NuLeadership

Category: NuLeadership

  • Navigating the New Normal: Rediscovering Purpose Post-Pandemic

    Navigating the New Normal: Rediscovering Purpose Post-Pandemic

    Caption:  In 2016, Dr. Green left his management position to pursue academics where he could assist the next generations of leaders. Dr. Green poses with the first engineering class at his university.

    SUMMARY

    Many of us stand at a pivotal juncture in the aftermath of the pandemic’s disruption, yearning to redefine our purpose and rediscover our bearings. This article examines the profound transformations produced by the pandemic, embarking on a voyage to reignite one’s sense of purpose. 

    No one expected a worldwide pandemic in 2020. Despite his enviable life working for a Fortune 500 company with financial success and a picture-perfect family, Drew Wright became increasingly unhappy during the pandemic. Drew was a victim of his success. He was a people person. The Covid crisis had him working remotely with little interaction with others. Dwight was trapped in a job he despised, surrounded by people he couldn’t stand, and a growing sense of emptiness. Like millions of others looking for purpose, Drew left his comfortable, safe job to pursue a life with greater meaning, one dedicated to helping others and championing social causes. 

    Introduction

    Have you ever questioned your purpose in life? Does your daily routine appear to be meaningless? In 2016, I decided to leave my federal manager’s position by retiring early at 50 years old to pursue an academic career. This decision must have left many of my family and friends silently questioning my rationale. I was leaving a well-paying job with great benefits where I enjoyed the companionship of my co-workers.  I was deeply embedded in a great network of friends and acquaintances. My wife Estraletta was making a lot of sacrifices too. In accepting the new faculty position, I was taking about a 30% pay cut. I had to start at the bottom of the faculty ladder and reestablish myself as an expert in a new field.  My wife and I were tasked with creating a new home life and forging new friendships. In hindsight, the move was one of the best decisions of my life.  After the 2020 pandemic, many people are also searching for a more purposeful life. As society emphasizes materialism, pursuing happiness can paradoxically lead to dissatisfaction. This article examines the profound transformations produced by the pandemic, embarking on a voyage to reignite one’s sense of purpose. 

    The need for a more meaningful life still exists in 2023.  During the pandemic, employees quit their jobs in record numbers. The Great Resignation happened as workers sought higher pay, greater fulfillment, and improved work balance. According to Forbes, 47.8 million people left their jobs for other positions by the end of 2021, compared to 37.7 million who quit in 2017.  This drive for a more purposeful life during the pandemic has profoundly reshaped the work landscape.  According to a Pew Research Center study, nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, roughly six in ten U.S. workers who say their jobs can mainly be done from home (59%) are working from home all or most of the time.  Today, more workers say they do this by choice rather than necessity. While most workers cannot work remotely, 60% of workers with jobs that can be done remotely say they prefer to work from home all or most of the time. Recent experiences reveal that unconventional paths can lead to a more purposeful existence. Take, for instance, the story of Dr. Chris Cunningham and Dahlia Cunningham who founded FireWorks International, a non-profit Christian media production company. Dr. Chris has been a Christian for more than 48 years, during which he’s held various leadership positions in the local church. Their purpose-driven journey gave birth to the Redemptive Film Festival, aimed at showcasing works that depict God’s redemptive purposes. While their calling took a religious form, it underscores that most individuals seek a purpose beyond mere existence.

    But what exactly is a purpose-driven life, and why should you pursue it?  In general, the concept of purpose in life encompasses various definitions. According to the University of Minnesota’s Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing, an individual’s purpose in life can be defined as “the central motivating aims of your life – the reason you get up in the morning. Purpose can guide life decisions, influence behavior, shape goals, offer a sense of direction, and create meaning.” Having a sense of purpose is transformational. For many, it leads to a life of service. In 2002, Christian pastor Rick Warren wrote a bestselling book, The Purpose Driven Life, addressing the burning question of why we are here by sharing God’s five purposes for a person’s life. Rev. Warren explains, “The only pleased people are those who have learned to serve.” Thus, having a sense of purpose is invaluable. Waiting for a calling is unnecessary; you can embark on your journey by recognizing your unique abilities. In his insightful book, Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl emphasizes that the search for meaning is humanity’s primary motivation. Even in the darkest times, like Frankl’s experience in a Nazi death camp, a sense of purpose can help one endure hardships.

    Below are questions if individuals are seeking a more purposeful life after the pandemic:

    • Are you content with your current situation?
    • Are you earnest about discovering your calling?
    • Do you possess the faith to accept life’s ups and downs?
    • Is there a cause you’re willing to sacrifice for?
    • Can you find satisfaction without a meaningful existence?

    Conclusion

    Are you happy with the direction of your life? Are you pursuing a more fulfilled life? Pursuing happiness is a universal quest, but some resort to desperate measures. Statistics from 2020 and 2021 reveal that over 30,000 Americans take their lives annually, highlighting the prevalence of unhappiness. This article should resonate with individuals contemplating a career shift, offering hope and inspiration in a world seeking more profound meaning. True success lies in answering your unique calling and liberating your talents to make meaningful contributions to society. Embrace your freedom to shape your life’s direction, for destiny invites you to be an active participant, not a passive puppet. Start your journey today; finding purpose and fulfillment is never too late.

    © 2023 by Daryl D. Green

    About Dr. Daryl D. Green:

    Dr. Daryl D. Green is a business strategist, speaker, and noted author. He provides motivation, guidance, and training for leaders at critical ages and stages of their development and co-authors the “Impending Danger: The Federal Handbook for Rethinking Leadership in the 21st Century.”

    Dr. Green has been noted and quoted by USA Today, Ebony Magazine, and the Associated Press. Additionally, he is an award-winning college professor, developing new innovative approaches for today’s small businesses. For more information about this article or business assistance, please contact Dr. Green at drdarylgreen@gmail.com or visit www.drdarylgreen.com.

