Cole Johnson

It's about time we had an event for media founders, creators, and newsletter operators in North Carolina. There are so many amazing media companies in this area, but not one event brings them together. We're changing that. We're 10 days away from the LIVE podcast, workshop, and networking event with Ted Williams! ✅ Ted co-founded, built, and sold Charlotte Agenda to Axios for $5M. ✅ Then he grew Axios local from 0 to 30 cities, leading to a $525M acquisition! ✅ Now Ted is building a NEW local news and personal finance start-up: TinyMoney.com When it comes to building newsletters, local news, and digital media companies... ...Ted is one of the best in the world. This is your opportunity to hang out with me and Ted, live and in person. Here are 3 reasons why you should attend: 1) Before and after the pod, we’ll have networking with complimentary drinks. It’s the perfect place to meet and connect with other media founders, operators, and creators in the area. 2) Audience Q&A with me and Ted We'll have plenty of time to answer every question and share in-depth advice. 3) Before the podcast, I'm hosting an (optional) live workshop on paid acquisition. If you want to run ads to grow your newsletter and sell info products, this will be the most in-depth training I’ve ever done. We're limiting the workshop to 20 people, so I have time to answer every question, review your ad creative, and audit your campaigns. Ted will be joining us for a lunch AMA at the workshop! Last thing: The event is in Charlotte, North Carolina on Thursday, November 21st. - The podcast and networking event has <50 spots left - The workshop has <15 spots left Early bird tickets are very affordable (thanks to our sponsor Playbookz)! Prices go up this Friday, so save your seat now. Join us with the link below:

19

6 Comments

Coach K spoke to the 2024-25 men's basketball team and shared that the 'next play' mentality has been the key to Duke's success over the last 25 years. Next play mentality means no matter what just happened - made shot, missed shot, turnover, block shot, etc... - your mind has to be on the next play. This mentality comes from being prepared and nothing to do with raw talent. Next play mentality translates well to company-buildling and what the best founders possess. The only constant is that good and bad things will occur weekly, if not daily. If your mind is always on that next play, it keeps you grounded and always in motion. - Your co-founder just quit... next play - Closed your first enterprise client... next play - Competitor just raised a big funding round... next play - A VC you really wanted just passed.....next play - TechCrunch just wrote a cover story on your company... next play Coach K closes the speech by saying success is when you can look yourself in the mirror and be proud about your level of preparedness. Keep preparing and whenever you feel down or like a king... next play https://lnkd.in/e8zrW9gc

11

3 Comments

It's been an incredible year since we launched the BCSIA accelerator in partnership with Benedict College As we approach our second Demo Day with another cohort of five pre-seed and seed-stage South Carolina-based companies, I'm reminded of the valuable lessons our founders have learned about pitching their businesses effectively. One crucial tip that I gave during one of our founder prep sessions is this: Laser-focus your pitch. Kat Weaver of Power To Pitch, one of our partners said this as well. This is what I said to a founder specifically: "During your pitch, you're not going to tell us about brand positioning or key messaging. You're telling us who you're going after and how you're going to get them." 🎯 Why? Because the audience at Demo Day (or any pitch competition) wants to help you succeed. But they can't connect you with potential customers or partners if they don't understand exactly who your target market is and how you plan to reach them. So my advice is, cut the fluff and deliver a clear, concise message that answers these two questions: 1. Who are you targeting? Be specific about the size and type of companies you're going after. 2. How will you help them? Clearly articulate the problem your product or service solves for your target customers. By doing so, you'll make it easy for your audience to understand your business and offer valuable connections or advice. Harold Hughes Tiffany Hughes Lauren Mills Josiah U. Idallas Brown Aubrey Gibson Christopher Williams Samantha Lopez Millicent B. Lann, MBA Tracy Dunn

16

4 Comments

The Non-Profit Board Experience: A Masterclass for Startup Founders   In the cacophony of business lessons, the teachings provided by non-profits can be the unsung melodies. As a proud member of the YMCA of Snohomish County board, I've encountered a repertoire of lessons that any startup, including Pictory, could benefit from.   🌟 Mission as the Magnetic North: Non-profits are guided by their mission, a beacon that navigates through the fog of daily operations. A startup should also have a mission that resonates on a personal level with its team and clientele.   🔨 Community at the Core: The strength of the YMCA lies in its community. Startups should strive to build a community-centric model where customers, employees, and all stakeholders feel they're part of something greater.   💰 Diversified Revenue Streams: YMCA has many revenue streams - its membership subscriptions, camp, sports programs, childcare, workshops, etc. Just like non-profits, startups should not put all their eggs in one basket. Experimenting with multiple revenue streams can provide stability in a volatile market.   🤝 Cultivating Lifelong Team Members: Employees and volunteers at the Y commit for life. A startup should aspire to build a team not just for a job but for a journey, fostering a culture where every milestone is shared and celebrated.   In the intersection of philanthropy and capitalism, there’s wisdom to be shared. As philanthro-capitalists aim to steer non-profits towards efficiency, we, the growth-minded entrepreneurs, can learn the art of sustainable impact from these mission-driven entities. cc: Peyton Tune Gina Casagrande -- keep up the good work and thanks for the opportunity.

