What Does BookT Mean?

After being introduced to my music for the first time many people want to know where my stage name came from. Some theories about the name are that it came from the WWE wrestler, BookerT, Booker T. Washington or Booker T. and the MG’s. In fact, the name 'BookT' stems from the influence of society, family, books and media on me, Thomas Earl Jones Jr. The word, “Book” is a metaphor for hidden knowledge and intelligence. It reflects my view that knowledge before self prepares you for your own purpose and destiny. It also acts as an educational disclaimer that knowledge is within the T; which stands for everything Thomas encompasses that begins with that letter, for instance, Thomas truth, Thomas’ tone, or Thomas’ talent.

I came up with the name in high school, however, since 6^th grade I have been writing poetry, spitting rhymes, entertaining and enlightening people I come in contact with. When I was in school, I was well known on the open mic and talent show scene. Like many rising artists I also passed out the mixtapes and sample cd’s to create a buzz for myself early on. Nowadays I use smarter more precise means of promoting my projects. Social media is a huge part of how I continue to advance the appeal of the ‘BookT’ brand name.

As much as anyone else considering a career in music or entertainment, I want to be successful. On the other hand I realize this generation of young black men continue to face many obstacles. Not to mention many of them still are raised in single parent homes. I want to lead this generation into a positive social enlightenment through my artistry. Basically, I want to use my music and my entertainment as a platform to perform a larger greater work for the social enlightenment of society. I try to listen and provoke thought into people by showing them other routes to take to get their mind out the box. As a teenager I often felt alone, misguided, bitter, hopeless, and aggressive. Instead of channeling that energy negatively, like many others in my community, I chose to remain positive and express myself creatively. In the end, the more you know yourself, the faster you find your way.

Business Insight from the Experts

In constructing my business plan for my company, Highly Educated Management & Production (HEMP), I came across a multitude of information, analysis and viewpoints from many knowledgeable experts from various fields of business. In particularly Michael Porter and Daymond John have expressed the importance of a successful business plan many times throughout their career.

Porter is currently the Bishop William Lawrence University Professor, at Harvard University (Burhoe, 2011). I credit Porter with giving me insight into what owners and investors are looking for in a business plan as well as understanding the role of competition. According to Porter competitive forces drive the rivalry of existing companies. It is important that competition is there to maintain the integrity, level the playing field and create constructive analysis for business improvements and satisfaction.

Daymond John is the CEO and President of a clothing company called FUBU.  Using $100,000 in start up capital, he launched his company in 1994, and by 1998, FUBU had made $350 million in revenues (Burhow, 2011). In my opinion this was a great example of putting your money where your mouth is. In this case, I learned from John that it is important to put some of your own money up for startup capital.  According to John, if you are in debt and have nothing to contribute to your business venture, it looks bad to potential investors (2012). 

In the end it is important to adopt concepts to my business plan that are practical and wise. Since both experts have been through the phase of constructing business plans multiple times over I aim to use some of the advice given to cultivate my own success for the future.

Sources

Burhow, S. 2011, March 31. Expert Views on Business Plans.

         Retrieved from http://bpexpertviews.blogspot.com/