  • Building Authentic Leadership in A Disorderly World

    Summary: Examine the value of authentic leadership in a chaotic world. Discover how transformational leaders rise into the fray.

    Joe Real was a charismatic and visionary leader. He was a middle-level manager headed to senior leadership. Joe was a great networker and problem solver. Joe often traded help for information about the organization. But those who knew Joe the best knew he could not be trusted. He would tell one manager one thing and another manager a different story. In doing such things, Joe hoped to have managers going after one another enough so that he could leverage his power of information to gain more influence in the organization. Yet, his backstabbing ways came to the forefront as one of the senior managers caught Joe in a lie to another co-worker.

    Where are we headed as a country? Former President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants were arrested this month in Georgia on felony charges concerning the state’s 2020 election subversion cases. President Trump made history as the first former president with a mug shot. The former president has also been indicted four times this year and will face criminal charges. Leaders across the political spectrum concur that the indictments against President Trump carry substantial implications, particularly concerning the public perception of the integrity of the Office of the President and the perceived authenticity of political leadership. Good leadership is critical as the United States President.

    Likewise, today’s employees expect managers to model corporate values. Sadly, some managers do not take this invisible code seriously. Hypocrisy is the rule of the day. When I was sitting in my Sunday lecture, the instructor brought home what it meant to be hypocritical when discussing Jesus’ interaction with the leaders of his time, The Pharisees. Jesus openly criticized their actions to his followers in Matthew 23:2: “Therefore, whatever they [Pharisees] tell you to observe, that observe and do but do not do their works. For they speak but do nothing.4 They fasten heavy loads that are hard to carry and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they will not move them with their finger.” Sadly, many workers face less-than-genuine managers who fail to inspire them to more remarkable performance. This article examines the concept of authentic leadership in today’s society.

    Global competition is intensifying, compelling leaders to prioritize the interests of shareholders and investors due to financial pressures, often at the expense of their employees. However, organizations require competent, inspired, and exceptional employees who exceed basic performance metrics. Such extraordinary commitment is often withheld when employees perceive their leaders as self-serving and indifferent to their well-being. 

    In his article “The Foundational Importance of Trust in Management,” Forbes contributing writer Victor Lipman notes the alarming levels of distrust among workers. According to a Gallup survey, 70% of workers are disengaged in the organization.  Lipman found several contributing factors to this problem: disingenuous communication, lack of modeling behavior, and financial pressure. Lipman explains, “As a manager, I recognized my employees needed to trust me if I expected them to be fully productive on my watch.” Amid declining trust, exacerbated by widespread layoffs and rising unemployment rates, managers must cultivate sincerity and authenticity within their teams to elicit a caliber of performance that transcends the ordinary.

    In today’s complex landscape, organizations must prioritize the cultivation of authentic leadership. Leadership, fundamentally, represents the capacity to wield influence over others. Something special emerges when the adjective of authentic is modified on the word. The adjective authentic conveys “something real or genuine and not counterfeit.” In the case of the Pharisees, they were influencers of their followers. However, the reality was that their type of leadership was not genuine or sincere. Authentic leadership is characterized by leaders’ capacity to cultivate real, transparent relationships with their followers. In adopting this approach, leaders may intentionally make themselves vulnerable, fostering a deeper trust and connection.  

    Bill George, author of Authentic Leadership, describes authentic leadership as ‘a leadership style consistent with a leader’s personality and core values, honest, ethical and practical.’ Dr. Richard Daft, author of management, further outlines the following key characteristics of authentic leadership: (a) Authentic leaders pursue their purpose with passion; (b) Authentic leaders practice solid values; (c) Authentic leaders lead with their hearts as well as their heads; (d) Authentic leaders establish connected relationships; and Authentic leaders demonstrate self-discipline.  With these traits, authentic leadership would be synonymous with an unselfish leadership approach. 

    In closing, today’s workers want leaders who can inspire them for higher performance. Authentic leadership is as essential in the White House as having a winning football team in the NFL.  However, workers are not looking for managers who are not genuine in their relationships with them. This article examined the concept of authentic leadership in today’s society. The analysis reveals a prevailing desire among employees for leaders who are authentic and genuinely invested in their well-being. Amidst a landscape marked by disruptive forces such as layoffs, employees must feel that their management has their best interests at heart. If authentic leadership is applied, organizations will be better able to foster this value. By utilizing authentic leadership in their organizations, managers will be better able to build positive relationships with workers. Start today!

    © 2023 by Daryl D. Green

    About Dr. Daryl D. Green:

    Dr. Daryl D. Green is a business strategist, speaker, and noted author. Dr. Daryl Green provides motivation, guidance, and training for leaders at critical ages and stages of their development. He is the co-author of the book, “Impending Danger: The Federal Handbook for Rethinking Leadership in the 21st Century.”

    Dr. Green has been noted and quoted by USA Today, Ebony Magazine, and the Associated Press. Additionally, he is an award-winning college professor, developing new innovative approaches for today’s small businesses. For more information about this article or business assistance, please get in touch with Dr. Green at drdarylgreen@gmail.com or visit www.drdarylgreen.com.

  • Break the Cycle: Empowering Black Fathers to Save Our Sons

    Break the Cycle: Empowering Black Fathers to Save Our Sons

    This article highlights the challenges young black males face and explores how black fathers can play a crucial role in changing the trajectory of future generations.

    We sit and listen. Pastor Trevor Allen asked me to participate in a conference to bring Christian men together to discuss various topics, including new business start-ups, entrepreneurship, financial literature, mental wellness, and career planning. I was thrilled to be on a speaking panel with some distinguished men. What was absent from this equation was a group of young men who could have benefited from this knowledge. All these successful black men served as role models to the next generation of leaders. The question in the background of this conference was how to help the plight of today’s young black men.

