Andre Jones

🌟 Elevating Black Creators at SXSW! 🌟 We all know the challenges and triumphs that come with being a creator, but imagine having a playbook designed just for us. That’s why I’m excited to share our panel pitch: “Visibility & Wealth: The Black Creator's Playbook” This isn't just another panel; it’s a blueprint for navigating and conquering the creator economy. Here’s what we’re bringing to the table: 🧠 Meet the Game Changers: Alaina Fingal of The Organized Money, who turns budgeting into an art form. LaShonda Brown, the powerhouse behind Bootstrap Biz Advice, transforming tech for creators. Damien Ritter, the strategic genius managing #BiggJah. And me, Uzo Ometu, your guide and Founder of BlackOakTV. 📊 What You’ll Gain: - Strategies to overcome algorithmic barriers and boost your visibility. - Insights on building a community that’s more than just numbers. - Advanced monetization tactics that go beyond what’s obvious. 🔥 Why You Should Care: Because this is about more than just surviving in the creator economy; it’s about thriving and setting new benchmarks for success. We’re here to uplift, educate, and empower. 🗳️ Your Vote Matters: We’re committed to making a difference, but we need your support to get to SXSW. Cast your vote and join us in redefining what’s possible for Black creators! Vote for our panel here: https://lnkd.in/eyqgQ3M3 Let’s make this vision a reality!

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🚀 It’s SXSW PanelPicker time and we’re bringing something special to the table! I’m thrilled to introduce our panel proposal: “Visibility & Wealth: The Black Creator's Playbook” We aim not to be just another talk, but a roadmap designed by Black creators for Black creators, aiming to demystify the realms of audience growth and monetization in today’s digital age. 🎤 Meet Our Stellar Panelists: Alaina Fingal, the financial guru from The Organized Money LaShonda Brown, Tech Educator & Founder of Bootstrap Biz Advice Damien Ritter, Manager for #BiggJah Uzo Ometu, Moderator & Founder of BlackOakTV (yours truly!) 🔑 The Keys Coming from Our Panel: - How to conquer algorithmic biases to amplify your visibility. - Strategies to transform your followers into a thriving community. - Monetization tactics that go beyond the basics 📈 Why It Matters: As we push the envelope at BlackOakTV, understanding these dynamics is crucial. This panel isn’t just about getting by; it’s about setting new standards and breaking barriers. 🗳️ Ready to shake up the creator economy? Vote for us to bring this essential conversation to SXSW! Click here to support and let’s make this happen! Vote: https://lnkd.in/eyqgQ3M3 #SXSW #PanelPicker #BlackCreatives #Monetization #Visibility #BlackOakTV #CreatorEconomy

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On Monday, I discussed the long-term prospects for Tubi. On Tuesday, I praised Issa Rae's influencer marketing venture. "On today", these items converged: Issa partnered with Tubi for their new "Stubios" program—a fully-funded incubator for emerging creators. Stubios mirrors our initiative at BlackOakTV. Our "Choice" feature will empower users to greenlight the Black TV shows and films they want to see, illustrating the potential of fan-driven projects. While Tubi leverages its Black Indie vertical's success, we aim for similar engagement at BlackOakTV. So I respect Stubios model, but I question Issa’s choice to align with Fox Corp., Tubi's parent company. A Brief History Lesson: In the '90s, Fox, then a lesser network, adopted a strategy targeting Black audiences with original programming like Living Single and Martin, which became instant classics. These shows boosted Fox’s ratings, enabling it to secure NFL rights in 1994. Almost immediately after rising to prominence, Fox dropped its Black-centric shows. The revenue and prestige from Black viewership and NFL games helped launch Fox News in 1996, an outlet that has since posed significant challenges for Black communities. Present Day: Tubi has been thriving off indie Black projects. Fueled by popular content and the viral power of platforms like TikTok, Black viewership is propelling Tubi’s growth, again benefiting Fox financially. Don't buy that Tubi is all that important to Fox? Well, during Fox's last earnings call, Tubi was mentioned 24 times, nearly as often as the Fox name itself. So what does this have to do with Issa? Issa is partnering with Fox to bring more diverse (read: Black) voices to Tubi. I commend her for the thought, as I'm sure her intentions are pure. And when you can marry business with your passion for Black people, life is great. I know this because I live it every day with #BlackOakTV. But Issa once said, "I'm rooting for everybody Black." Yet, this move ain't that! This move is helping Fox run an old trick that allows Rupert Murdoch's Fox, which I believe is more responsible for Black plight than any other modern major media company, to further its highly questionable agenda. And they need Tubi to do it! The Fox Network is less relevant than it's been in decades. Fox News is going the way of the dying cable business. Fox Sports is irrelevant. Even TMZ is struggling. Instead of letting this decaying company go by the wayside, Issa is lending her credibility to the asset most linked to Fox's future. And she shouldn't do it. The value generated by Tubi still goes to the Murdochs, and there's no telling what crazy thing they'll use it to invest in next. My guess is it won't be something that empowers Black people. I know the world isn't perfect, and we, including myself, can't always line up our beliefs with our work. However, when it's this obvious, I believe we can and should make better choices. And I hope in the end, Issa does just that.

