Platinum Magazine - Summer 2022 by PlatinumMagazine

PLATINUM ur o Y g n i t Crea cy a g e L & Business n a l P n o i t Protec

The Value of Strategic Partnersh ips

The Rising Kings of

Black

Business, Love

& Life

3 Laws of Effective Communication for Relationships

Signs You Need a Dating Coach

by Ken Canion

Summer 2022

Issue No.5

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PLATINUM MAGAZINE Fortunately, we’ll be bringing others on board to assist in the process for the next issue. Now, don’t get me wrong – I love publishing this magazine! I love the entrepreneurs that I connect with and learn from simultaneously. This platform allows me to share those amazing ideas, information, and businesses, to all of you.

Tamika Michelle Johnson Editor-in-Chief

editor's note If you have been following “Platinum Magazine” since our launch earlier this year, you know that we started off as a monthly publication. However, after the first 4 issues, I make the executive decision to publish it as a quarterly magazine. I mention that because I want to encourage people who are reluctant or on the fence about starting a new venture to go forward with your plan. Timing is never going to be perfect. There will ALWAYS be something to distract you from your goal. The great thing about life and our journeys is that you have the option and flexibility to change to improve your service and/or product at any given time on your terms. No one’s life changed because I didn’t put out a May issue of the magazine, except for my own. With all of things and roles that I have, the obligation of having a monthly publication did not fit into the lifestyle that I desire. All the professionals featured in the magazine are vetted and interviewed, and that takes time. Then having to condense a 5,000-word interview into a 1,500-word article is another craft in itself.

For example, who can’t use a lesson about learning how to effectively communicate in any and all areas of our lives? So, be sure to check out our cover story with Ken Canion, a Personal Development Coach who focuses on relationships for more on that. And the sleeper article in this issue is “The Rising Kings of Turo” with Rod Dewberry and his father Eugene, who now earn an incredible amount of income as rental car hosts. Rod has immense corporate experience and was able to apply that expertise to be one of the best hosts on Turo’s peerto-peer car-sharing platform, while also maintain his post as fulltime pastor. Let’s not forget about learning more about “Strategic Partnerships” by Sacha Walton and “Creating Your Business & Legacy Protection Plan” by Attorney Nefertara Clark. Then there’s Bree Jenkin’s “Signs that You Need a Dating Coach” and Tiffany Simmons AKA “The Plugs Lawyer” who talks about her multiple businesses, love, and life. By all means, take all of this in on your phone or computer, but it’s definitely best enjoyed as a printed hard copy with your beverage choice. Either way, you can visit the website to read it. Thanks for your continued support and I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I do! Tamika Michelle Johnson “The Matchmaking Attorney”

QueVision Photography Portrait & Wedding Photographer

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THE VALUE OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS by Sacha Walton Photo Credit: SLB Motion Pictures

Collaboration is the new competition - well, at least some have adopted this new saying in the entrepreneurial world. However, let me be the first to debunk it or publicly say that “collaboration and competition” do not belong in the same phrase together. In fact, competition brings division. On the other hand, building strategic partnerships is the result of synergy and it fosters valuable relationships. This should be an aspiration in every entrepreneur’s business planning goals. I can say this because I am a business strategist who specializes in business development, event production, marketing, and branding. Being on my entrepreneurial journey for over 20 years, I have learned about the value in building strategic partnerships. As I recall, some of my greatest opportunities I received were through partnering and even bartering with other entrepreneurs or organizations. There is something special when you can come together on one accord with other professionals and tackle individual and partnered

goals at the same time. Here are several valuable benefits in strategic alliances that I want to share with every professional reading this article. 1) Increased Exposure: Starting a professional alliance with other business owners affords one with the opportunity to extend their reach in each other’s community. The target audience increases for everyone involved. A perfect example of a valuable partnership is sharing a platform via events. 2 )Longevity in Relationships: Partnering does not mean it has to stop at one project. Those who form strong bonds in business tend to participate in future endeavors together. 3) Referrals: Word of mouth is still an effective classic marketing tool and referrals are typically made to other business professionals who are in proximity to the collaborating entrepreneur.

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DO: ·Have an open mind to the limitless possibilities of building an alliance with other business owners; ·Use a partnership agreement that clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of the agreement as well as the length of the contract; ·Develop a non-disclosure agreement to protect the ideas and plans of both parties within the alliance; ·Have an exclusive agreement as well to reduce the risk of either party involving additional people after the initial agreement is signed;

There are other advantages to strategic partnerships such as shared cost for a project, competitive edge, expansion of projects, and shared risk. Strategic partnerships, if cultivated properly by all parties, can have their rewards. Many may shy away from this because of being burnt in the past or fear having their ideas and methods stolen. That can happen - in fact, I experienced a small loss financially with a temporary partnership. I had an event in Las Vegas, NV and collaborated with a young lady who in turn left the event and did not return - leaving me holding the bag, per say. However, I learned from that experience and that allowed me to move forward in wisdom and build other partnered relationships. Granted, not all experiences are positive but providing a solid plan along with understanding the do’s and don’ts of collaborations will help to protect yourself and your brand.

