Live with Jerren Pierce

I Recently I spoke with a very ambitious man of valor named Jerren Pierce. Pierce and his partner recently started their own sporting entity that specializes in exposing High School Athletes to College Recruits. According to Just Maximizing Potential In addition to posting information about the athlete including GPAs, statistics, and highlight videos, the website will mainly serve as a social networking site for athletes, coaches, and recruiters. 

1)   What made you start this business?

Just Maximizing Potential was started because of the passion I have for high school student athletes. I feel that sometimes when playing on the high school level you do not get the exposure you deserve to get at times to colleges. I was one of those players so that is why I started JMP.

2)   How did you get involved in Sports, and where does the passion come from?

I got involved in sports from a young age; I was one of those kids that always dreamed about playing professionally growing up. Growing up I pretty much played every sport that there was to play.

3)   Exactly how does your organization help High School Athletes gain exposure?

JMP serves basically as a middleman to help reach out to colleges for student athletes. On the website justmp.com student athletes can get profiles and are able to edit their profile the ways they want to by: adding videos, pictures, newspaper articles and even blogging.

We also take it another step by adding different events that will help the student athletes such as: combines (various sports), camps, tournaments and All Star games (in future). From these events we are able to add their numbers to their profiles to make their profiles accurate for colleges to view.

We also take it another step by sending out all their information to colleges across the country. If any coaches have any questions about certain student athletes we are able to direct them appropriately.

4)   How does your organization help athletes as they progress on to the next level?

One way we help these student athletes progress is by offering sports performance. This where the student athletes can train to get stronger and faster in order to perform on that level.

5)   What is your favorite Football team, why does Football matter?

For college I like Oregon; I am not a bandwagon person either. I have liked them since Akli Smith and Joey Harrington were QBs at the school. I like them because they are not afraid of being who they are; they are not normal. Football to me matters because it was one of the sports I fell in love with. It is a great game.

6)   How much, if any has the world of sports changed since you first fell in love with it?

Nothing but the athletes has really changed. Everyone is faster and stronger now so it so much more competitive in any sport.

7)   What do you think about Sports Agents?

If they do the correct job I think they are great as long as the stay ethical in their practices.

8)   Do you think the NCAA ruling against agents is to protect their pockets, or do you believe that they are genuinely concerned about the player’s future?

Being on a NCAA committee while in college I know what the thought patterns are. They are genuinely concerned about the player’s future. When these players are coming out of college they are very young still and when it involves money; it is like a child with candy.  NCAA is doing a great job in how they are handling this.

9)   Do you think that colleges, and universities should pay their student athletes?

The only answer to that is if you pay one person you have to pay everyone. It will change the meaning of college sports if this occurs. There will be so many lawsuits that will occur from this if this was to occur. You also have to think of a formula to pay every student athlete that plays so when thinking outside the box: you have approximately 60 scholarship football players and about 40 more players. Women’s basketball has about 12 scholarships and about 5 more players. What would be the formula to pay the players the same amount?

If you had the power to change one rule in Football what would it

be? Why?

Nothing I think it is great the way it is.

In the words of Jerren Pierce “When I was coming out of high school, we didn’t have this type of opportunity,” says Pierce.  “I was a player with potential but just didn’t get recruited. Just Maximizing Potential will give student-athletes across the country the opportunity to showcase their abilities on our website.

Here is a video link: http://bit.ly/riFKct

Reference:

http://hslouisiana.scout.com/2/877767.html

jpierce@justmp.com

Chris Bosh Social Media Suggestions

Here are my social media marketing tips for Chris Bosh. Chris experienced lot turmoil this past year. He received a host of backlash from his decision to sign with the Miami Heat. Joining the likes of D. Wade, and LeBron James raised Chris Bosh’s popularity. He was placed on platform that he always dreamed about, but the scrutiny took a toll on him.  In fact he stop tweeting and staying in touch with fans, to cope with the season.  However, things only got worse for Chris!

            After finishing the rollercoaster of a season, and marrying the beautiful Adrienne Williams. Chris has started tweeting again, and seems to be a better place mental. As Chris Bosh fan its good to see back in good spirits, lets hope this spews over into the upcoming season. Below is my marketing suggestion to Chris Bosh, handling the media can work wonders for his reputation.

Sports & People

The Biggest Sports Story of the Decade

 

The greatest sports story of this decade belongs to the New Orleans Saints.  No other professional team, regardless of its league had to endure the level of scrutiny that the Black and Gold has. Prior to the 2000 season, the Saints were known around the NFL as the Aints! Disgraced fans attended games with large paper bags on their heads to hide their faces, a host of their games were blacked out and, talented players were reluctant to play for the organization.   