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This morning, I had the opportunity to join Bloomberg to discuss a topic that's top of mind for creators and brands everywhere: the potential impact of a TikTok ban. My quick thoughts: - Across the creator universe, it's monumental that creators wrap their arms around their communities and solidify a home base where they can reliably reach, engage and grow their audience and business. - Brands are not slowing down their investment in creators, they're seeing it as a channel play - not a platform play. - Meta will be the biggest winner. CMOs are putting their dollars behind the creators themselves that will drive content into Meta and other social platforms. Creators are resilient and will continue to thrive no matter the outcome and potential challenges ahead. What do you think? Thank you again Caroline Hyde for the great conversation.

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Adriana Lacy Consulting had the chance to work with production company Her Take Works on its logo and branding. In an era where authentic representation matters more than ever, Her Take Works emerged with a powerful vision: to create a movement that celebrates and amplifies Black women's voices through storytelling. The challenge wasn't just about creating a logo or choosing colors. It was about translating the power of Black women's collective voices into a visual language that could inspire, connect, and empower. We needed to design a brand system that could grow with the movement while maintaining the authenticity and depth that makes Her Take Works unique. Full case study: https://lnkd.in/ermDkAy8

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Friendly reminder to all my connections: Make sure to register to vote! Remember, each state has different deadlines, and you can't vote unless you are registered. Not sure if you're already registered? Check your status at https://lnkd.in/ezw4ZhrM. Let's all make our voices heard! #VoterRegistration #GetInvolved

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When Disney calls, you show up. What happens when the world's largest entertainment company brings their supplier diversity team to the world's largest center dedicated to growing Black businesses during NMSDC week? Transformation in action. It was a powerful statement about Disney's commitment to transforming how they source production talent. Here's why this matters: -Disney is investing over $1M in RICE (Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs) -They're the lead sponsor of Digital RICE which is expanding access and opportunities for entrepreneurs nationwide -They're actively seeking innovative solutions to production challenges -They just received NMSDC's Corporation of the Year Award At our interactive booth, our team demonstrated how Productions.com's AI-powered platform can help Disney and other corporate brands: Source vetted production talent across all their markets Significantly reduce production costs Streamline their supplier diversity initiatives Scale their production capabilities efficiently The most powerful moment? Illustrating how our platform can transform Disney’s production process from coast to coast, accessing qualified diverse talent in every market where they create content. To Disney Supplier Diversity: Thank you for creating space for innovation and inclusion. Your commitment to transforming supplier diversity isn't just talk - it's backed by real investment and action. To my fellow RICE entrepreneurs: Your vision and determination are inspiring. Together, we're redefining what's possible in our industries. This is just the beginning. If you're involved in production and want to learn how we're transforming talent sourcing for major studios and corporate brands, let's connect. (Full disclosure: I meant to post this several weeks ago, but it's been a busy season!)