·Always communicate clearly with each other; and ·Have a clear understanding of everything, including, any shared risk, revenue, and even something as small as an email list, etc. DO NOT: ·Do not assume that either party automatically knows what to do. ·Do not ever work without an agreement. ·Do not break the agreement abruptly - Follow the terms of the agreement ·Do not be dishonest ·Do not go into a partnership blind ·Do not merge businesses. Both parties can work on projects together without a merger. Remember it is all about the individual project with which you are aligned. ·Do not partner with others who are not aligned with your overall business goals or where there is a lack of integrity and discipline.

There are advantages and disadvantages involved when participating in a strategic partnership, but the most important part to remember is how you align with the potential agreement. It is about longevity and the right business relationship can enhance the goals of each party. With that being said, “Collaboration is the new partnership.”

ABOUT SACHA: Sacha Walton is the owner of SWI Management Group, which specializes in strategic business planning and development, marketing, branding, and event production. Sacha is a business strategist and coach and takes a holistic approach to business supporting entrepreneurs in becoming the highest version of themselves in business by way of mindset and business coaching. As the founder and host of According 2 Sacha Podcast, she created a platform to highlight all entrepreneurs to promote their products and services. "According 2 Sacha" is a livestream video and audio podcast. You can the show on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, and Audible. Sacha is also a speaker and an author of her new book “Beyond the Music: A Guide to Entrepreneurship.” To find out more about Sacha Walton and SWI Management Group, contact info@swimgtgroup.com or visit: www.swimgtgroup.com. You can also follow Sacha on: Facebook & LinkedIn - Sacha Walton Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok - @thatgirlsach

Matchmakers Dating Coaches Relationship Coaches

Pre-register today at: www.BlackRelationshipProfessionals.com 7

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Bree Jenkins Licensed Therapist & Dating /Life Coach

ABOUT: Bree Jenkins specializes in helping people become empowered and break negative dating patterns. She uses her skills, honed from a background in coaching, therapy, and personal styling to help clients clarify ideal compatible characteristics in partners, identify key behaviors to improve, form a plan of action to increase chances of meeting matches, discovering, and implementing ways to transform their love lives. Additionally, Bree helps clients change habits, attract better matches, and enjoy the journey to a healthy and fulfilling love. She’s helped numerous clients of all backgrounds into happy marriages, relationships, and in finding healthier empowered romantic lives. If you’re ready to transform the way you approach dating and say yes to healthy dating, then say yes to date coaching with Bree and visit www.thegatheredlife.com for additional information! 8

"The plugs lawyer" black business, love & life Tiffany Simmons, Esq. From the moment I first encountered Tiffany Simmons AKA The Plugs Lawyer, I was nothing short of intrigued. Ms. Simmons is an attorney, author, artist, producer, businesswoman, and most of all AUTHENTIC. Known as the “Black Judge Judy,” Tiffany is the self-appointed Judge of “Hood Court,” a “Cheaters” style reality court show where audiences chime in on the dramafilled scenario of the day and Judge Tiff renders her verdict. However, Tiffany is so much more than her public persona as the Hood Court Judge. I was finally able to sit down to conduct this interview with her, even though I almost canceled it due to my being sick. But as many of us do, I pushed through and I’m glad that I did because this was in fact the last interview that Tiffany agreed to do for the remainder of 2022. We talk about business, love, and black women. Like it or not, Tiffany Simmons is a passionate, loving, creative woman that speaks her truth and provides a platform for others to do so as well. Here’s an excerpt of our 9

time together. Question: Let’s start with sharing your primary main motivation for becoming a lawyer? Tiffany: Well, the biggest motivation is because that's what I know God called me to do. As I share in many interviews, even in my books, one of the major catalysts for me to become an attorney was me. Experience, and a not so pleasant experience, where I felt like no one spoke up for me, and I felt like I was on trial with the particular situation. That was the catalyst that told the five-year-old Tiffany that hey, you're going to be the voice for the voiceless, you're going to be an attorney. Question: Thank you for that. Next, you are what I call a multipreneur because you have a lot of different projects going on. Tell us about a few of the projects that you have or had up until this point. Tiffany: I am involved with a lot of things, but I just call it living my purpose. I am a business owner.

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I also have “That’s Law,” which is a book for the millennial lawyer. It’s a short e-book to show the millennial lawyer how to be an attorney. The things that they don't teach you in law school and what you can do to have success in your law practice. But, it's not necessarily just for new lawyers though. It is for seasoned attorneys who may not have their own private practice and they're leaving government jobs and they're starting their own firm.

Although I practice law, I am more than just an attorney. I am in a lot of movies and television. I also created my own show called “Hood Court” where I'm known as Black Judge Judy, and we pull up on you like the show “Cheaters” and we fix your mess. So, you know, I've been coined the queen of fixing your mess, as of lately, and I enjoy doing the show. In addition to doing the show and living my purpose, I love to just enjoy life. We're all here to live a human experience. And I think a lot of times, people with titles, specifically lawyers, or female entrepreneurs, all of these labels that we can call ourselves, we get caught up in the labels and forget that we are supposed to live this life. So yeah, I do a lot of fun things. Question: You have also authored several books. Tell us a little bit about those. Tiffany: I currently have 5 books. “The Plugs Lawyer” is a fiction book. It's a trap novel loosely based on my life. “The Plugs Lawyer” Part 2 will be coming out soon, and there will actually be a “Plugs Lawyer” Part 3.

