7 Super Ways to Jumpstart Your Southeast Queens Business

Blacks in Southeast
Queens Make more
Income than Other
Ethnic Groups

One of the ways we aim to keep Southeast Queens viable and cutting edge as a community here at the Southeast Queens Scoop, is to do regular articles on topics like technology, real estate, investing, and small business development.

Jamaica, NY and the larger Southeast Queens area is a strong striving, middle class, and progressive community. We all know some of the world's most successful celebrities and entrepreneurs come from this historically rich and legendary area of New York City.

In fact, I took just the top 12 celebrities from  Southeast Queens, people like Russell Simmons, Daymond Johns, Ja Rules, Richard Parsons, and Joe Morton (the Dad from Scandal) and combined their net worth it is over 1 Billion dollars.  Also Southeast Queens, according to the New York census and the New York Times, is the 1st and only large area in the US where: Blacks make more aggregate income than other ethnic groups in the surrounding area.

Therefore, It wouldn't be hype to draw parallels between Southeast Queens and Greenwood, Oklahoma, a suburb of Tulsa, known more in informed Black circles metaphorically as "Black Wall Street." Could Southeast Queens be equated to the modern day equivalent of "Black Wall Street?"

Both communities have their divergent upscale community features.  However, really Wall Street is the sector of the US that symbolizes its capital markets.

Southeast Queens Needs More
Black Businesses to be like Black Wall Street

In my opinion the term Black Wall Street isn't really a good moniker for Greenwood, Oklahoma.  Greenwood had a lot of local black businesses and professionals. It would be better characterized as an upscale Black Main Street.  

On the other hand Southeast Queens has a lot of working class and middle class people who work for the NYC government, Corporations in Manhattan, and small businesses in Queens.  What I would like to see in Southeast Queens is more viable Black businesses in fields other than restaurants, haircare, and real estate offices. I've been in business over 20 years and here are some of my tips for Southeast Queens residents looking to start their own businesses.

The following are 7 Super Ways to
Jumpstart Your Southeast Queens Business

Before you go into a startup please be realistic.  Over 80% (actually I've read as high as 95%) of small businesses fail within 5 years.  In order to not be in that statistic learn as much about your industry and running a business in it as you can.

1. Avoid launching a business without any glimpse that it will make money - not just in your mind but in the real world.  Try to avoid taking a noncritical view of your business. Especially, if you don't have a lot of capital to waste do your due diligence before starting a business endeavor as much as possible.

2. Test in consumer shows or trade shows in your industry - if there is a viable market for what you are offering and listen to feed back to see if people are willing to spend money for what you are offering.

3. Join an existing business, even if you are a volunteer - in your industry to see how they are run before taking your leap of faith.  Learn what makes money in your industry and how to sell products and services with the most profit margins.

3. Gain inside knowledge on your industry - so you know the seasonal shifts which will affect your cash flow. If you can learn not only the operations of a business but the sales and marketing aspects as well you will be on much more solid ground running that business.

4. Discover how the major players in your industry operate - and see if you can model some of their behavior and how you can fill a niche better than your major competitors.  Save as much money as you can before you start and get mentors in your industry.

5. Clean up your credit and try to get a good source of financing to fall back on or aggressively leap forward with whether this source is an angel investor, crowd funding source, or some reliable microfinancing sources.  Create a compelling digital footprint online including an automated email follow up system, social media presence, a search engine friendly website, Google+ and Bing Local listings, and a blog.


6. Build a good team to support - you with savvy business mentors, family who can work with enthusiasm in the business, and people you trust.  You can't build a successful business by yourself - you need a team.

7. Consider doing a business plan - and run it by your support group and potential investors. I strongly suggest this.  By taking the steps above your business plan will be that much more informed and compelling to potential investors.

These preparatory moves will save you a lot of time and headache in the future. You will be in the elite 5% of business startups that actually make it.  Kamau Austin is the publisher of the Southeast Queens Scoop Blog. If you need mentoring or consulting on starting up or expanding your business in Southeast Queens contact me at 973-298-6148 or Click Here

Inspiring People is Music to this Professor’s Ears

Dr. Yolanda Webster looks at people as gems or in fact diamonds ready to shine forth with Spiritual beauty. Her dream of becoming a motivational author and inspirational writer is within grasp and crystallizing like a precious stone being formed out of the coal.
 
