Happy Birthday to SOA Event Concepts, LLC

It's officially been a year since I started my event planning company, SOA Event Concepts. It's been quite the journey as I've learned new things in the industry, made great contacts, experienced the power of entrepreneurship, as well as build up the name. It's interesting the amount you can accomplish in a year. It's even more interesting what you learn in just a year, as well. Thank you to everyone, good and bad, who has made this year long journey sweet with the nectar of success. I look forward to so many more years, decades, centuries of SOA Event Concepts. I anticipate sharing what events, surprises, and partnerships we have in store. I await what blessings will bestow both SOA and myself. Thank you readers, supporters, friends, and family for being a part of the SOA ride and please continue to ride with me!!!

Lots of Love,
SOA

For the 2011 graduates and beyond...

With so many people graduating from high school, secondary school, college, etc it is at this point of time in their life when they are trying to figure out which road to take next, if their dreams can truly be a reality, if the decisions they've made in the past and at this current moment will help to seal what their future will be. I remember when I graduated and thinking these things. I remember having an idea of what I wanted to do and who I wanted to be, but there was still that tinge of doubt and fear that what I want might not be plausible at this time. I'm here to tell you that all things are plausible and all things are possible because YOU believe it is.

As a graduate, you have proven yourself worthy of what the real world has in store. You survived the turmoils of high school and the stress of college to come out of it a victor. You have learned in 3-4 years what most people strive for in their life. You have learned determination. You have learned time management. Most importantly you have learned your identity. Through the decisions you've made, whether it be in your courses, extracurricular activities, or friendship choices, you have shaped who you will be for the rest of your life.

Absolutely the "real world" can be tough, but take what you've gained from your studies and apply it to your every day life. And if anyone tells you that your dreams aren't realistic tell them it is because YOU believe it is.

I am proud to watch so many people graduate and even prouder to learn what they plan on doing next. Don't just dream your dream, LIVE IT!

"Every time you state what you want or believe, you're the first to hear it. It's a message to both you and others about what you think is possible. Don't put a ceiling on yourself."
       -Oprah Winfrey

Congratulations Grads!!!
The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Keeping your cool...

Stress!!!! Who doesn't have it? Everyday we're inundated with massive levels of stress from the alarm clock going off to the time we pull the covers under our chin. It's a wonder so many people go through their lives with tension and unhealthy. What does it take to deal with this stress and not let people see you sweat? You've got to learn to keep you cool...

I recently read an article in the SmartBlog on Leadership about keeping your cool. They expressed how President Obama was pretty much born and brought up with the ability to always keep his cool. They state that he may have learned this from being under so much pressure, stress, and negativity from his time living in Indonesia when kids used to pick on him for being darker than themselves. They state that even when the president is under as much pressure as he is under, he always remains cooler than a cucumber.




They gave some tips on how we can keep our cool in our everyday lives and learn how to not show our true emotions when the pressure is on:

• Breathe deeplyIn the heat of the moment, we have a tendency to breath rapidly. When the pressure is on, take a deep breath. Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. Not only will it help to slow down your breathing, but I'm pretty sure it gives you time to think about what you need to say and not what you want to say in the heat of the moment.
• Relax your facial musclesTension is evident on our faces [when we're stressed]. Be conscious of how you look. Rub your cheeks and flex them, smile when appropriate, and if that fails think of something that makes you laugh or feel good.
• Keep your voice lowerWhen tension rises, people speak more quickly and with more emotion...also the pitch in our voice rises. Speak slower and lower the pitch to project seriousness without tension.

The best quote I read from them was, "Composure is a desired leadership attribute. It's a symbol of strength when the heath is on."

Check out the entire article on Smartblog for Leadership here.

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Motivational Monday: On Life

So...my grandmother died this weekend.

I can't really describe to you how I feel about it because I am not sure how exactly I feel. I know I'm sad of course because the last time I saw her I think I was 7 years old. I'm disappointed because I have been saying to myself for like the last year "I have got to see my grandmother soon." and now the reality is slowly hitting me that I will NEVER get to see her alive again. I'm strong looking after my mother as the news broke; she is slowing feeling better but she cried alot and my aunt....is still hysterical. I'm feeling okay, but slightly indifferent. I feel a combination of alot of things, but mostly what I feel is the need to live however I want to live as best as I can live it.

After the shock wore off, I have come to terms with the fact that death is real. Before my grandmother passed, I had an almost child-like view of death since no one in my family has died that I knew closely. Granted it's still a bit child-like, but now I realize that we have to live life because we only get one.

This Monday's Motivational quote is about life and living it...in honor of my grandmother, Kathleen Francis.