    Who will save our sons from destruction? Numerous institutions in the United States, ranging from the educational system to healthcare, have failed young black boys. Who will step in to rescue them? Black parents and child advocates nationwide are sounding the alarm on the crisis faced by young black boys. When Reggie Jenkins and I wrote our book, A Call to Destiny: How to Create Effective Ways to Assist Black Boys in America, we analyzed the challenges young black boys face in the country. We discovered some troubling trends. If left unaddressed, young black boys, regardless of social class, will not survive in the 21st century. While some pundits and political operatives attempt to attribute the issues faced by black boys to irresponsible parenting and pop culture, millions and millions of black boys are falling victim daily to unemployment, incarceration, gang influences, drug addiction, and premature death. Although Father’s Day has passed this month, this article sheds light on the struggles of black boys in the United States and urges black fathers to take the lead in finding solutions to save our sons.

    Caption: Baptist Temple Church in Shreveport, Louisiana, held a men’s weekend retreat (“3-D Men: Developed, Disciplined, Discipled”) to solve the problems confronting local black communities.

    Today’s society encourages young black boys to aspire to become entertainers and sports heroes rather than scientists, lawyers, or doctors. The media portrays young black boys as dangerous, violent, and overly sexualized. Are we genuinely concerned about Joey’s lack of intellectual prowess if he can dunk a basketball or score a touchdown for our team? Generally, boys across America may not achieve as well as we desire. However, the narrative surrounding black boys is particularly alarming. Young black males are at the forefront of numerous negative statistics imaginable. 

    Consider these statistics:

    • According to the US Bureau of Justice, Black men face a much higher chance of being incarcerated. Black men are overrepresented among prisoners by a factor of five (32% v. 6%).
    • In 2021, full-time Black males had median earnings of $46,065, while all men had median earnings of $60,428.
    • In 2019, 28% of Black men ages 25-29 had a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 30% of Black women, over 40% of white men, and nearly half of white women, according to the National Center of Education Statistics in 2019.
    • According to the CDC National Center for Health Statistics, Black men die four years earlier than White men (for Black men, that gap is over nine years—showing that Black men are more likely to die prematurely).

    From the low social condition of black boys, it is easy to understand that every major institution has failed them and allowed them to become the prey of urban culture. Reggie Jenkins, founder/director of UUNIK Academy of Tennessee, notes, “We are in a state of emergency. Today’s culture, aided by mass media, bombards impressionable youth with conflicting value systems.” Unfortunately, many youths underperform so that they can fit in. Today’s black students lack role models in education. A child can go K-12 without ever having a black teacher or a black mentor.

    Caption: Baptist Temple Church Pastor Trevor Allen brought experts to discuss various men topics, including careers, entrepreneurship, mental health, financial management, and boys’ mentorship.

    Despite some folks’ opinions about fathers, fathers are critical for the development of their children. Black boys are no exception. Rev. Trevor Allen, pastor of the Baptist Temple Church (Shreveport, Louisiana), outlines the critical need for black fathers to take a stand.   He explains, “Black fathers must take an interest in the well-being of their sons and other young people. Many young people have no positive male figures/models, which many cases show.

    Our fathers also have to help young ladies know the kinds of men that need to be aspiring to date and marry.”  Weather TV Personality Al Roker adds, “When my father didn’t have my hand, he had my back.” There is an urgent need to save this generation of boys. Here are some practical strategies for today’s Black fathers:

    • Fight the negative images of black boys displayed by the media and other traditional institutions. 
    • Foster a positive relationship with your sons.
    • Model the way in terms of your character.
    • Consider mentoring and coaching other boys who do not have a positive father in the home.
    • Keep abreast of the current trends and issues involving the Black communities (black males specifically).
    • Stay involved with your son(s) activities (school, church, extracurricular).
    • Provide positive male role models.
    • Take control of your life by developing and implementing a personal action plan daily. 

    America is facing a significant issue as it witnesses the absence of millions of fathers in today’s households. The black community is not exempt from this predicament. The challenges faced by Black males in the United States are widely recognized. Expecting the government or non-profit organizations alone to resolve this dilemma is unrealistic. 

    Civil Rights Leader Martin Luther King Jr.  said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” 

    This article highlights the urgent need for practical solutions for today’s black boys in the United States. Black fathers have the power to spearhead these solutions and save this generation. If we allow black boys to become a threatened group, we will ultimately pave the way for all American children to suffer the same fate. Let us pray there is still time to act and make a difference.

    © 2023 by D. D. Green

    About Dr. Daryl D. Green:

    Dr. Daryl D. Green is a business strategist, speaker, and noted author. He is the Vice President of Marketing at AGSM Consulting LLC. He is the author of the business book Small Business Marketing. This expert is a father and grandfather.

    Dr. Green has been noted and quoted by USA Today, Ebony Magazine, and the Associated Press. He provides consulting guidance and management training for today’s small businesses. Additionally, Dr. Green is an award-winning college professor developing new innovative approaches for today’s small businesses. For more information about this article or business assistance, please get in touch with Dr. Green at drdarylgreen@gmail.com or visit www.drdarylgreen.com.

    Featured Photo by Joice Kelly on Unsplash

  • Cashback vavada



    Кэшбэк Vavada как способ увеличить выигрыш


    Cashback vavada

    Используйте возможности системы возврата средств, чтобы существенно повысить свои шансы на удачу. Каждый участник может вернуть часть потраченных средств, что поможет не только компенсировать потери, но и предоставить дополнительные ресурсы для игры. Попробуйте отслеживать свои расходы и обращать внимание на специальные предложения, которые могут оказаться весьма выгодными.

