Kamau's Business Blog Page - The World's 1st Black and Minority Business Blog!
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Hispanic Flooring Company Raises the Roof on Business Success.
Sole-proprietorships or partnerships are some of the most active companies in the US economy. They show flexibility, adequate response and they quickly become part of the new industry niches. Among these, figure minority-owned firms that-thanks to the special benefits that they enjoy-result in a favorable position for contracting. Hispanics living the "American Dream" own several of these companies.
Every year, HISPANIC Magazine lists 100 of the fastest-growing Latino businesses. To be considered, the companies need to be at least 51-percent Hispanic-owned and have a minimum of $1 million in projected revenues. Jordan Kane Floor Coverings, Inc. (Stock Symbol: JKFC), a company with the most growth nationwide among minority-owned businesses, has made the list for the past four years.
The success story of Frank Urban, founder of Jordan Kane Flooring Coverings has its roots in the South Bronx. It was literally constructed on dreams, audacity and determination. With only 3,900 dollars to his name, a fax machine and a makeshift office in his home garage, Frank set up shop in 1995 and began cleaning carpets. "With my wife's blessing and support, I gathered the courage to launch Jordan Kane Floor Coverings", he says. He named the company after his young son, who was also born that same year.
Nine years later Jordan Kane Floor Coverings, Inc. (Stock Symbol: JKFC) has become a reliable provider of commercial floor coverings, as the company doubles its volume year after year. On that note, it has been a publicly held business since 2004. "I was fortunate to meet successful business people and executives from large corporations. My goal was to do business with some of the most reputable companies in the tri-state area, however first I had to learn how the key decision-makers of large companies chose the vendors with which they wanted to do business."
His work includes the total renovation of the Millennium Hotel at Ground Zero and the CNN offices in New York. His client list includes familiar names, even for those of us who may not be too familiar with the area: Time Warner, NBC, Sheraton Hotels, Goldman Sachs, Bank of New York, Hilton, Columbia University and Holiday Inn.
The company's stocks are up on a daily basis, thanks to an impressive increase in sales. Its performance in the stock market has called the attention of prestigious analysts, who recommend it as a strong buy. Jordan Kane Floor Coverings, Inc. (Stock Symbol: JKFC) has an excellent income perspective that is way above average.
The excellent results of the past couple of years rely on a good forward-looking vision on business and an excellent operations logistics. Its solid and active portfolio of satisfied clients, development of new markets and already-signed contracts support a positive sales projection and a future of rising benefits. It also operates in an economic sector-the real estate market-that is in continuous expansion.
Frank shares a few of the secrets of his success: "I dedicate countless hours ensuring that every job we do lives up to every promise I make when contracted." He also applies a "solid discipline within my company utilizing much of the information I had previously gathered on the client's needs and requirements." Frank tells his story in order to "inspire the youth to believe that their dreams can come true." And if that extra push, vision and aptitude for business is still not enough, at least an intelligent decision may be to invest in Frank's company (Stock Symbol: JKFC). He obviously knows how to produce the best amount of dividends. For additional information, visit Jordan Kane
Every year, HISPANIC Magazine lists 100 of the fastest-growing Latino businesses. To be considered, the companies need to be at least 51-percent Hispanic-owned and have a minimum of $1 million in projected revenues. Jordan Kane Floor Coverings, Inc. (Stock Symbol: JKFC), a company with the most growth nationwide among minority-owned businesses, has made the list for the past four years.
The success story of Frank Urban, founder of Jordan Kane Flooring Coverings has its roots in the South Bronx. It was literally constructed on dreams, audacity and determination. With only 3,900 dollars to his name, a fax machine and a makeshift office in his home garage, Frank set up shop in 1995 and began cleaning carpets. "With my wife's blessing and support, I gathered the courage to launch Jordan Kane Floor Coverings", he says. He named the company after his young son, who was also born that same year.
