...Russell Simmons has been successful because he turned an idea into an opportunity. Mariotti and Glackin (2013) states while Russell attend college he saw an opportunity in the underground music genre Hip-hop (p.154). From that moment on Russell knew he could capitalize off hip-hop. Not only did Russell take a chance on an opportunity, he formed a great record label with his friend Rick Rubin called Def Jam Records. However his success did not stop there Russell went on to create a clothing line, Rush Communications and many other ventures. With his knowledge of street entrepreneurship and the philosophy of “keeping it real” (p.154-155), Russell Simmons was able to promote his ventures with great success, making him one of the biggest entrepreneurs ever. Marketing a business can be a challenge; you must know what the people want and how to deliver what they need. Targeting a market that will buy your product is very important. For Russell Simmons his target market was geared toward his surroundings, urban youth. Jennifer Reingold (2003) illustrates “He is not a man who made it big and then abandoned his roots but rather one who is still as comfortable on the streets of the inner city as he has become on Wall Street”. Within that statement one can conclude that Russell Simmons targeted a culture he is familiar with and still associates with while achieving success. The urban youths and Russell Simmons shared the same beliefs of staying authentic and telling the truth...
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...Jeff Shields New Venture Creation – DuVal Russell Simmons – Case Study 1) Early on, Simmons decided that he wanted to make his own way in the world. He wanted to live a fast-paced life and call his own shots. Even though he did not like school, he still enrolled at the City College of New York as a sociology major. 2) The target market that Simmons is trying to appeal to is that of urban teens and young adults. He understood that his target market valued authenticity and “keeping it real”. In his words, “You have to tell the truth. It endears you to the community. The people can smell the truth, and they’re a lot smarter than the people who put the records out.” 3) By growing up while being heavily influenced by hip hop music and culture, Simmons had a distinct advantage in reaching out to and understanding his target market.; as he is/was one of that target market. This is advantages for him because he can know and understand what artist and styles will make it big when it reaches the public due to his experience in hip hop music and culture. This can also be a limitation, because he may not have as much experience in other cultures and music styles, thereby limiting him strictly to hip hop and preventing him from spreading his musical venture. 4) Hold a charity basketball game in the New York City community that features appearances from professional athletes. The market research necessary to ensure that it would be a success would be researching...
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...1. Russell Simmons has been successful as a media mogul because he was presented an idea/opportunity to create a dynamic business in the music/clothing industry and he jumped on it without second thought. With the help of Rick Rubin, he was able to dedicate his intelligence and skills in these industries to become one of the most well known entrepreneurs today. Since day one he has had a keen sense of what urban youth wanted and has stayed true to “keeping it real.” At the time, hip hop was an underground genre that Russell Simmons was able to deliver to the ears of all who wanted to tune it. 2.) In all of his business endeavors, Russell Simmons has targeted urban youth. This target values authenticity and that’s what Russell Simmons delivers. Through hand selected artists and his Phat Farm clothing line, Russell Simmons has emulated the true meaning of “real.” 3.) Growing up surrounded by hip-hop culture, Russell had an advantage in the marketplace by understanding first-hand what his peers and predecessors wanted that weren’t available at the time. He realized that he could generate revenue through rap; an underground genre that had not yet taken flight, and generate a style that urban youth felt most comfortable with. He was able to give urban youth around the world the music they idolized and the clothes they preferred to wear. 4.) Brainstorm a business ideA business idea I would pitch to Russell Simmons would be creating apps. Applications have become very popular now-a-days...
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...Russell “Rush” Simmons began his trip to being hip hop’s main man in the late 1970’s. Through hard work, struggle and determination, he achieved things that a young entrepreneur only dreamed of. By promoting early hall of fame group Run DMC, in which one member of the group is Simmons’ brother Joseph “Run” Simmons. Throughout the years, Russell Simmons has taken Hip Hop to great lengths in our economy and in African American Business. Russell Simmons was born October 4, 1957 in Queens New York. He was an excellent student through grade school and made his was to CCNY-Harlem to study in sociology. This is where he found his passion for music. In the late 1978, Russell began using his spare time to promote some early hip hop block parties and club shows around Harlem and Queens. Often, he would promote these parties with his friend Curtis Walker, who later adopted the name Kurtis Blow, who is another Hip Hop icon. Russell later became his manager and co-wrote the 1979 single “Christmas Rappin’”. By this time Russell had dropped out of college and pursued artist management as a full-time gig. This is when Rush Productions was born. During this time the country was in over $700 billion dollars in debt and personal bankruptcies were constantly rising, Russell found a way to do what he loved and make an income doing it. In the beginning of the 1980s, Russell took his younger brother, Joseph Simmon’s, group as his clients and they then became Run-D.M.C. Over the next...
