Honoring M.O.gul Men, November 2023 Issue

NOVEMBER 2023 ISSUE

Featured Article Preparing Your Business for a Successful New Year: Strategies for Growth and Resilience

M. Events M. Resources Unwrapping Success: Holiday Sales Strategies to Boost Your Online Business

Honoring .O.gul

Men

NOVEMBER 2023 ISSUE

Honors .O.gul

Men

Table of Contents

M.O.gul of Thee M.O.nth Featured Article Preparing Your Business for a Successful New Year: Strategies for Growth and Resilience By: Michelle O’Kennard

M . Resources M . Events Unwrapping Success: Holiday Sales Strategies to Boost Your Online Business

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Featured M.O.gul Men

Michelle O'Kennard Editor In Chief

In commemoration of National Men's Day in November, Thee M.O.gul Mag. is delighted to dedicate this November issue to celebrate and honor M.O.gul Men. This special issue highlights the exemplary achievements, entrepreneurial spirit, and leadership prowess demonstrated by M.O.gul Men in the world of business.

From groundbreaking startups to established enterprises, these M.O.gul Men have not only shaped industries, but have also inspired others with their innovation and dedication.

Through in-depth features and stories of success, success stories, Thee M.O.gul Mag. aims to showcase the remarkable journeys of these visionaries, acknowledging their significant contributions to the business landscape. Here's to the M.O.gul Men who embody resilience, creativity, and excellence in every endeavor.

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Jim Allen

| Founder & CEO | | One Business Chicago |

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.O.GUL of Thee M.O.nth

.O.GUL of Thee M.O.nth About

Jim Allen is the FNDR/CEO of One Business Chicago INC. He's been in consulting for 25 years.

Alongside being the FNDR/CEO of One Business Chicago, INC., Jim is also a Minister, Community Organizer, Wealth Strategist, Public Speaker, At-risk Youth Violence Advocate and Radio/TV Commentator.

Serving faithfully as a minister, Jim has been teaching the Gospel since 1996, serving as a Gospel Worker, Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, Elder, 2x Youth Pastor and Senior Pastor. He has dedicated his life to saving at-risk youth through sports, where he worked as a coach for the Chicago Park District.

Jim believes that at the heart of poverty is failed economics, which is why he merges ministry, community and the marketplace into a common moral thread of honesty and integrity above profit.

Jim Allen has been featured on local and national radio and television. He's been awarded by the Chicago Housing Authority, Illinois 8th Legislative District, Shriners Hospital for Children-Chicago and the 300 Black Women of Chicago to name a few.

Minister Jim Allen has inspired millions of people around the world through his messages and platforms. He has baptized, counseled and mentored masses of people to numerous to count.

Contact

To learn more about Minister Jim Allen and the One Business Chicago community, go to: https://www.onebusinesschicago.com/2023/08/jim-allen-fndrceo.html? fbclid=IwAR0tUmnDbnQghimvP4DrZVfboRCznyyJfbRf2iUwo2yDudX1E9Olz3mYGZM Learn More

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Preparing Your Business for a Successful New Year: Strategies for Growth and Resilience As the current year winds down, now is the perfect time for business owners to reflect on their achievements and challenges and start preparing for the opportunities that the new year holds.

Strategic planning and preparation are key to ensuring a successful and thriving business. In this article, we'll explore essential ways to prepare your business for the upcoming year.

Reflect on the Past Year Take a close look at your business's performance over the past year.

Evaluate what worked well and what could be improved. Consider customer feedback, financial reports, and the success of marketing campaigns. Learning from the past sets the stage for informed decision-making in the future.

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Set Clear Goals & Objectives

Define realistic and measurable goals for the new year. Whether it's increasing revenue, expanding your customer base, or launching new products/services, having clear objectives will guide your business strategy and provide a roadmap for success.

Financial Planning & Budgeting Review your financial statements and prepare a detailed budget for the upcoming year. Consider factors such as operating expenses, marketing costs, and potential investments. A well-thought-out budget is essential for financial stability and growth.

Embrace Technology Upgrades Stay current with technological advancements relevant to your industry. Investing in updated software, tools, or systems can improve efficiency, streamline processes, and keep your business competitive. Consider adopting technologies that enhance customer experience and internal operations.

Employee Development & Training Your team is a valuable asset. Identify opportunities for employee development and training to enhance skills and keep pace with industry trends. A well-trained workforce contributes to increased productivity and innovation.

