the founder of iconic fashion company
FUBU. Daymond began his keynote by
encouraging attendees to adopt a habit of
almost all modern high-achievers: don’t
look at emails or your phone for the first
hour you’re awake. “Take care of yourself,”
encouraged Daymond.
Then, Daymond talked about his
upbringing in Queens amongst the
fledgling 1980s hip-hop culture. As a
teenager, Daymond worked with small
business owners, who inspired him to
pursue his own business venture: creating
the uniform of hip-hop. From humble
beginnings in his mother’s house,
Daymond John risked everything to found
FUBU, which soon grew into a multi-
million-dollar company through his
hands-on leadership and hard work.
Through innovative guerilla marketing, no-
budget product placement and a keen
understanding of his customers,
Daymond’s business flourished and
became one of the definitive fashion
brands of the 1990s and 2000s.
Through his entire journey, Daymond’s
passion and innovative spirit served as his
guides. It’s a message that resonates with
our community, one full of passionate
problem-solvers and entrepreneurs. n
The final General Session connected the
dots between innovation and success,
headlined by this year’s Innovate Award
Winners and an empowering keynote by
business guru Daymond John.
DAYMOND’S FIVE SHARK POINTS
Before every business decision he makes, daymond John follows a five-point thought process that helps him evaluate the
choice and understand its purpose. these five shark points, said daymond, are his personal keys to business success.
Here’s how to think like a shark:
1.
SET A GOAL Daymond’s FUBU empire grew because he had clear goals in mind. To this day, Daymond takes time every
morning to evaluate his goals and how he intends to achieve them. A business decision made without a clear goal in sight
is like a shark without a fin.
2.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK According to Daymond, entrepreneurs don’t think up something wholly new: they make something
that already exists better. Be sure to do your homework. Has someone done this before? How is your approach to the
problem better?
3.
AMOR (LOVE) For most in the spa industry, loving what you do is easy. This is a caring, giving profession, and Daymond
encouraged the audience to never lose sight of their love for their work and their families, especially when it comes to
business decisions.
4.
YOU ARE THE BRAND Can you define yourself in two to four words? Much like Sally Hogshead the day before, Daymond
emphasized the importance of being able to describe yourself. The clearer your description, the better you can present your
personal brand—and as an entrepreneur, you are the brand.
5.
KEEP SWIMMING Daymond’s final tip? Keep moving forward. Don’t dwell on the past, never lose sight of the present and
always be thinking of the future.
November 2018
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