Webster a respected musical educator from the prestigious Columbia University music program is on a mission to use her God given talents and aplomb to encourage others to push forward in life. To Webster, hearing how others are inspired by her mentorship, Christian service and published books is music to her ears.

Dr. Webster is CEO of Diamond Enterprises Inc., an inspirational publishing company. Webster, who grew up in the Black historic urban enclave of Bedford Stuyvesant knows how to rise to a challenge in life, persevere, and make a difference. Webster now lives in  Long Island and does ministry and support work in our area.

She affirms her deep Christian roots as being an important source of her resiliency and resolve “some of the greatest lessons I've learned in life on how to succeed are that God has a purpose and a plan for my life and His plan for me is only for my good.” Dr. Webster is determined to encourage those who are ill and in need of a helping spirit.

This is a part of who she is naturally and her core beliefs “I overcame formidable challenges in life because I took the focus off myself and focused on the greater good for other people” she reveals. Dr. Webster has had her bouts with illnesses and uses music as a way to heal the sick and infirm souls that she empathizes with in her ministry.

In reference to her inspirational music ministry in hospitals she adds “I became involved in health related ministries when I became ill and someone reached out to me from a religious support group.”  While some may be skeptical about the need for yet another motivational guru in a world full of them Dr. Webster isn’t at all dissuaded.

She feels with her extensive music background and affinity to those going through illnesses she has a unique divine calling to make a difference in the world and help others. She shares her deeper feelings about her purpose by stating “Some of the greatest lessons I've learned in life on how to succeed are, God has a purpose and a plan for my life and His plan for me is only for my good.”

Her confidence can’t be rattled because of her abiding faith in God. She says with certainty “He loves me and wants only the best for me.

He already began this work in me and promises to complete it. I'm in partnership with Him.” If Dr. Webster can continue to bring her unique skill set and compassion together to continue to inspire others her efforts will set the stage for some melodious motivations in the inspiration book publishing genre.  To visit Dr. Yolanda Webster's Blog Click Here

Contact Info:
Diamond Enterprises, Inc. New York, New York
Call: 516-808-6263

3 New Tech Updates Savvy Southeast Queens Residents Should Know

A Picture of St. Albans Memorial Park on Google Maps

 A Major Upgrade for
Google Maps

Jamaica, NY and the larger Southeast Queens area is a strong striving, middle class, and progressive community. We all know some of the world's most successful celebrities and entrepreneurs come from this historically rich and legendary area of New York City.  Southeast Queens, could be equated to the modern day equivalent of "Black Wall Street."

One of the ways we aim to keep Southeast Queens viable and cutting edge as a community here at the Southeast Queens Scoop, is to do regular articles on topics like technology, real estate, and investing. Today we want to keep you in the loop about 3 important technology developments you should know about.

1. Major Enhancements now Available with Google Maps. Who doesn't use Google Maps right?  Google Maps is usually the segue into getting driving, transit, and biking directions to distant places for most people online using either mobile devices, PCs, or MACs.

Google Map Pic of Jamaica Ave

Southeastern Queens, being as close to the suburbs as you can get in NYC, is where many people own cars, bikes, and take public transportation.  Therefore many use Google Maps.  Billions of people all over the world take advantage of the brilliant artificial intelligence technology behind Google Maps to get to unfamiliar destinations.

Over the years Google has been spending a fortune with promising new features powered by synergistic technologies like Google Earth.  Now Google obviously has integrated its powerful satellite technologies more fully into Google Maps. Savvy Southeast Queens residents should take a couple of minutes to see what the new Google maps has to offer.

