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New York Life Panel Offers Black Businesses Growth Tips

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L to R are Danielle Hines, CEO, CREED63; Nan Baldwin, VP of Chamber Operations, Birmingham Business Alliance; Leilani Rivers, Advanced Planning Consultant, New York Life; and Stacey Graham, Managing Partner of the Central Alabama General Office, New York Life.)


Much like baseball, great business triumphs are calculated by analyzing player and team data. These statistics will help entrepreneurs take motion to raised compete, quickly adapt to changing business conditions, and even potentially drive sustained revenue growth.

New York Life (NYL), which has been operating since 1902 and has a presence in Birmingham, Alabama, recently conducted the “Swing for Success: Driving Growth for Black Business Owners & Entrepreneurs” project there. The panel, which included 150 local small business owners and others, provided financial tools and methods to assist entrepreneurs scale their businesses, accumulate wealth and construct their very own economic prosperity.

The panel included Leilani Rivers, Advanced Planning Consultant, NYL; Nan Baldwin of the Birmingham Business Alliance; and Danielle Hines, CEO and founding father of CREED 63. Moderator was Stacey Graham, managing partner of the Alabama, New York General Office Central Office. The event included a fireplace chat with former MLB player and business owner Dexter Fowler.

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The nation’s largest mutual insurer, NYL is home to about 30,000 policyholders in Birmingham and nearly 85,000 in Alabama. In 2023, the corporate provided $12 billion in life insurance coverage and paid out about $124 million to Alabama beneficiaries.

The insurer has about 1,500 black agents offering life insurance, retirement income planning and financial advisory services.

Presented through the week of June 11 as a part of a timely tribute to Negro Leagues Baseball, the panel was presented with startling statistics regarding Black entrepreneurshipFor example, there have been 2.6 million black-owned businesses in America. About 8 out of 10 failed inside the first 18 months resulting from lack of resources and funding.

According to report of town of Birmingham, Black residents make up 74% of town’s population, but only 50% of companies are Black-owned. By comparison, white residents make up 22% of the population, but 47% of companies are white-owned.

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Panelists discussed what helps them achieve, offering insights that Black entrepreneurs should consider as they seek to ascertain or sustain their success. Some key takeaways included:

YOU ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR TEAM

Graham noted that in 2021, 161,000 U.S. firms had a predominantly Black or African American workforce, up from 124,000. In 2017, he says, their revenues grew by about 43% during that point. “Many of you in the audience contributed to this.” Hines was asked to share her experiences running a small business and the important thing lessons she’s learned over time.

Among her answers is that she at all times tells those that if your small business is ideal firstly, it means you are starting too late. Secondly, he says it’s essential to have a team around you that understands once you’re starting out, what you are good at and what your weaknesses are.

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She noticed that she was missing certain things as a small business owner that were very difficult for her to beat as she grew and expanded her business. “So really understanding your strengths and identifying your weaknesses so that as you grow, you can be a truly well-rounded small business and small business owner.”

Rivers added that as an employer it’s essential to put money into your team. He says that is crucial to retaining good talent. “So you want to make sure that you’re also giving them the tools to be successful and continue to impact their potential goals and that you’re investing in their success.”

PLANNING YOUR OWN FINANCES IS NECESSARY FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

Rivers explained that employees can often get a job, routinely enroll in a 401(k) and have an employer match. But as a small business owner, you don’t have that luxury. She emphasized that the earlier an owner starts saving for retirement, the higher off they’ll be. “It’s imperative that you’re proactive and don’t sacrifice a comfortable retirement lifestyle. You just want to get down to work and try to live your dream with this business. You can do both, and the financial empowerment starts as soon as you educate yourself about it and start taking proactive steps.”

