Sunday, January 23, 2011

Negotiation & Deal Making: Leverage and Power for Project Blaq!


I was given a task to interview a professional who is actively working in the
entertainment industry in a deal-making capacity who negotiates as a regular part of doing business. I was able to interview Jasmin M. Goodman, President of J. Michelle Media. She is a clever entrepreneur who works with individuals in a deal-making capacity while working on, the brink of technology with a unique social media content based company. The first of its kind, Project Blaq is an ad based, web platform that streams quality independent media content that is created and developed by black media makers. This platform connects audiences with independent filmmakers and content producers. Visitors of the site can view bios, discussion boards and utilize the ProjectBlaq social networking platform.



As President of J. Michelle Media, Ms. Goodman not only negotiates with potential staff as an employer but she also negotiates and deals with potential company filmmakers and representatives as well as building relationships with business professionals and potential members of her target audience. Ms. Goodman has the final say with everything that is implemented as well as how products, advertisements and information is placed on her media platform. Lets be honest, Ms. Goodman is a very diverse individual.

The following is an excerpt from our interview:

ME: First, I would like to thank you for allowing me to interview you and highlight your company!

JASMIN: No problem. Thank you for choosing me!

ME: How did you get started?

JASMIN: My first true exposure to media and video production was as a freshman at Clark Atlanta University. My experiences at CAU have been instrumental in everything I've done in my career. Also, because of those experiences and the people I've met, my entire team is made up of Clark Atlanta graduates.

ME: What makes your company different from others?

JASMIN: Project Blaq, LLC is unique because it's a platform that will stream independent film and video content developed by black media makers. There is currently no platform that streams only high-quality content.

ME: What's your ultimate goal working in this business?

JASMINMy ultimate goal for ProjectBlaq.com is for it to become the premier online destination for black media makers and black audiences. When people go online, I want it to be the first site they consider for entertainment. I want to provide an alternative for black media makers currently seeking mainstream validation.

ME: Have you had any unique experiences that you would like to share?

JASMIN: The whole process has been unique. Building a site of this nature is definitely not easy! From finding quality content to finding our target audience, because of the uniqueness of the concept, each step is unique. Each day I'm learning something new. It's also great to build a company with amazing people.

ME: How have you used leverage to move forward in this business?

JASMIN: Leverage has been critical. Leveraging relationships has been the number 1, 2 and 3 keys to developing this project. We've yet to launch the site, and solid relationships have been critical to every phase of development.

ME: How have you used power to move forward in this business?

JASMIN: In terms of power, the power of God's grace has been beyond a blessing. We have established amazing connections with people and organizations that are anxious for us to launch. On another note, I think it's also important to have confidence in yourself and also your concept. If you don't believe in your project, no one else will. But please understand, if you have a great concept, don't be discouraged if some people don't get it or don't receive. It's not for everyone to receive. It's not for everyone to participate. Find your target audience and focus on satisfying them. That in will give you power to grow your business to the next level.

ME: How do you deal with dirty tricks or tricky tactics?

JASMIN: Thankfully, we haven't had to deal with any deceitful tactics. I make sure to understand each phase of the development and I'm not afraid to ask tough questions. Also, I don't make a move until I feel completely comfortable with the idea presented.

It has definitely been a pleasure sharing information on Project Blaq. With the permission of Ms. Goodman I plan to follow the development of Project Blaq and interview her during each major phase of her project! It has been a pleasure sharing with the world! I am feeling more accomplished than the day before!

You can find out more information on Project Blaq at http://www.projectblaq.com/