Another book that I have is called “Law and Family Order: Making the Case for Successful Moms To Be.” That book is my story and the stories of 11 other ladies where we talk about how you can balance family life as well as balance business. We know that's a hot topic in today's world where we have women with kids, but they also have a career, and they may have a husband and they want to have it all. But it takes work to happen. I also have a book called “Look, But Don't Touch the Art!” a limited-edition poetry book with my poetry. It also has artwork that I painted as well as art of pictures of myself. So, I have a lot of variety for those that like books, from fiction to nonfiction, to self-help to just creativeness with my poetry books. Question: That’s awesome! Now, you know dating and relationships are my thing. You have talents in so many different areas. Do you think that's had an impact on you dating and finding a compatible partner for you? Tiffany: I do think that because I am multitalented, that it does affect my dating. But that's good and bad. I have allowed myself to be around low vibrational people and low-quality people. That's the downside of me being involved on so many different platforms. I'm not just around corporate America, I'm not just around the streets, I'm not just around lawyer life, I'm not just around entrepreneurs and creatives. I'm around so many

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different people. So, the quality of people that is around me, it ranges and so that's something that I had to look at and notice for me. However, with the blessing of being involved in so many different things and doing so much outside of me being just a lawyer, I have been able to experience dating at a good pace. I don't subscribe or agree with those stereotypes of not being able to find a compatible man. Or you know, if you make more money than the man then he's not good for you. Or, if you make less money than a man he's going to control you. I throw that stuff out the window because I’m my own individual self. If I were to look at statistics, I wouldn't be here as the undefeated “Plugs Lawyer.” When I look at dating, I try to enjoy the moments of whom I'm dating or what we're doing. Everybody you meet is not your wife or your husband. It could just be an experience. They might know who your husband or your wife is because they can be their best friend. A lot of times, in the context of powerful women or corporate women, we get so stuck on statistics, we get so stuck on dating stereotypes, we get so stuck on I have this title, so he has to be a certain way and a lot of women miss out. There are so many professional women that are so f**king bitter in their attitudes and in their energy. I'm not trying to dog women or black women, but I'm saying this because I want us to do better. I want us to have better. I get the most hate from black female attorneys. I'm looking at that scenario and I think, why would men want to date a bitter woman? Why would they want to date a mean woman? Why would they want to date a woman who wants to wear the pants all the time? Although I am involved in a lot of stuff, and I wear the pants as an entrepreneur, a business owner, and managing partner of Simmons Law, in my house, I'm the lady. I'm a woman. I'm the safe space for my partner. That's what I want to be and that’s the idea that I have for myself. 11

And let me say this, especially to black women. A lot of times we sit there, and we give and we give and we give and we are expecting someone to finally see us or hear us or save us. That's not how it works. You're going to give yourself into a place of resentment and bitterness. Listen, if we know the stereotypes of, we’re always last on the list, nobody cares about us, nobody protects us, and all of the stereotypes, know that there are people that love black women and that love us. There are people who respect us. There are people that support us, black women. But, to those that feel like you don't have any support or feel like you don't have any love, do not fall into that stereotype. Do what you need to do to save yourself. You cannot sit up here and continue to give and give again and not expect a receiver to take the shit. If you're giving all of your love, your energy, your business skills, your faith to something outside of you, someone is going to receive that. What does that mean for black women? That means change that around and put yourself in a space to receive. Put yourself in a space to receive so givers can give to you. It may feel uncomfortable. It may feel weird, it may feel like this is different, because it is. I want different for all of us. So black women, if you don't take anything else from my interview with Ms. Tamika, “The Matchmaking Attorney,” take this - Put

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yourself in a space to receive love. Stop giving so much that you give yourself to death - that’s not God. God has more for all of us. Question: You are so right. Now, one last thing. What advice would you give to professionals and/or entrepreneurs on how to balance their personal and professional lives. Tiffany: First, make sure your grab my books, because I share how I achieved multiple streams of revenue. I'm not just focused on my lawyer money. I have books, I have a production company, and I’m involved with so many different things. But we want you to have more than just success in your business. A lot of powerful people think that their life is good because they have succeeded in business, but your spouse hates you or your kids don't mess with you. Having a good balance means really knowing that God is your source. God is your source outside of a job, your career, your business, your family, whatever. And when you know that God is your source, you will know the days that you need to say, maybe I don't need to go to work today because I'm not feeling my best on the inside. I know God is my source. So, this day, we are missing work and I'm not afraid of missing a day from work. I'm not sitting here saying woe is me or how am I going to pay my bills, because I know that God is my source. Another thing that people can do to get balance is to walk away from the things that are holding you down. Is it friends? Is it family? Is it that lover? Is it a woman that you are sleeping in the bed with at night? Only you know, and we know on the inside what is right and wrong. Stop trying to make the shit hard. Stop trying to make it rocket science. A lot of times I look at

human nature and behavior and a lot of stuff is simpler than what people want to make it. Sometimes the balance is just going for a walk. Sometimes the balance is forgiving yourself. Sometimes the balance is writing out your feelings if you don't want to talk to a therapist. We have so many excuses for why we are not doing something. One thing I say in Hood Court is, “f**k those excuses!” I'm not good with excuses because I don't have excuses in my own life. If you want to be around me, we are going to grow. Get around people that grow and get around people that are committed to being good people. That’s it.

