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Tag: Networking

  • 8 Reasons to Attend BE’s XCEL Summit For Men

    Are you a Black man looking to elevate your career, expand your network, and gain invaluable insights into the world of business? Then you won’t want to miss the 2025 XCEL Summit For Men, hosted by BLACK ENTERPRISE! Taking place at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando from October 15-17, this summit is more than just an event – it’s an investment in yourself and your future.

    Why You Need to Be at the XCEL Summit

    In a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are facing challenges, investing in your own growth and development is more crucial than ever. The XCEL Summit For Men is specifically structured to provide Black men in corporate America and entrepreneurship with the tactical and practical tools needed to thrive. Here are eight compelling reasons why you should attend:

    1. Engaging Panel Discussions

    Dive deep into crucial topics with expert-led panels. Explore career advancement strategies, learn how to negotiate your compensation package, and discover pathways from frontline roles to executive suites. Panels also cover vital areas like financial planning and career opportunities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

    2. Honoring Trailblazers with the XCEL Awards

    Celebrate the achievements of influential Black men whose leadership and vision have paved the way for others. This year’s honorees include luminaries like philanthropist and investor Larry Fitzgerald Jr., Operation HOPE founder John Hope Bryant, FraserNet founder George C. Fraser, and Rev. Dr. Franklyn Richardson. Their stories are sure to inspire.

    3. Personalized Executive Coaching

    Get one-on-one guidance from top executives and seasoned professionals. These sessions are tailored to help you hone your leadership skills, navigate your career path effectively, and develop a strategic plan for achieving both personal and professional excellence.

    4. Exploring AI in Corporate Settings

    The future of work is here! Sessions like “A.I. at Work: Essential A.I. Tools for Busy Executives” and “How to Master AI for Career ROI” will equip you with the knowledge to leverage artificial intelligence for career success. Featured speaker Cliff Wolery from Kapor Capital will share insights on AI’s impact across industries.

    5. Mobilizing for Progress: Social Awareness Discussions

    Veteran journalist Ed Gordon will lead a crucial discussion on the future of Black progress in the current political climate. Alongside George C. Fraser, the conversation will focus on how Black men can set the agenda professionally, personally, and politically, addressing the need for strong leadership.

    6. Inspiring Guest Speakers

    Gain wisdom from influential figures like producer and activist David Banner. With a career spanning over two decades, Banner is ready to share his experiences and the valuable lessons he’s learned as a successful businessman.

    7. Prioritizing Mental Health

    BLACK ENTERPRISE recognizes that “health is wealth.” The summit includes discussions focused on mental well-being, acknowledging the staggering mortality rates for men due to self-harm. These sessions aim to help attendees create balance in their demanding lives and nurture both physical and mental health.

    8. Unparalleled Networking Opportunities

    Work hard, play hard! The agenda includes built-in downtime, such as an after-hours Cigar Bar. This provides a relaxed environment to network with fellow attendees, share ideas, and build valuable connections while enjoying some well-deserved rest.

    The XCEL Summit For Men promises to be an event that fills your professional toolbox, sparks innovative ideas, and rejuvenates your mind and body. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow!

    Ready to invest in your success? Visit the official event website for more information and to register for the 2025 XCEL Summit For Men!

  • Louisiana ED Helps Black Businesses Grow

    Growing a small business requires more than just a brilliant idea; it demands capital, strategic resources, and a supportive community. At the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, entrepreneurs Carrita Tanner-Cloud and Iam Tucker, alongside LED representatives Stephanie Hartman and Shamela Pete, and Emmy-winning journalist Brandi Harris, offered invaluable insights into scaling businesses, emphasizing access to funding and leveraging government programs designed to empower emerging Black-owned businesses.

    Leveraging Government Resources for Growth

    LED representatives highlighted the underutilization of available support and resources for small businesses. “What we want to do is stop these programs that support our small businesses from being the best kept secret,” explained Hartman. LED aims to connect entrepreneurs with programs that facilitate goal achievement, offering support with fewer barriers.

    Pete detailed LED’s credit enhancement programs designed to improve access to capital. These include the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) for startup costs and smaller financing needs, a collateral support program for businesses lacking sufficient collateral, and a small business loan guarantee program to increase the likelihood of loan approval. These options provide excellent financing avenues for business growth.

    The Power of Community and Networking

    Iam Tucker, president of Integrated Logistical Support, Inc., a 100 percent female, minority-owned civil engineering firm, shared her positive experience with LED’s CEO roundtables. These sessions provide a platform for executives to discuss business practices and growth challenges with peers, fostering a sense of shared experience. “The CEO roundtables with LED really help to put you in the same room with people of different types of businesses and to understand that you’re not on an island,” Tucker stated.

    Tucker emphasized the critical role of networking, noting that “people don’t do business with businesses; they do business with people they trust.” She encourages entrepreneurs to attend industry conferences and events to build genuine relationships, learn from others, and collaborate. “I like to get all the people that look like me together on one team and go after something because that means we’re expanding our resources, we’re expanding what we can do, and we’re going after it together.”

    From a Closet to Corporate Clients

    Carrita Tanner-Cloud, founder and CEO of Creativity Justified, an advertising and graphic design agency, shared her entrepreneurial journey, which began “in a closet, seven months pregnant.” After leaving corporate America and facing hiring challenges as a mother-to-be, she started building websites for $300. Today, her agency works with major clients like the NFL, NBA, and Microsoft.

