Earvin “Magic” Johnson: Business Champ

In Magic’s transition from athlete to entrepreneur, he focused on commercial and residential development in urban communities. In the video below, he discusses this in the context of his book: “32 Ways to Be a Champion in Business.”

Young Entrepreneurship On the Rise

TechCruch.com’s “Ten Teen Entrepreneurs To Watch” includes Jessica Mah, who began who first start up at 13! Ashley Qualls, another featured entrepreneur, employs her mother.

http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/10/10/ten-teen-entrepreneurs-to-watch/

Lebron & Kobe Inspire Nike’s Ad Campaign

Last year, Nike designed their ad campaign around the idea that the Lakers and the Cavaliers would play each other in the finals. Unfortunately for Nike, this campaign wasn’t as successful as they anticipated, mostly because the Lebron and Kobe meet-up never happened. This year, as the two teams get a chance to face off, Nike has jumped at the chance to reintroduce the campaign. One reason is due to Nike’s struggle for market share, which resulted in a smaller marketing budget. And less money for new ad campaigns means Nike must build on current or older ads that consumers already recognize.

http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/12/25/am-bryant-james/

Nike’s holiday commercial, featuring Kobe, Lebron, a rapping Santa, and basketball-playing reindeers, can be viewed below.

Dessa & MC Pig Pen Discuss the Love/Hate Relationship Between Hip-Hop & Women

In a recent interview, the Minneapolis-born MC, Dessa, and MC Pig Pen of Salt Lake City comment on the way women are treated in the world of hip-hop. They touch on self-esteem, scantily-clad groupies, and how being in the rap game can affect your relationships. When asked if they think hip-hop stands behind equal rights for women, they both communicate their doubts, mentioning how there are VERY few female CEOs in the business.

Entrepreneurship goes beyond gender lines- step it up ladies!

http://grungecake.com/2009/12/23/grungecake%E2%80%99s-interview-with-recording-artists-mc-pig-pen-and-dessa-by-kosha-dillz/

Detroit Red Wings’ Non Traditional Marketing Campaign Considers How Recession Has “Kronwalled” Fans

The Detroit Red Wings, with significant help from their marketing team, has developed a non traditional marketing campaign that speaks directly to fans’ money woes. The campaign stems from the entertaining video above, which includes a link to a website that rationalizes spending money on tickets and explains the perks fans will receive for doing so. Dealing with common recession issues head-on, the campaign also features a more local element: a program that organizes satellite viewing of Red Wings’ games at selected bars, embellished with drink specials. According to a representative from the Red Wings’ marketing team, this is an optimal way to appeal to their target audience’s lifestyle.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Kronwalled-How-Red-Wings-marketing-suddenly-be?urn=nhl,210664

The “Usher” Brand

In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Usher is asked why we’ve yet to see an Usher fashion label.

His answer:

“I’m building a lifestyle brand and I’m not rushing to do clothes. I feel like I’m speaking to my customer now with the fragrances, and, in this economy and with my style and attention to detail, my clothes won’t come cheap. It’s not the right time.”

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gpruLmrePnAotl9KiEn-koaozfHgD9COHRFG2

Sports Illustrated’s Top Ten Sports Executives of the Decade

1. Scott Pioli, New England Patriots

2. Ken Holland, Detroit Red Wings

3. Theo Epstein, Boston Red Sox

4. Kevin Colbert, Pittsburgh Steelers

5. R.C. Buford, San Antonio Spurs

6. Rick Hendrick, Hendrick Motorsports

7. Pat Gillick, Seattle Mariners/Philadelphia Phillies

8. Jeremy Foley, University of Florida

9. Joe Dumars, Detroit Pistons

10. Billy Beane, Oakland A’s

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/19/top.executives/index.html