66

5 Comments

Funding...not everyone's favorite topic, but necessary for IT acquisitions. Two funds I highlight in this video are available for Public Sector orgs in NC and SC. If you haven't applied yet, now is the time. Secure your funding asap, there's money on the table. #funding #SLEDtech #Govtech

15

Elevate your startup with strategic fundraising guidance, connect with mentors and advisors for support, and position your business to stand out in the market. Overcome imposter syndrome, manage the fear of failure with resilience, and tackle information overload by focusing on what truly matters. Unlock your startup's potential and thrive in a competitive market! Ready to test how your elevator pitch scores? Test it with our free Elevator Pitch AI Tool! https://lnkd.in/g-2VxJpW #angelinvestors #elevatorpitch #incubator #startup #entrepreneurship #founder #venture #VentureCapital #StartupInvestments #VCNews #CountdownCapital #OpenView #EmergingManagers #InvestmentTrends

5

3 Comments

Most venture studios fail. Some can’t raise the funding to get started. And others struggle with execution, But here’s something unexpected: Some studios fail because their  Portfolio Company performed so well… That it ended up draining  all the studio staff and resources ► Take Greenlight in Atlanta as an example; It became a unicorn and pulled in everything, leaving the rest of the studio's projects behind. It’s a good way to go ;) But it shows how important it is to have a calculated  amount of staff, capital, and resources when building… In order to stick to the bigger venture studio vision P.S.  Want to learn how to build your venture studio (Properly) Then follow me (Matthew Burris) as I share daily venture studio insights

43

12 Comments

It's amazing to understand why things grow: Over the past four years, the Charlotte Eagles Club program has witnessed an extraordinary surge in participation, even amidst a highly competitive local marketplace: 2020: 14 Club Teams 2024: 50 Club Teams 2020: 200 players at Tryouts 2024: 1000 players at Tryouts This growth has been 85% organic. We've implemented new "front door" programs with REC (numbers not included here) and Challenge programs. Our geographic footprint has tripled We've diligently established a reputable "top floor" Academy program. Notably, our staff has nearly tripled in size. While strategy, enhanced excellence, grit, and divine blessing have all undeniably contributed to our expansion, I attribute a vital factor to our success: Practice. In our day-to-day grind, we, as a staff, prioritize the practice of developing virtues that we aim to instill in those who encounter our programs. I firmly believe that the organizational experience should mirror the recipient experience. We've even designated our weekly Department head meetings as "Program Director’s Practice." The core promise of the Eagles, and indeed of any service or hospitality endeavor, transcends mere products or performance levels (though these are crucial). It's about the experience of interacting with the individuals behind the product or performance. Programs, on their own, don't create impact as significantly as our people do. If our people are not a relevant embodiment of a program's intended outcomes, we'll inevitably fall short of our lofty mission ideals. Our people, with their authentic presence, are the well from which our customers/participants/constituents draw—for better or for worse. What's in the well inevitably comes up in the bucket. #LeadershipDevelopment #OrganizationalGrowth #EmployeeEngagement #CustomerExperience #LeadershipSkills #BusinessDevelopment #TeamManagement #CustomerService #OrganizationalCulture #BusinessLeadership #StrategicPlanning #BusinessGrowth #CustomerRelations #WorkplaceCulture #ProfessionalDevelopment

62

17 Comments

🚀 Excited about raising capital for your startup? Check out the Venture Deals Summer Course by Techstars and Kauffman Fellows! 🌟 Raising capital can be daunting, but knowledge is power. Gain deep insights into the fundraising process and investor perspectives with this FREE course based on Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson's book, Venture Deals. 🔍 What you'll learn: - Navigate the venture capital ecosystem - Identify the right investors for your venture - Master negotiating strategies - Understand term sheets, cap tables, and syndication - Explore Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in VC - Discover mental wellness strategies for founders This self-paced course includes real advice from diverse investors and practical tools to enhance your fundraising journey. Register interest ➡ https://lnkd.in/d837jQC2 #Entrepreneurship #VentureCapital #StartupSuccess #Fundraising #LearnByDoing