    Некоторые игроки успешно интегрируют данные вознаграждения в свою стратегию, что позволяет им дольше оставаться в игре и пробовать различные подходы. Обратите внимание на акционные предложения и бонусы, которые могут значительно увеличить ваш банкролл. Регулярное участие в таких акциях поможет вам не упустить возможности, которые позволяют улучшить общую финансовую ситуацию.

    Чтобы удобно получать доступ к своим выигрышам и бонусам, обязательно используйте эффективные ресурсы, такие как вавада рабочее зеркало, которые гарантируют стабильный доступ к бонусным программам и удобство в осуществлении азартных привычек. Чем больше будете использовать предоставленные возможности, тем быстрее увидите положительное влияние на свои результаты.

    Как работает система кэшбэка на платформе Vavada?

    На платформе предусмотрена система возмещения части потраченных средств. Каждый игрок имеет возможность получать процент от своих убытков в виде бонусных средств. Это позволяет не только резко сократить затраты, но и иногда даже восполнить их, возвращая возможность для новой игры.

    Основной принцип заключается в автоматическом начислении средств на личный счёт игрока. Каждый понедельник неиспользованные выплаты рассчитываются в зависимости от размера проигрышей за предыдущую неделю. Так, если вы играете активно, ваш результат может значительно измениться в сумме через короткое время.

    Процент возврата напрямую зависит от уровня игрока. Новички без статуса могут рассчитывать на 10%, игроки с уровнем VIP – на 15%. Однако требуется регулярно использовать платформа, чтобы зарабатывать бонусы. Поэтому рекомендуется планировать игры и ставить определённый лимит, чтобы не упустить выгоду.

    Для получения возмещения надо выполнить несколько действий. Необходимо зайти в раздел “Кэшбэк”, где станет доступна информация о текущих начислениях. В этом месте можно отследить накопленные средства и даже узнать, когда будет следующая выплата.

    Уровень игрока Процент возврата
    Новичок 10%
    Игрок 12%
    VIP 15%

    Стратегии получения максимального кэшбэка для игроков

    Обратите внимание на товары и разделы с повышенной отдачей. Например, игры определенных провайдеров могут приносить больше возмещений, чем другие. Изучите информацию об игорном контенте, чтобы сделать обоснованный выбор.

    Планирование бюджета – важный шаг к повышению своего возвращаемого объема. Установите лимиты на свои ставки, чтобы избежать невыгодных расположений. Четкое распределение средств позволит вам получать больше возмещений в долгосрочной перспективе.

    Регулярные игровые сессии также помогают накапливать бонусы. Выстраивание последовательности игр увеличивает шанс на получение дополнительных вознаграждений. Если играете часто, старайтесь делать более высокие ставки в те дни, когда ожидаются повышенные возмещения.

    Используйте преимущества лояльности, если таковые есть. Накопление очков и активное участие в программе может привести к большему количеству возмещений. Изучите, какие шаги необходимо предпринять для повышения уровня в программе.

    Следите за сроками акций и возмещения. Условия могут меняться, и игроки не всегда обращают на это внимание. Не пропустите возможность воспользоваться предложениями в последние дни, когда они действуют.

    Общение с другими игроками может приносить пользу. Форумы и сообщества иногда становятся источником полезной информации о том, как другие участники эффективно используют свои возможности. Обмен опытом может оказаться полезным в принятии решений о ставках.

    Как использовать кэшбэк для увеличения шансов на выигрыш?

    Для начала, полезно сосредоточиться на оптимальном управлении своим игровым банком. Полученные средства, например, следует использовать для участия в играх с более высоким уровнем возврата средств игроку (RTP). Чем выше RTP, тем больше шансов на получение выгодных результатов. Обратите внимание на слоты и настольные игры с ставками, соответствующими вашему бюджету, чтобы максимально эффективно использовать возврат средств.

    Не забывайте периодически проверять условия акций и предложения, чтобы не упустить возможность увеличить сумму, которая возвращается. Стоит подписаться на новостные рассылки или уведомления от платформы, чтобы быть в курсе всех интересных бонусов и акций. Нередко встречаются временные предложения, дающие дополнительные % возврата.

    • Сравните доступные игры для определения наилучшей ставки.
    • Воспользуйтесь периодами активных акций для повышения своего банка.
    • Изучите статистику и волатильность игр перед вкладом.

    После получения средств стоит рассмотреть возможность их реинвестирования в более выгодные ставки или более рисковые игры. Это может открыть новые горизонты и увеличить как шансы, так и потенциальные выигрыши. Пользуйтесь преимуществами своих инвестиций, и это может существенно повлиять на итоговые результаты.


  • Building Healthy Living Today: Injecting The Art of Dance into the Black Community

    Building Healthy Living Today: Injecting The Art of Dance into the Black Community

    Do you need to get into shape, but you haven’t found a fun way to do it? Have you ever wanted to learn how to dance?  You can begin dancing at any age. Are you interested in meeting new people, making connections, and learning how to dance all in one step? Learning to dance is beneficial for your mind and body. You will feel the benefits of a healthy dose of movement through dancing.  Start Today!

    Sadly, there are many in our communities that suffer health issues due to the lack of good physical fitness.  As you know, the pandemic put a spotlight on the disparities that exist for African Americans throughout the health care system.  According to the U.S. Department for Health and Human Services, African Americans are generally at higher risk for heart diseases, stroke, cancer, asthma, influenza and pneumonia, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS compared to whites. For example, African Americans are more prone to have diabetes (10% of blacks aged 35-49 compared to 6% of whites).

    St. John Missionary Baptist Church provides fitness programs to assist our members and the community with healthy living.  In collaboration with AGMS Consulting LLC, our church will proudly host a new fitness program called “Dancing for Healthy Living & Fun.”  The series kicks off in the Fall of 2023.

