The Winter 2005 Issue of the Gots To Have It, Newsletter contains:

FAME...I Wanna Live Forever!

I know you will be humming that Fame song for the rest of the day. (Don't you just hate when I do that?) LOL! The song is so perfect for this month' s topic.

So what, they are not on the cover of Time, Vanity Fair, Cosmo, or Essence. They might not have the paparazzi hiding behind their bathroom door trying to get that million dollar nudie shot, but they are still stars in the eyes of many!

I'm talking about the phenomenon of the local celebrity. The little guy who still shines brighter than the Average Joe. There is something that draws us to these people. It' s their passion, their personalities, it' s what they do. The local celebrity could be a financial expert, doctor, politician, motivational speaker, pastor, or business guru. What is it that gives him or her that star quality? And is it possible for you to attain that magical twinkle in your eye as well?

Dominga Martin and Gladymir Levèille founder of Crème Magazine

Tell me a little about yourself? Dominga Martin: I am a Bostonian currently living in New York. I majored in Radio-TV-Film with a minor in Journalism. I left college to pursue my dream as a hip-hop dancer where I went on the road during the New Edition Reunion Tour, dancing back-up for Bobby Brown' s younger sister who was a rapper. I soon realized that dancing was not a career (for me) so I decided to put my energy into writing and production. I became a VJ for one of Atlanta' s premiere video shows "In the Mixx" where I interviewed and booked everyone from P-Diddy to T.D. Jakes. From there, I began producing on the show and landing jobs on various sets for movies and videos.   After watching and learning, I tried my hand at directing my own short film, which premiered at the Roxbury Film Festival months later. Soon, it became clear that film jobs were far and few between in Atlanta and I needed to make money doing what I love. So, I landed a job at a local newspaper, which gave me the opportunity to write and later, be the City Manager of New York where I was relocated. Once in New York, after networking, I held various jobs in both film and journalism.   Not one to work for people for long, I ventured out on my own and started my own film company. I am currently producing a documentary on my family history collection. It will be making its debut at the Smithsonian Anacostia Museum next year. In addition, I am the Editor and co-founder of the on-line magazine Crème www.creme-magazine.com which I co-founded with Gladymir Levèille

Gladymir Levèille: I' m a graduate of L.I.U with bachelors in Marketing and a certificate in Advertising. I always had a passion for fashion so I put my books skills to the test when working for Dada Clothing as a marketing director. I have always been a business-minded person, so I partnered up with a couple of guys and I sought out to do an independent fashion publication. After two years of that, I felt it was time to branch out of my own. My way of thinking changed and I was tired of seeing so many negative images in the paper and on TV. So I wanted to create a publication that showcased the best lifestyles of young diverse professionals who work hard and play harder. So I partnered up with Dominga Martin, which became the birth of Crème Magazine.

What do your find most rewarding about your career?

DM: Doing what I love and having the freedom to make creative decisions without the powers that be, which are usually scared to take risks, standing in our way.

GL: The best part of my job is sharing my vision with others, and them understanding what Crème Magazine is about.

What tactics do you suggest are helpful in getting your name in the limelight?

GL: Creating the right relationships. The best way to put it is "Game recognizes Game" simply put. If you do a lot of talking and no walking, no else will want to walk with you.

DM: Know the people that talk. Not gossip, but the people who are in the right circles who will spread the word.  

What suggestions can you offer those interested in starting their own magazine, print or online?

DM & GL say:

1. Find out your mission and who your audience is.

2. For print: Make sure you have the money!  

3. For online: Make sure you have a great web master/designer and a strong team that pulls their own weight and works with you because they love it and not because they want to tax you. It' s hard to find people to travel with you on your dream. But if you find like minds that share the same dreams as you anything you start is easy, but you must put GOD first so that the road is clear and the blessings are abundant.  

4. Have a strong list to spread the word, be a trendsetter and in the know! Always stay ahead of the game. Don' t be afraid to be daring.  

5. It' s very important that you do your research and not just dive into something you don' t know much about. There are plenty of books and magazine guides out there for starting your own publication. The magazine business is one of the toughest businesses to get into and then be continuously successful at it. For online purposes, I encourage everyone to start up a newsletter or a forum of some sort because it gives you a voice. Just as long as it' s a positive voice.

FAME! How To Become a Local Celebrity
By Simone Kelly-Brown

1. Know your target market and have them feel comfortable with you! Understand what they need and want so that you can give it to them and THEN some. Having a "story" is extremely important as well, in many cases people want to identify with you. Maybe you accomplished something they are trying to and you are their inspiration. Tell them about it. Don' t be shy. If you were in an abusive relationship, WRITE ABOUT IT, talk about it.

If you just overcame a serious illness and found ways to overcome it by changing your diet, SHARE IT! If you were in debt and now you're a big BALLER, tell 'em how you got there! FIND THEIR PROBLEM AND HELP THEM SOLVE IT! We love information-- heck you' re getting some right now aren't ya?

