Courageous Men Magazine Dr. James Cooley

Odell Bizzell II

How to Earn

Year in Public Speaking

Bizzell is an inspirational storyteller, author of eight books, keynote speaker, and business marketing consultant. He's been featured in USA Today, Yahoo Finance cnbc.com, and multiple media outlets about his expertise. He's given over 300 live presentations in his career and has served the US military and over 240 associations and organizations. Odell's expertise has been featured on some of the same stages as celebrities such as ESPN Steven a Smith, Emmy Award-winning recording artists John Legend, David Letterman, and Oprah Winfrey.

Odell

What inspired you to become a motivational speaker?

If I'm being honest, what inspired me to become a motivational speaker is the same thing that inspires everybody else: attention, admiration, and income. Some people will be coy about it. They will be more deep and metaphysical about it. But I wanted the admiration. I wanted people to look at me and say wow, you're doing great. And I wanted that respect factor. And I saw my skill set was speaking and communicating well in front of other people. I saw a way to use that to become a motivational speaker. And as I've grown into it, I've discovered the more deep and fulfilling things but what inspired me was seeing other people doing it, seeing the Les Browns of the world. All those individuals are the Jim Roans of the world; Zig Ziglar is of the world. That's what inspired me.

Tell us about your business as a marketing and branding strategist.

So one thing that I learned being a speaker is that there are different levels to it. So as I was building my speaking career, I found that people didn't want to hire me early on because they didn't see much of me speaking, and they didn't see pictures. They didn't see the video in context. So what I started doing was helping other speakers get booked. And I just taught them about marketing. Marketing is pulling people in, not pushing people into the door to see what you have to offer. So creating content and staging your pictures, staging your videos so that people look and see Wow, that's great. And the biggest thing about my business is I help people transition from who is that person! Who is that person?

In what ways can business owners earn over $100,000 a year from public speaking?

So $100,000 a year is just a baseline if you're doing business already, and you can add that to your bottom line for most people. That's a good start. You can get to that point if you're just starting your business. It's a good start. So $100,000 a year, there are a couple of different ways you can do it. But if you think about math, for you to make $100,000, there are a few ways you can get 100 people to buy a $1,000 thing. That's $100, that's $100,000. How can you get 100 people to buy a $1,000 thing? Quite simply, you run a free, inspirational informational webinar. Every week.

You reach out to people via social media via email, and he just asked them to come, and then you make a $1,000 offer. You do that every week. If you mark it the way that you should, if you're reaching out the way that you should get 100 sales within a few months.

And that's how that's the fastest way business owners can earn $100,000 A year from public speaking. They just know the free webinar, but you got to be good at presenting it, and I hope people do that.

Share 3 steps a person should take to become a booked and paid speaker.

1. is to run the free webinar play that I discussed.

2. Do what I call the interview method, where you're interviewing people you want to pay. So if you're in corporate, if you want to speak to corporations, you want to interview people and corporations that hire influence the hiring of public speakers. You can do that at colleges as well. You just interview people, and I say the best litmus test is to get 100 people interviewed as quickly as possible. If you're going to interview 100 people as fast as possible, and release the interviews too, then you'll be well on your way to becoming a booked and paid speaker, so that was to the

3. Get video and pictures of you speaking and just share that over and over and over and over again. Because when people see that you're speaking on a stage, they see an audience. They see that there are pictures of you holding a microphone in the front of a room. They'll think, wow, why haven't I hired this person?

Share an excerpt from your book Refuse to Lose: 6 Ways to Overcome Obstacles & Win the Game of Life that encourages people not to give up.

An excerpt from my book, I would say the excerpt that kind of stands out the most for me is when I think about Coach Kay Yow. And Coach Yao. She is a Hall of Fame coach. She coached over 1000 games, and she won 700 games. I got to work for her when I was in college. And one thing that she said and I talked about in the book. She said you shouldn't have to get tiny wins every day. Tiny wins every single day. So for you to overcome obstacles and win the game of life, tiny wins every day, and those tiny wins will amount to very large victories.

How can readers connect with you?

The best way to connect with Odell Bizzell on Odell Bizzell

A CONVERSATION WITH R & B SINGER

TONY TERRY

TONY TERRY

By Dr.Telishia Berry

Tony Terry is an American soul singer from Washington, D.C., who had several R&B hits including, “When I’m With You,” Everlasting Love,” and “LoveyDovey. “ The busy entertainer, husband, and father took the time to speak with me for Courageous Men Magazine about his life as an entertainer, his family, and what he’s been up to these days.

