Welcoming Diversity At Cracker Barrel Old Country Store , we think a key to our success is welcoming diversity in our company, our country stores, our restaurants, and our communities. ®
crackerbarrel.com • © 2012 CBOCS Properties, Inc.
EDITOR'S NOTE
Lacey Johnson S
PRING IS A coming alive. It fills our landscapes with color and activity. It calls for us to draw back our curtains and let the light in. Whether or not you are an exuberant lover of nature, as the Earth moves closer to the sun, all beings are naturally drawn to step outside and experience it. Spring has so much to teach us - about shedding the layers of doubt, inhibition and stagnance we often cloak ourselves in. It demands that we lose what we have spent the previous seasons hiding behind. We are beckoned to rejoin the world again, to engage with the plants and animals again and, if we dare, to permit ourselves to bloom. My team and I worked passionately on this issue. I feel that, page by page, there is an ever-present theme of reinvention. Our cover artist, Lewis Howes, mastered the art of reinvention years ago when he was tired of being broke, injured and sleeping on his sister’s couch. Feature Tony Brown shows up to teach us that, no matter what life hurls our way, the song - and show must go on. ICABA inspires us to feed and water our relationships, because that’s where our most abundant opportunities rest in hibernation. This issue’s art feature, which offers a compelling conversation with Director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Stephanie Stebich, explores the American identity - one rooted in innovation. This spring, wherever you are in your journey of personal or professional evolution, may you dare to step out from the comfort of your nest and do what you have long said you would. May these pages encourage you to follow the fragrance of your instincts, take risks, create for yourself a golden egg of opportunity and come alive. Maybe even bloom.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SPRING 2018 | THE CONNECT MAGAZINE
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT DEVIN MCCLAIN DMcClain@theconnectmagazine.com PARTNER DR. EDDIE D. HAMILTON, MD, FAAP EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LACEY JOHNSON ljohnson@theconnectmagazine.com MARKETING DIRECTOR LINZI MARTIN lmartin@theconnectmagazine.com EDITORIAL INTERN MADISON YAUGER DIRECTOR OF VIDEOGRAPHY CHRIS HOLLO HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER BARBARA POTTER bpotter@theconnectmagazine.com PHOTOGRAPHER DEVIN WILLIAMS DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CAROLYN MCHANEY-WALLER Carolyn.waller@zeitlin.com DIRECT CONNECT SUSAN VANDERBILT susanvanderbilt@entreesavvy.com SENIOR WRITERS DAWN MASON JOE SCARLETT KEELAH JACKSON MADISON YAUGER TONI LEPESKA CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SCOTT KIMBRO - Empowerment DERRICK R. ROLEN - Family & Relationships LINZI MARTIN - Branding & Marketing AMBER CABRAL - Diversity DENNIS UPKINS - Arts & Entertainment DEBBIE WEISS - Travel DIRECTOR OF SALES ERIC JORDAN PUBLISHERS AND SALES REPRESENTATIVES Help Wanted: Join Our Team ALABAMA FLORIDA GEORGIA KENTUCKY LOUISIANA MISSISSIPPI TENNESSEE VIRGINIA ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertise@theconnectmagazine.com For all editorial pitches and submissions, please contact Lacey Johnson at ljohnson@theconnectmagazine.com.
Sincerely,
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PUBLISHER, CEO ERIC JORDAN ejordan@theconnectmagazine.com
"PUTTING YOUR BUSINESS IN CLIENTS' HANDS"
THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
PUBLISHER'S NOTE life
chance,
Your does not get better by - Jim Rohn it gets better by
change.