    On Saturday, May 13th, 4:30- 6:30 pm, Fellowship Hall, St. John Missionary Baptist Church, we will host our 2nd session, learning Latin dances of Merengue and Salsa. The event is FREE!

    In April, we hosted our first pilot session; we had an amazing turn-out with over 30 participants, learning ballroom dances like Foxtrot and Rumba.

    Dance coaches Dr Daryl and Estraletta Green have several years of social and competitive ballroom dance experience.  The Greens are the business owners of AGSM Consulting LLC, based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Dr. Green has taught dance lessons at the college level. 

    No preregistration required! Start your progress toward a more fun, healthy life today!

    For more information about this new program, please contact Jeffrey Washington, Directory of Exercise Ministry at 405-478-3344.

  • LinkedIn for Entrepreneurs: Building an Effective Online Brand

    LinkedIn for Entrepreneurs: Building an Effective Online Brand

    Examine how entrepreneurs and small business owners can leverage LinkedIn.com to help build their professional brand among customers.

    Gordon has a growing business with his food truck. The local factory workers would line up for his amazing food and desserts. Customers would routinely ask about his online ordering through his website or ad. However, Gordon just brushed the questions off as if they weren’t important. Several months later, a new food truck emerged. This new food truck slowly started pulling business from Gordon. To not be denied, Gordon sent one of his employees to investigate what this new business was doing. When the employee returned to Gordon, he noted that the food was pretty average. Yet, the owner had an amazing website, app, and social media presence that stood out. The company made it easy to order and pay them. Customers love convenience. The biggest bump was the number of reviews on Google. The owner has an incredible online presence.

    How does an entrepreneur or business owner create an effective online presence? The answer is not to simply ignore the role of an online presence, given the aftermath of the pandemic. With a strong brand, a business can attract more customers and stand out ahead of the competition. According to a Stackla report, 88% of consumers stated that authenticity is an important quality in building brand loyalty. Forty-six percent of US customers noted that they would pay more to purchase from brands that they trust. Thus, building an online branding that is authentic and trustworthy will provide a competitive advantage in this digital economy. Although many individuals may depend upon social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, one of the underutilized resources is LinkedIn.com. While some companies may benefit from a LinkedIn page for their businesses, most entrepreneurs would greatly benefit from a strong personal brand on Linkedin.com. This article examines how entrepreneurs and small business owners can leverage LinkedIn.com to help build their professional brand among customers.


    Today’s entrepreneurs need a strong online branding. Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha, authors of The Start-up of You, explain, “With change comes new opportunities as well as challenges. What’s required now is an entrepreneurial mindset… Entrepreneurs deal with these uncertainties, changes, and constraints head-on. They take stock of their assets, aspirations, and the market realities to develop a competitive advantage.” During the pandemic, several businesses were forced to shut down in the United States. Millions lost their jobs. The economy was crippled, and second-quarter GDP plummeted to a low of 29%. Yet, the world bounced back. With that being said, the pandemic of 2020 taught organizations, that if you do not have an online presence, you don’t exist with your customers, patients, congregations, and clients. Having an online presence is essential in a digital economy.


    What is a personal online brand? As Digitalmarketing.org points out, personal branding is a crucial and continual process that involves crafting and cultivating the reputation and impression of an individual, group, or organization. Personal branding is about leveraging your skills and experiences to create a distinct and compelling outer image. By utilizing online platforms like social media, individuals can project their personal brand to a wider audience, including customers, stakeholders, and even competitors.

    Dr. Green teaches his business students the importance of building an effective personal brand on LinkedIn.com.

    What is LinkedIn.com? LinkedIn.com is the world’s largest online professional network, having  more than 467 million members in over 200 countries and territories. Professionals are signing up on LinkedIn.com at a rate of more than two new members per second. In fact, 89% of employment recruiters have been hired through LinkedIn.com. Getting started on LinkedIn is easy. Connecting with the right person can increase career networking opportunities with the basic “Six Degrees of Separation” principle.  When a person is established on LinkedIn, the individuals can see how their connections are linked to other influential people. To get the most attention on LinkedIn, individuals need to achieve the “All-Star” status. Some of the requirements include a completed LinkedIn profile, including a professional photo and summary. 

    Below are steps to build an effective personal brand on LinkedIn:

    1. Create a unique LinkedIn URL for your profile. 
    2. Invest in a professional photo that highlights your personal image.
    3. Add a catchy headline aimed at potential customers or strategic alliances.
    4. Write an incredible summary statement.
    5. List appropriate work and volunteer experiences.
    6. Upload presentations and written documents that showcase your professional abilities.
    7. Post relevant articles on your LinkedIn profile (i.e., LinkedIn Pulse) that demonstrate your critical thinking and writing style.
    8. Endorse others to further your influence.
    9. Obtain recommendations from customers, suppliers, strategic alliances, and other influencers who can speak to your character and leadership abilities.
    10. Join LinkedIn Groups that add to your professional network.

    In today’s highly competitive global marketplace, entrepreneurs and small business owners are constantly seeking ways to gain an edge. Fortunately, LinkedIn offers a unique and effective platform to help them achieve their goals. This article showcases how entrepreneurs and small business owners can harness the power of LinkedIn.com to enhance their professional brand and expand their business opportunities online.

    Unlike other social media platforms, such as Facebook, LinkedIn is specifically designed for professionals to connect, network, and cultivate relationships with potential clients and partners. Through LinkedIn, individuals can establish valuable professional connections, access critical resources, and foster strong business relationships that can ultimately help them achieve their goals.

