(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

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

Trousers or “Slouchy Pants” are a loose fitting style of slacks that has shown be a force to be reckoned with since its earlier appearance in 2011. They go great with blazers, sweaters and Oxfords but don’t limit yourself to boundaries when it comes to this seasons fashion must have. The best part is that they look great dressed up or dressed down with pointy toe pumps. They come in a variety of colors from vendors in red, burgundy, navy and prints and are great for all shapes and sizes. For those of you looking for a pant with an edgier look try them in faux leather. 

Find This Fall Go To Style at These Retailers:

H&M for $39.95

Zara.com for $59.90

or

Mango.com for $59.99

Pictured Here Kelly Rowland (left) and Solange Knowles (right)

"Artist Spotlight" artist Emeli Sande is an English born Scottish recording artist and songwriter. She is a new up and coming artist with a very soulful and smooth voice. I first found out about Sande when I was walking around Best Buy and her song was playing all over the T.V in the home theater section. Ever since I have been a fan of her powerful and uplifting songs.

She first became known to the public when she was featured on the song "diamond rings" by rapper chipmunk. She then became recognized by the one and only Simon Cowell, who said that she was "his favorite songwriter at the minute". Sande has written for a number of other artists including Alicia Keys, Cher Lloyd, Susan Boyle, Rihanna, Leona Lewis and Tinie Tempah. 

In 2010 she signed with EMI Music Publishing and later announced that Virgin Records had given her a record deal. In August of 2011, she released her first solo single "heaven". Since then she has had three #1 singles across the UK and Ireland. Her debut album "Our Version of Events" spent 7 consecutive weeks at #1 and became the best selling album of 2012 in the UK with over $1million in sales. 

Sande got the incredible opportunity to perform at both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics. In May she preformed at the white house as one of the featuring artists at the award ceremony when President Obama presented Carole King with the Library of Congress Gershwin Medal. She is set to release her 2nd studio album in the summer of 2014. If your looking for a new soul artist and like the sounds of India Arie and Erykah Badu then Emeli Sande is the artist for you!!! Check out some of her songs below:

website: http://us.emelisande.com

twitter:@emelisande

instagram:http://web.stagram.com/n/emelisande/

Are  you looking for an amazing new album that you can listen to straight through? Well, look no further, Janelle Monae's sophomore album Electric Lady is just what you are looking for.

With it's first week on the charts "Electric Lady" has locked up the 2nd best R&B album placing just behind The Weekend's "Kiss Land". Monae's newest album experiments with genres that are beyond the conventional funk and soul including jazz, pop-punk, Gospel and powerful vocal ballads.

I could not imagine a better 1st single off this album than "Q.U.E.E.N. ft. the great Erykah Badu. It contains one of the baddest guitar riffs I've heard in the opening of the song. Other artists featured on this amazing album include Prince, Miguel, Solange and Esperanza Spalding.

Since her 1st album Monae has been very busy. Jumping on tracks with artists including Fun, and Estelle. In August of 2012 she joined the likes of artists Beyonce and Queen Latifah in becoming the newest spokeswoman for CoverGirl.

While it is hard to chose just one favorite song off of the album I would have to chose "Give them what they want" ft. Prince. This song has an amazing bass that will be rattling your speakers. Overall I give this album a 5 out of 5. There aren't to many albums these days that you can just listen straight through without skipping songs. Check out the whole album here:

Although the Online News Association isn't an urban entertainment news article, it has a tremendous impact to the success and motivation to this site.

Actually, because of trade associations like this, new media and digital media have learned to flourish with the every growing trend amongst youth today.