19

2 Comments

Introducing LaTarence Dunbar LLC: Your Partner in Community Project Development and Grant Writing Excellence! I'm excited to share that LaTarence Dunbar, LLC is now offering top-tier community project development and grant writing services tailored to meet the unique needs of organizations striving to make a lasting impact. At LaTarence Dunbar, LLC, we understand the power of well-crafted projects and the crucial role that securing the right funding plays in turning ideas into reality. Our team of dedicated experts is here to help you navigate the complexities of grant acquisition, ensuring that your projects receive the support they deserve. **Our Services Include:** 🔹 **Community Project Development:** From concept to execution, we work closely with you to design and implement impactful projects that resonate with your mission and goals. 🔹 **Grant Writing:** We specialize in crafting compelling grant proposals that stand out, backed by thorough research and strategic planning. 🔹 **Strategic Partnerships:** We help forge meaningful partnerships with stakeholders, enhancing the reach and effectiveness of your initiatives. 🔹 **Project Management:** Our team provides ongoing support to ensure your projects are managed efficiently and effectively, leading to successful outcomes. Whether you're a nonprofit, educational institution, or community organization, we're here to help you unlock funding opportunities and maximize your impact. Let's collaborate to build stronger communities and create a brighter future together. Reach out to learn more about how LaTarence Dunbar, LLC can support your project development and grant writing needs. Together, we can make a difference! 🌟 #CommunityDevelopment #GrantWriting #NonprofitSuccess #FundingOpportunities #ProjectManagement #LaTarenceDunbarLLC #MakingADifference

10

3 Comments

Last call: We're 12 days away from the LIVE podcast, workshop, and networking event with Ted Williams! ✅ Ted co-founded, built, and sold Charlotte Agenda to Axios for $5M.  ✅ Then he grew Axios local from 0 to 30 cities, leading to a $525M acquisition!  When it comes to building newsletters, local news, and digital media companies...  ...Ted is one of the best in the world.  This is your opportunity to hang out with me and Ted, live and in person.  Here are 3 reasons why you should attend: ✅ 1) Before and after the pod, we’ll have networking with complimentary drinks. It’s the perfect place to meet and connect with other media founders and creators in the area. ✅ 2) Audience Q&A with me and Ted We'll have plenty of time to answer every question and share in-depth advice. ✅ 3) Before the podcast, I'm hosting an (optional) live workshop on paid acquisition. If you want to run ads to grow your newsletter and sell info products, this will be the most in-depth training I’ve ever done. Everything about my paid acquisition system will be revealed in this workshop. Plus, I'll answer every question, review your ad creative, and audit your campaigns. ✅ Last thing: The event is in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Thursday, November 21st. - The podcast and networking event has <50 spots left   - The workshop has <20 spots left Get your tickets before the price goes up below:

26

25 Comments

"People don't care how much you know, till they know how much you care." Theodore Roosevelt. Recently, I had the opportunity to present a 3 year case study of a public- private partnership committed to scaling access to #entrepreneurship to every zip code of a county with over 1 million residents. A third party economic impact study found the county ( our client) realized a 10:1 ROI (direct) and a 15:1 Total Impact ROI. ( 831 new jobs generated, $30M payroll, $80M revenues) I'm proud of these results... ROI to our funders, sponsors is key to Entrepreneur Ready's success. But it's not all that matters... What really turns me on is the impact to our participants, to every one we've ever serviced, help start a venture and well I'm pretty sure we are now over 10K individuals who have worked with me, or with one of our partners or my team members to start their venture. MY why started after I crashed and burned in my second business after selling an $18M dollar business. I spent nearly 8 years as a single mom, small business owner on the brink of poverty and homelessness working to turn my dream of owning another business into reality... After that I promised myself I would make it easier for ANYONE who wanted to succeed as small business owner. I would make it easier to not only start, but start with minimal capital and succeed. I would... So yes, I'm elated that after 15 years of working to disrupt how people start businesses, of building innovative technology and processes, systems and teams that we've had the good fortune of working with change makers such as JPMorgan Chase Foundation, Westchester County, World Impact Network, Overtown Youth Coalition, MASS at UCF, and so many others. But what gets me out of bed every day... Is watching individuals who like me back when I was fighting to get my business off the ground for nearly forever....who want a chance at being their own boss, starting a business, creating income, making a difference, becoming financially self sufficient, living life on their terms, building something, creating generational wealth...and hearing their stories, receiving their notes, emails, DM's thanking my team and I for transforming their lives and being a part of changing their future..... Now that...that is success to me. My Why matters. Your Why Matters. Never give up what makes your heart sing... #entrepreneurship #economicdevelopment #startup #smallbusiness #smallbusinessexpansionrecovery #inclusiveeconomy #inclusiveentrepreneurship #access #underserved #righttostart