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me."
       -Erma Bombeck"

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Want to try your hand at blogging?

Do you have advice, a story, anecdote, or something to share that you think will help our readers? Are you an unemployed entrepreneur, student, employed, or the like and want to share your story? Send us story to soaeventconcepts@gmail.com and we'll post YOUR story for hundreds to see!

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Quieting Your Naysayers: The Obama Way

In anything that you do and try to accomplish there will be people who will not only try to talk you out of your goals and dreams but who will have the audacity to tell you that they can do your job better than you're currently doing it. It's easiest to think we can be better than the next person without walking a mile in their shoes. Even when we have surpassed our best, it's not easiest to quiet the naysayers.

Our President, Barack Obama, has been encountering this since he got into office some 16 months ago. Most notably, upon confirmation of a second term run, Donald Trump didn't just tell President Obama that he wasn't doing his job but tried to defame his character (birther controversy). How did Barack Obama shut down this naysayer as well as the others? Watch below:

Through humor and wit, President Obama may have been delivering some very funny jokes, but the message at the end of every punchline..."Stay in your lane, Trump." "Don't forget the facts, the hard work, and the tireless nights you will never understand...everyone else."

Another way to quiet the naysayers, the Obama way: Making the impossible possible. As you may know from the late breaking news last night and the continued coverage this morning, Osama Bin Laden is dead. Through a secret operative mission authorized by our president and carried out by the brave service people who were involved, they carried out a mission that we have been trying to attain for over a decade.


In our daily lives, we may not be provided with the task of finding one of America's Most Wanted People, but we are provided with the daily task of accomplishing our most wanted achievements. When people tell you it's impossible, show them (don't tell them) that it's more than possible.

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Congrats William and Kate on your marriage

It's official! They're married!

In case you missed it, check out the video of the actual ceremony from ABCNews also check out our live blogging from earlier today at SOA Event Blog and our tweets at SOAeventconcept.



CONGRATULATIONS Prince William and Princess Kate!

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

5 Unlikely Sources to Acquire Knowledge

I've always been a firm believer in the old adage, Knowledge is Power. This past weekend, I got the chance to talk to one of the event designers at my job about growth and progress. We both agreed that in order to grow and progress (we were specifically talking about the event industry) in anything in life, you have to have continuously growing knowledge and the wisdom to seek it. For me, you are only as good as the knowledge you acquire. I take any opportunity to gain knowledge, whether it's in a book, with a co-worker, from my family, or from my associates.

As I got home, I took the opportunity to peruse my vast library of books and it prompted me to think, "what do other people do to increase their knowledge?" How do you go about acquiring the knowledge necessary to be successful and most importantly relevant?

5 Unlikely Sources of Acquiring Knowledge:
Certainly the internet is a great source for getting knowledge, but often times the information we receive can be misleading, erroneous, or false. Being a Generation Y'er or "Millenial," I'm all for a nice google search, app reference, or something technology related to get some knowledge, but being so technologically dependent, we often forget that there are other sources to gain knowledge. Read below for my sources for acquiring knowledge.

1. Books: You read them as a kid. You were forced to read them in school. It's your go to instruction manual. Why wouldn't you pick up a book at leisure to learn something new. You want to be debt free, but you don't really know where to start try reading a book and getting some tips of being debt free. Try Debt-Free Forever by Gail Vaz-Oxlade (host of 'Til Debt Do Us Part). You want to learn more about the fashion industry, try Vogue Fashion: Over 100 Years of Style. There is a library or book store near you or better yet, Amazon is just a click away!


2. The Elderly: It's funny. In America, we look down on the elderly. We think they are feeble and in a sense worthless. However, in other countries the elderly is looked at for their wisdom, life experiences, and knowledge. We need to learn from other countries and value our elderly. Not only will talking to them, learning from them, and being mentored by them make them feel wanted, but you will get knowledge that has stood the test of time.


3. Your Teachers (school, mentors, advisors): When we're in school, our teachers teach us what they have to teach us. When we get older and we begin to reminisce on the non-educational lessons they taught us we go through life with a clearer head. Instead of looking back and remembering, how about taking the time to learn from them in the present. Your teachers are always available to talk to. Get to know them, find out their background story and figure out how their wealth of knowledge can be yours.


4. Younger Peers: Recently, I began attracting peers younger than myself. All my life, I had been the younger peer influencing the older ones but lately, I've had the good fortune to learn a lot from my younger counterparts. Not only do they keep me on trend and updated but their drive and ambition reinforces mine when I feel like I don't have enough. Our younger peers, like our elderly ones, have a vast amount of knowledge all we have to do is take the time to listen and be attentive.


