Joey Digital » Atlanta

Founder’s Therapy Was Awesome. We May Be Onto Something…

Joey Digital — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:43:01 +0000

Tuesday night, we kicked off the Founder’s Therapy event series at Bar One in Atlanta. It’s like Alcoholics Anonymous for entrepreneurs…except we drink during the session. The topic was Non-supportive Family, Friends, and Signicant Others, and it allowed 25 entrepreneurs to get ish off their chests.

A few key/interesting things came out of the event:

+ Wives of entrepreneurs put alot of stress on the males (whether they mean it or not)
+ It is extremely difficult for female entrepreneurs to have relationships
+ How entrepreneurs would like to receive support can be explained better by the 5 Love Languages. *IMO, this was the most important thing to come out of the event. And it has to/will be explored in detail later.

My early plan is to have this event once a quarter, and the next topic is, tentatively, slated to focus on failure: both our most horrifying crash-and-burn moments (I’ve got plenty of ammo for this one), and the fear of failure in the black community.

A special thanks goes to Amber Saunders and the staff at Bar One for all of the help, and to Reggie Harrison (@coldfinger) for the photos!

Converging Social Good + Entertainment With Founder’s Therapy In Atlanta on 1/17

Joey Digital — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:29:36 +0000

2012 will be a year of change for me. And one way will be the convergence of social good and social entertainment. It starts next Tuesday as I’m organizing Founder’s Therapy. Think of it as “AA for entrepreneurs.”

Founder’s Therapy is an intimate group of entrepreneurs discussing problems unique to our personal experience…over drinks of course. Steve Blank relates this personal experience to “The Hero’s Journey.”

:: Except from Steve Blank’s “The Four Steps to the Epiphany” on “The Hero’s Journey” ::

“Joseph Campbell popularized the notion of an archetypal journey that recurs in the mythologies and religions of cultures around the world. From Moses and the burning bush to Luke Skywalker meeting Obi wan Kenobi, the journey always begins with a hero who hears a calling to a quest. At the outset of the voyage, the path is unclear, and the end is not in sight. Each hero meets a unique set of obstacles, yet Campbell’s keen insight was that the outline of these stories was always the same. There were not a thousand different heroes, but one hero with a thousand faces.

The hero’s journey is an apt way to think of startups. All new companies and new products begin with an almost mythological vision–a hope of what could be, with a goal that few others can see. It’s this bright and burning vision that differentiates the entrepreneur from big company CEOs and startups from existing businesses. Founding entrepreneurs are out to prove that their vision and business are real and not some hallucination; to succeed they must abandon the status quo and strike out on what appears to be a new path, often shrouded in uncertainty. Obstacles, hardships and disaster lie ahead, and their journey to success tests more than financial resources. It tests their stamina, agility, and the limits of courage.

Most entrepreneurs feel their journey is unique. Yet what Campbell perceived about the mythological hero’s journey is true of startups as well: however dissimilar the stories may be in detail, their outline is always the same. Most entrepreneurs travel down the startup path without a roadmap and believe that no model or template could apply to their new venture. They are wrong. For the path of a startup is well worn, and well understood. The secret is that no one has written it down.”

—————
Founder’s Therapy was created to show entrepreneurs that they aren’t alone on this journey and [many] others share their pain…over drinks of course.

And oftentimes, unfortunately, those “few others that can see” are family members, friends, and significant others of entrepreneurs, and “obstacles, hardships, disaster” come in the form of their non-support.

We’re kicking off 2012 by sharing stories of non-supportive family, friends, and significant others. And we’ll all feel better afterwards.

+ Founder’s Therapy: Discussing Non-Supportive Family/Friends/Significant Others
+ Tuesday, January 17th, 2012
+ Bar One (687 Memorial Drive Southeast, Atlanta, GA 30316)
+ 7pm – 9pm | No Cover
+ Hosted Amber Saunders (Enrichment Prep)
+ Moderated by Me

RSVP at http://founderstherapy.eventbrite.com

Look forward to seeing some of you on Tuesday.

[atl] 100 Urban Entrepreneurs’ Meetup // The Atlanta Prom // New Year’s Eve

Joey Digital — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:46:33 +0000

I trust your Thanksgiving Weekend went well. I used the break to recover from the Fall Black Alumni Tour (13 events for over 13,000 people), spend time with family, catch up on email, and prep for 2012.

Over at DIGITALGUESTLIST, we’re busy putting together an Insider’s Guide to New Year’s Eve in Atlanta. Discover and access details on high-quality #NYE2012 events approved by our experts.

