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Live your life like a Heart In A Box!!!
by: ellis j. still
We are born to dream. As children, we use our imaginations to explore the visions of our mind by acting out what our future could be like. I played with fire trucks and those yellow Tonka construction trucks that were made out of metal, with the assurances that I would be a fireman or construction worker when I grew up.
My next phase was wanting to be an explorer in outer space that would one day save planet Earth. This came from repeatedly watching entire seasons of Star Blazers, Star Trek, and Battlestar Galactica with the one-eyed Cylons. Later came Star Wars, of which I have all six episodes even today.
From there it went to realistically figuring out what I wanted to do with my life. I had great passion for drawing. I also started working in retail at age 16, so maybe I would own my own business one day. However, as I got older, and the world became more real, the creative imagination seemed to disappear and I sought practical venues for planning out my life.
You are taught to do what is proven… what everybody else is doing. To follow the status quo. Very seldom are you taught to be imaginative… to think outside the box – or in this case, inside the box.
Tina and I are avid watchers of the TV show Grey’s Anatomy. While we don’t always agree with the content, it is a well written show, whose characters we often we have dialog about in our home as if they were real people.
There was an episode where one of the main characters was tasked with watching an actual beating heart that’s been placed in a box until it can be transported to its new recipient. The Heart In The box becomes the inspiration to no longer be average, but go on and do great things… that the same imagination that created the Heart In A Box is the same imagination that dreams are made of… that spawns great movements.
Anything that you do in 2012 should be more interesting
than a Heart In A Box.
Anything that you do in life should have meaning, both to yourself, and to others. Anything that you do should be exceptional, and inspire others to greatness.
Dreams are created by a combination of what we see, our imagination, and how we envision it happening… our special personal brand, based on our life experiences.
Are you stuck in a job or situation, but you have a great idea for a business inside of you? Are you doing what you need to do just to get by & merely existing, or are you following the passion that is within you? Are you listening to the voices inside your mind that gives you excuses why you can’t make things happen, or do you listen to God’s word which says that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).
Heart in a box is all about not living mundane, but doing extraordinary things in an extraordinary way. It is about being inspired to do something outside of the status quo. It requires creativity and courage. It’s about not just knowing and reciting the words “faith without works is dead” (James 2:14-17), but owning it… knowing without a doubt in your inner core that God will do what he promised… that “every place where you set your foot will be yours” (Deut. 11:24). You have to have Faith that as you act on your dreams, God will make up the difference.
Heart In A Box is special because normally when you do a heart transplant, you take the heart out, put it in a cooler, and then you rush to put it into a warm body, and pray that it beats. But with Heart In A Box, it never stopped beating. It never knew that it was not supposed to be beating. The heart did not know that it was doing what it was not supposed to be doing. It just did it.
Question: What are you planning to do in 2012 that the world has told you that you cannot do? What are you planning to do in 2012 that is more awesome than a Heart In A Box?
© 2012, Ellis J. Still. All rights reserved
Heart In A Box image courtesy of http://greysanatomyfans.wordpress.com
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
__________________________________________
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like what you read and you are not yet a Subscriber to my blog, why not subscribe now? All posts are original, there is no fixed schedule, so you would not have to check my blog regularly, and you will be receiving an authentic review of books, organizations and life experiences as a husband and entrepreneur. If you change your mind, it is easy to unsubscribe. Once you sign up, visit your email inbox to verify your email address. Check your spam folder if you don’t receive any verification
White House Urban Entrepreneurship Summit: Part One
By: ellis j. still
“Entrepreneurs work 18 hours a day so that they do not have to get a job”
– John Hope Bryant, summit closing speaker
On Monday, June 6th, 2011, I participated in the White House Urban entrepreneurship Summit. When I first got the invitation to attend, I was blown away by the fact that I would be able to not only attend such an event, but to be able to provide feedback on my experiences as an entrepreneur as it relates to formulating federal, state, and local public policy.