5. Magazines NOT in your industry but brings inspiration to your industry: Many of us read magazines because we enjoy the content, it's been a part of our lives, or just because. I bet you wouldn't think to pick up a magazine inspired by your favorite magazines. Being in the event industry, I've come to learn that it is inspired by so much more than just "events." It's inspired by fashion, interior design, food, artistic movements, just to name a few. Evaluate what industry you're in or want to be in and check out the magazines that inspire it.

Recently an associate of mine posted on her Facebook status "What would you rather have? Money or access?" I responded "how about knowledge. Knowledge can get you both access AND money...there. problem solved."

And I will always hold that true. Can't have neither without knowledge.

What are some unlikely sources of knowledge you get? Share with me!

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Motivational Monday: On Knowledge

"Knowledge is of no value unless it is put into practice."
        -Anton Chekhov

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Women Wednesday: An Interview with Kimberly Walker

I recently had the opportunity to interview a wonderful young woman, writer, and film maker named Kimberly Walker. I feel like there are so many female entrepreneurs, especially in Atlanta, that need to be highlighted and supported. Kimberly is one of them, even if she doesn't think she's really an entrepreneur. Check out the interview I did of her and enjoy!

An interview with Kimberly Walker from SOA Event Concepts on Vimeo.

"Tact is for people who aren't witty enough to be sarcastic."

"Live life. Be happy. Don't take yourself too seriously."      -Kimberly Walker

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Color and the moods they evoke

ROY-G-BIV. What do you think about when you hear that acronym? Color of course! Color is the ultimate mood setter. Evoke feelings of tranquility and reliability with various shades of blue. Activate the adrenaline glands and stimulate the mind with washes of red. Does your event have a nature theme browns and greens will be your best color choice. Make you night full of heat, vitality, and energy with a beautiful spectrum of yellow...and it's just right for the spring.

This season purple and grey are the ultimate trend in events. Make your event magical and intriguing by adding uplights and downlights of purple in reddish hues to captivate the audience with warmth or cooler hues of blue.

SOA Tip: Want to be calmer and more productive, at the same time? Try painting your office walls in washes of blue...

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

SOA interviewed by FSYA

In case you missed it on Friday, catch my interview with Latisha Styles of Financial Success for Young Adults!


Don't forget to check out their website www.fsyaonline.com and Latisha's monthly posts on The Unemployed [but Empowered] Entrepreneur.

Quality Over Quantity: Who do you follow on Twitter?

Twitter. A great way to connect with people, fans, clients, friends. It's an amazingly instantaneous way to get information and news. As a business it's wonderful for connecting with your clients and potential clients and to keep in contact with them. But sometimes, Twitter can seem like a game of jacks (how many can I get this time?)

As we try to grow ourselves, businesses, and causes can we really take a chance banishing quantity over quality?

I recently read an article, by a fellow blogger, entitled "Words Done Write: 5 Phrases that Ruin Your Twitter Bio." It got me thinking. So many people get on to Twitter for the sheer purpose of the numbers. Which is okay...if you are a celebrity where it's effortless to have millions of followers. However, if you are a small business or an up and coming personality, where you actually have to work at gaining notoriety and awareness, do the number of followers really count?

What makes Twitter slightly different from say Facebook or LinkedIn is that you can connect with anyone, any where, at any time, about any thing in 140 characters of less and have your brand's awareness go up instantly with a simple Retweet or mention. You can't afford to follow or be followed by people who aren't going to add true value to your business. Just because you have 3000 followers does not necessarily mean that they are listening to what you have to tweet. When you take the time to make connections it makes brand building all the more easier.

Every day I get notifications about a new follower, I am mostly interested in who the follower actually is and whether or not I can gain something from them...whether it be knowledge, affiliation, or business. I'm almost irritated when I am followed by someone on the #teamfollowback train or a marketer or a spammer. They are of no real value to me.

For me it's all about the quality of followers than the quantity. I am happy to tell you that the SOA Event Concepts twitter page only has about 260 followers and we're following about over 440 people. Those 260 followers are people with whom we have met or who have found us and the 440 that we follow are people we gain plenty from and see them as valuable contacts. Because we are a new and small business, we can't afford to play "the numbers game" on Twitter. That game is best reserved for our website, blogs, and newsletters. THAT is where numbers count the most.

Look at the people who are following you now and ask yourself if they are of much valuae(quality) or dead weight (quantity). Also, look at who you follow. Is it mostly celebrities and gossip sites? Or is it a diverse portfolio of potential and current contacts as well as industry leaders to provide you with the knowledge to grow? You'll be amazed at how much dead weight you carry on your Twitter page.

