In the latest episode of Born To Be Dope, host Ryan C. Greene welcomes Carlena Davis, the founder of Spillin' The Sweet Tea, to discuss her journey from a small-town girl in North Carolina to a prominent food content creator. With a rich background in Southern cooking and an inspiring story of resilience, Carlena shares how she turned her childhood experiences and love for food into a thriving business, all while navigating the challenges of social media. The Roots of a Culinary Passion  Carlena Davis grew up in Kingston, North Carolina, where her parents owned a funeral home. This unique upbringing taught her the importance of hard work, empathy, and community. After school, she would help her mother cook, learning valuable skills in the kitchen. "Food has been a big part of my life...everything is centered around food," Carlena recalls, highlighting how family gatherings and church events revolved around cooking and sharing meals. The Birth of Spillin' The Sweet Tea  In 2017, Carlena started her food blog, Spillin' The Sweet Tea, as a way to document her mother’s recipes. "I started studying her in the kitchen...because I knew a day would come when she wouldn't remember how to make these dishes," she explains. The blog began as a passion project but transformed into something more significant during the pandemic. In 2020, she shifted her focus to creating video content on TikTok, capturing the attention of food lovers everywhere. Navigating Social Media  Carlena's journey on TikTok began with simple cooking videos. Initially, she faced challenges like negative comments and misunderstandings about her cooking methods. "I had made some smoked turkey wings and people were quick to criticize. But it was those comments that actually helped me grow my following," she notes. Rather than being discouraged, Carlena embraced the feedback, using it as motivation to connect with her audience and share authentic cooking experiences. The Viral Moment  A turning point for Carlena came when she recreated a beloved dish from her hometown called a "pig and a pup" during the pandemic. This copycat recipe went viral, leading to an interview with a local news station. "I was just like, I might have something here," she reflects. This moment solidified her status as a content creator and opened doors to new opportunities in the culinary world. Lessons Learned and Future Goals  Throughout her journey, Carlena has learned the importance of perseverance and authenticity. She emphasizes that success does not require fame; rather, it stems from passion and hard work. "You don't have to be famous to be successful," she reminds listeners, encouraging aspiring creators to embrace their uniqueness. Carlena Davis' journey from a small-town upbringing to a successful food content creator is a testament to the power of passion and resilience. By sharing her family's recipes and stories, she has built a community that values authenticity and creativity in cooking. Key takeaways include the importance of following your passion, embracing feedback, and staying true to yourself in the face of challenges. Carlena’s story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to turn their unique talents into a thriving business.Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the channel to continue learning how to build your own dope media platform. Get the full Born To Be Dope experience at https://www.borntobedope.com   Join the Born To Be Dope Leadership Cypher. Our community for leaders looking to 10x their leadership impact, influence, and income: https://www.borntobedope.com/cypher Get the eBook “Cracking The Content Creation Code” and register for the free live workshop: https://www.mypodcastpartner.com/ebook   Build your Authority Media Brand in the next 8-Week Media Camp: https://www.borntobedope.com/camp   Subscribe to the Dope AF Blog: https://www.borntobedope.com/blog   Follow Born To Be Dope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/borntobedope   Follow Ryan C. Greene on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rygisdope    Get your Born To Be Dope Apparel: https://www.weardopetees.com

In this episode of the Born to Be Dope Show, host Ryan C. Greene engages in a heartfelt conversation with JoJo Crews, the host of the Prince of Pop Culture Podcast. JoJo shares his journey from aspiring musician to thriving media personality, offering insights and inspiration for anyone pursuing their passions against all odds.  The Early Years  JoJo Crews recalls his childhood in Washington D.C., where his love for music began at a young age. Growing up on Saratoga Avenue, he found inspiration in the sounds of Whitney Houston and Salt-N-Pepa. Living across from the original BET Studios fueled his dreams of a future in entertainment. By the time he reached high school, JoJo had his heart set on becoming an artist, believing that he was destined for a career in music. The Pursuit of Music  JoJo actively chased his dreams throughout high school, participating in plays and honing his craft as a singer. He recalls vividly his audition experiences for shows like American Idol, where he camped out overnight to showcase his talent. Despite his passion, reality set in when he realized that pursuing a career in music would require more than just talent; it needed stability. This led him