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WHERE YOU CAN GET ADVICE FROM TRULY MATTERS

The panelists discussed the $1.8 trillion spending power of the black community. However, a staggering 13% of African Americans will receive an inheritance. They also discussed the importance of transferring wealth, a hot topic. Rivers explained that life insurance as an asset — together with financial planning, having a will and education — will help pass on a financial legacy and shut the wealth gap. If a salesman approaches you, Graham advises difficult them. “You don’t need a product; you need a plan. Ask, ‘How does this fit into my overall plan?’” “That way, you can take the overall advice and planning, use it to your advantage and get where you want to go.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING A NETWORK

As your small business grows, Baldwin suggests promoting your name and brand to provide help to succeed. But be sure that that whatever you say you’ll do, whatever service you provide or need you meet, do it because your repute will precede it. “I can’t say enough about building a brand through networking and building relationships.”

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CREED 63 owner Hines shared his thoughts on the panel discussion.

“Birmingham is a hidden gem with so much history. Events like this encourage and revitalize the city, especially those entrepreneurs and small businesses who spend day in and day out creating spaces, services and products.”

She added, “We’re decades removed from so many significant milestones and events, and our small business owners know and appreciate the shoulders we stand on. Events like this facilitate purposeful conversations about history, the present, and the future.”

Check out this page for more details on business planning resources.

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This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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Meet the same guys of the Ole line

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Waiting for things or possibilities will be time consuming and annoying; However, if you have got at the least USD 40, you’ll be able to call one of Robert Samuel’s guys themselves, and they’ll do it for you.

Called by a compatriot from New York, the same guys were seen for people for luxurious samples, holes in the restaurant, and recently the Sean “Diddy” Combs housing. With many good hustle and bustle visible on the web, Samuel began his concert in 2013 during the madness of “Cronut” Croissant-Donut, and now he has 45 employees on his letter and charges from USD 25 to 37.50 USD per hour.

While people attempt to give you how To make a fast zlotySamuel says it’s about using what’s around you. “Always watch out for everything around you. When people complain, just put on a thoughts of thinking and check if you have a solution to what they are complaining about,” said the owner of the company

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“You would probably shock yourself and be on the edge of the next steps.”

His journey began while working as a business representative at AT & T. After nervously that he intended to miss the commission control with the time of the recent edition of the iPhone 5, he decided to comfort himself by publishing an commercial on Craigslist, offering his services to attend in a queue to get one. Three hours later, Samuel was employed only in order that the customer would inform him that he placed a web-based order when he arrived forward.

Then he sold his place in the queue for $ 100, giving the bulb power in his head – and leaving $ 300 in his pocket. “I said,” Well, what can I do? Wait some time. I did lots of sitting on the pavement, “recalls Samuel. “So I created accounts on social media and regularly began.”

His journey even took him outside the NYC limit. Samuel found himself on the plane to face in a queue for the client at the latest meeting of Berkshire shareholders in Berkshire Hathaway in Omaha, Nebraska, at the starting of May 2025. However, the scene of the courtroom became lucrative for his activities, covering the trials of Bankman, Ghislaine Maxwell, and even President Donald Trump in 2024.

According to members of the Samuel team, they’d to fight women I’m attempting to cut the line To take a take a look at Luigi Mangione, a person accused of killing the general director of Unitedhealthcare Brian Thompson. “It was freezing, women tried to limit,” said Brandon Sutton.

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Sutton and two colleagues, Tim and Brian, survived frosty in New York temperatures, because their anonymous customer paid them USD 25 per hour. Regardless of what his clients employ their team, Samuel says that he wouldn’t wish to do the rest, because he can “realize people’s dreams.” “It’s the beauty of bringing joy to people, doing something as simple as waiting in a queue,” said Samuel.

(Tagstransate) Luigi Mangione

This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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Ebonie Ward has an official opening of 550 RMG in Atlanta

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Ebonie Ward, 550 RMG


On May 17, the old fourth branch in Atlanta was buzzing with celebration when the entertainment director and entrepreneur Ebona Ward officially opened the door 550 rmgThe recent headquarters of her company, eleventh & Co. A ten,000 square feet of 10,000 is a return to her hometown and a brave investment in black creativity, cooperation and community.

“To be honest, it really means everything,” Ward said about having a brand new headquarters. “You work so hard to achieve a certain level of success. I have been in the industry for 13 years and I have rented a lot of space. I have worked with many other companies and brands, but have something of my own … I just feel completely different.”

