The 2014 BET Honors - Celebrates Distinguished African-Americans and Their Acheivements

The BET Honors 2014 was a heart warming event. Hosted by the talented Wayne Brady, who opened the show with a hilarious performance that ended with him pouring baby oil on himself before passing the mic to Scandal star and presenter Joe Morton.

American Express Chairman and CEO Kenneth Chenault, rapper-actor and producer Ice Cube, Motown founder Berry Gordy, photographer Carrie Mae, the late Nelson Mandela and Aretha Franklin were all honored at the annual event. Highlights included performances by Tamar Braxton, Smokey Robinson, Jennifer Hudson, Janelle Monae, Mariah Carey and Karen Clarke Sheard among others.

The good folks over at BET usually knock this type of awards show out of the park and 2014 was no exception. Black Entertainment Television is at it's best when it celebrates distinguished African-Americans. Well done y'all.

6 Reasons Why You Need A Website! (A Facebook Like Page Does Not Count)

You Are Serious About Business, Right?

In today's world, a website is essential to every business, large or small. If you are a service provider trying to get your business off the ground, a website will help bring that vision to life. Even if you're not planning on selling merchandise online, you need a website to compete in your market. If you are thinking that your Facebook "Like Page" is enough, you are wrong! It does not matter what your market is, you need a website. If you are an actor / actress, a singer or even a babysitter, a website tells people you are serious about promotion. Do you model, throw parties or even bake cakes - if so a website will help your business grow. In this article I will outline the top 6 reasons you need a website and how to go about getting one.

1. 24 Hour a Day Access

In today's busy society, people want information instantly. Having a website provides your regular and potential customers with the opportunity to find out more about your business anytime of day.

2. Saves You Time and Money

Providing your customers with information takes time. Posting the updates on your website will limit the amount of calls and emails you have to answer concerning general questions. Saving time, saves you money - so what are you waiting for? As a small business owner you may think you cannot afford a website, but you can get one for as little as $1.00 per month. Click Here .

3. Websites Improve Your Company's Image

Having a website will help customers develop a greater sense of confidence in your organization. It will also improve the overall public impression of your company. A professional website for a home-based business is extremely important especially when there is no store-front to display products or services.

4. Worldwide Sales

As a retailer, your website expands the reach of your company and allows you to sell products to a global market. Doing business online simplifies your bookkeeping practices with easy to manage charts and graphs. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses that have websites average $1.07 million more per year than those not online.

5. Keep Up With Competition

If your direct competitors already have a website, they clearly have an advantage over your business. Having a website is equivalent to having an employee working around the clock for your company. A properly marketed, professional website will level the playing field and is vital for your success. 

6. A Place To Showcase Your Work

A website is the perfect place to demonstrate what makes your business unique. Including a photo gallery or portfolio on your website, along with testimonials about your work, shows your customers what you do and how they can get in touch with you.

Get Started Now

Above, I have highlighted some of the main reason your business needs a website. So what are you waiting for? There is no better time to get started than right now. I proudly use GoDaddy which is the largest registrar of Internet domain names in the world for several of my websites. Click the my affiliate link below to claim your website today. For as little as $1.00 per month you can create a website that you can be proud of.

CLICK HERE to get started!

  

Michael Dunn Facing 75 years - Found Guilty On Four of the Five Counts!

Jacksonville, Florida - The day after Valentine's Day, a Florida jury has made a decision in the case that what was dubbed the "Loud Music Murder Trial." The 47 year old defendant, who testified he feared for his life, prompting him to pull out his gun and fire nine times at the car that the teenagers were sitting in, is facing 75 years in prison.

Something about the jury's decision does not sit well with me. What we have here is a murder trial with no verdict! This ruling should have been guilty on all counts! As always, race was a factor in this case. If Dunn truly was in fear for his life, he would have left the 4 boys alone. There was clearly not a shotgun in the boys vehicle because if there had been, they would have returned fire at Dunn. Justice seemingly took a day off in this trial, the same way it did in the Zimmerman case. The difference is at least there was a conviction. There were strong racial overtones throughout this ordeal and the bottom line is that the family of Jordan Davis deserves better! When you have black, unarmed teenagers being murdered by trigger happy white men and hiding behind the "Stand Your Ground Law" something has got to give!


If the races were reversed, and a black man fired into a car full of white teenagers, killing one of them, the tone of this whole thing would be very different, as would the outcome.

The family of Jordan Davis' said "They were grateful for the decision." and added that "They were praying for Michael Dunn." during a press conference immediately after the decision was read. I commend this family, which has been gracious, respectable and strong through all their pain and sorrow. 

The Florida jury reached a verdict on four of the five charges in the trial of a man who murdered a teenager over loud music, but said they could not come to a decision on the murder charge. He was found guilty in 3 counts of attempted 2nd degree murder and 1 count of firing at the car.

The jury had the option of first or second degree murder or manslaughter, but said they could not agree on any one of them. The Florida State Attorney, Angela Corey said during her press conference that the state plans on pushing for a retrial in the 1st degree murder charge. The verdict came on the eve of what would have been Jordan Davis' 19th birthday.