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...Critical Argument Analysis Gabriel Martinez ENG/215 November 9, 2015 Professor Stephanie Critical Argument Analysis “There’s not a man that can’t be thrown, not a horse that can’t be rode, a bull that can’t be stopped, there’s not a disco that I Coke La Rock can’t rock”. (DJ Coke La Rock 1973) This line spoken by Coke La Rock was the birth of rap and hip-hop music. This one bar made Coke La Rock the very first rapper in Hip-Hop and birthed a new genre of music, we now know today as Rap music. John McWhorter, Opio Lumumba Sokoni, and Desi K. Robinson all have written about their different views and opinions on the good the bad and the ugly of rap music. They all offer different arguments on the effects of rap music. Rap music began as a way for black families to focus on bringing families together and uplifting each other’s spirits in times of heartache and pain. However, now since its humble beginnings so much has changed and developed but the spirit of its heart and soul stays the same. John McWhorter argues in his article, “Mean StreetsTheater,” (2003) on the negativity of rap music and the violence that it promotes. He argues that the violence of rap music is causing the rappers to be murdered. He goes on to say that not only are rappers being murdered but also they’re being murdered in front of their children, exposing their children to the violence. Today in our society many agree with his point of view and are causing...
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...Concepts Professor Camilla Craig Mat 27th, 2016 Russell Simmons has three core leadership qualities that have helped him to become the successful CEO that he is. A common trait that most successful leaders often have is their commitment to accomplishing goals. Russell Simmons is widely known as the father of hip-hop, who embodies these qualities. Russell Simmons wears many hats and is involved in several different business ventures. He co-founded Def Jam Records which he made $100 million dollars by selling Def Jam to Universal Music Group. Then Simmons found the companies Argyleculture, American Classics, and Phat Farm. Russell Simmons is not just a business owner he is a successful author, who is most famously known for his bestselling book Do You! 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success. One of the leadership qualities that Russell Simmons personifies is emotional intelligence. When Russell Simmons talks about working with executives and artist, he always emphasizes the importance of everyone being happy in the deal (Harvard Business Review). Simmons made it very clear that his business success comes from starting businesses based on needs that exist. Due to Russell Simmons being aware of the fact that a need exist is an accurate indicator of an emotionally intelligent leader. The second leadership quality that Russell Simmons has is a positive attitude. Russell Simmons believes and advocates that having a positive attitude, openness...
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...their ability to succeed, a desire for immediate feedback, a high level of energy, skill at organizing, and value of achievement over money. There are many reasons why someone may take this path but the bottom-line is this person has a strong will and determination to succeed. The leading entrepreneurs I have chosen are Mary Kay Ash and Russell Simmons. Russell Simmons is a business mogul, activist, best-selling author and he is owner and founder of RUSH Communications. RUSH Communications is a leading multi-faceted holding company with investments in well-known and respected brands in three industry segments: entertainment and media; fashion and lifestyle; and empowerment. RUSH Communications, Inc. includes a management company, the hip-hop record label Def Jam, and the sneaker company Run Athletics. He is also the founder of the clothing lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and American Classics. Some of Simmons other ventures include a film and television production company, Simmons Lathan Media Group, Unirush Financial Services, Simmons Jewelry Company, and GlobalGrind.com. Rush Communications is currently worth approximately $340 million. Simmons leads in a situational approach style. His style adapts to the situation and he is able to use different leadership styles to get many different jobs done. He uses his democratic style to receive input from his employees on what they feel consumers want and need. He uses this information to make sound business decisions to keep his companies...