Remember: Quality> Quantity every time.

The Unemployed Entrepeneur

Your Network Equals Your Networth

**This is a monthly segment entitled "Money Monday" guest posted by our friend Latisha Styles, Creator of Financial Success for Young Adults.

Join her as she helps the unemployed entrepreneur be more financially wise on their journey to success**

Your Network Equals Your Networth:
How to increase your personal value by adding value to others

College students often dread the word network. I remember when I first heard the term, I thought it was ridiculous. Why should I become friends with someone just for what they could offer me? I don't like to be taken advantage of, and I wouldn't want to do that to someone else.

Once I graduated from college the first time with an spanish degree, I realized that I should have networked more. I would ask friends and fellow graduates, how did you get that job. I always heard the same thing. "A friend of mine told me about it." How did they have friends that I didn't have? Where could I find these friends with all of the connections? It took me a while but I finally realized that these so-called friends that knew about all of the jobs were really just acquaintences to my friends. I made it my mission to learn to network and meet the right friends.

You don't have to be a leech to build a great network. The first thing I think of when I meet someone new is how can I help them? By thinking of a way to help them first, I am shifting the focus from myself. This allows me to be more approachable and friendly. Most people can sniff out a 'user' from a mile away. When I notice that someone only wants to talk with me because of what I can offer them, I generally shy away. However, in order for you to build your networth, it's important to have a few key people in your network. Here are the 9 Key People to Have in Your Professional Network.

1) Recruiter
It's important, no make that essential, to have an updated resume. Not only will it keep you on top of your professional brand, but it will make your on-the-job review that much easier. When you ask for a raise and point out all of the ways you've added value to your company, you will have that much more leverage. Having a recruiter in your network will keep your options open. If you ever feel like your talents and skills are going unnoticed at your current position, you will have an immediate link to new positions and opportunities.

2) Accountant
Having an accountant in your network will be an asset to you in one of two ways. It will position you as the go-to person for accounting needs; since people will know that you know who to turn to, and it will keep you in the know about tidbit accounting laws and changes. But probably the most important reason to have an accountant in your network is because of the IRS. Who really wants to be audited?

3) The Sports Guy/Gal
If you are the one who is the authority on sports then you might be able to skip this one. Business and sports go hand in hand, period. You can avoid it all you want, but if you can't talk about the epic fadeaway from last night's basketball game, or the 2 point conversion that had everyone in shock, you will miss out on deals. If you don't want to make it a point of watching games or checking ESPN everyday then network with a sports guy/gal. You'll know them by the fact that they are always at the 'watercooler' talking about last night's game. Steal some sound bites from them and network away!

4) Media
Everyone needs to know that someone that is always the first to know everything. They may write an entertainment blog, you may always see them out hob-nobbing (that's the word for networking with famous people), and you will see their pictures EVERYWHERE. You may have a hard time meeting this one person because everyone wants to know them, but if you can do it, you will be one step closer to the pulse. Who knows, they might want to take the time to talk about you to fellow hob-nobbers.

5) Banker
This one is an obvious one. You should have someone that keeps up with the market and world news. They will constantly know what is going on and how it will affect their portfolio. And if you listen well, you might get some tips for your own portfolio.

6) Entrepreneur
An entrepreneur is the person you met who is always trying to network. They either want to sell you something or figure out how you can build their business. But don't get offended, that's what they do. Good entrepreneurs will figure out a way to help you as well and that's why it is good to meet one and stay in touch regularly.

7) Teacher/Professor
When was the last time you talked about the state of our educational system? I've met many teachers and, I always leave the conversation with a new look at politics. Because the educational system is so flawed and the government runs it all, they will usually be up to date with new laws and provisions that may affect you or your kids or your lifestyle.

8) College Student
I bet you didn't think you would need to network with a college student, huh? You're probably thinking, what do they have to offer me? But didn't we just talk about networking with those that you can help? Have you been listening? But you can benefit as well. You will get more fresh perspective from a college student than you will get from your other sources.

9) Author
Finally, you should know at least one person who writes for a living. Or at least someone who enjoys organizing their thoughts onto paper. When you decide to begin writing that interesting life story of yours, you'll know who to talk to.

Did I miss one? Who would you include in your network?

I've interviewed several young entrepreneurs and they all agree that networking has been one of the keys to their success. I hope you will decide to network with me! I love meeting new people. Find me on Twitter at @FSYAonline or talk to me at Financial Success for Young Adults

Motivational Monday: Motivation from Grey Goose

A toast
To eureka!
To a fundamental shift
To asking what if?
To finding out why
To so crazy it might work
To the guys who try
To seeing the invisible
To attempting the impossible
To finding obstacles inspirational
To outside the box
To outside the lines
To taking small steps
To being ahead of our times

To celebrating the visionaries who move us all forward

       --Grey Goose ad

Inspiration can even be found in a simple ad. Happy Monday!

