On this episode of the Grit Daily Startup Lisa says creating Wear Blue gave her a healthy outlet for her grief and a path to move forward, and she’s committed to sharing that with others.  Lisa has an M.Ed.T. from the University of Hawaii and a B.A. in English Literature from the University of California- Santa Barbara. 

She completed dozens of ultramarathons and has set a full marathon PR of 3:28:00.  Lisa has completed seven Ironman races, to include the Ironman World Championships.  Lisa and her three young children reside in DuPont, WA.  They are moving forward and loving life, honoring John with every step.

The post Lisa Hallett, President and Co-Founder of Wear Blue: Run To Remember appeared first on Grit Daily News.

The lawsuit prompted a string of unflattering press hits, which overwhelmingly highlighted the existing fashion brand’s side of the story, at Bieber’s expense. Bieber’s case highlights two principles of crisis management that we champion.

Be prepared and proactive

If you don’t tell your story, others will tell it for you ― including the good, the bad, and the ugly. We advise companies and individuals to get in front of the news cycle with a clear, compelling, and honest narrative.

Bieber could have made a strong case for calling her skin care line Rhode. It’s her middle name, after all. She had previously sought to secure the name Bieber Beauty but was rejected due to potential confusion with trademarks registered by her husband, Justin Bieber.

She was undoubtedly aware of the potential for conflict over the Rhode name, too: Bieber attempted to purchase the naming rights from the fashion brand years earlier and was turned down. By proactively telling her story ahead of the brand’s launch, Bieber could have preempted some of the public backlash in the crucial early days of her new company. 

The communications landscape is shifting 

We believe that traditional PR is dead. The media environment is rapidly changing; anyone with access to a smartphone can be a publisher, reaching millions of viewers across the globe with just a few clicks. Online forums like Twitter have diluted the ability of powerful companies and individuals to leverage their influence among major media platforms to quash threats to their business or reputation. 

Upstarts understand that there is currency in conflict, and they can leverage the public spotlight surrounding celebrities like Bieber to boost their own brands. Consultants and lawyers are more likely to join their cause, seeking the star power that now comes with taking on and defeating an established brand.

In this new environment, half-hearted PR efforts don’t cut it. Bieber appeared unprepared for the burst of attention that played out across social media platforms following the June lawsuit. The founders of the fashion startup were able to frame the dispute as a powerful celebrity swooping in and trampling on their hard-earned brand.

Bieber’s side of the story was notably absent from prominent coverage of the lawsuit, with several articles noting that her team did not respond to a request for comment.

These major missteps could have been avoided with a better understanding of the new communications landscape, in which big players can no longer appear to steamroll their smaller competitors without consequence.

The post How Rhode, Hailey Bieber’s Brand, Should Have Handled Her PR Crisis appeared first on Grit Daily News.

For years, the global faith-based practitioner and entrepreneur of Jamaican and Nigerian descent has been a powerful force. He has been a dot connector and best-kept secret for those seeking to build relationships and navigate the African and Caribbean faith-based, political and business worlds. Faith has always been a cornerstone of these societies, and Dr. Dike navigates that space effortlessly.

An alum of Howard University, the University of the West Indies and the United Theological College of the West Indies, he is tapped whenever the U.S., African or Caribbean governments wish to engage each other from a faith perspective. Over the last 10 years he has partnered with the White House faith-based cabinet offices regarding immigration, criminal justice reform, education, disaster relief, religious persecution, internally displaced people, and global health priorities.

Dr. Dike and the CAFBLC create opportunities and premier events that convene kings, elected officials, national civic and faith leaders, corporate leaders, and stakeholders. Throughout the year, he invites prominent figures and advocates alike to Washington, D.C. to meet with the Presidential administration.

“My organization works in partnership with 14 faith-based cabinet offices in the U.S. government, and we bring outstanding foreign dignitaries to the table to engage the government and create linkages between faith-based leadership across the globe. It is a monumental achievement to facilitate networks and mission partnerships with them, he said.”

CAFBLC is linked with leaders serving thousands of churches with millions of members spanning the United States, Africa, the Caribbean, United Kingdom and Asia. As an interfaith leader, his fellowships include Christian, Islamic, Jewish, African and Caribbean indigenous religions.