The experience of using the new Google Maps is stunning.  Pick a city like New York, LA, or Paris and click streetview and it's almost like visiting the destinations in person. You have to check it out.  The Wall Street Journal gives 5 great features of the new Google Maps at: http://ow.ly/tTmN4

2. Facebook Buys Message Service WhatsApp for an Historic 19 Billion Dollars

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg

Recently Message Replacement app WhatsApp, was bought by Facebook for 19 Billion dollars! WhatsApp is reported as having 450 Million users (twice the size of Twitter). The venture capital firm Sequoia Capital, invested 60 million to back this startup and now it's ROI will be worth about 3 Billion dollars say industry analyst reporting to the Wall Street Journal. This ranks as the largest-ever purchase of a company backed by venture capital.
I wonder if many people in the US ever heard of WhatsApp, or use it's service? I've never even heard of them before and they have 450 million users.

This goes to show you the international scope of social media and mobile apps.  A company can command 19 Billion dollars to buy it out and ironically very few people have heard of it in the US.

Philip Green, a hedge fund investor and consultant with a tech background said recently "I have been using WhatsApp for over three years, but I will admit it was introduced to me by my London and European contacts. I don't think any of my American friends use it or have even heard of it."

However, some tech savvy people I talked to who hailed from Caribbean countries like Miquel Soares who has family in the Caribbean uses WhatsApp as an inexpensive way to stay in contact with friends in the Caribbean. Soares confides "I use WhatsApp to stay in touch with family and friends in the Caribbean. The cost is less than $1 a year for unlimited texting it is really a no brainer."

Hedge Fund Expert Philip Green

Facebook will make WhatsApp a stronger brand in the US.  This is a good development especially for Southeast Queens residents because many have family in the Caribbean, South America, India, Europe and Africa.  They will now increasingly have a low cost option to send text messages and stay in touch with family throughout the world.

The WhatsApp co-founder and CEO Jan Koum, is to join Facebook's Board of Directors, is now worth about 6.8 Billion dollars. I wondered if this buy is going to increase the value of Facebook?
 
However, some investors feel that protectionism is behind the move "it's similar to a record company signing an artist intentionally to keep them off the shelf" said one online user.  But 19 billion is a lot to pay to shelf a company.

This move for Facebook has to be about a ROI down the road. For instance when the WhatsApp business gets to 1 Billion users paying $5 dollars a year for the service Facebook will handsomely recoup their investment.  

I also asked Green if he thought WhatApp is worth the investment for Facebook.  This is what he had to say "of course WhatsApp, is over-valued and not worth $19 Billion, especially since WhatsApp has barely made $20 million a year in revenue since its inception. But it's not about current worth, but exponential growth. Mark Zuckerberg and his Facebook boys know what they are doing. Trust me."

Obviously having the option of buying an inexpensive texting app to contact people outside the US will be a great thing for Southeast Queens Residents. 

In light of the recent buy of WhatsApp by Facebook here is a good idea what how it can help you: http://ow.ly/tSInX
 
For more info checkout the Wall Street Journal's site link: Go To the WSJ site

3. Google Acquires False Click Detection Company Spider.io

IT Expert Miguel Soares

Also recently in the news: Google is always investing in programming/development enhancements like most tech companies, and is also into acquiring companies with advanced technology to advance it's ranking algorithm.  False clicks and impressions is a big problem for Google and other online media companies.

This is why Google buys a company known as Spider.io to help detect false ad impression activity created by bots.  I asked Miquel Soares, an IT project manager for top level corporations what he feels about this new tech buy from Google.

He stated "they are very nimble, and really leverage these companies to solve an issue. Resistance is futile. By detecting and eliminating the bots, they can promise their clients authentic clicks.  Google is also probably looking to get a competitive advantage over Yahoo and Bing." I agree with Soares this is a nimble move for Google.

This is an especially important development for Southeast Queens entrepreneurs.  Entrepreneurs in our economically promising area can invest in Google advertising with more certainty.

In an area with lots of potential customers of middle class status it is imperative for business owners to use modern search engine promotion like pay-per-click advertising on computers or mobile devices.  Large numbers of Southeast Queens residents, like many similar communities, are using mobile devices and computers to find businesses, services, and information in their area.

Therefore business owners could be leaving considerable amounts of money on the table not using search engines to position their businesses. For more info on this tech biz development with Google See the Full article

Also the bottom line for Southeast Queens residents who have stakes or investments in Google or Facebook this will be good news for their portfolios. These are very important tech developments to know for Savvy Southeast Queens residents. Written by Kamau Austin, Publisher Southeast Queens Scoop.