Telishia: Tell us a little bit of your backstory, and who, or what inspired you to sing.

TONY TERRY: I’ve been singing for as

long as I can remember. I can say the early influence was my grandmother and my family. I’m sure that I picked up a lot from them before I started venturing out and listening to people like Aretha Franklin, Shirley Caesar, and Donny Hathaway. The list goes on and on and on. I grew up between Washington, DC, and North Carolina, and every summer in North Carolina, we were in the country. There weren’t really a lot of music options outside of gospel and country and Western. I listened to a lot of that. I like to think that I am all those people, the voices that I listened to growing up make me who I am as a singer.

Telishia: As a man of many gifts, talents, and dreams, what is the one thing you aspire to do that you haven’t done yet?

TONY: Consider me first. I always put other people’s needs in front of my own. Consider me first. I think that’s the thing that a lot of us deserve to do for ourselves.

“If we would take the time and listen more, we would love each other more.”

Telishia: if you were given the opportunity to speak to the nation about life and living or the state of the world today, what encouraging words would you say?

TONY: I would say that most words are misunderstandings or miscommunication and that if we would take the time and listen more, we would love each other more. Our women don’t hear our men. Men don’t hear our women; our parents don’t hear our children. As a child, no one asked me how I was doing as if I didn’t have any problems. Imagine the kids with the stimuli that they have today, that we did not have. All the images they have access to that we did not have, and all the information that they have access to, nobody checks on them to see how they’re doing. Questions like what are you looking at on the internet? How are you doing at school?

Telishia: Maybe a lot of lives could have been saved if kids who took their own lives would have been able to talk and tell someone what they were feeling and if they were being bullied.

TONY: Exactly. So, since they’re not telling, I ask, “is anybody bullying you at school, not just you? Is there anybody bul lying anybody else at school? Are you messing with anybody at school? It’s just kind of a conversation. Cause I want to know what’s going on in your life.”

“Take note, make the change, and keep it moving.”

Telishia: I know you’ve worked with some amazing people. Is there anyone that you haven’t worked with that you would love to work with?

TONY: There are many that I would like to work with that I have not worked with. It’s kind of hard to pinpoint just one or two. I didn’t hear this interview, but I got several messages in my DM that there’s a talk show host, Cayman Kelly on satellite radio that interviewed Usher. I heard he asked him that question and Usher said that when he was coming up, he studied me and I thought, wow. First, I wish I had heard that. But secondly, I thought, wow, you know, here I am, I’m still a student of my game. And the younger generation that came up after me are learning and studying and crafting their voices after mine. That’s amazing. That’s humbling and it doesn’t blow up my ego.

Telishia: What’s currently on your itinerary?

TONY: Well, I shared my story on TV One’s Docu-series “UNSUNG” which airs on Sunday. Wow. It’s opening the season and I think that’s pretty awesome. I think that they must have felt that it was weighty enough to carry as the season opener. That’s a big deal for me. And I didn’t tell my whole story. I’m going to be honest with you because I realized during that show, I was really giving my story away for free. I gave, parts of the story, the other part of the story will be in a memoir or something.

Telishia: Do you have any film projects or stage projects in the works?

TONY: Well, not coming up. I mean I did recently star in the film “Martin Malcolm and Me.” I played Malcolm X. That’s currently on the Tubi Network and Amazon prime. I played in another movie, “Cycle,” which is about, the cycle of domestic violence. I think it’s an interesting film. It shines a light on domestic violence.

Telishia: Share one of the most memorable moments on your entertainment journey.

TONY: One of them was in South Africa with Roberta Flack and playing at the south African Sun Splash Jazz Festival where there are over a hundred thousand people in the audience watching. That was kind of mind-blowing. It was just such an incredibly large crowd that was so loud. I was knocked off my center a little bit when I walked out there and saw those people, but it was one of the best shows. It was great.

Telishia: You attended a High school for Performing arts, would you say that helped prepare you to be a great singer and well-rounded entertainer?

TONY: It was the thing that prepared me for what I’m doing. It was like if you ever saw the show, Fame and Debbie Allen when said “You want fame, well, fame cost and right here is where you start paying with your sweat,” That’s what it was. You know, we put a lot of hours into practicing our craft and building a strong work ethic and getting it done, being able to make changes right as the curtain is about to go up on the opening night, and getting a change from the director. You can’t freak out. You just take note, make the change and keep on going. So learning how to do that gave me the ability to be able to operate on a dime like that. Those things are very important in entertainment. I mean, especially me being from the theater industry, things change in a moment, and you got to get with it. Can’t argue with the director that’s the best way to lose your job.

