The VH1 hit show Love & Hip Hop Atlanta makes us all want to cringe, want to throw things at the television and scream at the scenarios that we absorb. But let’s be honest this show grabs your attention and fulfills all of your guilty pleasure needs. The traffic in Atlanta is a telltale sign that we like looking at wrecks. However, there is much to be learned from this show. One of my favorite mentors, Tony Gaskins always says, “You can turn your mess into a message.”
So what can we learn from Love & Hip Hop Atlanta?
1. Networking
Living in a big city like Atlanta can make you feel pretty small and insignificant. However, six degrees of separation is rarely true in Atlanta and many other big cities. The movers and the shakers in the city know everyone – or at least know someone, who knows someone who you may need. In the show, Love & Hip Hop Atlanta it seemed like everyone ‘knew’ someone. Having a large network of colleagues, friends and associates makes this all possible. Let’s look at some of these connections –
Rasheeda was very familiar with the abuser (Memphitz) that K. Michelle spoke of
K. Michelle was familiar with Shay Johnson (whom we all know as Buckeey)
Karlie met Joseline and Stevie J. while dining with another industry mogul
Benzino introduced Karlie to Vincent Herbert (Tamar Braxton’s husband)
….And the list goes on and on. A big city is only as big as you make it. When you distance yourself from others, life experiences seem un-enchanting. From the networks that you see displayed on Love & Hip Hop Atlanta take note on how you can make friends, increase your network and find the joys of new experiences with others. If you are in the Atlanta area looking to network check out – Atlanta Happy Hour Networking.
2. Branding
Love & Hip Hop Atlanta placed Atlanta under the spotlight and did a hell of a job with it. Between random local celebrity cameos, venue promotion, fashion highlights and logo placement for camera shots it is undeniable that branding is EVERYTHING. Each person represents their own brand, as well as, the labels we wear and things we buy. Representation of who we are, what we do and where we work speak volumes in society. How will people remember you? Our lesson in this is to represent visually and personably who we are, how we want to be remembered and the industries that we associate with. Joseline is a brand that we will not forget because of her coordinated skimpy attire, her voluptuous shape and her word pronunciation. When she makes it in the music industry, we will all know who she is before she even steps on the stage.
3. Are you a Boss or are you a Worker?
Do you hate your job? Do you think that your boss makes all the wrong decisions? If you answered yes to either of those questions then it is time for you to decide which role you want to play – The Boss or The Worker. Stevie J and Joseline had several arguments regarding how Joseline should work, who she should work with and leadership during recording sessions in the studio. Needless to say, Stevie J is the boss of his recording studio and regardless of how Joseline feels as “The Worker” she must obey or simply, become unemployed. We have to ask ourselves daily, what role are we playing and how can we upgrade when necessary.
4. Stay Focused
We all have our opinions of Karlie Redd but we cannot look past the fact that every move she made was dedicated to her goals. She is an aspiring music artist and everyone she came in contact with, all the men she dated and in her personal interviews – her focus was “making it big”. How many of us have the dedication to our dreams that are so real that we will risk friendships and personal relationships to achieve our career goals. We can learn from Karlie Redd that you are never too old to go after your dreams, sacrifice will always lead to some sort of acknowledgment and persistence never fails.
5. The Importance of Social Media
Just in case you were hiding under a rock – Love & Hip Hop Atlanta gained devoted followers from Twitter. Facebook would come to life during the showing of an episode of LHH ATL. After each episode, Instagram would be jam-packed with pictures of Stevie J’s expressions and Momma Dee quotes. Social media has become one of the most powerful sources that we have, and it is available at our finger tips. Social media connects massive audiences, produces thought-provoking conversations and relays information in the largest platform possible – The World Wide Web. Learn to take advantage of social media to build your network, promote your brand and to become knowledgeable of the many things around you. You can start by using your favorite search engine to explore the world. Yes, it is that simple.
Atlanta's Happy Hour 