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...IKEA Case Study – Alan B. BalesWeek 21. What are IKEA's competitive priorities? IKEA’s corporate mantra is to have “Low Price with Meaning”. In other words,their desire is to manufacture and present a product that is both functionallysound and inexpensive at the same time. Notice, I did not use the word “cheap”or inexpensively manufactured using sub-standard materials with untested orquestionable processes. They strive to make things less expensive without evermaking customers feel “cheap”. To accomplish this, IKEA has to maintain abalance between design, manufacturing, and distribution. 2. Describe IKEA's process for developing a new product. The team behind a new product at IKEA consists of designers, productdevelopers, and purchasers of materials who get together to discuss overalldesign, materials and suitable suppliers. Each specialist contributes theirknowledge. For example, a buyer will use their contacts with suppliers all overthe world through the IKEA Trading Services office to determine who can makethis at the best quality for the right price and at the right time. This process is acollaborative effort and takes into account everything from colors to selling priceon the floor of an IKEA store. It is not corporately mandated design; it is design bycommittee if you will. 3. What are additional features of the IKEA concept (beyond their design process)that contribute to creating exceptional value for the customer? IKEA’s model also creates additional value by working...
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...Russell Simmons is not only a pioneer in the hip hop world but as a businessman as well. He has a lot of things he leave behind like all his fortune and business like the rush card that will always be used and past down. Through all the obstacles Russell Simmons face over the year, he turned into a multi millionaire. Mr. Simmons businesses such as music, diet, philanthropy, and spiritual has grown over the years and now Russell is one of the most wealthiest man . The rush card has sold 20.5 million dollars. Not to mention he has a clothing line that has sold for a lot of money. Mr. Simmons music has a huge impact on the worlds music today that will forever live on. Russell later on sold his stake in def jam records to a universal music group...
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...The Sports Guy Case Study Case Synopsis The case is about The Sports Guy which is an independent sporting goods store owned by Bob “Rocky” Rhodes; his business is in the retail sporting goods industry. The store is located in the south part of a small town which is just outside the Greater Toronto Area. The town has been growing rapidly for the last few years and the area around the store has become a prosperous neighbourhood, making their location a busy commercial area. The Sports Guy store sells sports related clothing and equipment. About 70% of their sales consist of equipment and uniforms bought by local teams, and 30% of sales consist of regular (walk-in) retail trade. The store’s sales have increased over the years however; have not been growing much in recent years. In the last few years the sales to teams have mostly covered the business’ costs, while the “walk-in” trade has provided most of the profits. Many times Rocky has been left with out-of-season stock that had to be sold off at a loss. Rocky is concerned about the declining inventory turnover rate that is causing an increase in his short-term debt and interest expenses. Problem Statement Rocky wants his business to grow with the town, but to do so will require access to bank credit to finance higher inventories and future expansion. He will have to improve The Sports Guy’s profitability. How will Rocky improve the financial performance of his business when their net profit (after tax) has decreased...
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...allow them to hold the position a “famous thinker.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929-April 3, 1929) and Bertrand Russell (May 18, 1872-February 2, 1970) are two famous thinkers that are discussed in this paper. Each of these men changed the way people viewed the issues of the day through the creative process. King and Russell made identifiable contributions to society during an era of difficult social times. The subject matter of this paper will investigate dilemmas or ideas that both of these famous thinkers sought to resolve, and the solutions they came up with for accomplishments. The ideas in conjunction with obstacles from people challenging the change, and a lot of the solutions were in a constant state of improvement. However; each one of their individual solutions all met the test of logic, allowing them to conquer the battles and opposition to resolutions. The thought process of these two men required a substantial amount of time to change the way people think, and developed an outcome of their individual issues for a better cause. King believed in defending the inequality and unjust segregation of man. Russell beliefs lied in the revolt against idealism and analytical philosophy. The two of these men evaluated a problem in special manner to locate distinctive perspectives that no one else had visited. King and Russell both had patience to visualize their ideas and produce solutions to defeat the opposition....