S
PRING OFFERS A breath of fresh air as more people head outside after months of winter confinement. I spent the last several months working on building strategic partnerships while literally cleaning out my closet. I learned: When you’re forced to have negative people in your life, make sure you balance them out with more positive influences. Choose to surround yourself with positive people and ward off other people’s negativity with your positivity. Everyone wants to live a more positive life, but there are always negative influences trying to stop you. They might come from the outside or from within you. Nothing should rule your life in a way that makes you feel like you have to do it, even if it’s making you unhappy. Since starting The Connect magazine four years ago, I’ve learned that God doesn’t want me to figure this out by myself. So, whether you’re thinking of starting a small business, or in the first few years of operation, here are common problems you either have or will face at some point in time: Raising Capital Hiring New Employees Growth vs. Quality Cash Flow Federal Income Taxes Government Regulations As a small business owner, realizing this one insight is essential for maintaining a calm head: your competitors face the same problems as you do. All of us, regardless of the industry we’re in, are in the same boat. How you respond to these challenges will change the “game.” And, as you become more successful, you will leave your rivals by the wayside. It’s important to remember that these challenges are just that – challenges. People do overcome them. So, surround yourself with positive people. These are people that will inspire you to be a better person, provide you with motivation to achieve your goals, empower you to make the changes you need to succeed and, above all, cheer on your success. “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” says American entrepreneur and motivational speaker Jim Rohn. I also refer to this verse often: James 2:26 - “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” My advice is to pray for guidance. Humble yourself and allow God to send you the assistance needed to do his work. Take the good with the bad and always “Trust the Process.”
CEO/PUBLISHER THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
THE CONNECT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018
5
CONTENTS SPRING 2018
14
Cover Story 24 LEWIS HOWES: FROM A CAREER-ENDING INJURY
TO SPREADING GLOBAL GREATNESS From sleeping on his sister’s couch to infecting our digital age with greatness, this man is the master of reinvention.
16
Features 14 ALIVE STUDIOS IS MAKING OUR CHILDREN SMARTER,
COURTESY OF AUGMENTED REALITY When this mom couldn’t teach her foreign-born adopted children to read, she entrepreneured a revolutionary way for thousands more children to learn.
16 ICABA EMPOWERS THOUSANDS OF PROFESSIONALS TO EXCEL IN CAREERS & RELATIONSHIPS The things you desire are set in motion through relationships. This organization makes them happen.
20 HOW ONE COUPLE’S TOUGH LOVE RESULTED IN
EMMY-NOMINATED SUCCESS This independently-made drama put Hollywood on notice. A love notice, that is.
30 8TH & ROAST: A COMMUNITY COFFEEHOUSE, THE NASHVILLE WAY
30
This stylish community hotspot is brewing with creativity and impactful connections.
34 SHAWN NELSON, CEO & FOUNDER OF LOVESAC,
OFFERS STUNNING ADVICE FOR EVERY ENTREPRENEUR He’ll get you off of the couch and in daring pursuit of your dreams.
24
36 F.A.R.M.S.: MEET THE NORTH CAROLINA WOMAN WHO IS
CHANGING AMERICA’S FOOD INDUSTRY One attorney’s commitment to justice and equity is improving the way America farms and eats.
40 THE SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM:
WHERE THE IMAGINATIONS OF AMERICANS LIVE ON From the provocative to the traditional, there stands compelling evidence of the American experience.
43 PRODUCER TONY BROWN IS ASKING THE BIGGEST NAMES
IN MUSIC HISTORY TO TAKE A SEAT Four Grammy Awards. More than 100 No. 1 Songs. This music man asked some of the industry’s greatest living legends to take a seat for his new book, “Elvis, Strait to Jesus.”
48 ROCKIN’ IN LIFE WITH MOMPRENEUR & INTERNATIONAL DANCE
SENSATION TAKKIES She’s a new mom, a wife, and a television sensation. Here’s how she manages to win at everything (without losing herself!).
36
Columns 12 SPRING INTO SELF-LOVE: 5 REFRESHING APPROACHES
TO BEING GOOD TO YOURSELF ‘Tis the season to step out of the shadows and find your own sun. Fulfillment begins within.
19 CHALLENGING YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS
Impressive job title? Six-figure income? Success can’t be reduced to those things.
21 5 WAYS TO ATTAIN ROLE-MODEL INCLUSION EVERY DAY Let’s make a space that feels safe for everyone.
23 AFTER MY HUSBAND’S DEATH, A TRIP TO ITALY BROUGHT ME
BACK TO LIFE She was crushed. Her whole identity was in question. A trip abroad reminded her that it was OK to be alive in the world again.
38 SOCIAL MEDIA 101 FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
Simple tricks to hone the power of social media as miracle growth for your business.
47 HOW TO MAKE PEACE WITH YOUR PAST AND BOLDY LOVE AGAIN Yes, you can heal from the experiences that changed you. Here’s how to turn your pain into your power.
