Knowledge Reigns Supreme

Only 1 percent of venture-backed startups in the U.S. are founded by African-Americans. In 2011, 89% of venture capital investors were male, only 2% were African American or Latino. If these numbers bother you, that's OK, but you must understand the big picture: Unfortunately, traditional regulations on who is allowed to provide venture funding was limited to only about 3% of Americans (the majority of which were wealthy White men). Previously, you had to have a net worth of at least 1Million to be qualified as an accredited investor. Of that tiny 3% only 300,000 individuals and 500 firms actually do any investing. This type of elitist system is a major part of the reason why American innovation and wealth creation remains with the same group of people. Fortunately, things are changing slowly. On October 30th, the SEC voted to permit equity crowdfunding for non-accredited investors. This will broaden the investor base and hopefully lead to a more diverse field of investors, business owners, & more innovative solutions coming to the market. ✊🏾 #413ways (at Syracuse University)

My motto is #ProductiveOverBusy The posts that get the most likes are the celebrations, the vacations, the fancy cars and clothes, the private jets, the celebrity entourage, etc. but the real work is always overlooked and under appreciated. It's done during long nights with your face stuck in front of a computer, with nothing but wifi and ideas. Or in those meetings where some creative people bring their brains together. When you're alone grinding. Nobody's there to "like" it. When you turn around and there are no followers to be found. Those are the moments that really matter. Empires are built behind the scenes. It's what you do when no one's looking that counts. Just because you're not balling living a flashy lifestyle doesn't mean meaningful work isn't getting done. #413Ways (at Syracuse Coworks)

Sometimes I get lost on this journey of trying to make things happen. Then I have to remember my dreams. What does it take to make your dreams come true? It depends on what you want to do. You can have a great idea and a little bit of inspiration but action is the name of the game.  One thing I’ve learned is that motivational quotes won’t work alone without some work ethic and intense effort.  The right mindset is also key, but you have to be willing to put the time, effort, and energy in. No matter what it is you want to accomplish, you can't sit around all day wishing it will happen. There is no such thing as the perfect time, there is no such thing as the perfect opportunity.  All you have is the present moment.   Everyday you have to make intentional efforts to keep going in a positive direction to achieve whatever it is you’re trying to achieve.  Your circumstances may not be under your control, but your mentality, your reaction, and your results are up to you and you alone.  So what does it take to make your dreams come true?  Think about it, then act on it. #413Ways ------------ Reminder: We are 1 week away from our first SOYL (Supporting Our Young Leaders) event! RSVP here: 413ways.com/soyl (at Syracuse Coworks)

Hmm I wonder why people don't take the time and energy they spend criticizing others or complaining about their situation or why nobody's supporting them, and instead use that energy to invest in themselves..? It's a mystery. We can't afford not to spend our time, energy, and resources on making ourselves better. #413Ways

Somebody asked me how do you build success? I believe success is built by creating value and developing trust.  In order to be successful you need to provide value to those around you and to yourself.  You have to do something not just because it's cool but because it's necessary.  You have to develop trust because nobody succeeds alone.  No matter what you read in Forbes, Inc, Entrepreneur Mag, or any other source, there is no such thing as self-made.  You build a strong team and a solid following based off of what you bring to the table, and that team and following will help you achieve your goals while you do the same for them.   Next time you wonder if you should do something, think about whether it will add value to your life or the life of those around you.  The next time you wonder if you should add someone to your life, think about whether they add value to yours. Think about it in terms of reciprocity: the more you give away, the more you get.  Value and trust are the same in most cases. Succeed on your own terms.  ✌🏾️ #413Ways

On November 9th, join me and a few other #blkcreatives for a Twitter chat about getting quality work done and eliminating/mitigating DISTRACTIONS @ 9PM EST Brought to you by My Creative Connection ✌🏾️@_mycc

My bro @kelt_crenshaw once told me that setting examples is better than giving advice & I agree that learning by doing carries more weight than learning by reading. So I'm making sure that all of my actions set a good example for anyone paying attention and I've created a platform for people to learn from those who are actually doing the things everyone needs to learn about.  Everyone has something they're good at, but not everyone has the ability or desire to monetize it. Similarly, we all have the ability to do work that we truly enjoy. Whether you want to make money doing what you enjoy or not, many people believe you should spend a significant amount of time doing it, in order to stay healthy and stay happy.  On Friday, November 13th, at 5PM I'll be here @syracusecoworks with a few other entrepreneurs discussing how you can Find Your Niche and make it work for you.  Visit 413ways.com/soyl to RSVP & learn more.  (at Syracuse Coworks)

SOYL (Supporting Our Young Leaders) is a free monthly lecture series designed to connect college students with local professionals & entrepreneurs. Each month, 3 presenters (one student, one local businessperson, & one entrepreneur) speak for 15 minutes each (7.5 minute talk & 7.5 minute Q&A with the audience) on a particular theme. After all 3 present, there's 30 minutes of networking. This months theme is "FINDING YOUR NICHE" When: Friday November 13th at 5pm to 7pm Where: Downtown at Syracuse CoWorks ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ This is something dope for college students or anyone building their business looking for a way to network with individuals who can help them turn their ideas into actions. This is the first of many events & we plan to take it from city to city. ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ To RSVP visit 413ways.com/soyl (at Syracuse Coworks)

Office vibes @eamesoffice

From idea to implementation. Putting plans into action. Cooking up something good. #413Ways (at Syracuse Coworks)

Many great ideas grow from putting together the right minds. #413Ways (at Syracuse Coworks)

Life goal: making change while making change. #413Ways

I'm an extremely flawed person. For that reason, I'm a lifelong learner. Here's five things I've learned and re-learned so far this year: 1. Sometimes it's okay to ask for help. You don't have to do it all on your own. Eventually you will get to a point where doing so is counterproductive. 2. People in your life either move you forward, push you back, or hold you in place. If they are not adding value to you, it's time to reevaluate their position in your life. 3. Invest time, energy, and resources into personal growth and development. The more you focus on intentional growth, the better you will be able to serve others. Hint: you don't have to be single to work on you. 4. If you believe in God and that God lives in you, don't ever talk about what you cannot do. Read: Philippians 4:13 5. Everyone does not deserve your time, your presence, or your words. When they show you that they don't deserve you, take a step back. ➕➕➕➕➕➕➕➕➕➕➕➕ I hope this helps someone. More will be posted at kevinclaiborne.com #413Ways (at Rocnation HQ)

Love is simple. People are complicated. It's not hard to be happy. Find it yourself, then find someone who adds to it.

Don't complicate it.

Risk taking is key to being a successful entrepreneur. People with a safety net in the form of families with money, inheritances, or connections to people with money tend to take more risks (and bigger risks), thus they succeed more often. What are your thoughts?

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