Kamau Austin

South Queens Couple Tackles Taxes, Business, and All that Jazz

February 20th 2014, St. Albans, New York, Edward and Adriana Jackson are certainly an entrepreneurial husband and wife tea that reflects their community in South Queens, NY in an innovative way. The husband and wife team run the well respected community based tax service bearing their last name Jackson Tax Service, Inc. Ironically, they also have ventured into a entertainment venture and musical undertaking uncharacteristic of what you might expect from a "mom and pop" type tax business.

The couple has also recently opened up a literally underground jazz establishment called Jackson Room. Edward Jackson and his late brother Dave Jackson, were accomplished jazz musicians. They have built an elegant and attractive jazz hall for world class jazz music.

The Jackson Tax Service's newer St. Albans branch also houses the cozy Jackson Room, in its basement. It has a separate access to it slightly to the right of the front entrance. Both Jackson Tax Service and Jackson Room are located at 192-07 Linden Blvd, St. Albans, NY 11412.

Ms. Adriana Jackson, the manager of the St. Albans branch, comments "that this has been a

lifelong dream of my husband to have a place like Jackson Room and I'm glad to see him accomplish it." While Jackson Room is a new endeavor for the Jackson family the tax business is not.

Jackson Tax has its original location in Rochdale Village Mall 1. Jackson Tax was started by Edward Jackson's father David W. Jackson, over 50 years ago so it is a family business passed down through the generations.

"Will people one day be able to listen to live jazz while they have their taxes worked on" I asked Ms. Jackson. Ms. Jackson smiled and responded "You never know?" But for now we pipe jazz through our office sound system while doing taxes."

South Queens has always been known as a very special place both in terms of its business professionals and jazz greats. A long list of business pioneers and entertainment powerhouses have started businesses or lived here like Wallace & Wallace Fuel Companies, FUBU, LL Cool J, Russell Simmons and James Brown.

The area also has an even richer history of housing some of the world's greatest jazz legends like Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Mercer Ellington, Count Basie, and Fats Waller. To most of us who find doing taxes - well taxing, we're glad to hear about a company that can jazz things up a bit too in our town. 

You can reach Adriana Jackson about either Jackson Tax Services in St. Albans at 718-978-6700 or for Jackson Room at 718-525-2387. You can also check out the Jackson Tax Service website at Jackson Tax. The Jackson Room website can be seen at Jackson Room.

Here is a sample of the jazz performances at Jackson Room Below...

Ed and Adriana's Jackson Room, will celebrate "Love is in the Air this Black History Month."  They point to the love our ancestors had for African Americans by making the tremendous sacrifices for future generations. They feel Black History Month should be a time the community shows love for their ancestors accomplishments.

It is also a time to romantically appreciate our loved ones. Ed Jackson comments profoundly "Love is the essential undercurrent that drives Black History."

Jackson states "so in the spirit of both celebrating our rich culture and romantic appreciation to our loved ones, the Ed Jackson Quartet, and Jackson Room, will be focusing on "Love is in the Air this Black History Month," in their next musical performance at Jackson Room.

Ed Jackson also feels you should "bring your honey or significant other to our next performance. We promise to serenade you with engaging classic love song selections that night."

It promises to be a musical treat for all attending. Their heritage and love inspired performances will begin Saturday, February 22nd, 2014, and will feature the world class respected musicians:

Akiko Tsuruga - Piano
       
Saadi Zain - Bass 

Lionel Cordew - Drums and...

Ed Jackson - Sax

"Love is in the Air this Black History Month"
with the Ed Jackson Quartet

Saturday, February 22nd, 2014             
                                                                                  
2 Shows: 8:00 & 10:00

Cover: $15.00  (includes 8:00 show & 10:00 show)

Free Healthy Hors d'oeuvres and Refreshments

Make a Reservation

Or

Make a  telephone reservation (Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm)
by calling: (718) 525-2387

Love is in the Air this Black History Month

Support this Community Event: As you know February, is also the month that we celebrate both Valentine's Day, and Black History Month. When you really think about it: the Essence of Black History Month is all about love.