Ward travel in the entertainment industry covers over a decade, including rap stars management comparable to Future, Gunna, DDG and Flo Milli. As one of probably the most influential black women in music, she is understood for connecting her sharp business vertex with deep involvement in community, culture and mentoring.

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550 RMG is a brand new house of five black corporations, including eleventh & COCreative Agency Six Degrees, Production Collective Genius Club, Non -Profit initiative and a month on the table and the approaching nine distribution, a brand new distribution company that’s to start out in September 2025.

“It gives me so many opportunities to help many more people,” said Ward. “Especially other black women who are interested in music business, entertainment, television, music, film … allows me to open and support so many other people.”

Ward has an extended history of cooperation with the founders of enterprises positioned at 550 RMG.

“I worked with B. Wright (Brian” Bwrightous “Wright) since 2011, when he was in Morehouse,” she said. “I used to have a Sneaker boutique on Peter Street and sold his shirts. We have been working together for years, and this allows us to support our companies in a more intentional way.”

The recent facility can be an area in which creativity and community coexist. Designed by an interior designer based in Atlanta, Annies Lamantia, 550 RMG features a recording studio, edition and production bay, wardrobe showroom, open kitchen, patio and plenty of conference rooms.

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“Studio is a place where magic is created,” Ward said, although she also emphasized the importance of versatility of space. “I really wanted to pull energy from this space. I wanted the versatility of opening up, so that people could cooperate and be common, but also have a space in which people can be focused and have a certain level of privacy.”

The intention for 550 RMG is deeply rooted in service. “This is the point for me – the messenger,” said Ward. Her Non -Profit organization, a spot on the table, recently hosted the third annual dinner on the occasion of HBCU scholarship holders. “I’ve always walked about music, art, philanthropy, fashion and finance. That’s what I call my Big Five. But philanthropy has such a close and expensive place in my heart.”

Ward’s commitment in social care is as comprehensive as its business tip. From events supporting women who’ve experienced losses in the course of the Mother’s Day, to programming breast cancer awareness in October, significant financial investments in scholarships for young black women attending HBCus, her work through the place on the table changes life. “I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Borority Incorporated, and the service is always the first. But even more so, service with a mission,” she said.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/dios_qkak70/?igsh=mtnyBMPPMXF2Aglmeq===

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Building a team of powerful black women can be the predominant part of Ward’s legacy. While Ward is the overall director, owner and company manager, Jenna Tyson, Jenna Tyson, is the marketing director (CMO), Alexandria Kindle has 11thAnd the financial director I CO (CFO), Krishna Lee is EVP Touring & Logistics, and Zita R. Brack is the corporate’s internal legal advisor.

“I’m not without them,” Ward said. “As far as I am celebrated, if I could put them on a pedestal – on every pedestal I am in – they would be right next to me. I saw it and I was looking for many of them who came with me because of how amazing I thought.”

With the launch of nine distributions on the Ward horizon, there’s the inspiration for a more fair music industry. “Independence flourishes,” she said. “You don’t have to be signed now to the main label to succeed, but to be able to run a company, it requires a team. This is what we will be able to do differently – you can enter the incubated system in which everything is already working.”

550 RMG was born in addition to vision. “I wanted a comprehensive store,” she said. “There was no institution or a company where you were able to do everything in one.”

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While the obligations to work require an everyday travel department to Los Angeles, a return to Atlanta, to construct 550 RMG, seemed vital. “You must be a change you want in the world,” she said. “If I do not give people work, resources and tools, I do not create opportunities. Black women must see that it is possible.”

(Tagstranslat) ebonie ward

This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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An online tourist company has just broken down. Here’s how to avoid leaving a contract online

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Traveldream.com.au sold with holiday discounts – chosen tourist trips, boutique and cultural trips trips through A clever website and refined social media ads. But last week there have been news that a tourist company from Melbourne He fell to administrationleaving customers from pocket by 1000’s of dollars, and in some cases got stuck abroad.