    Cloud stressed the importance of leveraging LED’s resources, many of which are free but require time investment. “A lot of their resources don’t cost money, but it does cost time. And a lot of times as entrepreneurs, we’re like, ‘I don’t have time for that,’ but you don’t have time not to.” She echoed Tucker’s sentiment on networking, highlighting that securing contracts often starts with relationship building. “Open your mouth and build genuine, authentic relationships,” she advised.

    Embracing Technology and Perseverance

    Both entrepreneurs stressed the importance of embracing the digital era and incorporating technology, including AI, into business strategies. “If you’re not leaning into AI and leaning into technology, you will be left behind,” Cloud warned. Tucker advised entrepreneurs to find innovative ways to market themselves, lead with qualifications and experience, and maximize current resources by utilizing existing staff for new revenue streams.

    Their ultimate message was one of self-belief and perseverance. Cloud shared moments of doubt, crying in a closet and considering finding a traditional job, but urged others not to give up on their God-given visions. Tucker advised embracing discomfort, as “nothing that is comfortable or quick or easy is sustainable.” She concluded, “If it’s hard, it’s meant to be hard for a reason, and you’re going to get through it, and you’re going to be stronger on the other side of it.”

    What advice from these entrepreneurs resonates most with you? Share your thoughts on scaling your business in the comments below!

  • Antoinette Jordan’s Key Invest Fest Networking Lesson

    Antoinette Jordan, the founder of the Kentucky-based streetwear brand Rhae Co., recently shared her most valuable takeaway from Invest Fest 2025: the profound impact of authentic networking. After two years of building her brand, Jordan found that the connections forged at the Atlanta festival offered a unique advantage for business growth, surpassing even traditional marketing efforts.

    The Power of Authentic Connections

    Jordan described Invest Fest as “super energetic,” filled with “sweet, nice, and welcoming” people. For her, the most important lesson was the value of networking – engaging in conversations, connecting with everyone, and actively promoting her brand. This focus on building relationships reflects the core mission of Invest Fest, which seamlessly blends investing, entrepreneurship, pop culture, and entertainment.

    The festival’s environment, featuring panels with top entrepreneurs and celebrities, live music, and a bustling vendor marketplace, creates a unique space where business networking meets cultural influence. Jordan’s emphasis on these personal connections highlights a sophisticated understanding of modern business growth, where relationships often drive success more than mere transactions.

    Celebrity Influence and Entrepreneurial Insights

    Jordan expressed particular interest in hearing Issa Rae speak, drawn to her journey from web series creator to a major television producer and entrepreneur. This highlights how figures in entertainment can offer relatable and actionable business insights that go beyond standard entrepreneurial advice. Rae’s story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of building a brand through authentic storytelling and cultural relevance.

    The streetwear industry, especially for emerging brands like Rhae Co., thrives on these kinds of authentic connections. Jordan’s positive experience in Atlanta, despite being an out-of-state participant, underscores the festival’s inclusive atmosphere and its ability to make networking accessible to entrepreneurs who might not otherwise have access to major business communities.

    Networking: The Key to Growth

    Jordan’s approach—speaking to everyone and recognizing the potential value in every conversation—is a testament to her understanding that business growth is often cultivated through sustained relationship-building. As Rhae Co. continues to expand, her Invest Fest experience is likely to shape her future networking strategies and business development plans, emphasizing that genuine connections are the bedrock of lasting success.

    What’s your most valuable networking lesson learned at a business event? Share your experiences in the comments below!

  • AFROTECH Conference 2025 Schedule Revealed!

    Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated AFROTECH™ Conference 2025 schedule has officially dropped, and it’s packed with opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Returning to Houston, TX, from October 27-31, this year’s conference promises an electrifying lineup of conversations, panels, and networking events designed to fuel your success.

    A Stellar Speaker Lineup

    Prepare to be inspired by a roster of industry heavyweights. This year’s conference features notable speakers such as Stacey Abrams, Founder of American Pride Rises; Debra Lee, former BET Networks CEO and chairman; Jason Mayden, Jordan Brand Designer; and Elizabeth Gore, Co-Founder and President of Hello Alice, among many others. These leaders will share invaluable insights across a wide range of focus areas.

    The conference will dive deep into critical sectors including Cybersecurity and Risk, Engineering, Data, Government and Civic engagement, Product and Design, the Future of Work (HR), Health Tech (AfroMedTech), Esports, Energy and Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, and Marketing and Advertising.

    Craft Your Personalized Experience

    AFROTECH™ is all about empowering you to tailor your conference journey. With dedicated meetups for creators, engineers, HR leaders, health tech innovators, gaming enthusiasts, and more, you can connect with professionals who share your passions and career goals. It’s the perfect chance to expand your network and forge meaningful connections.

    Beyond networking, the conference offers a wealth of workshops designed to upskill and boost your career development. Imagine learning to build AI assistants, create an app in just 30 minutes, or even compose music with the help of cutting-edge technology. Data Analyst Hervé Aniglo shared his excitement about teaching attendees how to create music using Python, calling it a “lucrative way to make money” and a unique avenue for creative expression.

    Explore the Full Schedule

    This year’s AFROTECH™ Conference is set to be an unmissable event, celebrating innovation, culture, and the vibrant Black tech community. You can dive into the complete conference schedule and start planning your agenda by visiting the official AFROTECH website.

    What sessions are you most excited about at the AFROTECH Conference 2025? Let us know in the comments below!