These connections have allowed him to identify change-makers who have exemplified excellence in the areas of transformational leadership, economic development and volunteerism.

“We issue the Global Humanitarian Leadership Award and certify the U.S. President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for members, among others of our community, and those who positively impact our constituency – the African diaspora,” said Dr. Dike. “This year, we have a prestigious roster of recipients who will receive their awards signed by President Joe Biden himself.”

The honorees will be presented with their awards during the 9th Annual Caribbean and Faith Based Leadership Conference & Awards Gala scheduled for September 29 – October 1, 2022 in Washington, D.C. The lavish event will run during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 51st Annual Legislative Conference.

Dr. Dike describes the affair as a way to champion the extraordinary work and volunteerism of the Presidential Award recipients by honoring them and allowing them to speak on panels. Additionally, it fosters learning, networking, partnerships, and serves as a gateway for people who desire to connect with the African and Caribbean communities.

“There is no other organization like this in the world, and we are happy to bring this kind of value on such a historic level,” he said.

Dr. Dike’s speaking tour garners worldwide invitations from global leaders, premier conferences, churches and educational institutions.

The post Rev. Dr. Agorom Dike Unites America, Africa and the Caribbean Through Faith-Based Partnerships appeared first on Grit Daily News.

Stopping by the Grit Daily Startup Show, Yehiav says his expertise spans mergers and acquisitions, strategic product portfolio planning, B2B enterprise software solutions, SaaS metrics, conflict management, profit and loss, and AI and IoT solutions across retail, supply chain, CPG, and complex manufacturing.

Prior to SmartSense by Digi, he served as General Manager and Vice President of Zebra Technologies’ Zebra Analytics, where he set the organic and non-organic growth, M&A, leadership strategy, and customer success for the Zebra Analytics business unit.

Prior to Zebra Analytics, he served as CEO of Profitect before it was acquired by Zebra Technologies in 2019. He also held multiple senior leadership positions at Oracle and was a founder and executive board member of Demantra, which was acquired by Oracle in 2006.

Yehiav holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and industrial management from Shenkar College of Israel and an MBA in entrepreneurship from Babson College. He is fluent in English, French, and Hebrew, which enables him to work with a diverse range of clients from Israel, Europe, APAC, and the United States while taking the needs of different cultures into account.

The post Guy Yehiav, President of Smart Sense: Innovation That’s Shaking Up The Tech Scene appeared first on Grit Daily News.

Rosario has over 12 years of experience as a technology project manager for satellite, aircraft, and software systems. She has demonstrated expertise in all aspects of project management, leading cross-functional teams, and implementing both Agile and Lean methods. Rosario has an M.S. in Systems Engineering and the PMP certification.

Rosario working as the Chief Product Officer of Horizen came to visit us on the Grit Daily Startup Show to talk about Horizen and explain what it is. Being a blockchain technology company that provides the best tools to build blockchains and applications for real-world use cases with privacy options, low transaction fees, and configurable revenue models.

The post Rosario Pabst, Chief Product Officer of Horizen: Solving Problems for Business appeared first on Grit Daily News.

They objectively research and learn about their client’s business, agreed needs, and opportunities — setting goals and articulating their key performance indicators (KPIs) that will be instrumental in determining the overall success of your project.

Speaking on the Grit Daily Startup Show, Jesse says they develop your visual identity by translating the business, audience, and product strategy statements from the Discovery stage into a visual language that is uniquely your own.

They will work closely with you to analyze everything from the identity strategy to visual symbols and characteristics, concluding with style guidelines.

The goal is to design a foundation from which all designs in this project, as well as the following projects, can pull inspiration, and rules.

The post Jesse Anglen, Co-Founder and CEO of Rapid Innovation: Build Your Blockchain App appeared first on Grit Daily News.

Outdated or worn-out furniture can make even the most stylish room feel shabby and uninviting. Furthermore, old furniture is often less comfortable and functional than newer pieces.

When looking for a place to stay, hotel guests often look for unique experiences and value for their money. That’s why you need to meet their needs and provide them with excellent hospitality services. 

Upgrading your hotel furniture regularly is a wise investment that will pay off in the form of happy guests and increased bookings. 