Hawkins The Boys

Inspiring the World Through Gospel Music

TheAward-winning group gospel group, the Hawkins Boys was a vision of group member Lemule Hawkins. Several events in his life led him to hear from God as to the vision for the group. He then contacted us with his vision. We believed in the vision that he presented and agreed to start the group. We have been together every since and God has blessed our journey. Are you a family group, and how long have you been singing together? We are a group of cousins and brothers, who have been singing professionally since 2019, but music has been a part of our family our whole lives.

Tell us about some of your recent music.

Our most recent release is our single “Great Change,” written by Lemule and Joe Hawkins and produced by the infamous Melvin Williams and Stan Jones.

Share a funny or memorable experience with one of your producers.

One memorable moment, or maybe multiple moments that we will carry with us, was during a few of our recording sessions, Melvin Williams joined us in the booth and recorded background vocals with us on our songs. Having a legend singing along side of you is unforgettable.

Do you have any non-music-related ventures on the Hawkins Boys agenda?

I would love to be in the movie and film industry, both on the acting and production side of it.

Joe Hawkins what would you say is the overall message the Hawkins Boys want to convey?

I want to be known for our innovative new music with a great message, as well as representing ourselves with an image that the people can relate to and respect.

Lemule Hawkins, can you share a few lyrics from one of your songs that would encourage someone not to give up.

As I co-wrote our latest single, “Great Change”, one of the lines says, “Never lose hope, keep your head up high, God will wipe the tears from your eyes.” I believe the world needs encouragement. We’re all suffering in different ways. We want to encourage them and let them know that a great change is coming, to hold on and know God is in control.

Ricky Hawkins, what challenges have you overcome as a Christian and gospel singer?

As a Christian, a challenge that I have overcome is learning to be the bigger person in all situations in life. Not everyone you meet will agree or share the same opinions, or have your best interest at heart. They may think or act a certain way that may negatively affect you. But still, in those moments, to always know who you are and what you stand for, and never react or let that deter you from what God has for you. And as a singer, just to be confident in your talents and let God do the rest.

Rick Griggs, what words of encouragement would you give someone dealing with grief?

I believe everyone’s grief is different. There is no time limit on how someone grieves. I also know that the God we serve will never leave your side. In your darkest moments when everyone goes back to their lives and you feel as though you have no one, God is there, and he’ll walk with you through every hurt and pain. In him you’ll find peace.

Aaron Gordon, what music artist would you like to collaborate with and why?

I would love to work with artists/producers Dawkins and Dawkins, they have a crossover sound that appeals to many genres.

What’s next for the Hawkins Boys?

We want to continue making great music, traveling, performing, and spreading the message of Christ. Another goal in the future would be to perform on the Grammys, Stellars, etc.

In your darkest moments when everyone goes back to their lives and you feel as though you have no one, God is there, and he’ll walk with you through every hurt and pain. In him you’ll find peace.” Rick Griggs

D Dream Think Be

BIG

DR. JAMES COOLEY at Everything You Do

Dr. James JC Cooley is a Husband, Father, A Child of the Most High God. Most importantly he is a man that cares about everything and everybody. He believes everybody is born with a Purpose. He is also a motivational speaker, a retired Navy Officer (23 years), a community activist, and the Host of The James Cooley Show…IT’S YOUR LIFE Live on e360tv and the Host of the National Live Radio/Podcast The James Cooley Show… IT’S YOUR LIFE.

The Genesis I never planned on becoming a Television/Radio Talk Show Host. I was promoting my books and writings on other media platforms when I was approached by the General Manager of a nationally syndicated radio network. After listening to me as a guest on a show, I was invited into his office. After our first conversation, he offered me my own radio show immediately because he believed that I could be a major asset to the network. He sensed my ability to connect with a multi-diverse audience and was sold on my perfect on-air personality. This included my voice, and the confidence exuded that he believed I possessed the necessary gift to inspire others. This led to my current Live Television show on the e360tv network and platforms.