Nine years later Jordan Kane Floor Coverings, Inc. (Stock Symbol: JKFC) has become a reliable provider of commercial floor coverings, as the company doubles its volume year after year. On that note, it has been a publicly held business since 2004. "I was fortunate to meet successful business people and executives from large corporations. My goal was to do business with some of the most reputable companies in the tri-state area, however first I had to learn how the key decision-makers of large companies chose the vendors with which they wanted to do business."
His work includes the total renovation of the Millennium Hotel at Ground Zero and the CNN offices in New York. His client list includes familiar names, even for those of us who may not be too familiar with the area: Time Warner, NBC, Sheraton Hotels, Goldman Sachs, Bank of New York, Hilton, Columbia University and Holiday Inn.
The company's stocks are up on a daily basis, thanks to an impressive increase in sales. Its performance in the stock market has called the attention of prestigious analysts, who recommend it as a strong buy. Jordan Kane Floor Coverings, Inc. (Stock Symbol: JKFC) has an excellent income perspective that is way above average.
The excellent results of the past couple of years rely on a good forward-looking vision on business and an excellent operations logistics. Its solid and active portfolio of satisfied clients, development of new markets and already-signed contracts support a positive sales projection and a future of rising benefits. It also operates in an economic sector-the real estate market-that is in continuous expansion.
Frank shares a few of the secrets of his success: "I dedicate countless hours ensuring that every job we do lives up to every promise I make when contracted." He also applies a "solid discipline within my company utilizing much of the information I had previously gathered on the client's needs and requirements." Frank tells his story in order to "inspire the youth to believe that their dreams can come true." And if that extra push, vision and aptitude for business is still not enough, at least an intelligent decision may be to invest in Frank's company (Stock Symbol: JKFC). He obviously knows how to produce the best amount of dividends. For additional information, visit Jordan Kane
AFRICAN-AMERICAN MOTIVATIONAL SUCCESS COACH LEADS INDIVIDUALS, ORGANIZATIONS AND CORPORATIONS TO EXTRAORDINARY SUCCESS
"In the common walks of life there is many a man treading the round of daily toil unconscious that he possesses powers which if called into action, would raise him to an equality with the world's most honored men. The touch of a skillful hand is needed to arouse those dormant faculties." -- E.G. WhiteHuntsville, AL (BlackNews.com) - Isaac "Dr.O" Olatunji Jr., Ph.D. is the motivational success coach of "Create Your Destiny!" Many are living in the chicken pen of unfulfilled desires, dreams, goals, and aspirations. Dr.O has created this motivational success program to educate and empower individuals as well as organizations to recognize and to utilize their God-given gifts and talents that will increase confidence, self-esteem, performance and their overall mental, physical and spiritual being to leave the chicken pen of unfulfilled desire into the stratosphere of their dreams, goals and aspirations!
Dr.O is a personal coach that helps others recognize and to utilize the seeds of greatness within you and to remove those obstacles that short circuit dreams and goals. "Create Your Destiny" will lead you to create new standards and solutions towards the goal of extraordinary achievement!
The "Create Your Destiny" program offers the following services:
* Career Planning and Personal Development
* Prosperity and Success Coaching
* Spiritual Fulfillment Coaching
* Health Empowerment Coaching
In the coaching process, Dr.O lead his clients through the following steps:
Vision: They learn the principles of success in the specific area on which you are focusing.
Assessment: They work with Dr.O and assess where they are now and establish goals.
Action: They work with Dr.O to master the motivational tools for lasting change.
Results: They create and implement a strategic life plan to achieve your specific goals.
The "Create Your Destiny" coaching sessions are conducted approximately for four weeks which consists of weekly 30 minute phone sessions along with weekly assignments. Additional coaching is available beyond the initial four week session. The initial contact with Dr.O is not included in the four week session.
This coaching program is not limited to individuals. These same principles can be utilized by schools, organizations and corporations in keynote speeches as well as seminars.
Here's what one client had to say:
"Dr.O's coaching sessions has been marvelous! On a spiritual level it has helped me to get closer to God and has led me to look to Him for my answers. In addition, the coaching sessions has led me to believe in my God-given gifts and talents and to overcome procrastination and self-limiting thoughts. The coaching sessions are simply priceless!"