The event was held at Newark, New Jersey’s Rutgers University Center for Urban Entrepreneurship & Economic Development (CUEED), in partnership with the White House Office of Public Engagement, the White House Domestic Policy Council, Office of Russell Simmons, The Office of the Honorable Corey Booker, Fund for Public Advocacy, Operation HOPE, Small Business Administration, Startup America Partnership, and featured a host of panelists & speakers. The event was broadcast via live streaming through the White House’s website.
Photo Courtesy of Valerie Mason-Robinson
Over 40 panelists, speakers and facilitators participated in the summit, with approximately 600 people in attendance (according to the Star Ledger). To summarize, the goal of the event as described by the organizers centered on “President Barack Obama’s vision to win the future by out-innovating, out-educating and out-building the rest of the world. The purpose of this event is to discuss best practices with urban entrepreneurs and hear their feedback on how the Administration and the private sector can best support their growth and success in the global economy.”
Russell Simmons was the keynote speaker. To summarize his address, “Entrepreneurs have ideas that no one believes will happen. Operate from the comfort zone that you already have everything that you need to succeed. The imagination is God. If you have enough of it, things will happen. If you have enough Faith and resiliency, it will happen. Use that creativity to serve underprivileged communities.”
There were three panelist sessions and one series of three breakout sessions. The topics include:
- Unleashing Ideas: Barriers and Challenges to Urban Entrepreneurs
- Investing in Urban Entrepreneurs: Creating Funding/Financing Urban Entrepreneurs
- Business & Government: Cross-sector Solutions to Spark Entrepreneurship and Startups in Urban Communities
There was also a series of special announcements. One of which was by the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership (IFEL) “the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership and 550 Broad Street negotiated a deal this past Friday to open a 9,000 square foot small business office center at 550 Broad Street, Newark, NJ. The facility will offer low cost virtual, cubicle and fully furnished office spaces in addition to conference rooms, training space, lounge space and shared administrative support. Facility members will be nurtured in a supportive, entrepreneurial environment designed to accelerate business startup and next level growth.”
Much was discussed at the summit, so rather than trying to include everything in one post, I decided to create a series of short blog posts that paraphrases the discussion points of each session. If you were at the White House Summit, or if you are an entrepreneur or author entrepreneur (independent author), feel free to add your feedback to the summit. If you were not able to attend, you may still feel free to mention your challenges in entrepreneurship as well.
Question: Did you know that if everyone in the United States hired one person, there would be no unemployment? What is stopping you from using your passion and your God given gifts to start your business?
© 2011, Ellis J. Still. All rights reserved.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
____________________________________________________
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like what you read and you are not yet a Subscriber to my blog, why not subscribe now? All posts are original, there is no fixed schedule, so you would not have to check my blog regularly, and you will be receiving an authentic review of books, organizations and life experiences as a husband and entrepreneur. If you change your mind, it is easy to unsubscribe. Once you sign up, visit your email inbox to verify your email address. Check your spam folder if you don’t receive any verification emails. Thanks!!!
ellis
IFEL 2011: Believing in the genius of your dream
by: ellis j. still
It seems like yesterday that I was a finalist for the 2nd Annual Institute for Entrepreneur Leadership Business Plan Awards. I can still feel the nervousness… the clammy hands and sweaty fingers, feeling like at any moment I would pass out while on stage standing in front of my peers, potential investors, city officials, and media. But I got through it, and I did the best that I could with what I had at the time.