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Review & Enhance Marketing Strategies Assess the effectiveness of your current marketing strategies and identify areas for improvement. Consider incorporating new marketing channels, refining your target audience, or updating your branding. A fresh approach to marketing can help you reach a wider audience.

Evaluate & Strengthen Customer Relationships Nurture existing customer relationships and focus on customer retention. Consider implementing customer loyalty programs, seeking feedback, and addressing any issues or concerns. Satisfied customers are more likely to become repeat buyers and brand advocates.

Risk Management & Contingency Planning Anticipate potential challenges and develop contingency plans.

Whether it's supply chain disruptions, economic uncertainties, or unexpected events, having a risk management strategy in place will make your business more resilient in the face of adversity.

Stay Informed About Industry Trends Keep a close eye on industry trends and emerging technologies.

Staying informed allows you to adapt your business strategies to meet evolving customer needs and stay ahead of the competition.

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Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance Employee and Self well-being is crucial for a successful business.

Encourage a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout and boost morale. Consider flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and initiatives that foster a positive workplace culture for both yourself and your employees.

Final Thoughts...

Preparing your business for the new year requires a holistic approach that addresses various aspects of operations, strategy, and employee well-being. By reflecting on the past, setting clear goals, embracing technology, and staying adaptable, you position your business for growth and success in the ever-changing business landscape. Start the new year with a well-prepared and resilient business, ready to seize opportunities and overcome challenges.

Can You Use Some Help?

Michelle O’Kennard, Thee Marketing M.O.gul, assists entreprenuers and small business owners create compelling branding and marketing strategies that makes your business grow!

Schedule your complimentary assessment below: Schedule Here

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. Resources

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. Resources

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Goldman Sachs is helping entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunity by providing free access to education, capital and support services. Small businesses are engines of economic growth and job creation in the United States, yet many struggle to grow, find and retain talent, or access capital.

Goldman Sachs’ best-in-class curriculum covers all the fundamentals for growing a business, and is delivered in partnership with community colleges across the country.

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Learn More

. Resources

Small Business Resources From Bank of America Business finance, day to day operations, the changing economic landscape – with so much to manage, the way forward isn’t always clear. Bank of America is here to help you find the tools and information you need to do the next right thing for your business.

Learn More

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No-Shave November for Prostate Cancer Awareness No—Shave November is a month-Iong journey during which participants forgo shaving and grooming in order to evoke conversation and raise cancer awareness. Learn more about how you can get involved and start getting hairy!

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‘Mz Metchi’ is media personality, content creator, event specialist and professional brand ambassador who partners with small businesses and local music artists to help better market and promote their brands. After spending over a decade in operational management, she decided to take a leap into entrepreneurship and helping others.

Learn more at MzMetchi.com .

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.O.gul

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Partner

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. Resources

SBA Learning Platform SBA's online learning programs are designed to empower and educate small business owners every step of the way.

Whether you're looking to start a small business or expand your current one, SBA's digital learning platform has everything you need to educate yourself on entrepreneurial best practices and available financing options.

Learn More

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Coming Soon!

Dean Cantave

Information Technology Specialist & Tech Leader

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Cantave Tech TALKS Dean Cantave is an experienced IT professional, serving the IT industry for more than 20 years. A U.S. Navy veteran and dedicated father, Dean applies his personal and professional experiences to driving forward his mission to educate career professionals on everything Information Technology.

Beginning winter of 2023, Dean will be providing his expertise and knowledge on all things Information Technology related.

Proudly introducing ‘Cantave Tech TALKS’, Dean will be providing M.O.gul readers with real information technology insights to keep your business up-to-date and secure.

Topics include: cybersecurity and other tech issues that challenge small businesses, growing your IT career for executive professionals, and ways to grow your tech startup company.

‘Help us welcome Dean to thee M.O.gul team! To learn more about Dean Cantave, visit: www.direct.me/Cantave .

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Learn More PAGE 22

Unwrapping Success: Holiday Sales Strategies to Boost Your Online Business

The holiday season is a festive and lucrative time for businesses, especially those operating online. With the right sales strategies, you can not only spread holiday cheer but also significantly grow your online business. In this article, we'll explore effective holiday sales strategies that can elevate your brand and drive revenue during this joyous time of year.

