The BOSS Network Blog

We’re excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Invest in Progress Grant, a collaborative initiative by Sage and The BOSS Network . This partnership has seen Sage commit funding over three years to empower small businesses with the resources they need to thrive. The selected recipients stand out for their dedication to community, entrepreneurial spirit, and a desire to grow their professional skills.  Each will be awarded a $10,000 grant and gain access to a year-long monthly mentorship program through BOSS Business University. This online platform is designed to provide the tools and knowledge necessary to successfully launch or grow a business. The partnership, in its third year, received almost 12,000 applicants nationwide. This year’s winners also feature four members from each of the Divine Nine sororities—including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated; Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated—the National Pan-Hellenic Council, In...

We’re in the battle of the mediums, and depending on which day you ask, determines who’s  winning. TV vs. Digital HBO vs. Netflix Broadcast News vs. Blogs …and on and on. More and more we hear why TV is a dying breed and everything we watch, will soon be online. That’s true. There will need to be an online presence for just about everything that happens on  TV, or in our modern world, or…it’s like it didn’t happen. According to Nielsen’s Total  Audience Report, about 2.6 million households are now “broadband only,” meaning they don’t  subscribe to cable or pick up a broadcast signal as of December 2014. BUT don’t send your televisions to the electronics graveyard just yet. The tube isn’t going away. It’s evolving. It’s become Apple TV, Roku, Google Chromecast and many more virtual ways to  live stream and watch video on demand. Still, as much as TV has it’s eulogy read, people are still  fighting for a space in the line up. New shows are still...

It’s no secret. I have an amazing team working on my show, “ The Positive Controversy !” I brag on them all the time. There’s no way the show would be what is it without their hard work and expertise. I get asked often, ‘how did you build your team?’ To be honest, initially I was clueless and didn’t have the answer. Which let me know one important item immediately: God had handpicked each person on my team. To start, I told my great friend who’s also a producer, Squeaky Moore about the idea Not long after Squeaky and I discussed ideas for the show a few more times, I asked her if she would produce the show and she accepted! Squeaky has been a producer on many different projects. Not only was she talented, but she was skilled to produce my show. Once Squeaky came on board, it was time to compile all of the other members of the production team: Camera man, lighting, sound, editor, and production assistant. Thanks to Squeaky’s work in the film industry, she had relationships with...

Leadership is something that was cultivated from my past experiences that shaped the woman and mother that I am today…and will be in the future. About eight years ago, I landed a great opportunity for a large insurance company. Because I was extremely ambitious (and still am), I transformed into a sponge to learn everything I needed to know in order to excel. And that, I did! Within five months, I was considered for a promotion to a leadership opportunity and less than a year later I was double promoted.  Not bad for someone who walked through the glass door with more than fifteen years of experience in a completely non-related industry (legal). Also, not bad for a single mother! While elevating my game for my next career move, my son was being influenced. He noticed me working diligently to achieve my Bachelor Degree, subsequently completing my M.B.A. He became so driven that he was compelled to run for 5 th grade class president after only attending the school for a year-...

I believe this has happened to every entrepreneur at some point in their career. The bad habit of unhealthy comparisons. In a world where so many people are shooting for first place, it ’ s easy to compare yourself to others. Comparing yourself to others causes you to devalue yourself. Comparison will quickly rob you of the confidence you need to achieve your dreams by comparing your journey to those around you. Your journey is unique to your talents, gifts and abilities. One of the things I do as a relationship coach is help women prepare for marriage. One of the questions I ask them is “Are you prepared for what you ’ re praying for?” I ask this question because I want them to really be able to identify any fears, insecurities, strongholds, or hindrances that will prevent them from getting married or help them to end up in divorce court. What I ’ ve learned is that God has a time for everything. The only thing that delays the promise is when we are not prepared for what we are...

"Dre" Nichols-Everett,  The Exercise Habit Coach and founder of D3: Dre's Diesel Dome Fitness, LLC in Chicago, IL. Led by a divine mission, Dre opened D3 in 2007 with the purpose of helping people make exercise a consistent part of their lives. Dre recently expanded her fitness ministry online by creating fitness and nutrition programs that reach people all over the world. Dre has been featured on Windy City Live, has worked at Harpo Studios, and has been featured in several local and national magazines. TheBOSSNetwork: What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting you? Andrea Nichols-Everett :   Fear and uncertainty were the major obstacles I faced when I opened D3.  First of all, back   in 2007, there were only a few "boutique" style gyms in the country like D3.  I was actually the first to open a boutique style "boot camp" on the south side of Chicago so I was up   against the big box gyms in my area.  Secon...

Lack of Capital and Resources: Way too often small businesses fail before they have a starting chance due to of lack of resources.  Before starting a business, you should always create a budget.  This should be included in your business plan.  Not everyone will have enough money in their savings to support their business start-up; however, you may try to obtain a business loan with your local bank or credit union.  The Small Business Administration also offers small business loans with low interest rates + prime (www.sba.gov). Lack of Knowledge: Just because you think a certain industry is glamorous doesn’t mean you have what it takes to be successful in that industry.  I think that being an actress is way past “glam” but I know that I don’t have the knowledge nor the skill set to make it in that type of industry.  You don’t have to have an education, but you do have to be educated about your industry.  Do your research by read...

I made it home from Miami and let me tell you Chicago, baby it's  COLD ! I always like to share takeaways from any new experience I have. The Hispanicize conference was such a great experience and full of knowledge. Here are a few tips I learned: 1.  Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. opportunity is everywhere and the world is a GLOBAL stage. That means there is opportunity everywhere. 2.  Your network determines your net-worth. I live by this motto and this weekend it was even made more evident. Start nurturing relationships instead of just meeting people. 3.  Your personal brand should be a reflection of your professional brand. With social media now, the world is about 1 degree of separation and people you do business with are WATCHING. 4.  Know your MONEY. If you don't manage your finances chances are you won't have any. Get with a Financial Planner  (we love Prudential)  that can help you ca...

 Ashley Brown,  founder of Ash Said It LLC. My company is a public speaking boutique that specializes in hosting red carpets, fashion expos as well as other upscale soirées. I have over 10+ years of experience as a radio announcer & I've recently honorably discharged from the Military.  TheBOSSNetwork: What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? Ashley Brown :The biggest obstacle that I've had to face was dealing with the loss of my mother.  That is the most difficult thing I've ever faced in my entire existence. I was lost. My heart was no longer in military service. I needed to leave but I had no blueprint on where to go. I took many odd jobs that year. Helped build multiple brands & had nothing to show for it.  Then one day a light bulb went off in my head. Why the heck am I wasting time helping people disinterested in helping themselves? Why don't I pour my 13+ years of industry expe...