|
|
Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! |  |
|
Lesson #2: Never Give Up
Article Overview: “With my first act in ’79, people said hip-hop was dead,” says Simmons. “Now look, 20 years later, the culture is so strong we’re doing underwear.”
 |
Free Download - Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee By Russell Simmons |
Lesson #2: Never Give Up
“With my first act in ’79, people said hip-hop was dead,” says Simmons. “Now look, 20 years later, the culture is so strong we’re doing underwear.”
Simmons was not always the successful powerhouse that he is now nor did success come easily to him. When he first began to promote hip-hop concerts and events on the streets of New York where he grew up, he would often lose large amounts of his own money. Simmons even once found himself completely broke after promoting a party in Harlem to which no one showed up. “I remember sitting outside and my mother coming out,” he recalls. “She gave me money…and it was enough to start me over again and give me another opportunity.”
For Simmons, the hardest part about losing money on ventures was not the actual loss of dollars, but the loss of faith and confidence that often came along with it. Reflecting on his mother’s loan at the time of his bankruptcy, Simmons notes, “It was a tremendous push, because it wasn’t the money, it was the investment in me. It was the belief in my future.” That belief pushed Simmons to continue working towards his dreams.
Once Simmons had gained some measure of success, he still faced harsh criticism concerning the content of his message and the artists he was representing. With profane lyrics and violent images often associated with his rappers, Simmons was constantly told he was part of the problem as opposed to part of the solution.
“They say we’re putting out bad messages to the kids.” In defense, Simmons argues that his artists are simply representing the reality of the tough conditions that exist on the streets. “Our image is clean, man. Kids beat each other’s heads every day. They are fighting because they were fighting before I was born.”
In fact, Simmons suggests that his rappers actually represent role models to their audiences. “If you’re a 15-year-old black male in high school and look around, you wonder what you can do with your life. How do you better yourself? Run-DMC has opened up a whole new avenue of ambition,” says Simmons. “You can grow up to be like Run-DMC. It’s possible.”
Simmons also grew up in a time where racism was more prevalent, “but I wouldn’t let it hurt me,” he says. “I could complain about the lack of cultural sensitivity, but
I also say that because of the old guys’ stupidity I’m here in the first place. If the music business understood hip-hop in the beginning, I wouldn’t have built Def Jam.”
Throughout his career, Simmons has faced numerous obstacles that have tested his commitment to his vision. No matter what seemed to stand in his way, Simmons persisted in his goals and continued to dedicate himself to achieving them. “If you don’t break a hole through the brick wall, don’t just start digging a new hole,” he believes. “Keep going until you break through that wall.”
“It’s all about the work,” he says. “Nothing is going to fall into your lap.” Simmons would often take years to develop a new business idea, learning from all the mistakes he already made along the way. “If something doesn’t work, then you know what not to do.” And, everybody has the potential to achieve their dreams, says Simmons. “Whatever they can imagine for themselves, they can accomplish.”
Entrepreneur – How Not To Have A Bad Employee?
Who Is Your Proud Family?
Selling swimming pools is the same as selling what you sell
Three Marketing Lessons from Realtors
The Gravity of Failure
Article Tags:
Related Forum Posts
Re: Have a Security Clearance Question? But are afraid to ask?
- I think I've already addressed your topic in another forum or thread, but I think the easiest way to generate additional traffic to your web site is to provide content that is fresh, new, and insightful. Give users a reason to access your web site besides purchasing your services. Give them a reason to gain knowledge and they will come back and give you business when they can. Good luck in your campaign, and I hope everything turns out for you! One question I have is do security clearances check your family information as well (family criminal offences, etc).
Re: need advice
- I'm sure Africa needs call centers too. Give us more information on the specifics. Why are you skeptical?
Dan Kennedy Marketing Methods
- We haven't sent out the physical letter yet as the person owning the list wanted to make modifications to the letter that we knew would work well but the List owner had a point - it didn't reflect her personality so her clients would know it didn't come from her.
Lesson learned for me. We're back to the drawing board with the list owner more involved in the development of the letter and emails.
I should have known better being a Business Analyst in my day job that you never leave the end-user out.
So Evan we haven't had the opportunity to test any of it yet but it's been a fun process for me to stand back and look at.
Business plan nightmare
- Good to hear izoom! Give us an update when you have gotten through the funding process or if we can be of additional help!
Re: Traffic! How do you get it?
- Give away plenty of free valuable stuff. People will be grateful of your gift and
will stick around to see what else you have to offer.
Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.
Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.
by: Stan Prokop, Canadian Business Financing
February 2012 Top 100 Leadership Experts to Follow on Twitter
Please Stop Calling it Coaching!
Measuring the Quality of Your Hires
The fine line 
Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.