Being Authentic

First, staying true to myself involved surrounding myself with likeminded people who wanted to achieve the highest level of their God-given ability. It meant having people in my life that would hold me accountable and I had to do the same. These were people placed in my life who wanted to be the best that they could be having a determination to do and to inspire others. They understood that God called them on purpose and endowed us with purpose. This caused me to put service above self. Jesus said the greatest in the Kingdom is a servant. What inspires me is to love others regardless of their situation or circumstances.

Rewards Along the Journey

Being able to endure the trials and tribulations that I experienced, has been its own reward. God rewarded me with the love of my life who I believe saved my life. I’m talking about my beautiful wife, Michelle. She loved me through my process and that love made me whole.

In your book, Country Boy, City Boy: A Journey That Ain’t Over Yet share an excerpt that best describes the challenges you had to overcome. “That White Woman Done Lost Her Mind”. What I meant by this is that I was always told that I would not amount to anything because I was nothing. This woman told me that she believed in me and loved me. She encouraged me to stay focused because I would be great one day. She saw me as special when others saw nothing and tried to make me believe it.

What’s Up Next?

I have three major

“The Heart of a Black Man”. . and The a sequel to, “Country Boy, City Boy: A Journey That Ain’t Over Yet”. It will be called the Journey Continues. I believe this will be my best work ever. I’m excited because I feel like the journey is just beginning.

Why Would Anyone Want To Listen To Me?

By Dr. Loren Michaels Harris

Each of us has our own unique belief systems, our own unique ground zero, and this is the runway wherein your journey must begin. To have adequate room in which to take off, one must have something far greater than ones ‘ self to believe in when taking off.

When I first began to consider the then “ludicrous” idea of my one day sharing my story with the masses, I could see no reason whatsoever why anyone would ever be interested in hearing anything I might have to say. Today, I speak in a variety of arenas to a variety of audiences, and presently find it near impossible to consider not doing what I so very much love to do.

So how did I go from thinking my dream of public speaking was something far outside my wheelhouse, to living my dream…full time? It was by no means easy, but then it obviously was not impossible either.

“Discovering the truth which lives within each story we experience, can only be achieved by seeking the truth within each lesson we endure” Loren Michaels Harris

The beginning of believing in this dream for me was my deeply rooted desire (and need) for inner healing. I was nearing my mid-fifties, running out of entrepreneurial test runs to pursue, and beginning to feel the true pull of urgency which was screaming to my spirit that I had better get started or I most likely would never experience my true destiny.

I now realize that most of the time I spent in my life doing everything but sharing my story with others, was both a combination of “learning my way to the starting line”, fear of the unknown, and good old fashion procrastination. I also now realize that each one of those days leading up to my starting line was necessary, were mandatory in the

creation of my never-ending story. Not one of those days was wasted, not one moment of my “on the job training” was by accident, and not one lesson learned was essential than the Next.

Discovering the truth which lives within each story we experience, can only be achieved by seeking the truth within each lesson we endure. This is the process which then allows us the same opportunity to share our messages on a larger scale as when we were learning and living this very message on a smaller scale.

In conclusion, I would be remiss in my obligation to allow my truths to find you as a result of coming through me and not from me, if I did not remind you of the most important element of all in successfully growing your message to the Masses.

Please, if you only remember one thing from this entire article, please remember this; there can be only one road to sharing your message to the masses, and that road must be paved in truth. You must be willing to commit to not only the good times that will indeed be yours once you begin sharing your incredible message with the world, but to the countless moments along the way when your truths will certainly make you feel as if you are unwelcome, misunderstood, and very much unloved. There will be many challenges in remaining loyal to the truth of your message, but it is the only way to assure that you will one day deliver your message to the masses exactly as The Creator has intended; intact and unchanged.

PBJ KING

From Founding Member of Deathrow Records to CEO

Pastor BJ King is a native of California who has worked in the entertainment industry for more than 30 years.

One of the founding members of Death Row Records in the late 80s and 90s. King the CEO of The Cure Network, a marketing & consultant company to the top urban record labels responsible for breaking several very successful artists known to date. Pastor BJ King is responsible for bringing the western car culture to mainstream America. Now the lead Pastor of LoveLand Life Center, the church of Altadena, California. He has managed to stay relevant in business his entire business career. Although in 2018, he took on a new career in finance, generational wealth, and life insurance. PBJ is the leader of 75 licensed agents from all around the country. His quest is to add value to each person and educate the importance of that value. He is on a crusade to bring people to the understanding of the old Art Williams Way buy term insurance and invest the difference. With a mission to get more people to a six-figure income and just in 12 months. Stay tuned!