Create a Festive Online Atmosphere Transform your website and social media profiles into a winter wonderland. Incorporate holiday-themed graphics, banners, and product displays to create a festive atmosphere. A visually appealing online space can capture the holiday spirit and attract potential customers.

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Offer Limited-Time Promotions Capitalize on the sense of urgency that comes with the holiday season by offering limited-time promotions.

Consider exclusive discounts, bundle deals, or flash sales to encourage customers to make timely purchases.

Clearly communicate the urgency and value of these offers.

Implement Seasonal Email Campaigns Leverage email marketing to reach your audience with targeted holiday campaigns.

Craft compelling, festive emails that showcase your products, highlight special promotions, and convey holiday greetings.

Personalize messages to enhance customer engagement.

Optimize for Mobile Shopping Many shoppers use mobile devices for holiday shopping. Ensure that your website is mobilefriendly, with easy navigation and a seamless checkout process. Optimize images and content for smaller screens to provide a smooth shopping experience.

Create Gift Guides & Bundles Simplify the gift-buying process for your customers by creating holiday gift guides and bundles.

Categorize products into curated collections based on themes or recipient types. This helps customers find the perfect gifts while promoting multiple purchases.

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Enhance Customer Support As the holiday season often brings an influx of customers, ensure your customer support is ready to handle increased inquiries promptly.

Provide clear communication regarding shipping times, return policies, and any holiday-specific information to build trust.

Implement Seasonal Email Campaigns Leverage email marketing to reach your audience with targeted holiday campaigns. Craft compelling, festive emails that showcase your products, highlight special promotions, and convey holiday greetings. Personalize messages to enhance customer engagement.

Offer Free Shipping and Easy Returns Incentivize purchases by offering free shipping, especially for orders above a certain amount. Additionally, emphasize easy return processes to alleviate concerns for gift buyers. Transparent and customer-friendly policies can boost confidence in making a purchase.

Utilize Retargeting Ads Implement retargeting ads to reach visitors who have shown interest in your products but haven't made a purchase. Remind them of your holiday promotions and encourage them to complete their transactions.

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Express Gratitude & Give Back Show appreciation to your customers by expressing gratitude for their support throughout the year.

Consider implementing charitable initiatives or donating a percentage of holiday sales to a cause.

This not only spreads goodwill but also aligns your brand with positive values.

The holiday season presents a golden opportunity for online businesses to shine and boost sales. By creating a festive atmosphere, offering enticing promotions, and optimizing customer experience, you can make this season both joyful for your customers and prosperous for your online business.

Implement these holiday sales strategies with creativity and enthusiasm to make the most of this festive time and set the stage for a successful new year.

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www.hitusaradio.com

Tommy Gunz

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Radical Allen PAGE 27

Join the Black Women Professionals League, Inc. (BWPL) & Secure Home & Automation for an evening of regal festivities as they celebrate the holiday season. Embracing the spirit of the season, they're gathering for a night of elegant fun and community support for their coat drive. The Coat Drive will benefit their 2023 Social Impact Partner, Simpson Academy for Young Women. Register for free below!

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Register Here

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Social Media Decoded is a podcast dedicated to helping creatives, influencers, business owners and entrepreneurs simplify social media and thrive online. Hosted by Michelle Thames, a social media strategist, influencer, and owner of Thames Media Solutions. Michelle brings you all the best tips to help you understand social media better. Sharing the best tips like social media strategies, business tips to help you succeed.

Learn More PAGE 30

. Event Highlights

Thee M.O.gul Mag. would like to thank and congratulate Michelle M. Thames, Founder & CEO of Thames Media Soultions on a successful Creative Cashflow Summit for Women Entreprenuers!

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. Event Highlights

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*Photos courtesy of Thee M.O.gul Mag.

*Photos courtesy of Thee M.O.gul Mag.

Surround Sound of Fashion is Chicago’s premier fashion and music experience by providing a platform for aspiring models and fashion designers. Featuring some of the hottest musicians in the country and top National Recording Acts, this year’s event was hosted at Cine City in Chicago on October 29, 2023.

Surrond Sound Fashion highlighted talented fashion artists and models across Chicagoland. Show sponsored by POWER 92, DTLR, and Perillo Gold Coast. This year’s honoree was Dj Pharris, who recieved the 2023 Trendsetter Award.