           

Coach Jim Haslett brought the Saints into the 20^th century with Jeff Blake, Ricky Williams, and Joe Horn as the leaders of the team. During the up and down season, Jeff Blake was knocked out in the 11^th game with a broken foot, Blake was immediately replaced by a guy very few people outside of Virginia knew named Aaron Brooks. Brooks led the Saints to a 3-2 finish, and a wild card berth.  Brooks extraordinary play won over the fans, as he guided the team to the their first playoff win against the defending champions, the St. Louis Rams.  Unfortunately, for Brooks the Saints were upended by the Minnesota Vikings the following the week.

            The following season the Saints did not make the playoffs despite beating the eventual or predestined Super Bowl champions, the Tampa Buccaneers. In addition, team owner Tom Benson fired former executive of the year Randy Mueller. As a Saints fan this was the type of corruption that plagued our beloved team, and tainted our spirits. Nonetheless, the Saints finished the Jim Haslett era by missing the playoffs the following two seasons, finishing 8-8 in 2003, and 2004. In 2005, Haslett was released in week 3, and the Saints went on to finish 3-13. Despite the records set by Aaron Brooks and the minimal success he achieved as the Saints quarterback he’d quickly become the villain and was released in 2005 as well.  This by far was the most trying time as a Saints fan and South Louisiana residents, because Hurricane Katrina changed our lives forever.

            Hurricane Katrina ravished the states along the Gulf Shore, crippling New Orleans, and causing our beloved Saints to play every game on their schedule away from home. In fact, they played one home game at Giants Stadium, against the Giants, with the remainder of their home games being split between The Alamo Dome in San Antonio, TX, and Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA.  The Superdome was used as a shelter for those left in the city, and unfortunately for some, the Super Dome became their deathbed. After the mayhem in the Super Dome subsided, people began to move forward and Tom Benson expressed his desire to move the team elsewhere. This uncertainty put the Who Dat Nation in dismay, and caused a big uproar. The relocation controversy got extremely messy for all involved parties, and forced Governor Kathleen Blanco, NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, and Tom Benson to agree to terms that will keep the Saints in New Orleans for a long time.            

            On January 17, 2006 the Saints hired Sean Peyton as their new head coach, and signed quarterback Drew Brees on March 14, 2006.  After the $185 million dollar renovations were completed to the New Orleans Superdome, and the 2006 schedule was released the Saints quickly sold out every home game for the first time in franchise history.  On September 25, 2006 the Saints played their home opener against the Atlanta Falcons and beat them on national television 23-3. In fact, ESPN deemed the broadcast as their highest rated program ever. ESPN recorded an estimated 10,850,000 homes viewed the game, with an 11.8 rating.  The game had more viewers than any other show on television that night, and was deemed the second highest rated cable program ever. In 2007 ESPN rewarded the Saints with an ESPY award for “The Best Moment in Sports”. 

            Later that year the Saints clinched their first division title, and earned a first round bye for the first time in team history. After beating the Philadelphia Eagles on Christmas Day, the Saints were defeated in the NFC Championship game by soon to be World Champs Chicago Bears. In 2007 the Saints sold out every home game again, but finished the season 7-9.  In 2008 the Saints did not make the playoffs for the second consecutive year due to a lack luster performance by their defense. Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 5,068 yards, falling just 16 yards short of Dan Marino’s single season record of 5084 yards, and Wide-out Lance Moore finished the season with 928 yards just 72 yards short of 1000. 

In the Saints 20O9-2010 campaign, they started the season 13-0 and recorded the longest winning streak in team history. Two weeks later the New Orleans Saints loss to the underachieving Dallas Cowboys sparking a three game losing streak to end the season. On their path to the Super Bowl the Saints beat three future Hall of Fame quarterbacks in consecutive games.  Reggie Bush put on a memorable show against the Arizona Cardinals as he rushed for 84 yards rushing on five carries including a 46-yard touchdown run, and a pivotal 83-yard punt return for a score. His heroism combined with great offensive execution and a stifling defense, gave the Saints a 45-14 victory over Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals.

The following week, the Saints shocked the NFL again, by pulverizing Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings. The Saints defense pounded Brett Favre as every snapped he took virtually forcing him into submission.  Yet, Brett Favre and his Minnesota Vikings continued to fight and nearly won the game.  However, costly turnovers from Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin, and Brett Favre ended the Vikings hope. The Saints won the game in overtime when Garret Hartley nailed a 40-yard field goal with 10:15 left on the clock.    

On Sunday February 8^th, 2010, the nation witnessed the greatest sports story  of the decade unfold. My New Orleans Saints altered the fate of their 43 yr. ole history by beating the heavenly favored Indianapolis Colts.  After falling behind by a 10-point deficit, the most courageous play in Super Bowl history was perfected. Sean Payton instructed kicker Garret Hartley to execute a low percentage onside – kick, and Hartley nailed it. Not only did he catch the Colts off guard, but also the 74,000 in attendance and the millions watching at home. Everyone was stunned! The execution of this play sparked a rally that no Colt fan could foresee. The Saints scored 31 points, capped off by Tracy Porters game winning interception of Peyton Manning.