    Management guru Tom Peters explains, “Regardless of age, regardless of position, regardless of the business we happen to be in, all of us need to understand the importance of branding. We are CEOs of our own companies: Me, Inc. To be in business today, our most important job is to be head marketer for the brand called You.” Creating an effective LinkedIn Profile can garnish great career and professional networking opportunities. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

    © 2023 by Daryl D. Green

    About Dr. Daryl D. Green:

    Dr. Daryl D. Green is a business strategist, speaker, and noted author. He is the Vice President of Marketing at AGSM Consulting LLC. He is the author of the business book Small Business Marketing. 
    Dr. Green has been noted and quoted by USA Today, Ebony Magazine, and the Associated Press. He provides consulting guidance and management training for today’s small businesses. Additionally, he is an award-winning college professor, developing new innovative approaches for today’s small businesses. If you would like more information about this article or business assistance, please contact Dr. Green at drdarylgreen@gmail.com or visit www.drdarylgreen.com.

  • Christmas Giving: Oklahoma Expert Launches Project to Feed South African Children

    Christmas Giving: Oklahoma Expert Launches Project to Feed South African Children

    Do you want to give a gift this holiday season that will help save the lives of millions of children in a world away? Hunger, starvation and malnutrition have become a horrifying way of life for many South African impoverished children.  An Oklahoma expert has launched a book project that will transform the lives of hundreds of these unfortunate children through his personal philanthropy.

    A recent report revealed that over three million South African children experienced hunger in 2021, with more than 600,000 children experiencing hunger every day. The National Income Dynamics Study (Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (NIDS-CRAM) in April/May 2021) showed that about six out of ten South Africans (58%) reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on their household income. The pandemic and its associated financial crises in South Africa have forced many more people to live on the streets without shelter or food, including thousands of hungry children. 

    However, leadership expert Dr. Daryl D. Green wants to change this situation by collaborating with South African Pastor Ivan and Bronwynn Jones, who have captured the needs of the impoverished South African children in a coffee table book, You Feed Them, which is available for sale to the public with proceeds to be given to the Jones’ ministry.

    Pastor Ivan and Bronwynn Jones are known in the local community for their generosity. Pastor Jones is the senior pastor at Revelation Ministry, based in the gang-infested and poverty-stricken Cape Town neighborhood of Lavender Hill. 

    “I always knew that God has called us into full-time ministry,” said Pastor Jones. “Our goal for the ministry is to equip men and women for service in the kingdom of God. I have a strong belief that all things are possible with God.”  He and his wife Bronwynn, through their “Rise Up Children’s Project,” have fed over 850 children per day at four community feeding stations. Pastor Jones sees Dr. Green’s assistance with the publication of his book as an opportunity to better help these South African communities and get out the story about starving children. 

    Dr. Green, a business professor at Oklahoma Baptist University, accompanied several of his university students on a mission trip in 2018, orchestrating a vacation bible school for the Jones’ Revelation Ministry. Dr. Green’s encounter with Pastor Jones and his wife had a lasting impact on him, inspiring him to want to help their ministry in any way he could. He initiated the project of publishing the Jones’ book to stimulate more revenue for the couple’s ministry.

    “Pastors Ivan and Bronwyn were wonderful hosts to us in Cape Town. I was really touched by their children’s ministry. I just knew in my heart that they needed multiple levels of revenue to sustain their ministry. I am practicing personal philanthropy through this ministry. I believe in economic empowerment. Let’s teach people how to fish instead of giving them a fish,” said Dr. Green.  “Personal philanthropy can be defined as ‘an individual’s charitable giving to a worthy to support an altruistic desire to improve human welfare or a condition,’ which is precisely what I am attempting to do with this project.”

    Children get fed regardless of the status of their families.

    Dr. Green proposed the publishing of a coffee table book that visually showcases the work of the South African couple, leveraging his connections and experience providing consulting, guidance and management training for small businesses and new start-ups. Over the years, he has evaluated and consulted to over 100 organizations, including Westinghouse and Lockheed Martin.

    You Feed Them is now available on Lulu.com! All proceeds support the Jones’ Revelation Ministry.

    Dr. Green launched the book project for the Jones with the help of his brand development manager, Antoinette Kelley.  “Kelley was the linchpin of the project, with her experience of publishing.  I knew that we could be successful.  The next phase is promoting the great work of Pastor Ivan and his wife to the world.”

    You Feed Them is currently available on Lulu.com for anyone interesting learning more about the plight of starving children in South Africa, while supporting the cause championed by the ministry.

    To learn more about this fundraising initiative for South African children, please contact Dr. Green at drdarylgreen@gmail.com.

    About Dr. Daryl D. Green

    Dr. Daryl D. Green is the Vice President of Marketing at AGSM Consulting, LLC, where he provides strategic planning, marketing and product development to emerging and existing businesses. In 2016, Dr. Green retired from the Department of Energy, where he had been employed for over 27 years in the DOE’s Environmental Management Program. He is a much sought-after speaker and award-winning author of several textbooks and reference books, including Job Strategies for the 21st Century. Dr. Green has a national digital marketing certification and is also a respected researcher in his field of study, which focuses on culture, decision-making, leadership, management and marketing.

    Dr. Green received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Southern University, an M.A. in Organizational Management from Tusculum College, and a doctoral degree in Strategic Leadership from Regent University. He is currently a respected university professor at Oklahoma Baptist University, who has been noted and quoted by USA Today, Ebony Magazine and the Associated Press.

  • Dr. Daryl D. Green Receives 2022 ACBSP Region #6 Best Presentation Award

    Dr. Daryl D. Green Receives 2022 ACBSP Region #6 Best Presentation Award

    Leadership development expert and award-winning author, Dr. Daryl D. Green, along with his co-presenter Dr. Tracy Dunn of Benedict College, receives the 2022 ACBSP Region #6 Best Presentation Award.