In Black History Month, we celebrate the love our ancestors had for us by making the tremendous sacrifices for future generations. We also take time to show love for their accomplishments this month.

It is also a time to romantically appreciate our loved ones. Love is the essential undercurrent that drives Black History.

So in the Spirit of both celebrating our rich culture and romantic appreciation to our loved ones the Ed Jackson Quartet and Jackson Room will be focusing on "Love is in the Air this Black History Month," in their next musical performance at Jackson Room, the place to listen to live Jazz with family and loved ones.

Bring your honey or significant other to our next performance. We promise to serenade you with engaging classic love song selections that night.

It promises to be a musical treat for all attending. Our heritage and love inspired performances will be Saturday, February 22nd, 2014, and will feature the world class respected musicians:

Akiko Tsuruga - Piano
       
Saadi Zain - Bass 

Lionel Cordew - Drums and...

Ed Jackson - Sax

So we would love to see you there for...

"Love is in the Air this Black History Month"
with the Ed Jackson Quartet

Saturday, February 22nd, 2014             
                                                                                  
2 Shows: 8:00 & 10:00

Cover: $15.00  (includes 8:00 show & 10:00 show)

Free Healthy Hors d'oeuvres and Refreshments

Make a Reservation

Or

Make a  telephone reservation (Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm)
by calling: (718) 525-2387

Best Regards,

Ed Jackson and the Staff at Jackson Room

P.S. If you or someone you know would like to host your event at the Jackson Room, let us know.   

You can now follow us on Facebook

Support Jazz in Queens by sharing this post with someone you know.  To hear a little sample of the world class jazz at Jackson Room check out the video below:

If you like the riveting improvisation and musical sophistication of jazz displayed in the video above you'll want to enjoy a night of romantic serenading this Saturday, February 22nd, 2014 at 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm at Jackson Room.  Why don't you Make Plans to Attend to hear "World Class Jazz in Our Community" Performed by the highly regarded Ed Jackson Quartet.  Seating is limited so please RSVP Now

  

Resistance a Play by Richard C. Goodman and Directed by Shela Xoregos

RESISTANCE, promises to be an exciting play. It is written by Richard C. Goodman and is directed by Shela Xoregos, and will be performed by the Xoregos Performing Company.

The play is costumed in 1851 style. It features characters: Congressman Thaddeus Stevens, Underground Railroad hero William Parker, a courageous Quaker woman and others.

The Plot centers around a fight ignited by the Fugitive Slave Act between the South and the Abolitionists is given dramatic impact.RESISTANCE, in its New York premiere, has a cast of eight superb actors and is directed by Shela Xoregos.  It seems to be busy this Saturday, February 22nd, 2014 and is listed to be performed at the Bronx Library Center at 2:30 Click Here for more Info on the Bronx Performance and the Flushing Library in Queens.  See the graphic below for more of the Flushing, Queens, NY performance details...

Special Events to Take Advantage of from the Central Library on Jamaica Ave

Upcoming Events at the

I find the Queens Main Library in Jamaica Queens to be an amazing resource for residents, their children especially and families.  They have some great upcoming events for young people and also on professional development.  Checkout some of these classes below...


Urban Book Club

Many of the books we discuss are urban themed. Members decide which books to read, and supplementary activities are incorporated into club meetings on a regular basis. All are welcome! Date: 3/2/14 and Time: 2:30pm

Typing Lab

If you type slowly and would like to improve your skills for work, school or any other reason, come to typing practice lab to get guided assistance and tips from a Queens Library instructor. Class code CC290 Date: 2/19/14 and Time: 4:15pm

Project Fashion Mavens

Are you interested in fashion, or would you like to work in the fashion marketing industry? Then this program for teens ages 13 to 18 is for you! Date: 2/20/14 and Time: 4:30pm

Drama Club

Join us for a 10-week program on the arts of acting and performance. Each Tuesday we will address a new area of stagecraft, culminating in a showcase at the end. This program is for teens in grades 7-12. Space is limited, so please preregister in the Teen Room. Date: 2/18/14 and Time: 5:30pm