to seek jobs that would pay the bills, pushing his dreams to the back burner. Life Changes and Responsibilities  When JoJo became a parent, his priorities shifted dramatically. Taking on the role of a father was a turning point that forced him to focus on providing for his family. He worked various jobs, including a long tenure at a non-profit organization, where he found stability but felt lost in terms of his true calling. JoJo's journey reflects the struggle many face when balancing dreams and responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of persistence even when life gets complicated. A Turning Point  The loss of his mother in 2013 was a profound moment that altered JoJo's life trajectory. This tragedy served as a catalyst for change, prompting him to seek outlets for his grief. He started a blog, which unexpectedly opened doors to opportunities in the media industry, including covering red carpet events. JoJo’s story illustrates how adversity can lead to new paths and reignite passions that had been sidelined. Building a Career in Media  Through his blog and connections made along the way, JoJo Crews transitioned from aspiring artist to a respected media figure. His experiences in the entertainment industry, combined with his natural charisma, allowed him to carve out a niche for himself. JoJo emphasizes the importance of networking and staying true to oneself in the journey toward success. JoJo Crews' journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of pursuing one’s passions despite setbacks. Whether it’s through the loss of a loved one or the challenges of adulthood, JoJo’s story inspires others to keep pushing forward. The key takeaways from his experience are clear: embrace your unique journey, stay connected to your passions, and never underestimate the impact of your story on others. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the channel to continue learning how to build your own dope media platform. Get the full Born To Be Dope experience at https://www.borntobedope.com   Join the Born To Be Dope Leadership Cypher. Our community for leaders looking to 10x their leadership impact, influence, and income: https://www.borntobedope.com/cypher Get the eBook “Cracking The Content Creation Code” and register for the free live workshop: https://www.mypodcastpartner.com/ebook   Build your Authority Media Brand in the next 8-Week Media Camp: https://www.borntobedope.com/camp   Subscribe to the Dope AF Blog: https://www.borntobedope.com/blog   Follow Born To Be Dope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/borntobedope   Follow Ryan C. Greene on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rygisdope    Get your Born To Be Dope Apparel: https://www.weardopetees.com

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, understanding and protecting your intellectual property (IP) is crucial for success. In a recent episode of the Born to Be Dope podcast, host Ryan C. Green spoke with attorney Karin Coger about the significance of IP and how entrepreneurs can safeguard their unique creations. Understanding Intellectual Property: Intellectual property encompasses various forms of creation that individuals or businesses produce. Karin Coger breaks it down simply: trademarks protect your brand and logo, copyrights safeguard your content, and patents cover your inventions. For instance, when you think of McDonald's, both the name and its iconic golden arches are trademarked elements that protect the brand's identity. Similarly, copyrights apply to everything from written content to videos and even choreography, ensuring that creators retain rights over their work. Identifying Your Intellectual Property: Many entrepreneurs are unaware of the intellectual property they already possess. Karin emphasizes the importance of identifying all aspects of your work that can be protected. This includes proprietary systems, teaching materials, and even online content. For example, if you’ve written a book or developed a unique training module, those can be protected under copyright law. Failing to secure these rights can lead to others using your work without permission, which is a risk no entrepreneur should take. Monetizing Your Creativity: Karin outlines a three-step framework for coaches and consultants to turn their expertise into a lucrative venture. The first step is to identify your IP, as discussed. After identifying your valuable assets, the next steps involve protecting and monetizing them. This could mean filing for trademarks on your brand and logo or securing copyrights for your digital content. For instance, if you’re a TikTok creator, while you can’t copyright every single video, you should protect your brand signature and any catchphrases or unique content that become associated with you. Navigating the Viral Landscape: In today’s digital age, many creators aspire to go viral without a clear plan for protecting their content. Karin highlights the example of the "Hock Tuah Girl" phenomenon, where a spontaneous catchphrase became wildly popular. Creators like her can still file for trademark registration even after their content has gone viral, as long as they can prove they were the first to use the phrase in commerce. This illustrates the importance of being proactive about IP, especially in an era where trends can change overnight. Protecting your intellectual property is not just about safeguarding your creations; it’s about ensuring the longevity and success of your business. By understanding what constitutes IP, identifying your own assets, and taking steps to protect and monetize them, you can set yourself up for success in your entrepreneurial journey. Key takeaways include the importance of trademarks and copyrights, the necessity of identifying all forms of IP, and the proactive measures creators should take to protect their work in a viral-driven world. Get Karin’s Trademark Tracking Assistant GPT, Regina: https://reginatmda.karincogeresg.co Use Code: BORNTOBEDOPE to get free access as long as you write a review once you’ve used the tool.  Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the channel to continue learning how to build your own dope media platform. Get the full Born To Be Dope experience at https://www.borntobedope.com   Join the Born To Be Dope Leadership Cypher. Our community for leaders looking to 10x their leadership impact, influence, and income: https://www.borntobedope.com/cypher Get the eBook “Cracking The Content Creation Code” and register for the free live workshop: https://www.mypodcastpartner.com/ebook   Build your Authority Media Brand in the next 8-Week Media Camp: https://www.borntobedope.com/camp   Subscribe to the Dope AF Blog: https://www.borntobedope.com/blog   Follow Born To Be Dope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/borntobedope   Follow Ryan C. Greene on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rygisdope    Get your Born To Be Dope Apparel: https://www.weardopetees.com

In the rapidly evolving world of public speaking, standing out is more crucial than ever. In a recent episode of the "Born to be Dope" podcast, Brian J. Olds, the founder of Black Speakers Network, shared valuable insights on how speakers can future-proof their careers by embracing authenticity and leveraging modern technology. This blog post distills those insights into actionable strategies for aspiring and established speakers alike.Understanding Your Unique Value Proposition: One of the central themes discussed in the podcast is the importance of authenticity in the speaking industry. Brian emphasizes that many speakers fall into the trap of imitating successful figures instead of discovering their unique voice. He recalls his own journey, noting that he initially felt pressured to conform to a mold, wearing suits and adopting the speaking styles of established speakers. However, he learned that true success comes from embracing one’s individuality and allowing personal experiences to shape one’s narrative.Finding Your Speaker Sweet Spot: Brian introduced a powerful concept known as the "speaker sweet spot," which is the intersection of passion, expertise, and market demand. He explains this using a Venn diagram analogy, where:- Passion represents what lights you up inside.- Expertise captures your life experiences and knowledge.- Market Demand encompasses what people are willing to pay for and what the world needs.By focusing on this intersection, speakers can develop a message that not only resonates with their audience but also generates income.The Importance of Market Demand: A significant takeaway from the podcast is the need for speakers to understand market demand. Brian pointed out that many aspiring speakers struggle to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. He advises that finding the right niche is essential. According to him, it’s not enough to be passionate or knowledgeable; there must be a genuine demand for what you offer. Testing the market through small experiments—like workshops or webinars—can provide insight into what resonates with potential audiences.Overcoming the Fear of Failure: Brian also addressed a common psychological barrier among entrepreneurs: the fear of failure. He argues that many individuals fear public failure more than failure itself. This fear can stifle creativity and innovation. He encourages speakers to embrace failure as part of the learning process. For instance, if a workshop doesn’t attract a large audience, it’s crucial to recognize that it’s an opportunity to learn rather than a reflection of one’s worth.Leveraging Technology: The podcast highlights how technology can aid speakers in their journey. Platforms like Instagram now offer features such as A/B testing, allowing users to experiment with different content to see what works best. Brian emphasizes the importance of utilizing these tools to refine one’s approach and better understand audience preferences.Brian J. Olds’ insights provide a roadmap for speakers looking to navigate the complexities of the industry. By embracing authenticity, understanding market demand, and leveraging technology, speakers can not only future-proof their careers but also create a lasting impact. The key takeaways from this discussion are:1. Embrace your unique voice and experiences.2. Identify your "speaker sweet spot" by finding the intersection of passion, expertise, and market demand.3. View setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures.4. Utilize technology to test ideas and refine your approach.Be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode! Watch this and other full video episodes: https://youtu.be/ek6C4GuSn3w Get the eBook “Cracking The Content Creation Code” and register for the free live training: www.mypodcastpartner.com/code    Join the Born To Be Dope Leadership Cypher. Our community for leaders looking to 10x their leadership impact, influence, and income: www.borntobedope.com/cypherBuild your Authority Media Brand in the next 8-Week Media Camp: https://www.borntobedope.com/camp   Follow Born To Be Dope on Instagram: www.instagram.com/borntobedope  Join the Born To Be Dope Leadership Cypher: www.borntobedope.com/cypher    Follow Ryan C. Greene on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rygisdope    Get your Born To Be Dope Apparel: www.weardopetees.com 