In addition to attracting new guests, new furniture can create a more positive working environment for your employees, leading to improved morale and service. 

Also, you don’t have to have a huge budget to upgrade your hotel furniture. If you know where to look and how to choose a partner supplier or manufacturer, you can have functional, stylish, and comfortable furniture within a reasonable budget.

Ultimately, investing in high-quality hotel furniture is an investment in your business that will provide lasting benefits. 

Here are just a few of the many reasons why upgrading your hotel furniture is a wise investment: 

1. Better guest satisfaction

One of the most important aspects of running a successful hotel is ensuring guests are happy with their stay. Upgrading your furniture is one of the best ways to guarantee guest satisfaction. 

When guests are uncomfortable or unable to use the furniture in their room, they’re likely to have a negative experience and give your hotel a poor review. 

By providing guests with comfortable, stylish furniture, you’ll ensure they have a positive experience at your hotel and are more likely to return in the future. Customer retention is much cheaper than trying to attract new customers.

2. Increased profits

When guests are satisfied with their stay, they’re more likely to leave positive reviews online and recommend your hotel to others. This word-of-mouth advertising is invaluable for bringing in new business and boosting profits.

3. Brand personality

Upgrading your furniture allows you to design your hotel to reflect the brand personality that you want to impart. Brand personality is essential for leaving a great impression on your guests and making them remember your hotel.

Hotel guests will likely book again with a hotel brand they know, like, and trust. That’s possible when you make their stay memorable.

4. Connection with customers

The way you design your room allows you to connect with your customers. Customer preferences and needs evolve, so investing in new furniture to meet those factors helps your hotel stay relevant.

5. More efficient use of space

Aside from the room’s aesthetics, it also matters to customers that they can utilize the furniture optimally. Modern furniture pieces aren’t only stylish; they’re also highly customizable so that you can fit them strategically and efficiently in hotel rooms.

6. Improved staff productivity

High-quality furniture can also lead to increased productivity among your staff. If your employees are comfortable and have everything they need at their fingertips, they’ll be able to work more efficiently and provide better service to guests.

The bottom line

Upgrading your hotel furniture unfolds many benefits beyond the aesthetic appeal of hotel rooms. It allows you to provide a better and unique customer experience, improve your brand, boost profits, connect with customers, and improve staff productivity. In addition, you can upgrade your furniture without hurting your budget, and it will be a wise investment that will pay off in many ways.

The post Why Upgrading Your Hotel Furniture is a Wise Investment appeared first on Grit Daily News.

“By age four, I was accompanying my parents as we went door-to-door handing out pamphlets to strangers.

By age seven, I was giving 5-minute prepared sermons to the entire congregation.

By the time I was in my early twenties, I was giving hour-long sermons every month.

Eventually, I woke up and left the cult for good.”

Today, Kyle is the CEO of Proposify, a healthy, profitable, and rapidly growing business that makes it easy to create beautiful proposals. Kyle’s circumstances were never ideal, and we can all learn from his approach. We talked to Kyle on the Grit Daily Startup Show about that journey, and how he’s built a successful business from almost nothing.

The post Taking Your Business From $0 to $10M ARR with Kyle Racki appeared first on Grit Daily News.

Blake Jamieson is an artist based in Brooklyn, NY. He has painted portraits for over 500 professional athletes and is a licensed artist with Topps.

In the NFT space since early 2020, Blake has seen success with his own art as NFTs, as well as creative direction on Knights of Degen, Dez Bryant Juggernauts, and Terrell Owens Gallery & Museum.

Blake’s artwork has been featured in Forbes, CNBC, FOX Sports, MLB.com, ESPN, and One37pm.

Sean graduated with an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma Wesleyan College.

Focused on developing teams and communication, Sean is passionate about helping organizations hone their message, create their Business Development strategies, and raise capital. He has been called upon to help companies such as The Ghannad Group, Weber Consulting, Video Narrative, and TokenOro find their voice and build strategies that propel them forward to their next level.

His unique set of skills as both a creative and closer has allowed him to lead teams and organizations into spaces of growth both financially and functionally.

In addition to serving as the CGO of GoodBlock, Sean is also the founder of his own design consulting agency, LookOutFox, and is also a principal partner for the UX Network node operators CryptoLions.