ABOUT For additional information or to contact attorney, author, host, artist, and entrepreneur Tiffany Simmons AKA “The Plugs Lawyer” and Hood Court’s “Black Judge Judy,” visit: https://theplugslawyer.com/

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Power Podcasts Business

Matthew Garland better known as MG The Mortgage Guy and Quiana Watson are huge profiles in the Real Estate Industry. MG The Mortgage Guy is the Number 1 Mortgage Broker in the Country and Quiana owns one of the Top Real Estate Firms in the country. The two powerhouses have come together to form the Rants & Gems Show, where they will discuss everything in the Real Estate game. Whether it's Investing, News, Strategies, Education, and RINSE nothing is off-limits. In addition, the duo will bring on some of the most respected and knowledgeable Real Estate professionals & investors in the industry. To listen or for additional information, visit: https://www.rantsandgems.com/ 13

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Power Podcasts Relationships

The “Blessed & Bossed Up” Podcast is a weekly podcast that teaches purposeful women how to be uncompromising in their faith, business, and total life success with God as the CEO. Get ready to be empowered, emboldened, and receive divine strategy to fulfill God’s plan for your life and business. Through her personal brand, Tatum Temia Ayomike has cultivated a community of businesswomen who give God full authority to use their business as a vessel for the Kingdom. Using the word of God as her platform, Tatum's prayer journal and published books offer instrumental guidance to ‘boss up’ in any entrepreneurial venture. Tatum has been featured in several magazines and publications and has been named as a Top 30 under 30 in the Washington, DC area. To listen or for additional information, visit: https://www.blessedandbossedup.com/ www.PlatinumMagazine.online

e v i t c e f f E f o n o s i t a aw c L i n 3 u m m Co

Ken Canion Photo Credit: Bill Morrison Photography

Some things you may not want to hear but need to hear! Those are the truths that relationship coach Ken Canion shares with women, couples, and all his clients. Straightforward, charismatic, unapologetic, and authentic is how I describe him, and in my opinion, a breath of fresh air.

Ken: Sure. What I always tell people is that I'm a personal development relationship coach, but just shorten it to Relationship Coach. In my videos everybody calls me “Coach,” but I’m really a personal development expert. I just happen to concentrate on relationships.

So, I’m excited to have had the opportunity to sit down with Coach Ken and focus on how the way many of us communicate leads to the destruction of relationships.

Question: And who do you primarily work with within the relationship space and what can one expect during an initial session with you?

Applying Coach Ken’s “3 Laws of Effective Communication,” you’re almost guaranteed to see an improvement in many of your relationships, be it your romantic, professional, or other personal relationships. Here’s a part of that interview.

Question: Coach Ken, thank you for joining us! Let’s start off by telling our readers what you do in the dating & relationship world? 15

Ken: I work with everyone, but my primary clients and audience is women. Specifically, women from age 40 to 64, who earn an average of $78,000 a year, have one and a half kids, and are either divorced or single. Now, I always say this - the first session always evolves around the pain point. My students affectionately call me the “Doc” not because I have a Ph.D. or an MD, but because people come to me

tell them what's necessary to get you there and here's what we have to do. Some people really require some healing, and you shouldn’t walk into a new relationship until you are healed. So, what happens is, once we assess and I explain to them what's going on, I diagnose them and tell them what's happening, and here's why you feel the way you feel.

when they're in pain. Something compelled them to call me, right? So, the first thing that I do is, work backward. I always start with the end. What compelled you to call me and now let's work backward and talk about how we ended up getting in the process of us determining how we got here along the way. I bring out some truths to clients to understand what brought them to this point. Now sometimes people want to stay surface, but I have to dig deeper because I have to help them understand who they are before we ever can understand how the situation manifested itself to become what it is. And so that's my process.

Basically, I tell them what we have to do to heal. We got to work on this insecurity. We got to work through this thing that you have been conditioned to do since you were a child or your abandonment issues, for example. Once we begin looking at that process, I say you need to be with me for the next six months or the next year. And then depending on how bad they want to get out of it and stop feeling the pain, I’ll apply the necessary protocol. However, I don't do anything less than 3 months, because most people and let me be clear – MOST PEOPLE DON’T WANT TO CHANGE. MOST PEOPLE JUST WANT TO FEEL BETTER. I want you to think about that. They just want to feel better.

I take them on this journey. And it's a very casual journey at first because I want people to feel comfortable, but the deeper we get into it, the more we touch on things that they've either hidden, don't want to address, or don't want to reflect on but it's necessary to help them understand. Here's why I am here and here's where I need to go to get out of this situation.