In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, one vital skill often overlooked is the ability to maintain focus. In the latest episode of the Born to Be Dope Show, host Ryan C. Greene welcomes Paul Burrow, known as Paul the Connector. Together, they delve into the importance of focus and clarity in business and how these elements can drive success. The Roots of Entrepreneurship  Paul shares his entrepreneurial journey, which began in his childhood surrounded by family businesses, including a flower shop and a beauty salon. This early exposure instilled in him the essence of entrepreneurship. He later pursued graphic design and marketing, ultimately leading him to establish his own business dedicated to helping other entrepreneurs. This background emphasizes the importance of understanding the foundations of business, which is essential for anyone looking to succeed in today's competitive market. Helping Others Succeed  Paul's business focuses on supporting entrepreneurs in building sustainable communities through their ventures. He believes that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for creating opportunities not just for oneself but for others as well. This philosophy aligns with his commitment to helping business owners achieve financial independence and realize their dreams. He explains that the goal of any entrepreneur should be to create pathways for others to follow, fostering a culture of support and growth. The Importance of a Strong Back Office  In discussing the pitfalls many entrepreneurs face, Paul highlights the necessity of having a robust back-office system. He notes that having a great product or service isn't enough; businesses need effective systems in place to manage customers and operations efficiently. Paul emphasizes the value of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, which help businesses streamline processes and maintain organized communication with clients. He recommends resources like My Automation Suite for entrepreneurs seeking to improve their operational efficiency. Focus and Clarity Transformation System (FACTS)  To help entrepreneurs stay on track, Paul introduces his Focus and Clarity Transformation System (FACTS). He explains that sustained focus on specific tasks leads to better results. Many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of distraction and often abandon strategies prematurely, which hinders their growth. By adopting FACTS, entrepreneurs can maintain clarity about their objectives and create a structured plan to achieve them. Valuing Your Services  A recurring theme in their conversation is the challenge of pricing services appropriately. Paul advises entrepreneurs to understand their worth and the value they bring to clients. He suggests conducting market research to gauge pricing trends while ensuring that the services offered provide significant value to customers. This approach not only justifies higher prices but also fosters better client relationships. Networking: Building Relationships Over Transactions  Paul, known as Paul the Connector, shares insights on the power of networking. He believes that building strong relationships in business is more crucial than merely focusing on profits. By prioritizing connections and fostering deep relationships, entrepreneurs can create transformative experiences for their clients and partners. This approach can lead to opportunities that may not be accessible through financial means alone. In this enlightening discussion, Paul the Connector offers valuable insights into the importance of focus, clarity, and relationships in entrepreneurship. By implementing effective systems, valuing services appropriately, and prioritizing connections over transactions, entrepreneurs can create a sustainable path to success. Key takeaways from this episode include the significance of maintaining focus on specific business goals, the need for robust back-office systems, and the value of building meaningful relationships within the business community. Be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode! Watch this and other full video episodes: www.borntobedope.com Get the eBook “Cracking The Content Creation Code” and register for the free live training: www.mypodcastpartner.com/code Build your Authority Media Brand in the next 8-Week Media Camp: www.borntobedope.com/camp Follow Born To Be Dope on Instagram: www.instagram.com/borntobedope Join the Born To Be Dope Leadership Cypher: www.borntobedope.com/cypher  Follow Ryan C. Greene on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rygisdope  Get your Born To Be Dope Apparel: www.weardopetees.com