Sign up at www.digitalguestlist.com/nye

[100 Urban Entrepreneurs’ Meetup]

I’m extremely passionate about entrepreneurship. Actually, I believe I can “save the world” by promoting it (using the Lean Startup Methodology). And there is an awesome organization for minority entrepreneurs in Atlanta…the 100 Urban Entrepreneurs.

And they’re having a meetup/educational event on Wednesday. Please pass the word to your entrepreneur friends out there.

+ Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
+ 100 Urban Entrepreneurs Meetup: Devising The Perfect Business Plan
+ Atlanta Development Authority (86 Pryor Street, Atlanta, GA 30303)
+ Time: 6pm – 8pm
+ RSVP via email to Amber Saunders at amber.saunders@100ue.org

*Note: Many of you know my thoughts on business plans. If not, this (jump to the 31:00 mark) and this pretty much sum it up.

[The Atlanta Prom]

My friends over at Timeless Entertainment (producers of PlayDate) have created another really cool concept called The Atlanta Prom, and this year it is hosted by Brandi Harvey (daughter of Steve Harvey).

+ Saturday, December 10th, 2011
+ Entertainment by Algebra, Anthony David, Soul For Real, and DJ Tayrock
+ Georgia International Convention Center
+ 7pm – 1am
+ Tickets at www.theatlantaprom.com

[Events From Friends]

+ Insights Marketing presents Women Making Moves Networking & Empowerment Gathering
+ Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
+ 6:30pm – 8:30pm | Justin’s Restaurant
+ Admission is Complimentary | Please RSVP at KW@Insights-MPC.com

I look forward to hearing your plans for 2012

Jermaine Dupri At The Atlanta Crown Life Event. He’ll Be At The #ClassicOrlando Edition Next Week

Joey Digital — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:03:51 +0000

Jermaine Dupri as he arrives at the Atlanta Crown Life event at Vanquish Lounge last night. He’ll be spinning at the #ClassicOrlando edition next Friday (11/18). Pre-register for your invitation at www.digitalguestlist.com/fall

Video Recap of the #ATLCLASSIC Crown Royal Black Society of the Crown Post-Game Affair

Joey Digital — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:18:49 +0000

3,000 impeccably dressed young alums from FAMU and Southern plus young professionals from Atlanta and around the country descended upon the Grand Atrium at 200 Peachtree for an evening with Crown Royal Black. The FAMU Homecoming version is next…

Want $250 Off Registration for the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference? Here’s How

Joey Digital — Mon, 16 May 2011 12:23:12 +0000

As many of you know, I’m on the local steering committee for the upcoming Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference. And, as many friend, you’ll get to benefit.

To receive $250 off registration, simply use the code “BEATL11”.

The conference agenda is here, and the complete list of speakers, including James Andrews, Marvet Britto (The Britto Agency), Marshawn Evans (ME Unlimited), Earl Graves, Sr. (Founder/Chairman, Black Enterprise), Magnus Greaves (The CASH Flow), MC Hammer, Dennis Kimbro, Chris Lighty (Violator Management), Lisa Price (Carol’s Daughter), Michael Seibel (Justin.tv), and Wayne Sutton can be found here.

I’m Working With Two New Organizations In Atlanta. Here’s Why.

Joey Digital — Tue, 03 May 2011 12:35:22 +0000

In the last 48 hours, I’ve decided to work with two very different organizations in Atlanta who target similar markets. On Monday, I decided to assist the AULYP with marketing for their upcoming annual Entrepreneurs Bootcamp. And on Sunday, I chose to join Jimmy Jones (ATL2Nite) and J Carter (Sol Fusion) with an All Day/Night Block Party on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend.

So, just how are their target markets similar you ask? More or less, the attendees of these events will be rebels, creatives/artists, and those who go against the grain.

By definition, entrepreneurs are definitely artists. Many of us have delusions of changing the world through our for-profit and non-profit companies. We don’t play by the rule. We’re tenacious. We are forced to quickly make potentially life-altering decisions with much than less perfect information. We’re resilient. We’re leaders. We’re rebels.

Funny because that’s eerily similar to the description of Sol Fusion which bills itself as “the playground for progressive party go’ers, political misfits, social pioneers, fashion forward renegades, industry heads, skater boys, corner office professionals, b-girls and runway models.”

As an earlyvangelist of the Lean Startup Methodology, I passionately believe spreading the word about it to African-American entrepreneurs will be culture-changing. And yes, most of philosophies will be rebellious to many (i.e. business plans are complete and utter BS).