However, they come to you because they're in pain. Once the pain is alleviated, the solution to the problem doesn't carry the same weight. And so, what I do is remind clients of that. And I only work with 11 clients a year – that’s it, because working with me is an investment of time, energy, money, and resources, because you're going to have to do some work. And this one is going to cause you to go places that you had not thought about before, but it's also going to help you at the end of this road. You're going to be a better version of yourself. And that's my process.

Question: Nice. Now how long do you typically work with clients? Do you recommend a minimum number of sessions or is it ongoing?

Question: That’s great! Now, how do you assist women who are in professional, high level, power positions relate to men in personal relationships?

Ken: That's a very good question because once we do the deep dive, based on their relationship goal, I

Ken: I help those type of women balance their 16

masculine and feminine energy. That's a huge issue because I explain to them that the masculine energy used at work is necessary because it’s a masculine grid and business, and it works. But when you come home, if you don't know how to balance it, you're alienating your husband, friend, or significant other. A big part of my coaching is helping them understand what it is and then how to balance it. It’s a huge, huge problem, much more than you know. Question: Oftentimes communication is an issue in many relationships. How do you address the communication barrier with your clients? Ken: Sure. I have "3 Laws of Communication" that I share with my clients in order for them to have great relationships. 3 Laws of Communication 1) Say It - The first law of communication is that you must be willing to say it. Lack of communication always leads to less communication. If you're not willing to speak about whatever it is, what happens is you get angry, because the other person doesn't know what you're thinking. You can never focus on resolving the issue because the truth is, it only residing inside. So that's number one.

2) Focus on the Message - The second law of communication is to focus on the message. What I mean is, a lot of us change the way we talk and change our tone because we're so angry and mad that we just want to get it out and just want to hurt them and you're not focusing on the message. We get focused on the messenger and not the message. So, one of the things that I teach is that when you're angry or when you feel intense emotion, “Say the emotion without showing the emotion.” Let me give you an example. Not too long ago I was angry with my wife and felt vulnerable. So, I told her that I was angry, but when I said it, I was smiling, but I said I am angry. Now what happens is my wife asks, “Why are you mad?” I didn't give or get an attitude. People often give you an attitude because you give them attitude first. But when you tell someone your emotion without showing the emotion, the other person is like, “Okay, what’s wrong?” You want to focus on the message, and that's the second law. 3) Delivery - The third law of communication is to deliver based on the party receiving the message. I always say that you need to mirror their communication style. If a person is talking softly, then I speak softly so that they can hear my message automatically. If somebody is straightforward, don't beat around the bush. I'm going to be

straightforward and not beat around the bush because I don't want them not to hear the message playing. People beat around the bush and they like dancing around it. Like what is it? Alter your communication based on the person receiving the message. Communication is huge and is paramount for a successful relationship. So, I help clients understand their dominant style of communication. Then, I help them figure out if it is serving them. A lot of people don’t even communicate - they withdraw. They go in their cave, but you have to be willing to communicate differently for effective communication. Question: What about the person who says that changing their approach is “not them” or is not authentic? Ken: The authenticity is based on what you have to say because that’s the most important thing. The message is the most important thing, and you want to make sure that the receiver receives the message that you're sending, especially if you’ve argued about it in the past. Your delivery style can give the wrong message, so you have to ask yourself what's the most important thing - Is it the message or the delivery? ABOUT Specializing in human behavior, Ken Canion is a personal development coach and relationship specialist who has been transforming people’s lives for over 20 years. In his relationship coaching, Ken helps couples resolve conflicts and build dynamic cultures. His personal development techniques help singles create a deeper love for themselves, which allows them to connect with others on a deeper level. For additional information or to contact Ken Canion, visit: https://grandcanions.com/ www.PlatinumMagazine.online

PROVIDING TRANSITIONAL SERVICES FOR WOMEN OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Email: Contactus@rosebudhome.org P.O. Box 465404 Lawrenceville, Ga 30044

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Kevin Tucker MA, MFT, LPC

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The Rising KINGS of Rodrick Dewberry I have rented numerous cars over the years, especially to save on the wear and tear of my own vehicles while working. However, during and post-pandemic, the cost of car rentals with traditional car rental companies such as Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and the like shot through the roof! So, when a friend of mine suggested Turo in 2021, I ended up booking a car the next day. Turo, a peer-to-peer carsharing company (like Airbnb, except for cars) has allowed car owners to rent their own personal vehicles for profit. Since utilizing Turo, I have had mostly good experiences. Then, I rented a fuel-efficient vehicle with Rod Dewberry, a pastor, and former corporate power player, and had the best rental experience of my life. The ease of renting his vehicle was great and the customer service was OUTSTANDING! It was so great that I reached out to Rod for an interview

because it was clear that he was going above and beyond to satisfy his customers. I learned that while retired from corporate America and in ministry full-time, Rod still desired to utilize his corporate experience, but in the role of an entrepreneur. A conversation with a young man from his church about Turo, quickly turned into Rod and his father, Eugene, renting 2 vehicles to 6 vehicles within months of becoming a host on Turo. The nuggets given in this interview are most definitely a roadmap for anyone interested in joining Rod and Eugene, as the rising kings of Turo. Join us as Rod shares his Turo journey, playbook, and advice for anyone looking into becoming another king in the peer-to-peer car-sharing industry. Question: Rod, thank you so much for joining me today to share your Turo host experience. First and foremost, what is your background