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...Explication : Bertrand Russell The Problem with Philosophy Bertrand Russell concludes his analysis stating that the importance of studying philosophy relies on the question of value, as he states most people within the scientific community have a pre-conceived idea of what philosophy is, and may attach a whimsical value to it. Russell explains that Philosophy is like other sciences in that what is produces is not always tangible or the methods by which it is created is always easily understood, so in order to appreciate philosophy it is a good option to study students learning the value of philosophy first hand Russell continues, that “practical men” (Russell, 2009) need to change their mindset; that “the goods of the mind are at least as important as the goods of the body”. (Russell, 2009), once a person appreciates that the mind needs nourishment as well as the body, they will be able to appreciate philosophy.“A critical examination of the grounds of our convictions, prejudices, and beliefs” (Russell, 2009) is the form of knowledge that Russell believes philosophy is based on. He further states that philosophy cannot be measured in the same way as other sciences, because once a definite answer is found, it isn’t philosophy anymore. Examples Russell uses are the study of Astronomy, and the study of the human mind, once under the philosophy umbrella of study, later to be under the umbrella of other sciences. Philosophy asks questions that don’t need an immediate answer;...
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...other people. In this paper Bertrand Russell who was born in 1872 and died in 1970 along with Martin Luther King Jr. who was born in 1929 and died in 1968 will be examined. They used their own creative process to motivate people into seeing different issues their way. Each of these men made contributions during difficult times. In this paper specific problems and ideas that these men sought to solve, and the plans they put into action to resolve these problems. Their ideas and solutions were met with opposition from people who did not like change. Some of their solutions were constantly improved upon. A part of these solutions were logical solutions, which allowed them to be accepted without much resistance. The way these two men thought had a huge impact on the way other people started to think, this helped to make the outcome of personal issues for the better. Russell dealt with analytical philosophy dealing with realism, and King was for fighting against inequality and the injustice of segregation. Being that they were two different men, they looked at things with different perspectives that others did not see. Both of them could produce ideas and solutions to various issues. Sometimes they had to have perseverance and patience to outlast their opposition. Contribution to Society Bertrand Russell contributed to society by establishing the basis for mathematical logic. Russell was also the...
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...the family business. For one year, he was a pupil at the same school as a younger boy named Adolf Hitler. Wittgenstein developed an interest in the nascent field of aeronautics and went to the University of Manchester to study aeronautical engineering. While he was there, he became increasingly preoccupied by mathematical and philosophical questions. Understanding that the highest authority on these questions at the time was Bertrand Russell, Wittgenstein impulsively traveled to Cambridge in 1911 and requested that Russell take him on as a student. Russell was hesitant at first but was soon impressed by Wittgenstein’s intelligence. Wittgenstein was brought into philosophy by Bertrand Russell, who was one of the founders of the analytic movement in philosophy. In the Investigations, Wittgenstein is concerned primarily with the very impulse to think philosophically more than he is with any particular philosophical views. Nevertheless, we find in the Investigations a preoccupation with language, and we can see the enduring influence of Frege and Russell in Wittgenstein’s conviction that a proper understanding of language will expose the hidden flaws in philosophical reasoning. Wittgenstein takes the example of game, showing that there is no rigid definition that includes everything we consider a game and excludes everything we do not consider a game, but we nevertheless have no difficulty in using the word game correctly. As far as Wittgenstein is concerned, ordinary language is...
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...Critique of Master and Commander Critique of Master and Commander * The “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World” is an impressive action/adventure movie that takes place during the time of the Napoleonic War. Based on the novels of Patrick O’brian, it recreates the world of the British Navy in 1805 with such detail and intensity that the sea battles become stages for personality and character (Ebert, November 14, 2003). Captain “Lucky Jack” Aubrey of the HMS Surprise is played by Russell Crowe and the ship’s doctor, Maturin is played by Paul Bettany. Aubrey and Maturin is strained by Aubrey not following through on a promise made to Bettany. The friendship is proven when Maturin is injured from gunshot from another grew member and Aubrey has a choice of saving his friend or continuing to pursue the enemy. The main plot is how this British ship ambushed and out gunned and out manned by the enemy ship. With the HMS Surprise obtained heavy damaged in a surprise attack in a fog bank the Captain of the British ship manages to evade the enemy, and eventually repair his ship to do battle again. * The directors’ mise-en-scene immerses the viewer into the early 19th century as how life is like on a ship during the early 19th century. The director provides realistic settings with lighting, costumes, and management of time along with the feeling of working and living out on the ocean. The beginning of the film gives the viewer a little tour of the harsh environment...
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