So when you see me discussing the Sol Fusion on Memorial Day Weekend, and the Entrepreneurs Bootcamp in July, you’ll know why.

FAMU Atlanta Young Alumni Holiday Party This Saturday + Your Thoughts Needed

Joey Digital — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:17:38 +0000

Well, my team lost on Saturday in the Beta Nu Football Classic….and I got hurt (turf toe). Lots of suckage there. In this post, I’ll discuss:

– Young Alumni Holiday Party This Saturday – Tentative Young Alumni 2011 Activity Schedule << need your help here

FAMU Atlanta Young Alumni Holiday Party

Saturday, December 18th, 2010
Luckie Food Lounge (375 Luckie St, Atlanta, GA)
8pm – 10pm
No Cover (You can stay for the party hosted by Melyssa Ford afterward)
2011 Young Alumni Activity Schedule
We did some pretty cool stuff this year: a Wine Tasting, Workout with Rahman Grayson, Kickball, Flag Football, several meetings over drinks, and 3 events during the Atlanta Classic with the Holiday Party coming up this Saturday. Unfortunately, we never got the Summer BBQ/Pool Party off the ground (totally my fault).

So what do you want to see in 2011? Do we expand the same activities? Add new ones?

A few things to keep in mind while voting: (1) we can’t have stuff every month b/c, sooner or later, we’ll get tired of seeing one another (2) these activities take ALOT of effort to plan, and let’s be honest, this is all volunteer work.

Hit me back with your email with the following info:

Whether or not you are coming to the Young Alumni Holiday Mixer this Saturday

Your thoughts on the 2011 Activity Schedule

Atlanta: Private Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series Event This Thursday – RSVP

Joey Digital — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 18:37:34 +0000

Check out the next big name in art and photography in this installment of the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series this Thursday at the Mason Murer Fine Art.

Inspired by Rush Philanthropic Arts/Foundation, artists from cities across America submitted inspired art and photography for their chance to compete in the ART FOR LIFE finale event in Miami and be installed at Russell and Danny Simmons’ RUSH Arts Gallery in New York.

RSVP Required

Update: Send me your names on Twitter @joeydigital and I will put your names on the list

:: Details ::

Thursday October 7th, 2010
Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series
Location: Mason Murer Fine Art
RSVP Required: Email atlanta@sapphireart.com
Incentive: Complimentary Entry
Dress Code: Trendy
Time: 6:00pm – 9:30pm
Address:
199 Armour Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30324

Answers to FAQ’s About ONE MusicFest…

Joey Digital — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 15:53:42 +0000

We’ve been getting slammed with questions about ONE MusicFest. Below are answers to some FAQ’s:

Is ONE Musicfest going to be fun?…

What??? Over 4 full concerts and 8 additional acts, multiple gaming stations, American Gladiator styled games (seriously), live art shows, all your favorite djs, food, mini golf, ping pong, GREAT music, onsite mixologists… and then some. FOR OVER 10 HOURS!

I wonder if there will be areas to sit….
Yes, but bring your lawn chair if you like… bring your rollerskates… bring your water guns…. bring a blanket…. bring a whistle… bring a fan… bring your video recorder & camera…. bring all your friends and sit on them…

I may get hungry out there…
GOOD. We will have tacos, New York & Chicago style pizza, sandwiches, burgers, quesadillas, ice cream, bbq and more…. Munchies?

Its going to be hot….
It’s summer. But there will be an indoor area, shaded areas, watering stations and a medic station if your decide to “over-indulge”

Its $40???…
A “one” artist concert at any venue in Atlanta is easily $32+…. with a $12.95 ticket master surcharge….. ONE Musicfest is 4 FULL CONCERTS & LOADS OF FUN!! Priceless!
(or join ONE Musicfest facebook page and see how to get discount tickets)

I wonder what it will be like….
If Chuckie Cheese, Woodstock, Okay Player and Music Midtown had a love affair and produced a baby…. ONE Musicfest

Is it a party too?…
After the last performance of the night, all the DJs will crank back up and ONE Musicfest will turn into Atlanta’s BIGGEST block party hosted by ALL the ACTS

I’m tired of the same old events in Atlanta….
Then welcome home…… ONE Musicfest. Music starts at 2pm… if your arrive at 5pm… you will definitely miss a few acts… arrive early… and stay late…. relax.

Details:

Saturday July 31st, 2010
@ King Plow Arts Center (887 W.Marietta St – Atlanta - Across All 4 Acres of the Property)

Further Details/Ticket Info: Visit www.onemusicfest.com