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professionally, and how did you get started with Turo? Rod: What specifically led to the Turo adventure was that my dad had been retired for some years and I was a co-vocational pastor. So, since 1997, I had served in the local church and worked in corporate America. I always wanted to go full-time in ministry, but the context that I served in, didn't necessarily lend itself to that because the economics weren’t there. And I was okay with being a pastor who worked a full-time job and didn't have any regrets about that. Well, in 2018, a unique opportunity presented itself that would make it possible for me to go into full-time ministry. The stars kind of aligned, everything got in place, and I started working full-time in ministry. I never missed corporate America, but I missed some of the things that I did in the corporate space. The scoreboard in ministry was different. And while I was learning to speak that different language and move differently in that space, I missed the strategy, the sales dynamic, and certain elements of serving in a corporate capacity. At the same time, dad was looking for something to do in his retirement years and I'm looking for something that scratches that itch. Then, this young guy at our church was like, “Man, I'm thinking about putting this car on Turo, what do you think about that Pastor Rod?” And I was like, “What is Turo?” So, he told me what Turo was, and I went out and investigated it. I actually enrolled in an online master class called “The Car Rental Blueprint.” I went through this class, and just diligently absorbed all the information. Then I saw all

these parallels between the way corporate America and car-sharing and how I could bring my expertise into this space. After I finished that course in early November, in early December we immediately hit the ground running and started renting our first 2 vehicles on Turo. Question: What specific corporate principles did you apply to your Turo venture? Rod: About 4 or 5 years into my corporate career, I came across an article that was a part of our training, written in the Harvard Business Review called the “Discipline of Market Leaders.” Back then, that article featured if I'm not mistaken, Walmart and Mercedes Benz. Today, those articles have been updated to include companies like Chick-fil-a, Apple, Delta, and Home Depot. That article was life-changing for me in terms of the way to think about customer intimacy. This article outlined that companies who are at the absolute top of their game, have chosen to specialize in 1 of 3 categories. It doesn't mean they've abandoned the other two, but they specialize in 1 of 3 things. They are either leading by way of Price, Customer Experience, or they lead by way of Product.

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determine the amount of capital needed to serve your type of clientele.

Once I read that article, I started paying attention to different companies. Every time I got on an airplane I was thinking about how is this airline priding themselves? Frontier and Spirit, they want to be the low-cost leaders. Delta, they are not lowering their cost, but guess what? Their plane is full. Why is it full? Because the people here came for a certain experience, right? There are certain things that you don't want to worry about, like where are my bags. I had Delta as a client in my corporate life, and I saw behind the curve, how serious they were about delivering the highest possible or the most excellent experience to the customers.

Next, I would just ask the person to be very clear about whom they want to be. What I learned in that article and what I've learned in business, is when you try to be all those things you end up making a mess of things. In other words, when I go to Walmart, I just assume I'm getting the lowest possible price for whatever. I don't expect anybody to pull up on me in the aisle asking, “Can I help you today?” – that’s not my expectation. You only have the bandwidth to be GREAT in one of those categories. You will always have to choose to be great in one and then you can get to be good in the other areas. Let that be the driving force in the types of vehicles that you choose.

Second, choose vehicles that you don't have any emotional attachment to. None of the vehicles that we rent are our own personal vehicles – the business owns them. So, am I a little bit peeved when somebody smokes in the Audi? Yes, but it's not like I'm going to be Question: Great distinction! We can talk about this grouchy all the way down the road because I for a while and we have already, but what is some got to drive it to church. So, avoid vehicles advice that you would give to someone who is that you have any emotional attachment. interested in starting a business as a host with Turo. Also, I don't know how to communicate this Rod: The first piece of advice I would give is to read the Harvard Business Review article that I mentioned earlier and “The Art of Client Service.” After you do that, determine who you want to be in the market. Do you want to be the low-cost person? Do you want to be the service leader? Or do you want to be the luxury car experience? That will 23

as a positive, but I feel like I made this mistake, or I was about to make this mistake. Buying vehicles that you think are cool is completely different from buying vehicles that the market needs. Do you know how bad I want a Tesla right now? I think it’s such a cool car and I really want to get one into the rotation. But a Prius is a much better buy right now, so my business mind says get

bumper-to-bumper warranties and they were really cheap. Well, they don't offer that same level of warranty anymore. They started to correct. They made the Price as their point of entry and then they gradually moved up and started creating the Genesis and all sorts of stuff. They gradually upped their game once they stole the market's attention. Prius and my personal mind says get a Tesla. But I need to pay attention to the market right now. People want fuel efficiency. Electric vehicles are fuel-efficient because they don't require any gas. I have to ask myself will I be angry if the Tesla comes back with a ding or some french fries on the back seat. That's the thing you must be mindful of. So, I would say, purchase vehicles that make sense for the market regardless of how you feel about the car. Avoid emotional attachment.

