[wpaudio url="http://getyourbizsavvy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Demo-preview1.mp3" text="DJ Mendoza's Exclusive Demo Preview" dl="0"]

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“Age is just a number.” That is how the saying goes for Alex Mendoza.  Not many nineteen year olds can say they are an entrepreneur, nationwide DJ, and producer.  That might be because, while his peers are out partying, he is working on his next production.  On top of his business lifestyle, Mendoza is enrolled at The Berklee College of Music.  Somehow he is able to keep up with time management because his success continues to soar.  Some may see Mendoza attending college as a step backward since he has already established himself as an entrepreneur and entertainer, but he argues that going through college is an important step forward.  Be enlightened as Alex Mendoza tells you about life as a young entrepreneur, how he got himself to where he is today, why it is important to go to college and some “professional” advice to put the cherry on top of this inspiring interview.

What is life like as a young entrepreneur?

It’s very exciting, but it is an extremely busy lifestyle. You always have to be on your feet and of course, never stop working. I feel that if you have enough motivation and drive, you will never ask yourself, “Am I working too hard?” It can get really crazy when you pursue a lot of work, and then too many things can come at you at once. This is where many people struggle. But my entire family works hard, so I guess it could also be in my genes.

In high school, sometimes it felt like I was living under a rock. My friends would ask me to go out with them, but I stayed focused on my music, and I have no regrets.

Can you talk more about what you have done as an entrepreneur?

When I was 14, I started hosting events at various venues around the Boston area. My first event drew about 250 people. This was an all age dance event. I realized that the area had no nightlife for kids, ages 14-21, which was my crowd. I named the events, like, “Hip Hop Throwdown,” or “Reggaeton Night,” or “Reggaeton vs. Dancehall”, so people knew exactly what they were paying for. It may not have been my top choice of music to be spinning, but I knew gaining that fan base would pay off in the future.

What made you want to be a DJ, producer, and entrepreneur?

When I first started, I noticed that there were many talented DJs and artists who go nowhere because they lack business sense. Many people are scared of entering a business dealing with finances, but it is something that can’t be avoided in the entertainment industry. Having an interest in music all my life, producing became a necessity, and I figure it gives me more to offer when looking at the big picture. It all came together now–managing, producing, and DJing for our music group “The Dean’s List,” with Sonny Shotz and Mik Beats, and featuring others from Berklee College of Music such as vocalists Sid Sriram, and Jordan Brown. I feel very lucky that I am able to combine everything I love to do. At the end of the day, mixing music with business is all I need.

How have you been able to make yourself a “nation-wide” DJ?

Starting in the music business at a young age gave me the opportunity to collaborate with different artists. This led to sponsorships from various record labels, which led to collaborations with other musicians. Attending Berklee College of Music, here in Boston, has also given me an edge. I have been able to meet and work with great musicians and entertainers from all over the world, all under one roof.

Where did you get your motivation? How do you continue to motivate yourself?

I have always been very goal-driven and motivated. I was raised to work hard, especially musically. Some need an occurrence in their life to get a “slap in the face.” Personally, I look at others’ experiences and mistakes and learn from them, so hopefully I don’t have to experience them myself. My uncle would always give me a dollar whenever I visited him and have me memorize the saying, “Health is wealth, knowledge is power, truth is absolute.” That is all I have ever needed to keep me going.

Aside from working, you go to college. How do you find time for both? Do you sleep?

Not a whole lot! It is a very hectic lifestyle, but you get used to it, and it definitely has its fun times, too. Almost every single day, I wish there was more time. But when you do what you love to do, sleeping becomes a burden. I tend not to think about how much sleep I am missing, but to make sure I enjoy life and the people around me. Luckily, I have great close friends to always remind me of that, and who work with me as well. Some I knew in high school, like Ralph Valcin, who is the co-manager for The Dean’s List.

What are your thoughts on college?

Some people feel Berklee holds them back, but I feel that Berklee is vital to my musical career in the long run, even if it’s sometimes difficult to balance school and outside work. I use Berklee to my full advantage, and living right in Boston gives me the convenience for all of the above.

You’re already an entrepreneur and people know you as a DJ, so why go through college?