    Dr. Daryl D. Green, Associate Professor of Business, Oklahoma Baptist University,  and his co-presenter, Dr. Tracy Dunn, Business Dean, Benedict College, were named as regional award recipients of the 2022 Best of Region Presentation Award. Due to prior obligations, Dr. Dunn was unable to co-present with Dr. Green at this conference. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) recognizes individuals each year who exemplify teaching excellence in the classroom.  Region #6 is comprised of universities and colleges from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

    Dr. Green and Dr. Dunn bring a combined more than 30 years of academic experience in engaging students toward greater learning outcomes.

    In his presentation, Dr. Green focused on the issue of how today’s educational institutions can produce greater learning outcomes for this generation of students. In 2020, many organizations, not only in academia, were challenged by the pandemic. As a result, they were required to modify existing strategies. Across the country, universities are concerned about how to improve student performance. Dr. Green’s presentation exhibited some innovative teaching practices targeted to engage today’s student population.  Dr. Green explains, “I think we are underserving our students as educators if we do not understand their learning styles and make adjustments. Our students today are of Generation Z, who make up the most global, diverse and deliberate generation of all times.” Both Drs. Green and Dunn advocate for a student-centered approach to teaching in lieu of  the traditional lecture-based teaching, which focuses more on the subject being taught rather than on the students who are expected to better understand the subject.

    In this entertaining presentation, participants learned more about Gen Z students and how to leverage more student-engaging activities to produce greater learner outcomes.  Most students can benefit from practical applications of theory. With that said, educators need to better understand this student generation to more effectively engage them in learning.

    At the conference, Dr. Green shares teaching strategies to better engage today’s students.

    Green adds, “Today’s students need classes that show them how to connect with the real world, especially in business schools. Dr. Dunn and I bring a unique skillset to academia because of the substantial corporate experience in our careers. In our workshops, we show faculty how to engage their students.” Today’s Gen Z students need more ”hands on” real world exposure to connect classroom theories.  Some of these active learning tactics include question-and-answer sessions, team led-discussions, experiential learning, and hands-on activities. Engagement activities get students involved in their own learning experiences. 

    Using games, Dr. Green provided hands-on experience to participants on engaging students.

    As a result of winning this award, Drs. Green  Dunn will advance to present at ACBSP Conference 2023, the Accreditation Council’s national conference, held in Chicago on June 29-May 2.

    For more information, please contact Estraletta Green at estraletta@att.net

    Dean Dr. Randall Dupont of Louisiana State University, Alexandria (LSU-A), presents Dr. Green with the presentation award for the conference.
    Dr. Green celebrates his award with fellow Louisianan, Ashley Nelson (LSU-A).

    About AGSM LLC

    AGSM Consulting LLC provides consulting, guidance and management training for today’s small businesses.  Estraletta Green and Dr. Daryl D. Green formed their consultancy, which is  based in Tennessee.  Additionally, Dr. Green is the Dickinson Chair of Business in the Paul Dickinson College of Business at Oklahoma Baptist University. AGSM LLC offers a full menu of services for business owners, depending on their particular business needs. This includes, but is not limited to, business and marketing plan preparation, audit/management evaluations, general business consulting services, leadership development training, professional seminars/workshops, speaker services and personal advisement. The company focuses on new and start-up businesses, preferably in the earlier stages of operation.  For more information, please visit www.agsmconsulting.com.

  • Event Marketing for Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Community Organizations: Nine Immutable Strategies for Success

    Event Marketing for Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Community Organizations: Nine Immutable Strategies for Success

    Pam was responsible for coordinating the annual fundraising event. She was young, energetic, and passionate about her organization’s mission. In the aftermath of the pandemic, fundraising had dropped way off. Her boss dumped the responsibility for the event into her lap with little thought about the consequences of putting an inexperinced person in charge.  He asked her to promote the event on social media, as he had seen other organizations do.  Pam began working on the fundraising event with no guidance, no budget, and no significant support from her colleagues.  She was hopeful about its success because people seemed to like her initial social media postings, many saying that planned to attend the event.  However, when the day of the event came, actual attendance was disappointingly low. During his debriefing of the event afterward, Pam’s boss blamed her for the lack of the event’s success. Pam was disappointed and discouraged.

    Are you planning an event for your community?  Are you worried about how to promote the event in the aftermath of the pandemic?   Welcome to the New Normal!  What worked in the past won’t necessarily work in today’s hectic world.  Most organizations have limited resources and must be cautious about how they spend their capital.  Hosting an event is no exception.  However, if organizations knew of some key ingredients that could improve the likelihood of success for these activities, they would be in a better position for the upcoming year. This article examines the critical strategies that organizations should consider as they market their events in today’s somewhat disruptive climate.

    Let’s be real!  The pandemic has changed how organizations plan for events. According to SkiftMeetings.com, the pandemic requires event planners to rethink how they plan and launch events.  Below are data from Skift Meetings about the latest trends:

    • Almost three fourths of event planners, or 73.6 %, have become more proficient  in using today’s technology as a result of the pandemic. 
    • Safety continues to be the number one issue for event planners, 55% of whom cited safety concerns as the biggest obstacle to hosting live events. 
    • Almost three quarters of planners (71%) plan to continue to employ a digital strategy to maintain their virtual audience, even after they return to hosting in-person events. 
    • 34% of planners reported that increased attendance at their events was the most positive result of pivoting to virtual, followed by lower overhead costs (27%).
    • 43% of virtual event registrants attend live, while 13% attend on demand.

    What is event marketing?  It can be defined as “the process of planning, organizing and executing an event for the purpose of promoting a brand, product or service.”  Sadly, many organizations do not spend enough upfront planning time for their events.  Has the market changed?  Will participants want to attend the event due to fears about the pandemic or their own personal safety?  Today’s consumers are different.  They have more access to information; they have more choices of events.  Therefore, your event must stand out. 