Thee M.O.gul Mag. would like to congratulate Surrond Sound of Fashion on 15 years of fashion excellence! To learn more about Surrond Sound of Fashion, visit their website at: https://www.surroundsoundoffashion.com/ or click the button below.

Learn More PAGE 33

.O.gul Bruce On Business

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Men

Bruce Montgomery

| Radio Show Host | Entrepreuer | Business Leader |

About

.O.gul Men

Bruce Montgomery is a widely recognized and active contributor to Chicago’s Business, Technology and Cultural communities. He is the Founder and President of Montgomery & Company, a digital media, information and communications technology company. Bruce is also the Founder, executive producer and host of Technology Access Television and Bruce on Business, Chicago’s long running TV news and radio shows covering Business, Technology and Innovation.

In 2016 Bruce opened The Entrepreneurship Training Program (ETP) in Chicago’s Englewood community. This nationally recognized and innovative program provides Small Business Counseling, Business Development Workshops, Entrepreneurial Education, Access to Capital and Personal Credit & Money Management services free of charge to constituents on Chicago’s South Side and Citywide. The program is now known as The Entrepreneur Success Program (ESP) using an updated curriculum that graduated over 300+ program participants empowering many to live their dreams.

Bruce has built a strong knowledge base in business development within the service industries through practical experience in the public and private sectors of education, government, economic development, construction, health care, professional services, broadband infrastructure, software development and digital media enterprises. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker appointed Bruce to the Commission on Equity & Inclusion to implement a new vision for diversity, equity and inclusion in the state. Bruce earned a degree in Marketing from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and attended Amos Tuck Graduate School of Business at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH. Thee M.O.gul Mag. is proud to name Bruce Montgomery as one of November’s M.O.gul Men.

Contact

To connect with Bruce Montgomery and learn more about how to work with him, schedule a free business session by clicking the button below!

Connect With Bruce Montgomery

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.O.gul

Men

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Hearon El C. ‘Trackz’ | Music Producer | Entrepreuer | Drill Sound Pioneer |

About

.O.gul Men

Super Producer C. Hearon "Trackz" EL, a Moorish American Moslem, is not just a music producer, but also a music composer. Widely acclaimed for his role in pioneering Chicago's Drill music sound and a commitment to artistic excellence and community development, Hearon "Trackz" EL stands as a beacon in the dynamic landscape of music production. C. Hearon”Trackz” El a luminary in the music industry, commenced his journey by graciously turning down a major record deal in 2001, sending them to his friend Marvo, of whom they signed to Zowae / Universal. Amidst serving in the Army during the Iraq War in 2003, Hearon honed his production skills on FL Studio in between missions, earning his acclaim by winning the 2005 RED BULL PRODUCER BATTLE. Today, he is hailed as a pioneer of Chicago's Drill Sound.

Trackz EL's extensive portfolio includes collaborations with luminaries such as the Late FBG Duck, Bump J, Kanye West, Malik Yusef, Yung LA, Memphis Bleek, the late Payroll, Ludacris, Shawnna, King Louie, Young Chop, Rockie Fresh, Lil Jay, Queen Key, with whom he co-founded a label dedicated to female artist development and acceleration. This initiative showcases Trackz EL's commitment to fostering diversity and talent within the music industry. Over two decades, he has been committed to creating a thriving infrastructure for Chicago's creative scene, exemplified by his venture, Beatz.Shop.

As a testament to his legendary status, Trackz EL is now a sought-after figure in the music business.

He has moderated and spoken on panels, including the prestigious Jesse Jackson's Independent Music Seminar for two consecutive years. Additionally, he has graced Mary DATCHER's Global Mix as both a panelist and moderator, showcasing his insights and expertise in the ever-evolving music landscape. Hearon "Trackz" EL continues to shape the industry, leaving an indelible mark on music production and artist development and Thee M.O.gul Mag. is proud to name C. ‘Trackz’ Hearon El as one of November’s M.O.gul Men.

Contact To connect with C. Hearon El, visit his websites at: https://www.hearontrackz.com/ & https://beatz.shop/ or click the button below.

Connect With C. Hearon El

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.O.gul

Men

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Bobby Robinson

| Lawyer | Entrepreuer | Business Strategist | Consultant |

About

.O.gul Men

Working at the intersection of law, Lawyer Bobby Robinson technology and entrepreneurship for the last 15 years, Bobby is among the top academically-trained Black legal professionals in the country who have successfully demonstrated consistent results in the entrepreneurship space.