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👀 Peek into my brand design process while I tell you about my *new* ✍🏾 Substack, Unsupervised. Unsupervised is a candid space for millennial Black women (and all else who resonate) navigating the complexities of identity, self-worth, and the obstacles to thriving in a world that often sidelines us. With humor, vulnerability, and cultural references that hit close to home, it explores everything from the exhaustion of unacknowledged labor to the liberating power of rejecting societal expectations. Read the first post for free today: https://lnkd.in/gHE4XfGT

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Had a fun morning at NBC’s Today Show for another segment of Style File recently… We talked about men’s fall fashion, and I highlighted 4 big trends you’ll definitely be seeing this season… 👉Pops of color: A bold color like cherry red is perfect for making a statement this fall. 👉 Layering: Double shirting & flannels are perfect for layering and a great way to elevate your style game. 👉 Grandpa-core: AKA grandpa style. Fall is the perfect time to break out those cozy cardigans. 👉 Modern tailoring: not your classic suit, but a more casual, laid-back approach to suiting. ___ Watch the full segment or purchase any of the pieces I featured at the links in the comments. 

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Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming platform, has shown impressive growth in 2024, establishing itself as a key player in the competitive streaming market. This growth has been driven by its live coverage of high-profile events like the Paris Olympics, which helped it increase audience share by 39%, reaching 2.1% of total TV consumption in August. This success is attributed to its innovative approach, which combines live sports, exclusive content, and interactive features such as artificial intelligence for personalized summaries and multi-view tools that enhance the user experience during simultaneous events. The strategy of diversifying its offerings, including not only high-profile sports events but also original series and interactive programs, has proven effective in attracting key audiences, particularly in the 35 to 49 age demographic. This approach has allowed Peacock | Kelly Campbell to establish itself as a relevant competitor to giants like Netflix and The Walt Disney Company+ strengthening its presence in the sector. Leveraging its synergy with NBCUniversal | Mike Cavanagh, Cesar Conde, Kimberley Harris, Anand Kini, Donna Langley DBE, the platform not only distributes exclusive content from its various divisions, such as Universal Pictures, NBCUniversal, Bravo TV and NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, but also integrates extensive live sports programming, including the National Football League (NFL) and The Premier League. This integration enables Peacock to offer a unique experience that reinforces its relevance in an increasingly crowded market, where personalization and interactivity are key differentiators. Peacock's integrated approach, which combines global events, original content, and advanced technology, demonstrates how streaming platforms can consolidate and expand their subscriber base by offering highly personalized and relevant experiences. Comcast, CNBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, DreamWorks Animation, SportsEngine, Syfy, NBC Sports Bay Area & California, MSNBC, Telemundo Station Group, Telemundo Puerto Rico, E! Entertainment Television, 北京环球度假区, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Pictures, Universal Studios Japan（ユー・エス・ジェイ ）, Universal Pictures International Entertainment, Golf Channel, Rotten Tomatoes, Fandango.

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Earlier this month, Spotify released its highly anticipated end-of-year feature, Spotify Wrapped, showcasing users’ most-streamed songs, artists, and genres. Similarly, just yesterday, Cowrywise unveiled their Money Roundup for the year, and here’s mine: I was able to save this token, make a few withdrawals, and still earn some interest along the way. It may not be much, but as the saying goes, “Every little win is still a win.” I’m proud of the discipline I’ve built this year to consistently save, even when it wasn’t easy. To my fellow Zennials: cultivating the habit of saving, no matter how small, is a game-changer. It’s not just about the amount—it’s about building financial discipline and creating a cushion for rainy days. Your future self will thank you for starting now. Here’s to celebrating growth, embracing the journey, and preparing for even better financial habits in the coming year! merry Christmas to us #MoneyGoals #ZennialFinance #EveryWinCounts #CowrywiseMoneyRoundup #cowrywise

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Follow our corporate platform. New page

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Life in the FAST lane at Future Ops / AdMonsters #OpsNY with Addy Atienza and Rashaun Hall. TMB (Trusted Media Brands) is part of Fuse Media's Culture Collective, which features Black, Latino, LGBTQ, and other focused FAST channels. TMB brings everything from Fail Army programs to Family Handyman. There’s no Nielsen for FAST! No single source of truth for what is successful… But you can definitely tell from the platform (OEMs) what is NOT working. Samsung, LG, and Vizio are the big three, but you can make good revenue off of smaller players like Fubo. The platforms have a lot of power/control—you have to keep them as informed as possible. Good chance they will start acquiring many content channels. They’re also building their own content—FAST channels are running into “Hey, we’re not going to market your stuff cuz we have something just like it." They also want exclusive content, like Samsung with Conan O’Brien. Cross-channel PMPs is the next big frontier—blending audiences across the Culture Collective. But interesting—60% of the inventory right now is sold direct.