    Caption: MTCCOK President Myron Knight planted a vision for the event that was contagious. Photo by MTCCOK Photography.

    Christian Nymand and Mante Kvedare, authors of The Virtual Sales Handbook, argue that the market has shifted to one of empowering consumers.  They explain, “Before COVID-19, it was you who decided which meetings were fit for virtual and which were not…Now, we no longer have the power to make that decision.”  Stephanie Diamond, author of Web Marketing for Small Businesses, adds about the new role of consumers, “Drive the personality of the brand.  Consumers decide what the real meaning of a company’s brand is and drive the popularity – or lack of it.”  Thus, those without a good plan for promoting their organizations will fall behind competitors that are more strategic in their promotions.

    Caption:  In Dr. Green’s class, business students Youssef Mikhail and Jacob Moore provided marketing consultation to the 2022 OKC Eastside Bike Ride.

    In 2021, I was tasked with marketing from scratch a bike event called the OKC Eastside Bike Ride, targeting new riders in the northeast section of Oklahoma City.  This area is predominately African American and has no significant background in cycling.  I was instructed to promote registration for the event primarily online.  As the promotional chair of this event with plenty of unknowns, I was nervous about the outcome.  The event was free.  The results were shocking.

    Caption:  Dr. Green poses with his colleagues at his University. Word-of-mouth was the most effective way of connecting people with the event. Photo by Dr. Cannan Craney.

    This being the inaugural bike ride event, over 200 people participated.  A year later, in July of 2022, we hosted the “2nd Annual OKC Eastside Bike Ride,” a fundraiser sponsored by the Major Taylor Cycling Club of Oklahoma(MTCCOK).  In this case, the primary target was more experienced riders.  Again, the event drew over 200 participants and was highly successful.  Both events (in 2021 and 2022) reached a more diverse audience than expected.  Against the backdrop of COVID-19, both of these community-based events were successful due to the event marketing approaches employed.  Below are the themes and strategies shared by both of these events:

    1. Have a shared vision.  Leaders like MTCCOK President Myron Knight must create a compelling vision.
    2. Establish a committed team.  Being surrounded by passionate people is contagious.
    3. Set clear goals and measurable outcomes.  What gets measured gets done. 
    4. Set a promotion budget. Many events fail because leaders are unwilling to invest sufficiently in their own events.
    5. Know your constituents.  Without understanding the needs and desires of the target participants, organizations are risking an unsuccessful event.
    6. Get assistance from a seasoned marketing professional if possible.  Seek out knowledgeable individuals to assist you in developing and implementing your promotional strategy.
    7. Develop a promotional plan with a focus on word-of-mouth tactics. Work the plan! Plan the work!
    8. Leverage the power of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Social media is a very helpful tool, but not the sole answer in event promotions.
    9. Track and measure results. Make decisions by analyzing the data.

    Today’s unpredictable environment has forced organizations to rethink how they host events in their communities.  Most planners attribute disappointing results to disruptive changes.  Organizations hosting less than successful events are not the exception. According to SkiftMeetings.com, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in over $500 billion in cumulative losses for the U.S. travel economy.  The New Normal climate underlines the need to actively and carefully target potential participants.  This article demonstrates how organizations can be successful hosting community events by employing some critical marketing strategies.  By taking the necessary steps to understand their target participants’ emotional needs for the event, small businesses, nonprofits and community-based organizations can improve their chances of promoting a successful event. Let’s pray that it is not too late.

    © 2022 by D. D. Green

    About Dr. Daryl Green:

    Dr. Daryl D. Green is a business strategist, awarding speaker, and noted author. He is the Vice President of Marketing at AGSM Consulting LLC where he provides strategic planning, marketing, and product development to emerging and existing businesses. He provides consulting, guidance, and management training for today’s small businesses. He is a business professor operating a small business in Oklahoma. He has assisted over 100 organizations across the globe with marketing and management problems. If you would like more information about this article or business assistance, please contact Dr. Green at drdarylgreen@gmail.com or visit www.drdarylgreen.com.

  • OKC Eastside Bike Ride

    OKC Eastside Bike Ride

    I think it is important to give back to the community and support events that bring people together.   In 2020, my wife Estraletta bought me a nice bike to get me out of the house.  It worked.  I started cycling and loving it…as a recreational rider.   I was approached by one of my church members, Myron Knight, to work on a community project to increase bike participation in the Black community in Oklahoma City.  I supported this activity as the marketing chairman.  This event was larger than I imagined.  

    We brought people together!!!   I pray that more professors will commit to working with underserved communities to make it a better world for all people!

    Marketing works when you connect a need with a valuable resource!  MTCCOK is one of these community-based organizations that I am proud to serve and be a member.

    Dr. Daryl D. Green provided marketing support to the 2022 OKC Eastside Bike Ride on July 2th sponsored by the Major Taylor Cycling Club of Oklahoma (MTCCOK).  The club is named after a Black world champion cyclist Marshall “Major” Taylor. Dr. Green provided extra support to the organization through the OBU business micro internship.  Marketing students Youssef Mikhail and Jacob Moore provided marketing support to the 2022 OKC Eastside Bike Ride.  The 2022 event was a great success with over 200 participants.  

    Major Taylor is regarded as a cycling legend who was one of the greatest bicyclists of his era, setting numerous world records and winning a World Championship and multiple National Championships, all while battling racism throughout his career from the late 1800s to early 1900s.

    Dr. Green is a charter board member of MTCCOK.  In 2021, a group of bike enthusiasts proposed a bike event in the Northeast side of Oklahoma City which is predominately black community to encourage bike riding and better health.  Myron Knight was the visionary for this event. He is the current president for MTCCOK. The inaugural OKC Bike Ride was free to the community.  The event was very successful, attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds and races.  It attracted over 200 participants.  

    Join MTCCOK on Facebook