2. Do Something that Counts!

Being fabulous is cute, but what are you doing for your community that makes people remember you? Host an event, volunteer; speak on topics that will uplift those in your area.

3. Continue to Build Up Your Fan Base:

Collect contact info like it's nobodies business. Every event that you have or attend, you should be collecting names, e-mails, and mailing addresses. Don’t walk away missing out on potentially new clients, customers, followers, fans, etc.

For those in the music industry for example, I can’t tell you how many times I've been to a show and then realized they didn’t' even have anyone collecting email addresses or business cards. It’s a wasted opportunity! You need to stay in contact with these folks who could later come to another show and buy your CD online!

4. Get out the house and WORK THAT ROOM BABY!

Learn how to find interesting networking events online. Go where your target market is, not necessarily where your peers are. Read this article titled Work That Room, Baby for more info and simple tips to make networking easier for you: http://www.gotstohaveit.com/summer2003_newsletter.html

5. Do local cable, TV, or even get your own Internet Radio Show! Start researching cable access shows in your area by calling your local cable company. Cable is very inexpensive and many folks are shocked when they find out the rates!

Why not start your own Internet Radio show by going here for more info: http://radio.about.com/od/createinternetradio/a/aa100604a.htm?terms=internet+radio+show

I sat down with a Give 'N Take attendee Jude Gorgopa, Founder of Clout Et Cetera, Inc. to ask her what she thought about the topic since she is an expert in getting clout. She had these points to add to the list.

6. Have Authentic Personal Style:

Becoming a local celebrity is a lot easier than you may think! Having star quality is more a matter of over-all impression than actual looks so having a knockout first impression is one giant step to stardom. What message is your image sending? Before you even open your mouth, you need to have a positive and memorable impact on people. Having authentic personal style can give you the clout to open doors to places that would otherwise remain locked or take years to enter. It's amazing how charm, grace, and confidence can get you to the front of the line. You don't have to be rich or wear expensive clothes. It's all in how you work it! That's star quality.

7. Keep yourself in front of people!

Speak at events, participate in fundraising, go to networking events, get cards printed and hand them out and make sure to take advantage of photo ops and auditions. There's no room for fear! Get known for being the professional and wonderful person that you are. It's a hard fact that even if someone is really interested in you, they will rarely call you back. You must keep on top of your contacts and constantly develop new ones, focusing on those that will help you get to where you want to go. The most important advice is to be kind to everyone on your way up, from the receptionists to the doormen to the assistants, because you never know who you'll meet on the way down!

8. Anyone can develop a signature style.

It takes time and it takes courage, but it can be done. Finding yourself as a person has a lot to do with finding your personal style as the whole process is to basically bring the inward outward. It's not enough to get a makeover when the old attitudes are still attached. It's like putting fresh icing on a stale cake. If you're going through a major transition in your life and exploring new options, you're feeling lost and confused or just plain bored, it helps to have a coach on hand to help direct you to your goals and the image to go along with them.

Jude L. Gorgopa, author, motivational speaker, life/career coach, total image consultant, and trainer is the President/Founder of Clout Et Cetera, Inc., an image and lifestyle resource for individuals, groups, and businesses that can change your attitude, your career, and your life.

Look out for her upcoming book, 'The Fundamentals of Clout: Volume One. A Woman's Portable Guide to the Power of Personal Style' is now available from our website.

A percentage of the sale price will be donated to charity. For more information on services and events, please visit us @ http://www.cloutetcetera.com or e-mail jude@cloutetc.com.

Simone Kelly-Brown is author and founder of Gots To Have It, Marketing, a firm that specializes in marketing and empowering entrepreneurs with a series of workshops and networking events. Please view her company web sites here: http://:www.gotstohaveit.com and http://www.giventakenetwork.org.

5 Ways to Make Your Event - THE Event! By Dannielle Brantley When you have a business, you will eventually realize (if you haven't already) that the more people who know about your business, the greater chance you have of pulling in customers. Every entrepreneur should have a marketing plan or strategy for his or her product or idea; otherwise you'll be like a movie producer who spends time and money to get a movie made only to keep the final reel to himself. Your business 'show' cannot be ignored and can be as creative, different and innovative as you and your teams are. In a previous MW Letter, I've Got My Website, Now What? 7 Ways to Draw Attention to Your Business Website, we shared various ways to market your website and essentially, your business. One of the funnest(is that a word?) ways, is to throw an event sponsored by your company. But you don't want to have any old, regular event; you want your event to be memorable and leave a lasting impression on those who are a part of it and those who attend. Here are 5 ways to make your event, THE event...Read the full article here: http://www.mochaworksdesign.com/mwletteroct05.php

Start your holiday shopping off right and treat the JACKS in your life. For a limited time only, you’ll get an autographed copy of each book ordered. But wait…there’s more! We’ll also throw in free shipping too. Click here to get FREE SHIPPING and your ENTIRE ORDER AUTOGRAPHED by Simone Kelly-Brown for FREE! Also SIGN UP for the special one-on-one 8 week course based on the book. Get affordable personalized coaching from Simone Kelly-Brown to help you streamline your business and get focused! Go here for more: www.gotstohaveit.com/8weekcourse.html BECOME A GTHI AFFILIATE AND EARN CASH! Get paid by spreading the word about Simone Kelly-Brown's New Book, Jack of All Trades, Master of None? Become an Affiliate: http://www.gotstohaveit.com/affiliate.html

Events this past summer were amazing! Check out our first event for the new year - 2006.