Since then, The Burning Bush Christian Bookstore (TBBbookstore.com) has grown to the point of being able to giving back to the institution that helped start it all by way of being a marketing partner and prize sponsor. For the first time I can just sit, relax, enjoy the festivities, and reflect on things as they happen. Here are some highlights of the afternoon:
- Opening remarks by Newark, NJ Mayor Cory Booker: Mayor Booker comes from a line of entrepreneurism in his family, and therefore appreciates all that entrepreneurs have to fight through in order to be successful. Statistically speaking, most businesses fail. But it is in your failure that you gain experience. Likewise, small business is the engine that drives America in that small business creates the most wealth. Wealth not only in terms of money, but in terms of quality of life, of your well being, and of your contribution to others. As an entrepreneur, it seems like the whole world is against you. People will think that you are crazy for being an entrepreneur, saying that your idea is to bold or that it will never work, or having people around you that does not get your vision. However, when you stand up and out, you will inspire others to stand with you. Believe in the genius of your dreams!!!
- The visionary behind IFEL, Dr. HenryJohnson, Sr. will be stepping aside as CEO of the Institute for Entrepreneurship Leadership and Jill Johnson will assume the responsibility. IFEL is a trailblazer in that Dr. Johnson had the foresight to meet the need to provide a platform from which entrepreneurs can flourish and grow. While there are other successful business / entrepreneurial programs in the regional area, IFEL is different in that it focuses on laying the foundation for creating successful businesses. Nothing can survive or prosper if it does not have a solid foundation from which to stand on.
- Of course, the main event was the entrepreneur finalists. Drum roll please…
- Diamond Doobies (Heather Kollar, Owner) is a boutique organic salon in Downtown Newark offering affordable luxury to women who want rich, healthy hair. (Newark, NJ).
- Family Travel Marketing Services (Luisa Frey, Owner) brings parents and children together through shared travel and leisure experiences. FTMS then brings this influence to its travel company clients via: social media including FTMS’ teen-written blog, www.teentraveltalk.com; family travel fairs; and consulting. (Nutley, NJ)
- My Salon Scoop (Veronica Woods, founder & CEO) is the ultimate beauty matchmaker for women of color. It publishes an online magazine and salon directory, and provides salon marketing services. (South Orange, NJ)
- Pebbles Playhouse (Michael Amegashie, Owner) brings a mix of awesome inflatable structures, a clean, climate controlled environment, incredible customer service, and non-stop excitement in a private-party and open play atmosphere. (East orange, NJ)
- And the winner is… fohawx! (Jocelyn Fine, Kelley Dineen, Co-Founders) is a product development LLC. Fohawx! Will design, manufacture and sell a line of helmet accessories. Our vision is to become the leading brand of helmet accessories made by moms for moms. (Bayonne, NJ)
My takeaways from the afternoon:
No one can survive as an island in itself. It is in our failures, success, and growth that we encourage others to be better. Before the luncheon began, one of this year’s finalists told me how much he appreciates that I have already been a finalist, and that TBB is still growing. He labeled me as a role model of sorts from for those who are coming after me. I took these comments to heart, as if at that moment a burden was placed on my shoulders. Not ‘burden’ in a negative way, but as a responsibility to build wealth not only for my family, but for the greater society as a whole as well.
Every year the competition finalist luncheon is held in a great space with a great atmosphere of networking and mutual support. I had a great time, and connected with some people that I will undoubtedly keep in contact with, as well as reconnected with those who have helped me along the way. If you are an investor or in a position to support, IFEL [501(c)(3)] is a great institution to partner with. Likewise, if you have an idea that you are serious about bringing to life, or if you already own and operate a business but need a focus to take it to the next level, visit IFEL’s website, and then contact them to see how they can help you.
Question: Do you take your dreams seriously? What are your thoughts?
© 2011, Ellis J. Still. All rights reserved.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
____________________________________________________
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like what you read and you are not yet a Subscriber to my blog, why not subscribe now? All posts are original, there is no fixed schedule, so you would not have to check my blog regularly, and you will be receiving an authentic review of books, organizations and life experiences as a husband and entrepreneur. If you change your mind, it is easy to unsubscribe. Once you sign up, visit your email inbox to verify your email address. Check your spam folder if you don’t receive any verification emails. Thanks!!!
ellis
Building Great Businesses Blog Series: Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP)
by ellis j. still
This year The Burning Bush Christian Bookstore (TBB) became a member of the Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) for the first time. Prior to joining, I had previous experience with the NRBP since my previous employer (Newwork Real Estate) was a member. The NRBP’s assortment of events had a lasting impression on me, such that I knew that I wanted TBB to become a member.
The Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) is the preeminent business organization in the City of Newark, and has been active in the Newark community since 1869. The partnership is known for its frequent marketing and networking opportunities, its information about Newark’s economic conditions as compared to the trends of the United States, and its information on contributing to the revitalization of Newark, New Jersey.
What is interesting is that the NRBP does not compete directly against the other business organizations that I have been involved with in Newark, (see IFEL posts 01 and 02 – & EPI posts 01 and 02) but compliments them in their programming throughout the year. Likewise, although the NRBP’s goal is to be an impetus for business connections, a greater goal is to do so for the betterment of the City of Newark.
On many occasions people approach networking opportunities with an agenda in terms of what they wish to accomplish. Others go into it not really knowing what the outcome would be, but are open minded to new and creative opportunities and solutions. The NRBP provides a forum for both lines of thinking or a combination of the two. I have attended three events this year thus far as of this blog post, and as a result made several valuable connections (and won a free copy of Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2010). Here are five reasons to join the Newark Regional Business Partnership:
- Great networking opportunities several times per month
- Insider information about Newark related initiatives
- You get access to the infamous black-tie Annual Museum Dinner & Reception
- Discount tickets to area professional and college sporting events (hockey, baseball, basketball, etc.)
- Newark, NJ is a great city to grow, network, and to do business in!!!
It does not matter if you work, live, are a short train ride away, or just have an interest in networking, the Newark Regional Business Partnership is a great way to connect with others. To learn more, visit rbp.org today!!!
Question: The Newark Regional Business Partnership has a rich history of serving the Newark, NJ community. Why not partner with an institution that can add value to your business?
© 2011, Ellis J. Still. All rights reserved.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
____________________________________________________
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like what you read and you are not yet a Subscriber to my blog, why not subscribe now? All posts are original, there is no fixed schedule, so you would not have to check my blog regularly, and you will be receiving an authentic review of books, organizations and life experiences as a husband and entrepreneur. If you change your mind, it is easy to unsubscribe. Once you sign up, visit your email inbox to verify your email address. Check your spam folder if you don’t receive any verification emails. Thanks!!!
ellis
Entrepreneurship Pioneers Initiative – Class of 2012
By: ellis j. still
Wow… It seems like yesterday since I graduated from Rutgers School of Business’ Entrepreneurship Pioneers Initiative (EPI). EPI is a comprehensive program that develops entrepreneurs in the State of New Jersey. Several business relationships and friendships resulted from attending the monthly classes, in whom I continue to confide in for feedback, and they in me. The classes were great, and much (if not all) of the topics discussed implemented in my business, or have plans on implementing in the future. The EPI program is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to mature both themselves and their business in many ways.
Rutgers University is currently holding information sessions for the EPI Class of 2012. There is no obligation to attend, and is a great introduction about what the program is about, and how it can bring your business to the next level. During the year that I attended the information session, Dr. Robinson described the difference between a business owner and an Entrepreneur. This really fueled me to learn more about the program. In business, and in life, you know what you know, you know what you don’t know, and you don’t know what you don’t know. It is in supplying answers to this third category that brings value to the EPI program. There are a lot of really good nuggets from which to learn from, reinforced by building relationships with your peers. I have blogged about this program several times in the past, yet I will continue to do so in the future. It is a program that is genuine to entrepreneur’s needs for growth and succeeding (and affordable), and I encourage you to step outside of your normal regime to invest in yourself and your business.
Click here to visit Rutgers’ EPI website.
Question: There is nothing to lose, and everything to gain. What is stopping you from contacting Rutgers EPI about being a part of the EPI class of 2012?
© 2011, Ellis J. Still. All rights reserved.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
____________________________________________________
ellis j. still 