-- M.N., Massachusetts
About Dr.O
Isaac "Dr.O" Olatunji Jr., Ph.D. is the President of Dr.O Enterprises located in Huntsville, AL. Dr.O is the author of the book, "You Can Fly Beyond The Sky!" Dr.O is a minister, motivational speaker, success coach and health educator dedicated towards helping individuals and communities to achieve their God-given potential. Source Black News.com
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
AFRICAN AMERICAN WEALTH EXPERT SHARES HER KNOWLEDGE ABOUT REAL ESTATE AND MORE
Los Angeles, CA (BlackNews.com) - The incredible story of one young African-American woman has been published in several major newspapers through out the United States. Her name is Monica Harris, and she has brilliant advice and valuable expertise on how to find wealth and dignity in real estate.Harris presently has written and published ten books about wealth in english and spanish. Her company, Successful Keys, has several offices in Michigan and plans to franchise in other major cities.
She comments, "In the African American and Hispanic community, there is a serious lack of understanding when it comes to the options in real estate. Too many are not being educated enough on how to invest and how to purchase property."
Harris is committed to sharing her knowledge and success in educating more African Americans and Hispanics through seminars and workshops.
"You have to keep empowering yourself successfully through the wealth in real estate," she says.
For more information about Monica Harris and her seminars and workshops, visit Successfulkeys.com
Black Business Women Wins Business Award/ Grant
Bay Area entrepreneur Judi Henderson-Townsend exemplifies the strength and talent of African American small businessesSan Francisco, CA (BlackNews.com) - In recognition of the continued success of African American small businesses, Wells Fargo and Turning Point Magazine presented the 3rd annual Living History Maker Entrepreneur Award on June 24th. The 2005 winner is Judi Henderson-Townsend, president and founder of Mannequin Madness.
Occupying a unique place in the recycling industry, Mannequin Madness provides retailers an alternative to throwing away unwanted mannequins by renting and reselling recycled mannequins to customers all over the world. Judi's continual contributions to the environment, as well her strong entrepreneurial spirit, have earned her community recognition and awards including the San Francisco Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year and a special achievement award from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Judi received the award and a $5,000 check at a special evening reception at the 8th Annual African American Business Summit (2005) held at the Palm Springs, Westin Mission Hills Resort and Spa.
"It's amazing to see how far we've come since we started this business four years ago," said Henderson-Townsend. "In the beginning, we were only re-selling used mannequins, but in 2004, Wells Fargo contacted us with an opportunity that allowed us to acquire additional inventory. After buying the inventory, we were able to expand our customer base and sell both used and new mannequins. This is a great honor, and we are touched to be recognized for our hard work and commitment to building a successful, environmentally-conscious business."
The Wells Fargo / Turning Point Living History Makers Entrepreneur Award showcases and honors the extraordinary achievements of African American business owners. The award recipient was chosen from applicants across the country, and selected based on her companys business innovation, success, growth, and community service.
"Judi Henderson-Townsend reflects the crucial role African American-owned businesses play in driving the American economy, and is a great testament to the strength and diversity of this market," said Brenda Ross-Dulan, head of Wells Fargos L.A. Metro regional banking market, and national spokesperson for Wells Fargos African American Business Services Program. "African American business owners are thriving, and we will continue recognizing and celebrating their tremendous efforts."
Wells Fargo launched the African American Business Services program in 1998 to provide outreach, education and increased access to capital among African American business owners. The program focuses on forming community alliances, investing in primary research, and sponsoring key events in the diverse communities where African Americans live and work.
Measuring its progress with a public goal to lend $1 billion to African American businesses within twelve years, Wells Fargo has lent more than $580 million since the programs inception.
"We are honored, along with our partner Wells Fargo, to recognize Judi Henderson-Townsend and all of the outstanding African American business owners nationwide," said Patricia A. Means, publisher of Turning Point Magazine and founder of the African American Business Summit. "We are confident that the future will only bring continued success for this fast-growing segment."
