Brand Building: Delivers a candid and insightful masterclass on how to be a successful business owner

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald.

Drawing from his own experiences—including the rise and fall of his Houston-based comedy club—he shares hard-earned lessons about budgeting, hiring, planning, and the realities of entrepreneurship. The episode is both motivational and practical, offering real-world advice for aspiring and current business owners.

🧭 Key Points 🔑 Common Mistakes in Business

• Hiring friends, family, or underqualified people out of convenience or emotional ties.
• Starting a business without a budget or clear plan.
• Entering partnerships without knowing the other person’s work ethic or values.
• Ignoring logistics like parking, taxes, and insurance.

📉 Lessons from Failure

• Rushion’s comedy club was popular but unprofitable due to poor planning and lack of financial oversight.
• He learned that profitability requires structure, not just popularity or passion.

🧠 Mindset & Commitment

• Success requires time, discipline, and consistency.
• Entrepreneurs must be willing to sacrifice, show up early, and stay late.
• You can’t run a business on dreams alone—you need a plan.

🧰 Practical Advice

• Use resources like the Small Business Administration (SBA) and SCORE for free guidance and mentorship.
• Set clear expectations with employees from day one.
• Don’t compromise your business by ignoring red flags during hiring.

💬 Notable Quotes

“You can’t open a business and then try to set the budget. Now you’re playing catch-up.”

“Don’t hire people just because they’re close to you. Hire people because they’re qualified.”

“You can’t run a business on dreams. You need a plan.”

“Do not hire inexperienced employees because they are cheaper.”

“If you don’t have time for your business, your business won’t have time for you.”

“I was making money, but I never saw any of it because I didn’t have a budget.”

“Only you can look in the mirror and make a decision that benefits your future.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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