#413ways

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

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