Staying in school is really an investment. Going for the quick fame can be great, but one-hit wonders happen all the time and I am in this for the long run. I want to be able to have my options in the industry. I think it’s important to be a well-rounded musician. and I figure, why wait to learn the tools that will advance you in the industry?

What are your goals for the future?

Aside from marrying Eva Mendez,?! My plan is to become very active in the entertainment industry, including DJing, producing, and managing various artists. I hope to have multiple attributes and have the flexibility to expand to other things.

What advice can you give to aspiring DJs, entrepreneurs, and everyone else out there?

It is always important to be professional, whether you’re sending a quick email or presenting yourself in an interview. It surprises me how many people do not act professionally when it comes to a job they want.

What is something interesting about Alex Mendoza, that most people do not know?

I love watching Family Guy during the really stressful times, for laughs, and Entourage as well, so I don’t complain looking as busy as Jeremy Pivin’s character “Ari Gold.”

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I want to recognize the great people I work with. Everyone is really motivated, and cares about making great music. Recently, the industry has been changing, with people being able to make music and put it out on the Internet easily. While this has been terrific for a lot of people, it has also made it harder for the more serious and talented musicians to get noticed, to reach out to people and have an impact on people’s lives.

Keep an eye out for this up and coming entrepreneur and entertainer.

Be sure to check out Alex Mendoza’s site

Follow Mendoza on Twitter

Don’t forget to listen to Mendoza’s Exclusive Demo Preview.
Mendoza gives GetYourBizSavvy.com an awesome shout out!

Instead of job searching, people are idea searching.  Individuals fed up with using their resumes have found alternatives.  Even those strapped for cash seem to be breaking through the struggle.  MercuryNews.com names about 7 entrepreneurs who have decided to go down the entrepreneurial path.

Read the full article

What some may argue today, is that the economy needs these entrepreneurs in order to regenerate wealth.  In Japan, after World War II, their economy was weak.  What helped them become the second largest economy in the World was through the help of entrepreneurs.

Even the government is seeing the importance of entrepreneurs, as President Obama is pushing banks to give businesses more credit opportunities.  “If these institutions put forth a plan to increase lending to small businesses, we will help them get the capital they need to do it at rates that are more affordable than the ones offered to our largest financial institutions,” Obama said.

“Life is an endlessly creative experience and we are shaping ourselves at every moment by every decision we make.”

Kent Nerburn

Here is a video from The Wall Street Journal Online.

Branson relates risk to how he runs his business.

Check out more informational videos

An opportunity entrepreneurs rarely see, Dan Bliss has made the real deal with the Perfect Pitch 2009.  Dan Bliss, the co-founder of PerfectBusiness.com, has given thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to submit their ideas to a panel of investors.  Helping entrepreneurs seek their destiny is not new to Bliss though.  At PerfectBusiness.com, Bliss has seen many entrepreneurs grow.

The Perfect Pitch 2009 is featuring one of the most acclaimed entrepreneurs in the world, Sir Richard Branson.  It is hard to believe that such a tremendous figure in the business world will be making an appearance at the conference.  Behold and prepare to learn all about Dan Bliss, PerfectBusiness.com, the Perfect Pitch and how he got Sir Richard Branson to speak at one of the most exciting conferences of the year.

Can you briefly tell us about yourself (background)?

I’m a lifelong entrepreneur.  I’ve owned many businesses, including restaurants, bars, concert clubs, music festivals, publications, film production companies, memorabilia businesses and web sites.  Along the way, I’ve helped many people write business plans and start their own businesses.  That’s what inspired me to launch PerfectBusiness.com.  People simply need a place to go for help in starting a business.

The Perfect Pitch 2009, an entrepreneur’s dream come true.  How were you able to make this conference the real deal?

At PerfectBusiness, we talked about organizing an annual entrepreneur competition that culminated in a big event.  This would be our marquee event each year.  We decided that we wanted to begin our first year with a bang!  When Richard Branson agreed to be a part of it, we knew that it would be a huge success.  USA TODAY signed on and we have just built from there.

What inspired you to form The Perfect Pitch? What are your goals for The Perfect Pitch?

The Perfect Pitch is an extension of what we do at PerfectBusiness.  By organizing a large event, it allows us to see our customers face-to-face and help them in a very real way.