Lil Kim Confirms Pregnancy says "I'm A Mom But I Can Turn It Up A Little"

Hip Hops beloved Queen Bee, the multi-platinum recording artist Lil Kim made a big announcement Wednesday night (February 12) at The Blonds Fashion Week-party in New York City.

"I'm a mom, but I can turn up a little!" she told the crowd before performing "Lighters Up."

As always, social media has been quick to give their thoughts ranging from happiness to disinterest. I for one am very have for the "Hardcore" rapper. This will be Lil Kim's aka (Kimberly Jones) first child. At this point, the 39 year old icon has not made the name of the father public. She told Us Weekly that she plans to stay very busy during her pregnancy.

Since bursting on the scene as a member of The Notorious BIG's Junior Mafia group in 1994, 'the mommy to be' has sold over 5 million records in the US alone. Kim popularized colorful wigs and was the trailblazer of a raunchy rap style loved by many. The rapper has also feuded with several rappers including Foxy Brown, Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj, to name a few.Congratulations Lil Kim, a baby is a blessing.

"I'm still going to work. I'm still going to be hardcore. The baby has made me even more of a beast!"

Is Football Ready For Its' 1st Openly Gay NFL Player ?

The 2013 season is over, but the NFL is still making headlines. On Sunday, 23-year old defensive end Michael Sam made an announcement that will more than likely make him the first openly gay player in the NFL. The University of Missouri player, who was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, told ESPN and the New York Times during an interview that he is openly gay.

He said this during an interview on Feb. 9, 2014.

"I am an openly, proud gay man. I understand how big this is. It's a big deal. No one has done this before. And it's kind of a nervous process, but I know what I want to be. I want to be a football player in the NFL."

I knew it was just a matter of time before someone in the NFL (draft) would have the courage to come out of the closet. Hopefully, whatever team selects him to join their ranks will treat him with respect.

Sam revealed his sexual orientation to his Missouri teammates last summer saying,

"I looked in (the team's) eyes, and they just started shaking their heads -- like, finally, he came out!"

 His team went on to have a 12-2 season. He is an effective player who would make a difference on several NFL teams, but is pro football ready for an openly gay player just yet? Even though I have never played in the NFL, I have played in the hood and I have interviewed several NFL players on my radio show. To call someone a gay slur is still very commonplace on the and off the field (locker rooms). 

The gay rights groups want to further their agenda, which in my opinion is all about acceptance. How well would this 'mussle' of the insult driven, man's-man game of football go? Players have to deal with new rules on both sides of the football every year, but this lesson in 2014 political correctness will definitely draw a line in the sand with some people. Some teams might be hesitant to draft Sam. He has a rough road ahead, and I wish him well. This talented played wants and deserves and opportunity but knows there will be doubts. 

The defensive end who is projected as a 3rd-5th round NFL draft pick summed things up well saying, 

"There will be negativity, negative reactions I just want to go to the team who drafts me, because that team knows about me, knows that I'm gay, and also knows that I work hard. That's the team I want to go to."

Diamond K is an media personality for YouStreamRadio, author of the book You Are Not The Father and writer of the Blog Your Business Network. Find out more about him here

Buffer Is a Free Social Media Tool - You Must Have!

ATTENTION SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

If you are a small business owner, I know your life can be hectic. It may seem like there is just not enough time in the day. You have to keep up with things like employees, merchandise, marketing, promotions and so much more. Whatever your business may be, its lifeline centers around growing and maintaining your customers. It is vital for your business to have as many eyes on your brand as possible. Social media presents an opportunity for exposure that is too valuable to pass up. In this article we are going to talk about how important social media is to every business and a wonderful sharing tool you should be familiar with.

Let's face it, social media has exploded. It runs the Internet! Everyday your current and potential customers are scrolling, reading, and sharing photos, videos and other information with their friends from their computers, mobile and smart devices. Social media is all about interacting, connecting and engaging with people, but when will you find the time to do this for your business? Your day is already packed with the nuts and bolts of running your machine; so what else can you do? Your time is valuable. It is the most precious commodity that you have. Let's face the facts, time is irreplaceable. So what can you do to make sure the message of your business is seen and heard on the powerful social media platform? Well that is where Buffer comes in.

BE SUCCESSFUL ON SOCIAL MEDIA

In order to be successful in your social media campaign you need a strategy. It will not do your business any good to randomly throw posts up on your social media channels when none of your target market is looking. We know you want to keep your Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn pages jumping with great content but just can't find the time to keep logging on to do it. Well worry no more - the wonderful people over at Buffer have provided the solution to all your social media woes.

Buffer has two options:

Free Version: This version will manage one Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn account with up to 10 updates at a time.

Awesome Version: For as little as $8.50 per month, this version will manage 12 social profiles with unlimited postings from 2 team members. You have full control over what and where your updates post across multiple accounts.


Another great feature is Buffer analytics. This allows you to track what type of reaction your posts are getting. You are able to see the potential audience exposure, clicks, retweets and mentions as well as the time of day you get the most engagement.

Buffer also offers app extensions for Google Chrome, Firefox and Safari that give you the ability to add updates to your Buffer conveniently from the top of your browser. Share pages you view across the net with the click of a button - Buffer makes it easy to manage your all your social profiles.

Start using Buffer today by clicking HERE.


Contact Diamond K is a media personality, writer and blogger