24

2 Comments

Hey...Entrepreneurs + Speakers + Podcasters + Authors + Content Developers + Content Creators + Small Business Owners You have to register and travel to Nashville June 14 & 15 for The Thing. This is a live event for entrepreneurs who are ready to turn their thing into action! Can you believe this line up of speakers? HONORED to be one of them! The Thing events have drastically changed my life and my business. The website is in the comments. Questions, just let me know. See you at The Thing. hashtag #thething #liveevent #speaking #speakers #business #speakwithpeople

1

1 Comment

🧠 Generative AI Explained! Our AI Masterclass will teach you how to harness AI for your business success. Don't miss out! 🌟 📅 Tuesday, June 11th | ⏰ 2-4pm EST | 📍 Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, 17 Market Square #AIMasterclass #SmallBiz #FutureOfWork

1

1 Comment

Nikki Carney and I are beyond excited to share that The Missing Piece App has been selected to join Cohort II of Latimer House! 🎉 In October, we’ll be heading to Baltimore, ready to embark on this transformative journey with some of the brightest minds in the industry. We’ve faced setbacks—missing out on another accelerator, losing key members of our team, and even having to pause development. 2024 has been full of incredible highs and really tough lows, but the mission remains clear : get 1,000,000 families who have children on the autism spectrum the resources they need. Starting on October 1st, we’re ready to dive in and push our startup to new heights with the support of this incredible program. A big thank you to Latimer Ventures Luke Cooper , Microsoft for Startups Kaiser Permanente , Abell Foundation Inc and the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) for making this opportunity possible. And if you are a parent or autism service provider that would like to be on our platform, work with us for our upcoming Autism Mom’s night out in Miami , or participate in a questionnaire please comment here or message me. We’re looking forward to the journey ahead and can’t wait to see what’s next. Let’s make it happen! To God be the glory. #blacktech #blackintech #blacktechfounders #techfounders #saas #womenownedbusiness #womenintech #changingtheworld #techforchange #revolutionary #autism

50

26 Comments

Check out our podcast interview with Bryan Wethington, Managing Principal at River Capital–an Atlanta-based private investment firm that provides capital for management buyouts, recapitalization, and the growth capital needs of well-established middle market campaigns. Be our guest on the next Business Ninjas Podcast! Reach out to schedule your interview today! #businessninjaspodcast #podcastguestinterview

2

The teams with the best talent win every time. Take the women's NCAA first team all-American team of: Caitlin Clark JuJu Watkins Hannah Hidalgo Paige Bueckers Cameron Brink VS South Carolina Gamecocks, the reigning, undefeated, national champions. The all-Americans would win EVERY time. Even if they never practiced together. Why? Because their collection of talent would be far superior and great players find a way to win. Give the all-Americans the worst coach in the country and the champions the best coach in the country. The All Americans would still win. But here's the thing about anointing coaches as the best or the GOAT. Is it about great coaching or is it more about great recruiting? If a coach is TERRIBLE at the X's and O's but recruits a team of first team all-Americans, every year, how much would the X's and O's matter? Not much at all. This is why the coaches with the most talented players OFTEN don't win coach of the year. So, if you want to build a great company and/or be known as one of the greatest leaders in your space, the answer isn't somewhere in your go-to-market playbook, it's in your talent acquisition playbook. Or, at least, it should be.

15

Now here's a use of AI I think makes A LOT of sense... The 9th Street Journal is a Durham North Carolina news publication published by students in the Dewitt Wallace Center for Media and Democracy. And they've found it challenging to focus on very local issues that affect people's everyday lives. Such as road closures due to construction, announcements of local events, trash pickup schedules, etc. So, they've started the hyper local AI generated publication, the10th Street Journal for those short factual tidbits that people legitimately need to know. From the article... Every weekday, 10th Street will carry a few short stories that will provide you with news from around Durham. Stories such as: Government actions that affect how you work and play such as road closures, airport news and activities at local parks. Announcements about upcoming meetings of government boards and commissions. Community events such as festivals and celebrations. The stories will be generated by AI from news releases or other official sources, which will enable us to produce them more quickly and efficiently than if we relied on a student journalist. They will be reviewed by 10th Street Editor Joel Luther for content, accuracy and style before they are published. They will carry the 10th Street Journal byline to indicate they were created by AI. https://lnkd.in/gvET5BkB

1