Sir Richard Branson, number 261 on Forbes World’s Billionaires list, is going to be in attendance at the Perfect Pitch Conference.  How were you able to contact Mr. Branson?  More importantly, how were you able to get him to speak at this event?

I met Richard a few years ago.  At the time, I owned the world-famous Hollywood Sign, and I tried to sell it to him.  I figured that he would enjoy the publicity of owning the Hollywood Sign.  He thought about it for several weeks, then he decided that he didn’t know what to do with it and politely declined.  We have stayed in touch.  When I approached him about speaking at our event, he asked his people to explore the idea, and he decided to accept.  So, here we are!

How does your business, PerfectBusiness.com work?

Our website provides lots of free resources and videos for startup entrepreneurs.  That’s our core audience.  We generate income from premium services, such as entrepreneur training courses, business plan software and funding services.

PerfectBusiness.com helps people.  How does it feel knowing you helped an individual succeed?

It means a great deal to me.  There’s something unique about the energy of an entrepreneur who is excited or inspired.  It’s hard to sleep.  I call it startup adrenaline.  I know the feeling well.  When I can help another entrepreneur get to that point, I know we’re doing something right!

Where did you get your motivation to start your own business?

It’s just part of who I am.  Starting a business is similar to an artist getting the inspiration to start a new painting.  Creating a business is fun.  It’s exciting.  It is also very rewarding to see hard work turn into tangible results.  Customers paying for what you created is the ultimate compliment.  Of course, a business also creates jobs and takes on life of its own.  It’s like building a model airplane, and then getting to watch it fly!

What do you feel are the most important traits and/or qualities to being a successful entrepreneur?

There are several.  I’d begin with belief in an idea.  Almost every entrepreneur has that in the beginning, but to make it work, you have to be relentless, yet flexible.  If you aren’t willing to learn and adapt, learn and adapt, learn and adapt, then you won’t make it in the long term.

How were you able to promote yourself and your company?

Creatively.  Every business needs to come up with innovative ways to find customers.  Whether that means you are an exceptional advertiser or you are good at generating publicity, you have to find a way to reach your customers.  We’ve found success by working with strategic partners.  The media have been supportive as well.

What are your plans for the future? Perfect Pitch 2010 is already in the works.  What are your plans for that conference and future ones?

That’s to be determined.  We’ll certainly add some new elements next year, but we aren’t ready to make any announcements.

What advice can you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Do what you love.  Monday is my favorite day of the week, because I love what I do.  Often times, weekends slow me down.  Don’t get me wrong, I like weekends too.  The point is that everyone has the choice to make.  I’m not saying that everyone should be an entrepreneur.  If you love your job, that’s great!  However, if you are miserable at work, and have always wanted to start a business, just do it!  Life is too short to be miserable.

Is there any additional information you would like to share?

Always be learning.  Whether you are reading books, taking classes or just talking with other entrepreneurs, listen and learn from people who’ve done it.  It will dramatically shorten your learning curve.

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Check out more at PerfectBusiness.com
Learn more about the Perfect Pitch 2009
Follow Dan Bliss on Twitter

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Billy Mays never stopped selling, smiling, loving and even after his tragic death: living.  The name Billy Mays will never be forgotten.  His infomercials will always be remembered.

Billy Mays is the face of television.  You could not spend an hour watching television without seeing his blue shirt and khaki pants.  Even months after his death, you still see his commercials.  Mays began selling on the boardwalk in Atlantic City.  He moved his way all the way up to building his own company, Mays Promotions Inc.  His success continued to grow as he promoted popular products like OxiClean, Mighty Putty, Orange Glo and many others.

Fame and fortune came to Billy Mays for doing what he did best.  His story is an inspiration to all.  The inspiration lives on as Billy Mays is still talked about.  He even appeared in a recent episode of South Park, “Dead Celebrities.”  Mays proves that individuals can indeed be remembered.  What he did in his commercials was unique and a new creation.  He kept everything consistent, his clothes, his voice and especially his enthusiasm.  He revolutionized selling and may go down in history as the best salesman to ever live.

Billy Mays leaves his legacy behind and passes the baton on to the next entrepreneur who can create as big of a name as Billy Mays.