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3 more days to vote for my talks to be at #SXSW25 1. Go to Panel Picker at SXSW com. 2. Search for "Ethan Decker". 3. Choose your favorite. Or your least favorite (spitevote). Or all of them. Get a hotel STAT bc that stuff sells out quick. BTW my talk topics: 1. What AI is NOT going to change in marketing. 2. The new science (& art) of going viral. Co-presented with Victoria Carrington-Chávez. 3. How to present data like a boss, not a bore.

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Check out this article!

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Who can (actually) perfect your craft as a Social Media Manager? Me or You Let’s break it down: ME, teaching you everything I’ve learned after a decade of experience: → Scaling Ulta Beauty’s first-ever Influencer Program (strategy & execution) → Growing Alo Yoga's organic social to 5% of business revenue → Taking Anastasia Beverly Hills to +24M on IG + So much more! OR YOU, continuing to learn as you gain career experience over the next +5 years of your career I hope you know the answer is *YOU* You’ve got to want to learn, grow, and be better. All I can do is help expedite your learning curve by dropping all of the knowledge I’ve tested, learned, and acquired throughout my career. That’s why I’ve launched my Group Training Program: 𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 👩‍🏫📲 Where we’ll be going deep into what it takes to: ✅ 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 and gain the confidence to present your social strategy to the C-Suite and secure the resources you need. ✅ 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 by streamlining cross-functional processes, making your job easier, and positioning yourself as a key influencer in your organization. ✅ 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 by implementing my proven processes to run brand social like a well-oiled machine, planning weeks in advance and achieving consistent results. I want to show you what’s possible as an Industry Expert. I want to show you what you’re missing and how you can make your life as a SMM better. That’s why on Monday, July 15th, I'm hosting a Free Masterclass: The Fundamentals For Running Social For Brands. Come and see the possibilities for your future. If you're not a SMM or you're not planning to run Brand Social, then this isn't for you. But if you're tired of second-guessing your strategy and want to become the best Social Media Marketer possible in 2024, then I've got you covered. The link to RSVP is in the comments. I hope to see ya there 🤗 --- Hi, I'm Robyn Nissim 👋🏽 A Social Media-obsessed millennial who made a career for myself forcing global brands online 💁🏼‍♀️📲 🚀 I’ve built some of the largest Brand Channels on Social Media 👩‍🏫 And now I’m focused on teaching YOU how to do the same 🤝 Visit the link in my profile to secure your spot in one of my group training programs & learn from an industry expert 👩‍🏫📲

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Fanatics Fest turned NYC's Javits Center into a sports lover’s dream.   Here’s what made their festival so memorable. 1.     Experiential Moments Everywhere: -         NFL’s digital 40-yard dash -         NBA dunking challenges -         UFC’s Octagon experience -         Fans could try their skills on the field, court, and ring. 2.     Star-Studded Guest Lineup: -         Tom Brady and JAY-Z made appearances -         panels and meet-and-greets -         Exclusive pop-up 40/40 Club (Jay-Z’s sports bar chain) drew stars from sports, music, and entertainment. 3.     Fanatics Fest's app was all about 'attention retention': -         Fans were engaged engaged fans with games, polls, and live Q&A sessions. -         Interactive content made every session dynamic and memorable. 4.     Trading cards are still a big deal! -         350 booths of collectible cards -         rare finds like a Luka Doncic (Basketball) card priced at c.$500,000. -         Live card-breaking sessions with sports icons. 5.     Exclusive Merchandise: -         Lids X Topps Mystery Box contained surprises like World Series tickets. -         Fanatics Superstore offered a range of gear from major sports leagues -         Sports Illustrated museum displayed memorabilia worth over $100m! Event details; -         16th to 18th August 2024 -         400,000 sq ft -         70,000 attendees (20,000 more than anticipated) -         immersive brand activations, celebrity appearances and exclusive merchandise Fanatics Fest was more than just an event—it was an impressive celebration of sports culture, delivering immersive experiences that brought fans closer to the games and legends they love. Follow 💥 David Walton for daily Brand #loyalty, #fandom & Power of #feedback tips.

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