthen my business plan and brand.  Last, but not least, I will discuss the most important section for my business plan.

To begin, I learned a lot of helpful tips from Tim Berry. His top two key components are listed below…

(Courtesy of Amazon)

-       Be realistic

-       Be Specific, Track Your Results!

I took both of these key components to heart for a number of reasons. The first reason is simply based on being realistic. A plan must be attainable. Having a multimillion-dollar computer company when you don’t own a computer is not likely to be a profitable business venture.  It is a major consideration that I took into effect immediately. My online media platform is very attainable. With the new technology out these days, having a virtual platform to host a website and stream web content is easy to do, once legal aspects are taken into consideration. Creating an app nowadays is a great commodity to have and easier than ever to create. The aspect of being realistic and knowing what is effective is definitely a great key component to have.

(Courtesy of Blincker)

Furthermore, Mr. Berry discussed candidly the importance of tracking your progress. Knowing the importance of being able to know what’s going on with the progression of your business is needed. By tracking my progress, I can immediately hit on weak areas in my business plan and strengthen my stronger attributes.

(Courtesy of Entrepreneur)

Next, I will discuss what I took away from Guy Kawasaki’s “Top 2 Key Components.” His components are listed below…

-       Put the right stuff in your business plan

-       Write deliberate, Be emergent

Guy gave an amazing amount of wisdom when opening up about the perfect things to have in a business plan. I was more than willing to consume as much information on the “must haves” for new business developers. This list included sections such as unfair advantages, competition, and forecast. Obviously, this information is needed and should be taken seriously. It goes without saying that this valuable information is an important commodity in stacking your business plan for professionals. This take away impacts the benefits of having everything put into your business plan portfolio.

(Courtesy of BlueSodaPromo)

            Last, but not least, Guy mentioned the benefit of being deliberate and flexible. I took away the importance of being stern and knowing my product. I also learned the importance of being flexible. The business world is always going to throw something new into the mix. I enjoyed Guy’s wisdom in dealing with the changes to a business plan model due to unforeseen issues. I will apply this to my business plan to always look out for unexpected things.

            Finally, the most important aspect of my business plan is the competition analysis and progress tracking.  These are important aspects of my business plan because it outlines the strong attributes to my product. I am able to showcase the major differences between my business and my competitors.  Furthermore, the importance of tracking my progress allows an investor to see my production value and marketability. Investors want to be able to invest their money into a company that is going to do exceptionally well. It is my job and responsibility to make sure that my investors can see the “NEED” of my business/product.

            All in all, the knowledge I learned from both guys is unforgettable. With their words of wisdom I will apply many of their great advice to assist in making my business venture successful.

Resources:

http://timberry.bplans.com/2009/02/some-key-questions-on-business-plans.html

http://chrislocurto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Business-Plan.jpg

http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2012/01/how-to-create-an-enchanting-business-plan-officeandguyk.html

http://timberry.com/about

http://eclecticurbanmd.blogspot.com/2014/04/educational-news-industry-experts-in.html

(Courtesy of Sample Business Plans.com)

Businesses are created almost on a daily basis. People with different ideas and perspectives create their business plans on the next "BIG" thing. However, what components are needed to create a successful business plan? Well, today we will hit on that topic, by giving some great tips from two business plan development experts.

(Courtesy of Timberry.com)

The first business development expert is Tim Berry. Mr. Berry graduated with a MBA from Stanford University. He is the founder and chairman of Palo Alto Software and bplans.com.  He taught "Starting a Business" course at the University of Oregon for 11 years. He has a blog that focuses on starting business. To view his blog, click here. His website timberry.com gives advice to future business owners who need help building their business initiative. Last, but not least, Berry is an angel investor for start up businesses. On timberry.com, Berry illustrates the main key components that investors are looking for in a business plan.

Berry's Top 2 Key Components business investors are looking for:

1. Be realistic

The business plan must be realistic. Berry discusses the importance of being able to implement your business plan objective. It is important that it can be achieved. He states that, "business owners do not get points for ideas that can't be implemented"

2. Be specific! Track your Results!

The business plan must be specific. Berry discusses the importance of tracking task, deadlines, budgets, and metrics.  His website hints at the importance of being able to track your businesses progress. A good business plan with trackable data increases the chances of investors wanting to invest in your business.

Both key components are critical because they are two major issues investors find when looking at business plans. Berry specifically discusses the importance of being realistic with your plan and being able to track the success of your business.

(Courtesy of Inc.com)

Next, we have Guy Kawasaki. Kawasaki is a special advisor for Motorola business unit for Google. He also served as the chief evangelist at Apple Computers. He received his BA from Stanford University and a MBA from UCLA. He has written 12 books that have dealt with the business strategies, business plans, and pursuing goals in business. If you would like to see some of the many books he has written, head on over to his website listed here.  However, we will focus on his key components to help new business catch the eye of investors.

Kawasaki's Top 2 Key Concepts business investors are looking for:

1.  Put the right stuff in your business plan!

The business plan must have the right stuff in it. Guy explains in his blog that a new business plan should focus on the following aspects:
-Executive Summary
-Problem/Opportunity
-Unfair Advantages
-Sales/Marketing
-Competition
-Business Model
-Forecast
-Team
-Status

Guy discusses the importance of having these elements to have a strong foundation to pitch to investors.