Turning Point is a leading information and resource provider for African American small business owners nationally, and produces the annual African American Business Summit, the largest business-to-business solution and opportunity-based conference for African American entrepreneurs in the Western United States. The annual summit brings together minority business owners, procurement officers and corporate executives and decision-makers in an environment that fosters the exchange of information and strategies that will lead to the expansion of black business.
Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $436 billion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance to more than 23 million customers from more than 6,000 stores and the internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and elsewhere internationally. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is the only bank in the United States to receive the highest possible credit rating, Aaa, from Moody's Investors Service.
Providing financial products and services to more than one million businesses with annual sales up to $20 million in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, Wells Fargo is the #1 lender to small businesses in the United States in total dollar volume according to the most recent CRA data (2003).
The second largest national SBA lender in dollars, Wells Fargo is an SBA Preferred Lender in 28 states, and originated 3,555 loans for $495 million in 2004. Wells Fargo has also been ranked the number one SBA 504 lender nationally for the last two years. Its targeted business services programs provide outreach and education to women, African American, Latino, and Asian business owners about financial services. Since 1995, Wells Fargo has loaned more than $25 billion to women and minority business owners.
Minority Scholarship Competition for Teens
WHO'S THE MOST TALENTED PRE-TEEN & TEEN OF THEM ALL?Detroit, MI (BlackNews.com) - Talented Youth Development, Inc. (TYDI) invites all talented girls age 8 - 18 gifted in the performing arts and/or academics to register and compete for college scholarships, the national title, and travel! The 2005 national finals of TYDI's National Talented Pre-Teen & Teen Princess Scholarship Competition will be held in Detroit, Michigan August 11 - 14, 2005. Please visit www.TYDI.org for more information or call (313) 492-0946.
The 2004 winner once played Young Nala in Walt Disney's The Lion King and currently dances for POP STARZ Atlanta, Inc., and now she holds the title of Americas most Talented Pre-Teen! Atlanta, Georgias Alexandria Payne, 13, the current TYDI's National Talented Pre-Teen 2004, produced by Talented Youth Development, Inc. (TYDI), won the first national title last year including a trip to New York City and a $1000 college scholarship to the college of her choice.
This year, scholarships will be awarded in both the Pre-Teen division (ages 8 - 12) and Teen division (ages 13 - 18). Categories of competition include academic achievement, speech, interview, and poise. Competitions in the performing arts and community service are optional.
To compete, applicants must be female, a U.S. citizen for at least 6 months, and meet the age requirement in each age division. The weekend will include self-esteem and etiquette workshops; a visit to historical Motown Museum; an appearance in the Detroit Caribbean Carnival Parade, and many production rehearsals. First time pageant contestants and veterans are encouraged to compete and meet other youth from around the country!
"This competition highlights the accomplishments of Americas outstanding youth by providing an outlet of artistic expression," says Kimberly Thomas, Executive Director and founder of TYDI. "We're happy to say that we just received a grant from Time Warner, Inc. to help produce the competition which keeps participants on the path of success and deters them from teen pregnancy, drugs, and other destructive behaviors."
TYDI is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization providing scholarship opportunities to youth gifted in academics and the performing arts. Since 2000, over $20,000 in scholarships and prizes have been awarded to participants through its programs and affiliations on the state and international levels.
To compete, become a state director for 2006, sponsor, volunteer, or for more information, please visit This Site or call (313) 492-0946.
Myth # 2 About Starting An Internet Business -- I can start an Internet Business for Free.
While it is true that Internet businesses can be started and maintained for far less than most traditional businesses, they do require capital to survive.
The first kind of capital that is required for Internet businesses is sweat equity. Running an Internet business takes at the very least a lot of time, commitment, and persistence. If you are looking for a get rich quick scheme with little effort, Internet marketing and business is not for you. Be prepared to put in long hours by yourself with little support from friends and family. Don't quit your day job unless you are making a full time living for at least a year.