In conclusion, the city of New Orleans, the people of Louisiana, and the residents of the Gulf Coast had been waiting 43 years to celebrate as champions, and we did in every facet of the word. We partied for about two months straight. The New Orleans Saints are a staple in the community, and we the people feel a special connection with our team. They lean on us for inspiration, and we lean on them for motivation. They have helped eased the aftermath of Katrina, and provided the region with an economic boost.  Between the two neighboring cities New Orleans and Baton Rouge, both are listed in the top 25 as two of the most dangerous cities in the country. However, both cities have seen making the top 25 list. However, both cities seen a brief decrease in crime after the championship season.  I could go on and on about the Saints, and how we celebrated after the victory, but that would make this story extremely long.  So remember this, February 2, 2010 is the day that the Saints became America’s team.

References:

Flint, J. Saints' Super Bowl win nips 'MASH' finale for most-watched show ever. The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved: July 10, 2011

gawker.com/5695776/the-25-most-dangerous-cities-in-the-us-are-mostly-nice-places

Negotiating with Zeke

When you hear the term “The Clutch”, the average person immediately begins to think about a car pedal, or the heralded magazine known for its juicy topics. In the entertainment industry the term “The Clutch” refers to an eclectic songwriting group that’s responsible for composing a series of successful hits for a number of artist.  The Atlanta based group consists of Candice Clotiel “CG” Nelson, Ezekiel “Zeke” Lewis, Patrick Michael “J. Que” Smith, Belewa Muhammad, and Kerri Lynn Hilson.  This harmonious five some is great inspiration for young music enthusiast like myself, who long for a prosperous careers in the music industry. Recently, I was granted the opportunity to briefly interview the award- winning songwriter Ezekiel Lewis.  We spoke on the matters of negotiation, and how he manages them. 

 

What is the job description of a publisher?

A music publisher is responsible for ensuring that songwriters and composers receive payment when their compositions are used commercially. A publisher licenses composition, helps monitor where compositions are used, collects royalties and distributes them to the composers. They also secure commissions for music and promote existing compositions to recording artists, film and TV.

In negotiations what method do you use to reach the (BATNA) The Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement?

I try and do deals that make sense for me at this point. Otherwise, I stay away.

How do you deal with negative emotions during negotiations?

I deal with those emotions by trying to see the other party’s perspective; also I categorize business and personal interactions

How do you separate the people from the problem?

I separate the people from the problem by understanding that the actions of a person do not always define the complete person.  However, when possible, I stay away from those who have proven to be difficult to deal with.

Do you ever seek mutual benefit when negotiating, or is it solely about leverage?

There are times when “mutual benefit” is paramount. There are other times depending on the history of a situation, when leveraging takes priority.

Does your current position in the industry allow you to have any leverage or power when negotiating?

Yes, at times.

Have you ever yielded to pressure during a contractual agreement?

Earlier in my career, the “ bigger picture” was the focus so that

I was granted the opportunity to “accomplish” so to speak.  As you advance in your career you find that “pressure” subsides as you become more accomplished.

Ezekiel "Zeke" Lewis
Brandon J. McQuirter
Brandon J. McQuirter

The Art of Soul Music

It’s a general consensus that Soul Music is a blend between R&B, Blues, and Gospel music dating back as early as the 1950’s. The inspiring art form derived from the early struggles within the Black community, which gave birth to a few commonly known forefathers: Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and James Brown.  According to Nero: there are many different types of Soul music, including, but not limited to: Southern Soul, Neo-Soul and Psychedelic Soul (which paved the way for Funk music in the 1960s).

As a fan of Soul Music, I have been able to listen, analyze, and relate to its various styles, however Neo-Soul is the one element that I subconsciously clung to.

As its name (new-soul) implies, Neo-Soul music is essentially modern-day soul music, with contemporary attitudes and sensibilities. It differs from con temporary R&B in that it's obviously more soulful, and it also tends to have deeper messages and meanings than R&B (Nero, 2011). During the mid 90’s my mother’s speakers filled my ears with what most considered to be the beginning of the Neo Soul movement; Raphael Saadiq, DeAngelo, and Erykah Badu. Although Kedar Massenburg of Motown Records is credited with coining the phrase “Neo Soul”, I credit my mother for the genres informal introduction into my life.

During the 90’s artist like Erykah Badu, Raphael Saadiq, DeAngelo, and Luaryn Hill, and Mary J. Blidge musical influence was grand. In fact they played an intricate role in my love for music. Today, artist like India Arie, Jill Scott, N’Dambi, Goapele, Leela James, Anthony Hamilton, John Legend, The Roots, Dwele, Musiq, and a host of others keep my speakers vibrating, and my eardrums attentive. In addition soul artist Jaguar Wright has provided some interesting dialogue on Neo-Soul, and its hype. Her sophomore album entitled “Divorcing Neo to Marry Soul raised eyebrows in the music industry.