NEW JERSEY

FLAVA Restaurant and Lounge, 24 E. Park Street
Newark, NJ 07102 Tel:(973) 639-9000

When: Wednesday, January 11, 2005, 6:30pm - 9:30pm

If you'd like to attend, you MUST RSVP for our New Jersey guest list here: nj_event@giventakenetwork.org

$10 Non-Members, Free for GOLD Members, $5 for General Members

ENJOY DELICIOUS SOUL FOOD AT FLAVA. VERY TASTY!
www.flavarestaurant.com for directions.

Going Away But Not Going Anywhere...

You may have noticed that my name has changed to Simone Kelly-Brown. I recently got married on November 26th to Mr. Hasan Brown in Florida. Thanks so much for all of the support as I enter a new phase in life! Also very big thanks to Big Ced of The Industry Cosign and to all of the folks that came out to my Going Away party in NYC at Negril Village, October 13th.

Although I am no longer in NYC, I'll be visiting regularly for special events. All Give 'N Take events in all cities will remain the same, since we have event managers who run Give 'N Take Chapters.

In the Media:

Simone Kelly-Brown was featured in NV' s magazine November issue, pick it up on a Newsstand near you. The article is titled, Know Thyself and on page 16.

She was also just featured on White Plains Cable Vision' s Business talk show, called Alive with Claudia and Clive. The show focuses on how you can turn your passion into profit.

Give ‘N Take Expansion!
Yes, we are working on coming back to DC more often and would love your help in finding us an Event Manager. We' d also love to come to Atlanta, but need your help there as well. Please get the word out and share the link below with potential candidates for the commission-based position. Keep in mind, connections with local venues, Event Planner and/or Marketing background is a definite plus! Please see if you qualify before applying. For details and application, please go here: http://www.giventakenetwork.org/eventmanager.html

Dallas Here We Come! We' d like to welcome Ayanna Cabrera, Dallas Event Manager to the family. Look out for our DALLAS CHAPTER LAUNCH PARTY in 2006 as well as book signings by Simone Kelly-Brown. If you have friends in Dallas, Texas, please have them join our mailing list and click DALLAS so that they' ll get the alert when we have the date and location. www.giventakenetwork.org (CLICK SIGN UP BUTTON)

We Have A Winner!

Congratulations to Kena Custage, the winner of the ARE YOU A JACK? Contest! Kena is the woman of many hats from DJ, House record label owner, to Meditation and Holistic Health Guru. She' s well trained and great to work with, she also knows it' s time to get some help and not take on anything new besides Simone' s 8 Week Course! http://www.gotstohaveit.com/8weekcourse.html

As the GRAND PRIZE winner of the Are You a Jack Contest, she won:

A $300 Gift Certificate to the Oscar Bond Salon in Soho. (http://www.oscarbondsalon.com), the 8 Week Course with Simone Kelly-Brown, and a copy of Jack of All Trades, Master of None? http://www.gotstohaveit.com/jackofalltrades.html

JOIN OUR TEAM AND GAIN EXPERIENCE AND AMAZING CONNECTIONS: Florida Interns Needed for Miami, Orlando, Daytona, and Deltona Areas. Promotions Intern Needed for local NY/NJ Tri-state area and national online promotions.

Interested in making and difference and building up your contacts while you do it? Fill out an application found here: www.giventakenetwork.org/volunteer.html

Gots To Have It Award Winner! Gots To Have It awards team members for their creativity, perseverance, hospitality at events, ability to be a self-starter and team player. Prizes range from gift certificates to spa packages!

ABOUT US: Simone Kelly-Brown is the President and CEO of Gots To Have It Marketing, Inc.. For over 10 years, she has been working with small business owners who are just starting out and want to get their businesses off the ground with innovative marketing.

GTHI is a firm that specializes in marketing and empowering entrepreneurs with a series of workshops and networking events.

For further information view: www.gotstohaveit.com
For Women's Networking view: www.giventakenetwork.org

Until Next Month!

Own Your Power,
Simone Kelly-Brown
CEO/PRESIDENT, Gots To Have It Marketing, Inc.www.gotstohaveit.com
If you want it, you Gots To Have It!


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