More on Billy Mays

Read our recent interview with Anthony Sullivan

Article in the Tampa Bay Business Journal – May 2002

“The new king of TV” – October 2004

‘Life’s a pitch’ for McKees Rocks native Billy Mays

“Consumed – Top Yeller – Billy Mays” – NY Times, October 2008

Watch the Full South Park Episode featuring Billy Mays

Billy Mays III and Anthony Sullivan talk about life after Billy Mays in this article.

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Some quotes

• “Love him or hate him, there’s no escaping the burly, bearded Billy Mays on TV.” – Cincinnati Enquirer, Dec. 2002

• “I’m always hit up in airports, you know, ‘Hey, Mr. OxiClean, I got an idea,’ and it’s something like a bull’s-eye for your toilet,” Mays says, eyes rolling. “But hey, some ideas are bound to be good, and maybe I can help.” - The new king of TV’s soapbox, USA Today

• “Billy Mays came over to my house and sold me tap water from my sink.” – A comment left on one of Billy Mays Facebook fan page.

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May peace be with Billy Mays. He had a great journey in this world and will always be remembered. You can send out for a Billy Mays sticker like the one below. His son, Billy Mays III, is offering them at his site free of charge.
Get Your Sticker

Ready to create new opportunities?

Feng Shui can be the answer for you.

Elizabeth Wiggins and Jane Langof are highly experienced Feng Shui Consultants and are here to help you Feng Shui your office.

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When we asked Elizabeth Wiggins about a Feng Shui consultation for an office she responded:

“The core of a Feng Shui analysis is highly mathematical. It involves the calculation and interpretation of energy influences in a building. It is important to note that many spaces can look visually appealing and even feel good at first. It is only after people spend longer periods of time in a space that they can feel uncomfortable. This is why Feng Shui is not intuitive; one cannot sense the influences purely by looking at the décor or even physically being in an area for an hour or two.”

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Wiggins and Langof both state that when they begin a consultation, they need three things

1. Floor plans
2. The age of the building
3. The compass direction of the building.

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Jane Langof expresses her knowledge in Office Feng Shui after obtaining these three things:

“This information is used to calculate the “Flying Star Chart”, which is like an energetic blueprint that indicates whether or not the Feng Shui energetically supports prosperity, good relationships and health.  The surrounding landscapes, building layouts, shapes and materials are also considered as part of the Feng Shui analysis.

Different areas in the office will contain varying patterns of energy, which will either have favorable, unfavorable or neutral Feng Shui.  The objective in a Feng Shui consultation is to enhance and make the most of the favorable energy and neutralize or reduce the effect of the negative influences.

Feng Shui remedies are based on the Five Elements of fire, earth, metal, water and wood.  Feng Shui remedies may require the placement of a particular object or use of a specific color.  Occasionally it may be beneficial to alter the office layout, re-position staff or change the entrance.  This may be recommended to help you tap into more favorable energies.

In a Feng Shui consultation, clients are advised how to design their office in a way that activates their wealth sector.  The wealth sector is unique to each building, and a Traditional Feng Shui consultant can tell you where that is. ”

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Here are some tips provided by Jane Langof

• Ensure that you have clear signage, an attractive entrance and appealing window display.  The ease with which people can find represents your ability to attract opportunities.
• Sit in a position where you have a solid wall behind you.  This provides an energetic level of support and protection.  If this isn’t possible, try placing a partition or screen behind you, or using a large solid back chair.
• Place your desk in a position where you can see the door to your office.  If this isn’t possible and you’re feeling exposed, place a small mirror in a location that reflects the entrance so that you can see who’s coming in behind you.
• Avoid sitting directly under overhead beams or the lowest part of a sloped ceiling.  This produces oppressive energy which can cause headaches and migraines.
• Clear your clutter and organise your space.  You’ll be amazed at how much more productive and focused you can be when your work environment is clutter free and well-organised.
• Open windows and blinds to bring in fresh air and sunlight.  This will improve concentration and help to renew the energy in your office.  Plants also help to recycle indoor air.
• Different window coverings such as mini blinds or wood blinds can affect the Feng Shui of a room.

The best way to learn, is from the pros.  Find out more about Feng Shui from Jane Langof and Elizabeth Wiggins.

Jane Langof’s Website

Elizabeth Wiggin’s Website

When Lynn Love began facing the economic downturn two years ago, he knew something needed to change.  The change he decided on, no one expected, not even Love.  “People need to eat,” he said, and after selling cars for 22 years, he began selling food.