Now with several businesses under his belt - ranging from NFTs and AI legal tech to professional services, Bobby's no stranger to building multi-million dollar ventures (to include one successful tech exit to a local VC fund). He's an experienced business and social media attorney that advises creative founders & entrepreneurs, college to pro-athletes and celebrities on how to scale and protect their brands.

Whether it's serving as an M&A advisor, negotiating an endorsement deal, advising high-level influencers and corporations, working with angel investors, tech startups and more, Bobby is highly sought after for his business acumen and strategic expertise. Attorney Robinson is available for media interviews, strategic consultations. Thee M.O.gul Mag. is proud to name Attorney Bobby Robinson as one of November’s M.O.gul Men. Special Offers: Attorney Robinson has several upcoming educational workshops and services to proctect your business as follows: Grow with Google VIrtual Workshop Nov 29, 2023 12:00pm-1:30pm Topic: "Optimize Your Energy For High Performance" Registration Link: https://community.grow.google/s/event/a0r6R000008UhQj/workshop-20231129 $99 special for the next Virtual Millie Brand Protection BluePrint Master Class.

Email: Sign Me Up. Link will be emailed bobby@theinfliencerattorney.co March 2024 $149 special for the next in-person Millie Brand Protection BluePrint Master Class.

Email: Sign Me Up. Link will be emailed bobby@theinfliencerattorney.co March 2024 Location: Rock Hill, SC Trademark Special $1350 to include filing fee (financing options available) Expires 12/31/2023 Email: "Help Me Protect My Brand" bobby@theinfliencerattorney.co

Contact

To connect with influencer Attorney Bobby Robinson, email him directly at: bobby@theinfliencerattorney.co or click the button below.

Connect With Bobby Robinson

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‘All Business. All The Time.’

.O.gul

Men

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Jamal Muhammad | Author | Entrepreuer | Business Visionary |

About

.O.gul Men

Embarking on a journey from the dynamic city of Chicago, Jamal Muhammad stands tall as the epitome of genuine business acumen. A proud Black Man, he radiates a commitment to financial literacy and business development, embodying the ethos of 'All Business All The Time.'

In the heart of Jamal's professional odyssey lies JBM Management and Associates, a trailblazing talent management firm. Here, he navigated the intricate realm of showcasing potential, connecting talent with opportunities, and laying the groundwork for success. Jamal's digital brainchild, Amazing Faces.net, is a dedicated platform spotlighting talent, nurturing their growth, and transforming dreams into tangible reality. A testament to his commitment to empowering individuals on their journey to success. With a discerning eye for marketing, Jamal led Global Business Management, a firm propelling businesses to unprecedented heights. His focus was on providing the essential tools and strategies for businesses to thrive in a fiercely competitive world.

Delving deeper into the financial realm, Jamal's venture, Consumer Capital Group Corporation, focused on holistic financial well-being. His adept leadership ensured the safeguarding of his clients' financial futures, spanning from providing financial education to retirement planning, to wealth accumulation, and to asset protection through life insurance. Armed with a series 6 and sixty-three securities license and coupled with a producer license, his expertise is not just theoretical, but deeply rooted in practical and regulated knowledge.

Jamal's educational journey commenced at Chicago State University, reaching its pinnacle at the Keller School of Management. Here, he delved deep into entrepreneurship studies, refining his skills and solidifying his vision for business. Jamal Muhammad isn't just about business; he is the business. Each venture and consultation mirrors his commitment to elevating financial landscapes. To add to his list of accolades, accomplishments, and grit, Jamal can include the title of Author to his repertoire of experience, recently releasing his first book, bearing the name of his great mantra, ‘All Business All The Time’, available now on his website.

In essence, Jamal Muhammad is more than a businessman; he is a visionary, a catalyst for change in the world of finance and entrepreneurship. His journey from the city of Chicago to the pinnacles of business leadership showcases not only his resilience but also his unwavering commitment to transforming dreams into reality. Thee M.O.gul Mag. is proud to name Jamal Muhammad as one of November’s M.O.gul Men.

Contact To connect with Jamal Muhammad and learn more about his book, ‘All Business All The Time’, visit: https://allbusinessallthetime.net/ or click the button below.

Connect With Jamal Muhammad

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Honoring

.O.gul Men

Thank You For Your Support!

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