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Guerilla Marketing: The T-Mobile Dance

In case you didn't know, I graduated from UGA with a degree in Advertising. Even though I am in the event industry, advertising and what I learned about it is constantly on my mind. When I see a guerilla campaign executed correctly, it stays with me. Guerilla campaigns are meant to be intriguing, unique and most importantly interesting. These are videos is my favorite guerilla marketing campaigns that went viral.

Guerilla Marketing: Unconventional marketing intended to get maximum results from minimal resources.

If you were to create a guerilla marketing campaign, what would you do? How would you set your brand apart from the rest?

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

Women Wednesday: 5 African American Female Entrepreneurs

So....I missed Black History Month :( and I am smack in the middle of Women's History month :(:( and haven't posted anything about entrepreneurs from either. As an African American woman, that's bad...terrible even *beats self over head* But as a good friend says, "the only way to get better is be better." So here I am, being better with today's post and a new feature: Women Wednesday.

As we continue the month of March, Women's History month, I can't help to be thankful as a woman for the women who became successful and opened the doors for my existence in the business world and in my industry and in the world. As an African American, I can't help but be grateful for the strides in the world that other African American female entrepreneurs have made. Whether you're black, white, tan, olive or whatever, us women need to support each other.

5 (very successful) African American Female Entrepreneurs:

• Dr. Eunice Mosley Dudley. Born in Selma, Alabama this child of a large family exhibited a spirit for creativity at a young age. It's that same creative spirit that propelled her to become the the co-founder and co-owner of Dudley Products, Inc. Created by her father, Joe Louis Dudley, Dudley Products, Inc makes annual revenue of over $30 million.


• Oprah Winfrey. You can't talk about successful black women and not add Oprah to the list. She single handedly changed day time talk shows and the media industry. After 25 years, as the host of The Oprah Winfrey Show, in 2011 Oprah introduced her very own network entitled...what else...OWN-Oprah Winfrey Network. Did I mention that her net worth is now estimated at $2.7 billion according to Forbes magazine?


• Linda Johnson Rice. When was the last time you picked up a Jet Magazine or perused an Ebony? How about hiding your blemishes with Fashion Fair cosmetics or taking a seat at the Ebony Fashion Fair Fashion Show? Under the leadership of Rice, Johnson Publishing Company, Inc has remained the no. 1 African American owned and operated publishing company in the world and the Ebony Fashion Fair Fashion show is one of the longest running and most prestigious travelling fashion shows in the world. Since the show's inception, it has raised over $55 million in scholarships and for charity.


• Tracy Edmonds. The former wife of Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds is the President and CEO of Edmonds Entertainment Group as well as a producer for some pretty notable movies and television shows: Soul Food (movie and series), College Hill and Light It Up to name a few. Just because she's behind the scenes doesn't mean she's not making big moves.


• Beyonce. She always had the start power, entering her first music contest at a young age and starting the group Destiny's Child when she was a teenager, Beyonce has always been destined for greatness. With a net worth of over $87 million this music and entertainment powerhouse has changed the game in music, entertainment, and branding. I think she is the only person I know who can make a straight man and woman go gay for Beyonce. #kanyeshrug

"If a woman is sufficiently ambitious, determined and gifted - there is practically nothing she can't do"

        -Helen Lawrenson

**Do you know a woman entrepreneur that show be featured, highlighted, or interviewed? Email us at soaeventconcepts@gmail.com**

The Unemployed [but Empowered and Female] Entrepreneur

Motivational Monday: Lena Horne

Like most people in the world, I was sucked into watching the Oscars last night. I'm always mesmerized by not just the fashion and the nominees, but also the set production and design. While people are inspired by the stars of the night, I'm always inspired by the little quips of the night and definitely the visuals. As I watched in awe and waited for the jokes, one quote stuck out to me the most at the end of the awards ceremony.

"It's not the load that brings you down...it's how you carry it."
          -Lena Horne

What ever is happening in your life, remember it's about your reaction and how you handle it.

Happy Monday everyone!!!

The Unemployed Entrepreneur

From Business Insider: 15 disturbing facts about your job

How you like them apples?

The Unemployed [not really, but happy with my job] Entrepreneur

The Future of Business Cards

Some companies see the business card as an extension of both the person and the business. What is your business card saying about you? What is the future of business cards? If you could have an augmented reality business card, how would yours stand out through the clutter?

The Unemployed Entrepreneur