Lynn Love has been self-employed his entire life.  His entrepreneurship journey began when he was only twenty years old.  Love was talking to a gentleman about what he did for a living.  It was when the man told him how much he had made during the year that his interest was peaked.  His interest motivated him to start a similar business.  That same year, Love started a construction company, knowing nothing about the business.  Love did not regret his decision.  He explains, “If you know too much about something, you won’t do it.” This has been his approach for all of his ventures and his success is evidence of this philosophy.

Love enjoys the freedom of being an entrepreneur.  He lives for the thrill it brings him each day.  Being that Love starts his businesses knowing little about what he is getting into, he explains that he learns as he goes along and also learns from other people’s mistakes.  Love has always found a way to get capital for his businesses.  He started the auto sales company with very little money, but was able to make his first purchase on a “pay as he sold” basis.  The restaurant he is opening has been funded with the help of a street kitchen he put together.   These two instances show how creative and passionate Love is as an entrepreneur.

Some see negativity as an obstacle, but not Lynn Love, who sees ample opportunity in the restaurant business.  Love uses the negativity as motivation.  When someone tells him he can’t do something, it inspires him to work harder and prove them wrong.  He does not let people or things get in his way.  He believes that his newest venture into the restaurant business will prepare him for retirement.  He is already considering selling the restaurant at some point down the road.  Although Love does not know much about owning a restaurant, he does know about working in the service industry.  “What’s so hard about it? You make people welcome, you treat them nicely, you’re friendly and you give them good service.” Love’s knowledge of catering to his customers is a big part of why he has been so successful.

So when you think things have hit bottom and there is no way out, think again, or ask Lynn Love.

Anthony Sullivan, the pitchman whose face brightens some of the most popular infomercials around the world was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to do an interview.  Enjoy Anthony Sullivan’s inspiring story.

Anthony Sullivan went from the street; serving dozens of people, to the television; serving millions.  He began selling mops in England on street corners when he saw the expanding market in American television.  He picked up and moved to what most call the ‘Land of Opportunity.’ His opportunities blossomed as he traveled the country working for different networks as the talent seen on television.  After about five years working, he felt he gained the experience he needed to start his own company.  Sullivan could have easily continued along the path he was on, but he realized that he could produce and present the infomercials better than the people at his place of work.  He was given the capital by his client that he needed to make his first infomercial and the result was a huge success.   Anthony Sullivan describes the impact that success had on him and his company: “That was a hit and like any business, once you have a hit record, or hit song…my phone just started ringing. We were the new production company.”  Sullivan was working out of his one bedroom apartment as a one-man operation, but the amount of business he was getting was too much to handle.  Soon, he took his operation to an office and began forming a team around him.

Everything Anthony Sullivan touches turned to gold.  Shortly after his hit, he began selling a product called Tap Light.  Tap Light was a simple product that would turn on by pressing the device and turn off by pressing the device again.  Sullivan sold six million Tap Light’s. Sullivan simply has passion for what he does and his success is the sum of it.  When it is time for Sullivan Productions to work on a new project, this passion shows.  Sullivan explains that he and the other members in the company sit at a table and shoot creative ideas out at each other.  The creative ideas are then brought to the television.

Anthony Sullivan has gained fame recently from his popular show, Pitchmen.  The late Billy Mays and Sullivan were the main characters on the show.  They were presented with products which they had to “pitch” to the public.  Since the show, Sullivan Productions receives calls daily with people attempting to get the company to sell their product.  The Discovery Channel will be airing a second season of the show soon.

Want some advice from Anthony Sullivan?

“Now is a great time to start a business…small business is everything.”

“You’ve got to be realistic and you’ve got to be smart.”

“Most people who tell you, you can’t do something, normally have an agenda and because they don’t want you to do it.”

“My level of passion is measured by eye rolling. If people are rolling their eyes, it’s a bad environment…If you’re passionate about something; you never roll your eyes. You want to do it.  You’re doing it one hundred percent.”

Sullivan recommends reading  The Art of War.

Thanks so much to Anthony Sullivan for the great interview!

Check out more on Anthony Sullivan.

AnthonySullivan.com
SullivanProductions.com
Pitchmen, DiscoverChannel.com