Secondly there is a lot of bad or incomplete information on the web about running an Internet business. I didn't start to make money on the web until I started to invest in ebooks, books, and membership sites from people who are very successful. I also invested a lot of money in getting personal coaching from successful business millionaires. Now I spend a good deal of money hiring and outsourcing certain aspects of my business. Not to mention money I spend on advertising and promotion. You have to be willing to invest a lot of time and considerable money to start and grow your Internet business.
The first kind of capital that is required for Internet businesses is sweat equity. Running an Internet business takes at the very least a lot of time, commitment, and persistence. If you are looking for a get rich quick scheme with little effort, Internet marketing and business is not for you. Be prepared to put in long hours by yourself with little support from friends and family. Don't quit your day job unless you are making a full time living for at least a year.
Secondly there is a lot of bad or incomplete information on the web about running an Internet business. I didn't start to make money on the web until I started to invest in ebooks, books, and membership sites from people who are very successful. I also invested a lot of money in getting personal coaching from successful business millionaires. Now I spend a good deal of money hiring and outsourcing certain aspects of my business. Not to mention money I spend on advertising and promotion. You have to be willing to invest a lot of time and considerable money to start and grow your Internet business.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Myth #1 about Starting an Internet Business If You Build a Website They (Customers) Will Come
I will be starting a 99 Myths about Starting an Internet Business section to this Blog.Myth number 1 is if you build a website they (customers) will come....
WRONG! Your website will need research and a marketing analysis and perhaps even a marketing plan to be successful.
Remember your website are just a collection of files on a computer known as a server. The server your website is on is just one of millions on server farms all over the world!
It's like having a Word Document on you computer that nobody knows about except you. You have to let people know about your website because there are a least 20 million business websites online. In short you need a marketing plan, to promote your site.
BLACK PRESS MINORITY MEDIA BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION ANNOUNCED
Washington, DC (BlackNews.com) - The Historical Black Press Foundation has announced that the Inaugural Black Press Minority Media Business Plan Competition* will take place at the 1st Annual Black Press All-Stars Awards Luncheon and On-Site Media Clinic Workshops on September 16-17, 2005 in Chicago, IL, an event that focuses on the future of the minority media. The business plans will be evaluated by finance, venture capitalists and media experts. Finalists will be presented at an upcoming venture forum in Boston this fall. The deadline is September 1, 2005. *A $30 entrance fee applies. The Website is www.bizplancompetition.com"Over the past five years, corporate America has spent over $10 billion to buy out minority media," said DC Livers, Managing Editor for HBPF. "Viacom paid $3 billion for BET, NBC got Telemundo for $4 billion and Time Warner now has full control of Essence Communications. The Black Press Minority Media Business Plan Competition is needed now more than ever and will bring this issue to the forefront of the nation's dialogue on media."
The Historical Black Press Foundation also publishes Black Press Magazine, AfroScreen.com, MinorityVoter.com and the popular Black Press Yearbook: Who's Who in Black Media directory. In the fall, it will produce the highly anticipated NUESTRO: Who's Who in Hispanic Media directory (hispanic-newspapers.com) and introduce a digital version of both publications. All titles can be found at BlackPress.org.
Other workshops may include:
* Can Ethnic Web sites be profitable?
* How to get published in 400 ethnic news outlets
* Self Publishing Workshop
* Digital Makeover: Converting to a digital newsroom
* Peas in a Pod: Hands-on Pod casting Workshop
* Hands on Computer Assisted Reporting training
* Town hall Meeting: State of the Black Press: The Ethnic Media ownership debate
Confirmed panelists include:
* Mark Fitzgerald, editor of Editor and Publisher magazine;
* Kasmore Rhedrick, Community Connect, Inc. (BlackPlanet.com);
* Dante Lee from Diversity City Media (BlackNews.com);
* and Representatives from Kinko's, Microsoft Media, among others.
For sponsorship and advertising, contact:
Lenore D. Bruce, 847-331-1452, lbruce@blackpress.org
For media inquiries, contact:
DC Livers, 646-322-3047, dlivers@blackpress.org
Web: www.blackpress.org/allstars
Payment: Historical Black Press Foundation
4401a Connecticut Ave., NW #120, Washington, DC 20008