In her 2005 interview with Doorie Williams-Wheeler of Thabiz.com, Jaguar discussed her dislike for the Neo-Soul title stating:

“What the title means. Neo-soul. Neo meaning new. There is nothing new about soul music. Don't believe the hype. I'm not a part of the hype, I don't believe in hype. Divorcing myself from the stigmata, embracing the history. They don't have a right to take that history from us. I don't know why but for some reason so many black artists feel the need to divorce themselves from their history and their culture and their roots. I'm not one of them people. Divorcing the garbage, marrying the real”.  

I understand Jaguars frustration with Black artist feeling the need to divorce their history, however it’s not just the artist its Black people in general.  Somehow we have been misguided, and led to believe that our indigenous roots are noting more than an afterthought. Soul music has produced some serious truth tellers in its most glorious past. Finding the conviction to pursue our fondest dreams and the courage to face-up to our darkest truth is perhaps the artist’s greatest challenge (N’Dambi). Despite the criticism, and confusion associated with the Neo Soul and Soul genre, along with its limited appeal to mainstream America. I’m infatuated with the sound!

Reference:

Nero, Mark E. The Definition of Soul. An Origin of the Genre. Retrieved

(2011) About.com Guide. http://randb.about.com/od/rb12/a/Soul_Music.htm

Nero, Mark. E. What is Neo-Soul? Retrieved (2011) About.com Guide.

http://randb.about.com/od/rb12/p/NeoSoul.htm

http://www.ndambionline.com/about

Wheeler, D.W. (2205) Jaguar Wright Interview. Retrieved (2011)

THABIZ.com.

         http://www.thabiz.com/jaguar_wright_interview.htm

Images

tradebit.com

blackmenarise.com

http://zazzle.com

Dee-1 "One Man Army"

         A couple of years ago I attended The Extreme battle of the Bands in downtown Baton Rouge, in hopes of seeing my sister and her band mates win first place. The event line-up consisted of popular high school bands from in and around the Greater Baton Rouge area, in addition to local and national recording artist like: Lil Boosie & Webbie.   To my surprise I receive more than what I bargained for, not only did my sister and her band mates take first place, but I had the rare opportunity to hear positive Hip-Hop from an up and coming artist named Dee-1.

         When introduced by Baton Rouges on self-proclaimed gangsta turned activist Silky Slim, Dee-1 charged the stage with swagger rarely seen in the capital city. His aggressive yet optimistic flow captivated my eardrums and subconsciously made my head nod back and forth. As I continued to listen his soulful tune, I was astounded by his lyrical content and stage presence. By the end of his set I found myself reciting the chorus in my head saying: “I’m strapped with a pad, my pen is gat, a mask and a vest plus I’m dressed in all black, God by my side so no man can harm me this is the story of a One Man Army”.  

         After the battle I began searching for “One Man Army” but was unsuccessful, mainly because I could not remember Dee-1’s name. Shortly thereafter, I conceded my search and waited for his music to find me and it did.  One cool February evening I was listening to the MTV Jams channel, and completing a Full Sail assignment when Dee-1’s “One Man Army” video came on. I immediately stop working on my assignment and blasted the soulful tune, after learning his name I goggled Dee-1 and found his website.

         Born & raised in the heart of New Orleans, Dee-1 shares the same struggles as the legendary artists that put the 504 on the map, but he is determined to represent the city with a different viewpoint by using insightful and thought provoking rhymes in his music (Dee-1, 2011).  While reading his bio, I became more intrigued with Dee-1 the artist who graduated from LSU, and taught at a local middle school.

“Dee-1’s music creates an atmosphere that welcomes all listeners from nearly any background. His positive message extends well beyond the stereotype of the traditional conscious rapper, because as he says, “real recognizes real.” If you have never seen a live Dee-1 show, you’re missing out! Dee has the rare ability to perform in nearly any environment, from arenas to nightclubs to schools to churches; and the response is always the same. Outstanding!! (Dee-1, 2011)”

From Mr. Augustine to Dee-1, he has been featured in various media outlets such as Billboard Magazine, CNN, MTV, BET, XXL, 2DopeBoyz, and various columns and newspapers. He has released six mix tapes, one album, three videos, and performed alongside some of the biggest names in the music, including his recent performance at Jazz Fest, 2011. As an artist I admire his approach, and respect his lyrical ability. There are only a handful of artist that I respect in the music industry, and Dee-1 is the newest member of that club.  I support the movement

Reference:

http://dee1music.com/category/discover-dee-1