2. Write deliberate, act emergent!

The business plan should be written deliberately but be flexible to changes. Guy stated the importance of being very deliberate when pitching and writing a business plan. It is important to go all out. Even if you are wrong, be deliberate. However, guy did also mention the importance of being flexible. He stated the importance of being able to make changes that are critical to the industry and market. When an industry trend takes place, make sure to change that to reflect on your business plan.

Both tips from Guy Kawasaki reflect the importance of understanding your plan and adjusting as followed. To pitch your business plan make sure that it has accurate and updated material. Make sure that it also has the basics covered in the business plan.

(Courtesy of chrislocurto.com)

An effective business plan must follow the above tips that were provided by industry experts Tim Berry and Guy Kawasaki. If the above tips are utilized effectively, they will stand out to investors. The above tips are key components that are critical for investors.

References:

http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2012/01/how-to-create-an-enchanting-business-plan-officeandguyk.html

http://timberry.com/about

http://timberry.com

http://timberry.bplans.com/2009/02/some-key-questions-on-business-plans.html

http://chrislocurto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Business-Plan.jpg

http://samplesofbusinessplans.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/business-plans.jpg

http://www.inc.com/uploaded_files/image/575x270/Guy-Kawasaki_pan_20835.jpg

Welcome in spring with a pop of color in a rich pastel hue this season. The unisex color palette has a variety of hues from powder blue, mint, coral, orange and pink. Get ready to amp up your wardrobe and trade in those neutrals for a more vibrant fashion experience. Mix n' match and make a statement that will last the entire season. 

Men:

Swap out your navy blue blazer for a coral one, a pair of khaki chino's and a nice pair of loafers. This slight wardrobe change will have you up and in the spring of things. If your looking for more casual attire try pairing white Levi's with a striped mint green and white V-neck. 

For more inspiration guys check out Pharrell Williams as he graces the April issue of GQ magazine.

Ladies:

Keep it simple with a Bohemian inspired strapless sundress in orange and pair it with a great head piece and embellished bracelets to set it off or go chic with pink over sized trousers,a cream sleeveless blouse and turquoise accessories for an effortless daytime to evening ensemble.

In this months issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine Solange Knowles effortlessly pulls off pastels with simple pieces and prints, perfect for the warm weather months ahead.

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm back with a brand new Destiny's Child edition of new music releases!!! These lovely ladies have been on FIRE on this past year!!! The only thing better would be a complete DC reunion. Billboard named Destiny's Child ranked them as one of the greatest trio's of all time, the ninth most successful artist/band in the 2000s, and finally they rank number 68 in its All-time Hot 100 artists in 2008. So without further a due I give you new singles from the ladies of DC!!!


Beyonce:

(Courtesy of cdn.theatlantic.com)

She is the most successful and well known member of the group after their separation in 2005. She has starred in movies such as "Austin Powers: Goldmember", "The Fighting Temptations", "Dreamgirls" and "Obsessed". Her first album "Dangerously in love" was released in 2003. Since then she has released four other albums including her self-titled surprise album that was just released earlier this year.  Her new song partition is absolutely amazing!!! Between her vocals and the bass in this song it is sure to be a song at party this summer!! Check it out below:

(Courtesy of Vevo/YouTube.com)

Kelly Rowland:

(Courtesy of ynaija.com)

Since the disbandment, Kelly has also appeared in movies such as, "Freddy vs. Jason", "The seat filler" and "Think like a man". She released her debut album, "Simply deep" in 2002. Along with rapper Nelly, she produced a worldwide #1 single "Dilemma". In 2007 she released her second album, "Ms. Kelly" and in 2011 her third album, "Here I am". Rowland was one of the four judges on this past season of the X-Factor. Her fourth album "Talk a good game" was released earlier in 2013, with the hit single "kisses down low". One of her favorite songs off her new album is "I remember". It has a great beat and her vocals are absolutely amazing. I say work Ms. Rowland work!!! Check it out below.

(Courtesy of Vevo/YouTube.com)

Michelle Williams:

(Courtesy of blackcelebritygiving)

She is a singer/songwriter, model, record producer, actress and now owns the WNBA team Chicago Sky. Williams released her first album, "Heart to yours" which became the top selling gospel release of 2002. In 2004, she released her second gospel album "Do you know". After Destiny's Child disbanded in 2005, she released her first pop album, "Unexpected" in 2008. Currently, she is making a return to inspirational music with her up and coming album "Journey to freedom". The lead single of this album, "If we had your eyes" features Fantasia. I don't think I can think of a better single to lead off her album. Both women do a fantastic job with this uplifting, inspirational song. Check it out below!

(Courtesy of Vevo/YouTube.com)

In my only hope for a Destiny's Child reunion, I give you a bonus song!!! Beyonce and Michelle joined Kelly in the studio and recorded "You changed" to be apart of Kelly's album "Talk a good game". So without further a due, here it is ladies and gentleman;

(Courtesy of Vevo/YouTube.com)

"Music is a powerful thing. A song can change your mood. Make a memory. One song can change your whole life".