I pay attention to stuff like that. Now, if I have a new car in the lineup, maybe its first few runs it needs to be lower priced so that it can capture some attention. Do I do the Hyundai and gradually raise it up? If you do, then get it to a level that is compatible with the market. What am I saying to the person who wants to get into this? You really need to be a student of the market. You need to have a game plan. You don't need to be an expert. You don't need a degree in marketing. You don't have to work in Lastly, start slow. Get a vehicle and see how it corporate America. But you need to find a moves. A vehicle may make roughly $800 a way to do business intelligently. Use month. If you're going to finance all your cars, analytics and just pay attention to what's that tells you how you need to be negotiating. If going on with that first car. Pay attention to car is going to make $800 a month and is the second car and let each car inform you insurance is $70/month, and the car is going to how you're going to get the next vehicle. cost you $400/month - Are you comfortable with a $200 profit margin. If you are, then For additional information about becoming a that’s your strike zone. But if you demand a host on Turo or to experience top-notch $900 profit margin, that means that you've got customer intimacy with one of Rod and to always buy cars at a well below market price. Eugene's vehicles, visit: You may need to get a dealer’s license or start https://turo.com/drivers/22316332 going to auctions. Now, what I love about Kia and Hyundai, initially their cars had 50k, 60k and 70k mile 24

Recommended Books

The Perfect Day to Boss Up: A Hustler's Guide to Building Your Empire by Rick Ross Rick Ross is a hip-hop icon and a towering figure in the business world, but his path to success was not always easy. Despite adversity and setbacks, Ross held tight to his vision and never settled for anything less than greatness. Now, for the first time, he shares his secrets to success, offering his own life as a road map to readers looking to build their own empire. Along the way he reveals: How to turn your ambition into action Tips for managing and investing your money Inside stories from his business and music ventures Why failure is central to success Secrets to handling stressful situations How to build the perfect team As Ross explains, “It doesn’t matter what’s going on. Even the most dire situation is just another opportunity to boss up.”Intimate, insightful, and brimming with no-nonsense advice, The Perfect Time to Boss Up is the ideal book for hustlers everywhere. Purchase "The Perfect Day to Boss Up" on Amazon today!

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Straight Talk, No Chaser by Steve Harvey In Straight Talk, No Chaser: How to Find, Keep, and Understand a Man, Steve Harvey shares information on: - How to Get the Truth Out of Your Man Tired of answers that are deceptive? Harvey lays out a three-tier, CIA-style of questioning that will leave your man no choice but to cut to the chase and deliver the truth. - Dating Tips, Decade by Decade Whether you're in your twenties and just starting to date seriously, in your thirties and feeling the tick of the biological clock, or in your forties and beyond, Steve provides insight into what a man, in each decade of his life, is looking for in a mate. - How to Minimize Nagging and Maximize Harmony at Home He said he'd cut the lawn on Saturday, and you may have been within reason to think that that meant Saturday before ten in the evening, but exploding at him is only going to ruin the mood for everyone, which means no romance. Steve shows you how to talk to your man in a way that moves him to action and keeps the peace. And there's much more, including Steve's candid answers to questions you've always wanted to ask men. www.PlatinumMagazine.online

CREATING YOUR BUSINESS & LEGACY PROTECTION PLAN

NEFERTARA CLARK, ESQ.

What happens if you or a loved one suddenly becomes ill or even worse dies?

Question: Hi Nefertara, thanks for joining us. Now let’s start with what inspired you to become a lawyer?

Will your young children be taken care of both physically and financially? Are there means to take care of your final expenses? Who gets your most precious heirlooms or collections?

Nefertara: My story begins in the small town of Bowman, Georgia, population 866. Back when I was growing up in the 80s and 90s, it was roughly the same size. I grew up in a home with a lawyer as a father and a teacher as a mother.

You likely know all too well about the fights and arguments that ensue when someone passes. But it doesn’t have to be that way. And it’s attorneys like Nefertara Clark, Esq. who have a wide range of legal experience and expertise to assist individuals and families like yours to protect your children, family, and assets without the unnecessary costs and litigation associated with not properly planning. We had a chance to interview Attorney Clark as she shares the how and why she is on a mission to protect your legacy. 27

From a young age, I knew that I would help people, I just didn’t know how or in what capacity. I began my career of helping by becoming involved in Girl Scouts. Beginning in middle school, I was very involved in school and community activities. Being a combination lawyer and educator is in my blood - in every sense of the word. I attended Savannah State University, where I majored in Criminal Justice and minored in Accounting and Chinese. College is where I began to come into my own and realized who I was as a person. After 10

college, I began my legal education at Southern University Law Center. It was there that I began working for a local attorney and in the Elder Law Clinic assisting elderly citizens with estate planning and grandchild adoptions. I was hooked!

means for generational wealth, and (2) protecting their legacies by creating the appropriate estate plans. Because of that, I truly enjoy discussing estate planning with individuals, families and organizations.

After passing the bar though, I became a public defender, or constitutional defender, as I like to say, in Fulton County Superior Court. While there, I enrolled in the University of Connecticut School of Law to complete my LL.M., before I entered into private practice.