Many didn’t know that Traveldream has not been formally accredited with a leading industry body since 2020. His status under Australian travel accreditation programLeaded by the Australian Travel Industry Association, has been canceled.

Even worse, most travel insurance policies Do not include insolvencymeaning Many customers cannot get well their losses.

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The Traveldream website has been updated about a message from the administrator.

Australians are expected to end $ 2 billion Online holiday reservation in 2024–25.

Large platforms, corresponding to Booking.com and Expedia Account O 60% this motion. But many travelers also turn to smaller or less known suppliers offering flashy offers and lower prices, often with fewer security.

So how are you able to protect yourself? Start with these five controls.

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1

This is a common tactic that is difficult to resist. You scroll, see a dreamy picture, the value is tempting and suddenly you’re in the course of the money register.

But refined promoting doesn’t guarantee legitimacy.

Travel fraud If They growEspecially engaging Sellers only online.

A couple relaxing on a tropical beach at sunset in a hotel
Ads in social media for idyllic holidays may be tempting, but check a small print.
Song_about_summer/shutterstock

Check for those who can confirm your corporation address, phone number and customer support. If the contract seems unclear, underestimated or excessively urgent, it’s a red flag.

Look for independent reviews (on Trustpilot, TripAdvisor or Google) and check Scamwatch for known problems.

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2. Look how the company is involved with clients

The company’s status isn’t only what it guarantees: It is predicated on how he reacts to questions and complaints. Before booking, take a moment to see how the company interacts with clients online.

Do they respond constructively to complaints? Do they provide updates or explanations when problems arise?

Also concentrate to the tone. Does it feel Human and responsiveIs general and manual? This may suggest how they’ll treat you after sales.

Small characters can speak to the amount. A page with 1000’s of followers, but no visible commitment may indicate a paid audience – and a company that disappears when the situation becomes difficult.

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3. Check if the company is accredited

Another way to assess the credibility of a tourist company is to check whether it has formal accreditation. This signal that the company has met financial security standards, customer support and dispute resolution.

Search for the Australian Travel Accreditation Program register https://www.atas.com.auor search High -quality accreditation. In the case of foreign suppliers, check the recognized local programs.

Accreditation offers additional assurance, but this isn’t the entire picture. Some large, reputable corporations, corresponding to expedia, operate without it. If the company isn’t accredited, proceed caution and give attention to how reservations and payments are supported.

4. Carefully examine the foundations

Before booking, check what is going to occur if the supplier receives whether you’ll be able to cancel or change the date and how the reservation has been confirmed. Where possible, proceed directly with the hotel, air or cruise line to make certain that the reservations are secured.

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Cropped view of a woman entering the hotel room and holding the suitcase
Reservation directly on the hotel or tour supplier may be sure that you’re receiving current availability.
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It can also be vital to understand what Travel insurance does – and doesn’t include.

The company’s insolvency is one among the The most typical exclusion. While the policy doesn’t include the “failure of the end supplier” or a similar clause (most don’t), you might not have the ability to apply for a refund. Always read the product revealing instructions to check exactly where you’re.

Another security is to pay for defense. Although the conditions differ depending on the supplier, bank cards can offer a return load If goods or services are usually not delivered.

5. Book directly where possible

During accredited travel agencies It may be helpful in complex routesLike foreign trips with many stops or package services, it is usually price booking directly with the supplier when organizing online travel, no matter whether it’s a hotel, airline or a trip company.

Cutting out brokers can offer higher value, including free add -ons, flexible cancellation and full access to loyalty programs.

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Direct reservations normally reflect the provision and costs in real time, reducing the danger of outdated information. You will use direct communication and confirmation, making it easier to adjust or solve problems.

If something goes improper, there’s also greater clarity about who’s responsible – it offers a stronger appeal Australian consumer law.

Lower line?

As increasingly more Australians book online, it’s tougher to say what’s trustworthy and what can reject you out of your pocket.

The fall of Traveldream is a reminder. Even on this planet of digital travel offers, it pays to ask: is that this company built to last, not only the departure of the trip, but until you come home?

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This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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