Have you ever sat back and thought how influential music really is? Have you ever listened to a song that made you change your mood, whether in a good way or bad way? Do you even notice that it affects you? The real question is how do lyrics affect our behavior, mostly in our younger generation?

When I was younger I listened to mostly pop. My first hip hop cd was "Country Grammar" by Nelly. I remember one or two students had the parental advisory versions, however I only had the edited version.

(Courtesy of Amazon.com)

I always wondered why I had to be the one that couldn't hear the actual lyrics to the songs. Now looking back I can understand why. For a kid in the fifth grade a lot of the actual material and even words were not appropriate for a child my age.


Many studies have been done about how the different genres of music affect our behavior especially in teenagers. "Rap and heavy metal have especially been characterized as having a negative effect on teens". After truly thinking about it I can see why. Rap lyrics when looked at closely deal a lot with sex, drugs, alcohol and violence. Heavy metal lyrics also have a lot of these similar topics. But let's take this to a whole other level. Yes, rap has been talking about some of these topics for years sex, money, alcohol, violence, the urban lifestyle. Some of today's artists are glorifying these topics.

(Courtesy of Api.Ning.com)

What's even crazier is that in just the last 30 years is violent juvenile behavior crime has jumped by more than five hundred. Teen suicide has tripled and unwed teen pregnancy has increased immensely (United States Senate, Committee on Governmental Affairs, 1998). Now this is not just music, it is the media as a whole in general. However, today's teenagers spend about four or five hours listening to music and/or watching it on television and online. So it would be hard to believe that music is not a big influence in children's behavior.

I don't really believe that some artists realize how much of an impact their songs have on the younger generation. However, rapper Kid Cudi has recently come out and addressed this issue and he's making a very good point.

"I think the braggadocio, 'money, cash, hoes' thing need to be deaded. If your gonna be an artist, there's a time where you just have to embrace the responsibility and understand that the power of music is something so special. And to be able to do it on this magnitude where you reach millions of people. It's like why not use that for good? Why not tell kids something that they can connect with and use in their lives?" Cudi said on a recent episode of the Arsenio Hall Show.

Whether Cudi's statement will have an affect on other rappers and artists in general, only time will tell. Until then we can only attempt to monitor what our children listen to and try to explain to them that the meaning of these lyrics are not always positive or right.



References:

http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/type-music-child-listened-affect-way-behave-19821.html

http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/certain-music-genres-affect-teens-17466.html

http://www.positivemusicassociation.com/resources/article_lijequist1.htm

http://www.policymic.com/articles/85497/kid-cudi-thinks-hip-hop-could-save-kids-lives-if-only-rappers-took-this-advice

I know it's been awhile since you've had some new music in your life, but have no fear I am back with another installment!! This week we have some very talented artists in our lineup. Most are up and coming artists and one is a very popular well known figure. All three artist's songs will have you jammin' while you try and get through the very last of this winter season.

Jennifer Hudson:
This singer, actress and spokesperson is back in action with her new single featuring T.I. Hudson was a finalist on American Idol in 2004, finishing in seventh place. This was one of the most shocking moments when she was surprisingly eliminated. In 2006, she made her acting debut in the movie "Dreamgirls. Her performance earned her an Academy Award for best supporting actress, a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA award, the NAACP image award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In 2008, she won a Grammy for her debut album "Jennifer Hudson". Later in 2008, Hudson stepped out of the public eye for three months after her mother, brother and nephew were all killed in a shooting. She released her second album "I remember me" in 2011. She recentley cut ties with weight watchers after losing 80lbs. Now she is back with her brand new single featuring TI, "I can't describe (the way i feel)". This song is sure to put you in a good mood. It will sure to be the perfect summer jam for you and your boo. Check it out below:

Mateo:
Iman Jordan also known as Mateo is a pop/R&B singer/songwriter from Cincinnati, OH. He was originally signed with myspace records before departing with them in 2010. He is now signed to the Krucial Noise imprint of Interscope Records. He is under the Alicia Keys imprint, who along with her husband swizz beatz have been featured on one of his songs. Since 2009 Mateo has released five mixtapes and one EP. His latest mixtape "suite 823" was released in 2012. His track "Carry on" has to be one of my favorites. The mix between the catching and interesting beat and his soothing, unique voice, makes the perfect combination for a great song. He is sure to become one of the next superstars, just wait in see. Check out "Carry On' below:

The Kid Ryan:
Ryan J. Garcia also known as The Kid Ryan, was born in Fresno, California. At 10 years old he started singing for his church youth group. It was there where he learned how to sing, play the drums, guitar and the piano. In high school he started to pick up rapping as a hobby. However, it wasn't until after high school that he started to pursue music professionally. At the age of 22, he signed his first record deal. Now on the verge of releasing his debut project earlier this year. His debut single "Run that" is pure fire and when I say that I mean it. His smooth rap skills are highly impressive and I can't wait to hear more from him. To hear "Run that" check it out below:

Don't forget to check back soon to see more new releases!!!!