Earvin “Magic” Johnson: 32 Ways to be a Champion in Business
11/18/08 —
Welcome to Chapter 33 - or as I like to call it Overtime. This online “extra” chapter will be updated regularly for those who have read the book and also for those who just want to check out what we are doing beyond the book at Magic Johnson Enterprises and the Magic Johnson Foundation.
My business and philanthropic team members are used to hearing me challenge them to exceed expectations by “over delivering” and that is what this online chapter is all about. Here, we will give you more than you bargained for by sharing information, opinions, expertise, and advice.
Another one of my goals is to encourage the development and enrichment of communities at every opportunity. In the book, for example, I describe the incredible and unique community of speed chess players who have made my Starbucks at the Ladera Center in Los Angeles their home. I encourage you to think of this online “overtime” chapter as a virtual community gathering spot where you can feel free to ask questions, request information, offer opinions and share your own entrepreneurial dreams.
Rest assured, I will check in to see what is on your mind and to answer your questions. Hopefully, I’ll learn some things too. Who knows? Maybe we’ll end up doing business together some day.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson
As a young man, Earvin “Magic” Johnson admired his father and other small town entrepreneurs who created jobs and served as leaders in his Midwestern community. He worked for them and watched them, and his interest in building communities through economic development continued even as his basketball career flourished. His fame as an NBA star gave him access to some of the most successful business leaders in the country, but it was Magic’s own entrepreneurial spirit that inspired them to serve as his mentors. Any doubts about his commitment to becoming a businessman were quickly dispelled by Magic’s willingness to listen and learn, and by the work he put into first mastering the basics and then pursuing opportunities as an avid entrepreneur. Magic recognized that densely populated urban communities were ripe for commercial and residential development. He then partnered with major brands like AMC Theaters, T.G.I Fridays, 24 Hour Fitness Centers, Burger King and Starbucks to lead the first major economic push in decades in those minority neighborhoods. The success of his businesses proved that urban residents would welcome and support major brands if they understood their needs. Magic continues to lead a national revival of economic development into neglected urban areas. He is bringing to them jobs, goods and services, and a new spirit of community.
In this book, Magic explains how he developed his entrepreneurial vision and his sense of mission. He shares what he has learned about the power of economic development as a force for social change. He also offers practical and invaluable “real world” advice on starting, financing, marketing and growing a business, building and motivating a team, spotting and capitalizing on opportunities, forming partnerships and joint ventures, buying and running franchises, serving customers, maintaining balance, and philanthropy.
Magic’s book on business will explore topics including:
• Developing an entrepreneurial vision and a sense of mission
• Choosing a business that engages all of your talents and interests
• Financing a start-up
• Building and protecting a brand
• Creating a diverse team of complementary strengths
• Motivating employees and being a leader for change
• Finding opportunities
• Listening to customers and serving their needs
• Growing a business through partnerships and joint ventures
• The value of franchise ownership
Illustrated with entertaining anecdotes from Magic’s experiences as a professional athlete turned cutting-edge entrepreneur, this book will inspire and enlighten those who aspire to do well by doing good with their own companies and in their careers.
To order your copy today go to www.bn.com/32ways