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SPRING 2018 | THE CONNECT MAGAZINE
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The Connect Magazine is a quarterly lifestyle publication and online media source committed to engaging our diverse audience through empowering and impactful stories of entrepreneurs, young professionals and businesses in pursuit of creating positive ripples throughout the world, through efforts large and small. THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
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BUSINESS
LIFE, STAGE
IN YOU ARE ALWAYS ON
WRITTEN BY: JOE SCARLETT
D
ID YOU KNOW that every time you encounter another person, your brain makes judgments — consciously or subconsciously — about who that person is? You store these observations away in your mind as a mental image of that person. This means that others are warehousing judgments about you in their minds as well. That notion of “always being on stage” holds true no matter what you do professionally. And that’s why it’s so important to bring the best version of yourself to every location or situation. Just think about all the encounters you have among others at work and in the community; each is an opportunity to build your image and presence. Having a strong image can reward you in almost every aspect of your life. This may ring like a simple concept, but you will be most successful if you always strive to put your best self forward. I confess that when I meet a person who dresses professionally, I immediately record the thought that such person is likely a “pro.” But, when I encounter a person dressed haphazardly, I quickly reach the opposite conclusion. Remember: The first image others form of you is usually a visual one, so make it bold and buttoned up - one that leaves a lasting impression. But it isn’t just about what meets the eye. Attitude may be a concept that is difficult to define, but our instincts have a way of drawing conclusions about them almost instantly. When we meet someone, we observe their attitude right away, record those observations based on first impressions and then are often reluctant to change those imprints later on. These impressions have enduring value. Your proof of character shows up when you are polite to the cashier in the store or patient with the waiter in the restaurant. The same principle applies when you act like a jerk; everyone around you sees that behavior and will likely remember it. You never know who is around, so it always pays to be respectful of others. 10
SPRING 2018 | THE CONNECT MAGAZINE
Below are a five key tips to follow for demonstrating the best possible “stage” presence in life: 1 START EVERY ENCOUNTER WITH A SMILE A smile immediately indicates a positive and welcoming attitude. As they say, when you smile the whole world smiles with you. It’s true. 2 MAKE THE FIRST MOVE Introduce yourself at the outset of any new encounter to help people feel comfortable with you. It works wonders. 3 ASK GOOD QUESTIONS Engage and stay focused on the conversation at hand. Not only will you have a more meaningful encounter, but your new friend will also walk away remembering a great discussion. 4 STAY POSITIVE However unintentional, talking about negative topics or engaging in others’ complaints will cast you in a negative light. Always steer conversations toward positive topics. 5 LEARN TO LAUGH A LITTLE It’s amazing how establishing a good sense of humor and laughing (appropriately) can build the bonds of friendship and trust. Always think of yourself as a complete package—appearance, attitude and conduct. Dial into each element and you will project the best, most positive image for yourself to others. Every morning, prepare yourself for the stage of life. I promise it will pay off - maybe even with applause.
Joe Scarlett is the retired CEO of Tractor Supply Company For more on leadership, see joescarlett.com
THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
EMPOWERMENT & SUCCESS
Spring Into Self-Love: 5 REFRESHING APPROACHES TO BEING GOOD TO YOURSELF WRITTEN BY: KEELAH JACKSON
V
ALENTINE’S DAY HAS come and gone. The hearts and cupids are packed away until next year, but the real unconditional love for yourself shouldn’t be stored up in a plastic container in the closet. You should have that selflove out and active every single day! Even if you have to re-introduce yourself to who you really are, so that you can fall in love with yourself for the first time, make the time to do exactly that this spring season. Self-love is the key to personal rejuvenation. The events of your life have formed you into who you are, yet the challenging or negative events may have also worn you into guarding your heart so fiercely and forgetting the fragile essence of you. If the intense doses of life’s medicine have formed your emotional guard into a strong fortress of protection against disappointment, barring any form of pure joy or willingness to explore new terrain, below are five ways to help you revive and renew your lease on self-love! 1 ENJOY A CUP OF TEA IN SILENCE Take the time to savor each warm and inviting sip of comfort as you slow down to enjoy the moment. Some teas, depending upon variety, do offer an added dimension of a soothing quality (such as chamomile or lemon balm), but it’s really up to you to relish the simplicity of the occasion. The whole act of slowing down to take in the warm beverage is not about selecting the most expensive tea or stressfully deciding whether or not to go with chai or green! The matter of inhaling the aromatically therapeutic, mood-enhancing liquid for your drinking time provides a quick second of beauty for you to pause and recapture a breath of peace and quiet for a mental recharge. 