Question: Regardless of any field that a person is in, there are sure to be challenges. What were yours as it related to being in private practice?

In transitioning into private practice, I was fortunate to have a business model in the form of my father and partner-in-law. Question: That’s awesome! So, what do you enjoy most about being in private practice? Nefertara: Being my own boss, helping clients launch businesses to create generational wealth, and assisting clients to protect their legacies are the top three reasons that I enjoy what I do. When I’m doing those things, my “job” doesn’t feel so “job-like.” I have come to realize that my purpose here on earth is to help clients with what I like to call their own "Personal Protection Project" and that consists of (1) assisting their families by creating and preserving the

Nefertara: My journey to becoming an advocate for others has been a fairly smooth one. I have moved from goal to goal without much heartache. But, I truly credit that to the relationships I’ve established along the way. Despite the fact that I am admittedly not a fan of networking, I have managed to forge some amazing alliances that have endured the test of time and distance, providing me with sounding boards and a vast referral network. However, my journey as a business owner has not always been as easy as I would have liked. That is in part, based upon my desire to have things done my way and not having the ability to trust others with my dream and my livelihood. But, during the pandemic, a light bulb went off for me. I hired full time staff and a personal assistant. Before that time, I had the occasional attorneys and paralegals I would contract with on an as-needed basis. With the addition of staff, things became so much easier,

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2. Execute a Financial Power of Attorney; 3. Execute an Advance Healthcare Directive (sometimes referred to as a Living Will); 4. Verify and update the beneficiaries for your policies and bank accounts;

and business increased. Two are better than one. You can get more work done, and if you need help, there is someone there to assist. Even the Bible tells us this (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Hiring help was definitely worth the investment. Because of my positive experience with expanding, this is one thing that I have begun to encourage our entrepreneur clients to do, especially as they level up and scale their businesses. Question: That’s great advice for entrepreneurs! Now as a community advocate, what professional or legal tips do you give to people? Nefertara: First, estate planning is not just for the elderly. At any age, a medical crisis can leave you ill or incapacitated. Or death could even strike. I learned this early on, and it has remained with me throughout my life and legal career. Additionally, we offer Tuesday Tips in our four (4) primary practice areas (Estate Planning, Business, and Non-profit Entity Formations, Personal Injury, and Criminal Law) each week on our social media platforms, so be sure to check us out there. As far as Estate Planning goes, here are a few tips that I give to people: 1. Create a Will; 29

5. Purchase a life insurance policy; disability and burial insurance policies are also recommended; if you already have life insurance, increase the death benefit, especially if your family has expanded and/or if your family depends on your income to stay afloat. 6. Purchase a copy of our Estate Planning Resource, “Things That Only I Know: A Guide to Efficiently Handling Incapacity or Death.” Question: Last question. What are you most proud of both personally and professionally? Nefertara: I am described as a philanthropist, public speaker, community, voting rights advocate, craft enthusiast, music lover, mentor, and encourager. I am a servant leader who is perfectly imperfect and created in Christ Jesus to do great works. I am known for my great ideas and willingness to help. This is what sets me apart from others. I am most proud of the fact that I wrote two (2) books in 2021 and am now working on the audio and hardcover editions of my father’s biography, “Daddy, Tell Me A Story: The Life and Legacy of Activist and Attorney John M. Clark.” 100% of the proceeds are being donated to our family’s foundation (JMN C.A.R.E.S., Inc.) to fund scholarships for students attending Savannah State University and Southern University Law Center. And as I mentioned before, the second book is the estate planning resource, “Things That Only I Know:

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A Guide to Efficiently Handling Incapacity or Death.” So often people are so caught up in the business of death that they can’t properly grieve. To assist a wider audience with “getting their houses in order” this book was expanded from a pamphlet for clients into a more in-depth estate planning tool. Though this book is no substitute for a properly drafted and executed Estate Plan, completing it will assist your loved ones in (1) Caring for you if you become incapacitated, (2) Claiming all insurance and other available benefits, (3) Stopping all auto-pay services, (4) Carrying out your wishes when you pass away, and (5) Providing information about your life that only you know (i.e. device and account passwords). Despite one’s budget, an estate plan can be created. As it is often said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The same is especially true in Estate Planning. Preparing on the front end is more cost and time effective than needing to establish guardianships, conservatorships and other legal relationships in probate court.

ABOUT NEFERTARA Nefertara Clark serves as the managing partner of Clark & Clark Law Group, LLC, with offices in both Atlanta and Elberton, GA. She‘s an alumnus of Savannah State University, Southern University Law Center, and UCONN School of Law. Her law firm specializes in 4 major practice areas, including Estate Planning, Business & Non - profit Entity Formation, Personal Injury, and Criminal Law. For additional information or to contact Clark & Clark Law Group, visit www.clarkandclarklawgroup.com

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Tamika M. Johnson Attorney At Law Protecting your Personal, Property & Financial Interests

Wills * Trusts * Deeds Healthcare Directives Power of Attorney

www.JohnsonLawPractice.com 31

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