The post Blake Jamieson, Artist and Sean Anderson, CGO of Good Block: Consensus 2022 [GritDaily House] appeared first on Grit Daily News.

Victoria Kennedy is the master of all of her trades: CEO of award-winning Victorious PR, top-charting classical singer, and networker extraordinaire. As a leader in an industry built on who one knows, Kennedy correspondingly understands and cultivates perfect networking qualities that even her equal peers covet.

Kennedy, Rolling Stone Culture Council and Forbes Agency Council member, was personally invited to sponsor and perform at the momentous Million Dollar Mastermind event (hosted by Ryan Stewman) in July. She sang the United States National Anthem in operatic and graced the stage once more during the three-day event to eloquently explain the power of quality PR to a captivated audience.

We sat down with Miss Kennedy to hearken to her wisdom in how to network naturally, gracefully, and successfully. Here is what she had to say.

Take Your Time

“Networking isn’t an overnight achievement like applying for a job or pitching to a publication,” Kennedy said. “It is almost as if it happens without you realizing. Like the common idiom, ‘Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans,’ so it is with networking. One day you look back, and see the fruits of your labor by way of all the amazing people you now call colleagues.”

Kennedy explained that networking, especially in the entrepreneurial space, is more about having your radar always on, and your lighthouse always shining. You want to attract the right people while taking note that they are around you. If you push too hard or come off desperate, you lose the game. Networking is about nurturing, not about getting phone numbers and checking names off your list.

Manage Your Expectations

To continue that thread, Kennedy shared that managing expectations is paramount.

“If you expect everyone you meet to be your golden goose, you will become unrightfully disillusioned fast,” she said. “Imagine going to a free networking event, hosted in a restaurant. Everyone there, because the event is free, is hoping that some magic wizard will walk in the door and invest in their company or teach them the skills they’ve been wanting to learn for free. But at a paid event, everyone there has something to offer — before asking for things in return.”

Give What You Want to Get

A perfect segway into Kennedy’s next point, is to lead with value.

“The golden rule applies to everything in life, including entrepreneurial networking!” she went on. “Treat others how you want to be treated. Have healthy boundaries, of course, don’t get taken advantage, but do provide value to those around you.

“Whether it’s a mentoring conversation, some free savvy tips that perhaps clients usually pay for, or even a listening ear, we all have things to share that others need. I recommend outlining, on paper, what you are willing to give with no expectation of payback so that you don’t let your excitement run away with you. You don’t see me giving out free PR very often!”

Be Yourself

In the entrepreneurial space, you will always be surrounded by people who are a step, or many, ahead of you. This can cause intimidation and lack of confidence, which stamps out any hope of genuine networking results.

“At all times, be you,” Kennedy said. “People in my circles sometimes playfully poke fun at my vintage style of dressing, for example, but if I went home and changed into all-black power suits, I would lose their respect. Just because something is different, even if people point it out, doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Being yourself is crucial — if you can’t be you, why are you doing this? Never sacrifice who you are for the sake of a feigned friendship. You started your business to be your own leader. That includes your interpersonal life.”

Know Your Strengths

Being yourself includes knowing your strengths and playing them up. If you know you are good at something, don’t be afraid to share that skill with others. Having basic self-awareness is key to making sure you bring something to the table.

“By playing to your strengths, you bring out the best in others,” Kennedy explained. “I’m not just talking about your resume skills either. I mean if you have hilarious jokes, tell them. If you are a hugger, give hugs. If you are great at toasts, making eye contact, singing, multi-tasking, or small talk, do it. Mingling can be exhausting, but knowing which parts you are good at makes all the difference. And if you don’t know, ask your close friends. The ones you made by being yourself and leading with value, even if you didn’t realize that’s what you were doing.”

About Victoria Kennedy

Victoria Kennedy is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and well-respected authority in public relations. She is the CEO of Victorious PR, an award-winning, multi-million dollar PR agency that has helped dozens of entrepreneurs become the #1 Authority in their niche by getting them featured in top podcasts and press. To gain more credibility and authority in your market, please visit https://victoriouspr.com 

The post Walk, Don’t Run: CEO and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Victoria Kennedy’s Expert Tips for Entrepreneurial Networking appeared first on Grit Daily News.