2 TAKE UP A NEW HOBBY Scientists have found that outlets such as hobbies or pastimes restore one’s youthfulness of mind and overall health, and who doesn’t want to turn back the clock to recapture a less stressful time? There are all sorts of hobbies that may be pursued - from artistic to athletic - but if relaxation through a hobby isn’t your “cup of tea” (see what I just did there?), then you must attempt to unearth something that will provide a balance to your work and personal responsibilities. Reclaim the time to rediscover your passions; they may ultimately lead you to further creative pursuits and self-appreciation. 3 REMEMBER WHAT MAKES YOU GIGGLE. Maybe even create a new punchline for your life! Laughter is good for the body and soul. That is the literal truth. Laughter and humorous 12
SPRING 2018 | THE CONNECT MAGAZINE
memories are stunningly efficient (and inexpensive!) healers for everything from a broken heart to a sore thumb. According to the Mayo Clinic, the endorphins released during laughter and humorous times light up the centers of your brain that control pain relief. Strong chuckles stimulate your heart, lungs, and muscles, too, and laughter has even been proven to improve your immune system and mood. Go figure. Sweep away your dusty past cobwebs of mental, emotional and physical fatigue, depression, stress, anxiety and distraction with a little giggle of lighthearted humor - reminding you that life can always take a funny turn. 4 SPEND TIME OUTDOORS. Whether you are drawn to hiking, walking, surfing, picking buttercups (no judgment here) just go for it! It is widely known that the springtime can be a beast on the sinuses for some, but do not allow that to deter you from reaping the wonderful and healing benefits of Mother Nature! Self love abounds outdoors. Outdoor sunshine is good for improving mood and general health in the provision of vitamin D, but the potent and uncontained oxygen received while being in a nutrient-rich and unpolluted environment can assist in boosting one’s creativity, concentration, memory and energy. Nature pumps up your clarity and inspires the freedom of heart, mind, and spirit for you to truly be who your soul strives to become. 5 CELEBRATE THE FRESH SPRINGBOARD OF EACH NEW DAY Spring is lush and ripe for new beginnings - new birth - yet every single day is a golden opportunity for your renaissance of self-love! There is no special time to turn things around in your life. May no seemingly insurmountable event brainwash you into believing that you cannot restart. Each day is the prime time to refresh your situation and flip your mindset and perspective. Use each of your precious days to readjust yourself back to what matters to you and your ultimate wellbeing. You have to love and value yourself before you can be your best for the world. If you don’t take the time to evaluate who you are, what’s important to you, and what you need in order to be your best self, then you can’t offer anything worthwhile to yourself or to anyone else. You are the genesis to self-renewal. You are the wellspring to your comeback. This spring, may your spirit bloom. May your mental buds and physical blossoms of newness grow straight from the restored place of love and appreciation of who you are. THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
BRANDING/MARKETING
SOCIAL MEDIA 101 FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS WRITTEN BY:LINZI MARTIN
Y
OU’RE A SMALL business owner and you have a million things on your to-do list. Clients, meetings, contracts, payroll, human resources… the list goes on. The last thing you want to worry about is your social media presence. You’ve heard that your company should be active on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and maybe even LinkedIn. But you’re busy trying to manage and grow a business; it’s not one of your priorities right now. Don’t worry, most small business owners have been in your shoes. As the Founder of Launch Media Group, a social media marketing agency, I’ve worked with dozens of small business owners on their social media strategy, content creation and digital advertising efforts. Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are numerous tips and tricks out there to help your small business establish the social media presence you desire. Having a strong social media presence will increase your online exposure, generate leads, enhance brand awareness and so much more. Buckle up; I’m about to give you my social media survival kit… To Begin, Let’s Review The Most Popular Social Media Platforms & Their Target Audiences According to the PEW Research Center, demographics on social platforms break down like this: • Facebook: Dominant in the 18-29 and 30-49 age ranges (88 percent of users are within these age ranges) • Instagram: Dominant in the 18-29 age range, not as popular for users over 35 years old • Pinterest: Primarily women users between the ages of 18 and 49 • LinkedIn: Primarily career-oriented users between the ages 25-49 • Twitter: Dominant in the 18-29 age range These platforms make up “The Big 5” and are typically the most utilized social media platforms across the board. Get familiar with them, because you will need to know their main functionalities. With this information you should be able to nail down which social media platforms will be most important for your small business. Keep It Simple and Remember: Content Is King Don’t overcomplicate the process. Work on creating consistent content on one or two platforms. Don’t try to be a superhero on all of them straight out of the gate. This is one of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen business owners make again and again. They tend to fall behind when they try to do too much at once. Your searchable online presence will look scattered and unkempt if you aren’t consistent, so don’t overcommit. You know what you can handle, so commit to that. To start, you’ll want to create a schedule for content, giveaways, sales and anything else you wish to feature online. Social media is meant to be a two-way conversation with your target audience. Focus on keeping a consistent posting schedule on the platforms your target audience is most active on. If you do this, you’ll be making strides in no time. Engage With Others The most organic way to grow your social media following is to engage with other users throughlikes, comments and messages. Follow users you are genuinely interested in and leave real comments on their posts. Authenticity goes a long way on social media. You’ll want to set aside a specific amount of time per week to engage and interact on your accounts. Just know that establishing your social media presence will take time. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither were most social media accounts. There is no magic button. Above all, success on social media requires consistency, creativity and dedication. Just remember: you will 38
SPRING 2018 | THE CONNECT MAGAZINE
thank yourself six months from now. Your brand will have a stronger online presence, and your potential customers will have an easier way to find you. FAQ: I’ve heard people talk about this “hashtag” thing. What does it mean and should I be using them? A hashtag is a type of metadata tag used on social networks such as Twitter and other platforms. It allows users to apply dynamic, usergenerated tagging that makes it possible for others to easily find messages with a specific theme or content. Example: #soccer. It is commonly said that Twitter started the hashtag, but Instagram perfected it. On Twitter, every hashtag you use turns into a clickable link. Under this link, you can see all of the content containing that hashtag. A hashtag makes your content findable on social media. For example, on Instagram, you can search the hashtag #soccer under tags and you will find all related posts with the same hashtag. Hashtags are a crucial part of your social media marketing strategy. However, there are many do’s and don’ts when it comes to hashtags on social media. The Do’s of Hashtags • Do keep your hashtags primarily for Twitter and Instagram. • Tip: To make your Instagram posts appear cleaner, put your hashtags in the comments. You can include up to 30 hashtags. • Do industry research on what hashtags your competitors use. • Do remember that hashtags increase engagement and help you reach potential clients and customers effectively. FAQ: Are there any tools out there that can help me with social media? Yes, of course! There are plenty of free tools to help you stay consistent with your social media, create engaging content and take action - starting today! Hootsuite + Buffer are popular social media management tools that allow users to schedule and post updates to any page or profile on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and other platforms from one place. Scheduling your content ahead of time keeps you consistent. UNUM is an Instagram tool that helps you illustrate your story. UNUM has an open grid system that allows you to layout your content ahead of time and view how it will look before posting it. It’s great for scheduling content. Bit.ly is a URL shortener that takes long web addresses and turns them into something much shorter and aesthetically appealing. This is especially useful for Twitter posts and link shares. A Few Key Takeaways... • Establishing a strong social media presence takes time. Don’t get too frustrated in the beginning. • Remember that just like anything else in your business, it’s a process. • The key to social media success is consistency. • Always try to stick to a regular posting schedule for your accounts. • Post three to four times per week (at minimum) on each platform. • Carefully customize and design your content. Don’t rush it. • Try to respond to all direct messages and inquiries within 24 hours. If done correctly, social media will increase your online exposure, generate leads and enhance overall brand awareness for your small business.
To learn more about Launch Media Group or contact Linzi Martin personally, please visit www.launchmedia.group or email Linzi at linzi@launchmedia.group.
THECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM
Welcoming Diversity At Cracker Barrel Old Country Store , we think a key to our success is welcoming diversity in our company, our country stores, our restaurants, and our communities. ®
crackerbarrel.com • © 2016 CBOCS Properties, Inc.
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