1-FAILURE

There is no such thing as failure in life or in business until and unless "YOU" give up. Just as in sports, the game is not won or lost until the last tick of the clock. Therefore, what some people conclude as failures are merely negative experiences from which real knowledge, experience, and growth truly occurs.

2-ASSETS

There are those who unfortunately believe that clothes absolutely define the individual. This is correct but clothes are also a manifestation of who the individual is not. If you are wearing your assets, then they are not working for you. If a disproportionate share of your assets go on you back, then you have fewer or no assets that can go into the bank. Putting it bluntly, if they are on your ass, they cannot be called assets.

3-CIVIL RIGHTS

Civil Rights without economic strength is a borrowed event and can be taken away at anytime because you don't own them. Economic Rights assure civil rights. They always did and they always will.

4-LAST STOP BEFORE HIGHWAY

We have now reached a point in society where those with skills, knowledge, and education in this global society will survive whereas those without these attributes will bear the brunt of suffering for themselves and those who are dependent on them for subsistence.

5-PUT ON YOUR OXYGEN MASK FIRST

Before you can help others, put on your oxygen mask first. Only when you are fully prepared with skills, knowledge, and experience can you truly make a difference which can help others.

6-OLE BOY'S NETWORK

Why don't you turn the ole boy's network into the Homeboy Network: mo money, mo money, mo money.

7-EDUCATION

Education without focus, direction, or skills can result in frustration and can even produce fools. No education without focus, direction, or skills will result in frustration, and can even produce criminals.

8-RELATIONSHIPS

Positive and meaningful relationships with the right people are not just important; they are the absolute keys to achievement and success in everything you do in life.

9-BUSINESS CARDS AND BROCHURES

Receiving your business card or your brochure is only as effective as the existing knowledge of you, your capabilities, or your company. If a person doesn't know you, your business card or brochure will not help.

10-DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

All key decisions must entail a process or procedure which can be replicated and/or changed to fit dynamic and growing needs. Do not, absolutely do not make critical decisions simply because you are the boss. Be part of the decision-making process. It's a team sport.

11-POOR COMMUNITIES

Show me a poor community and I'll show you poor health. Show me a poor community and I'll show you poor education. Show me a poor community and I'll show you poor aspirations and poor hope. Show me a poor community and I'll show you a poor business climate and very few if any significant corporations. Communities sorely need resources to survive and grow.

12-FINANCE

As the lady said to the gentleman who suggested that they go out on a date "Dutch", which means each person pays separately. She looked at him with a glare of disgust and said: Romance without finance is a nuisance and has no chance.