2016...Work to be done. Lets Get It

Action.

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

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Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

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-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

DJ Skee shares his story of using his negative as a positive

Have you ever wanted to build something of your own? It sounds like a great idea in your head but when you share it with others you didn't get the feedback you expected. DJ Skee can tell you all about it. He was employed by a large platform on satellite radio and decided to leave his steady job to build his own radio platform now known as dash radio. But, when he shared the news with those around him he received replies such as "your crazy" and "why would you want to do that". Feedback that many of us have heard if you every shared a new idea with somebody.

That negative feedback is what fueled and motivated him to pursue what is now Dash radio. DJ Skee is a successful entrepreneur with over 500k social medial followers, over 300,000,000 views on his youtube channel, and a music video producer while working with known names such as Snoop Dogg, The Game, Soulja Boy, etc. He is currently launching his second season of Skee TV which can be found on the Fuse Channel every Friday starting October 2 at 10/9 Central.

This is the beauty in the Be Your Own Dad brand because every negative can always become your positive. The road may begin rough but as long you keep pushing it will smooth out in due time. Click the link below to listen to his story! Also make sure to Like the Be Your Own Dad Facebook Page and Subscribe to the Youtube Channel if you aren't already.

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter and Instagram: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Brittany shares her negative of growing up without a father to apositive!

One of the definitions of confidence according to Google goes as follows:

a feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities. 

Many of us deal with a lack of appreciation of what was given to us. I will be the first person to testify! I always felt a certain way because I have a speech impediment. To be honest I still do. Something I constantly deal with at the age 24. And the reason why is others treat me differently when they hear me studder. I can see it in their eyes as if they feel bad for me. This is obviously just a observation on my part it's not true fact. But, I don't want to feel as if I'm a charity case of some sort. So I hate being treated a "special way" just because I speak a certain way. This ultimately effects my confidence level when approaching tasks. 

Brittany Macdonald shares a similar reason as to why in the past she hasn't been so confident in herself. After suffering from kidney and blatter infections at a young age her father had decided to leave her and her mother.  Leaving her mother to be a single parent.

But, Brittany didn't let that stop her!! NO NO NO! At 26, she has a bachelors degree and is gearing up to compete for Miss Massachusetts this fall season. Beyourowndad is going to be a proud sponsor! She's turned her negative into a positive and has more confidence than ever! 

I want to thank Brittany for sharing her story and wish her the best of luck in her upcoming pageant. 

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter and Instagram: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Iconic Nile Rodgers shares how his song "Good Times " went from Negative 2 Positive!

We've all had times where we turn in a paper, project, or work and receive negative critisicm. I don't know about you guys but when I put something out into the world two things happen. 1. A weight gets lifted off my shoulders because I told myself I would complete this blog or video and I finally completed it. So i take the pressure I put on myself and throw it away: 2. I like to hear the response of the viewers. I like to get constant feedback of my work because the feedback lets me know what I have to work on. What I have to fix, tweak, etc.  ...I didn't have any worse feeling than passing in a school paper and I receive a poor grade on it. It's like damn I put all my energy and focus on this paper and i received this!?!

I had the chance to interview the Iconic Nile Rodgers! He was apart of one of the most successful groups of the disco era "Chic". He also produced and collaborated with successful names in the music game such as Diana Ross, Madonna, Britney Spears, Pharrel Williams, and many more! He was cool enough to share his Be Your Own Dad story. Rodgers mentions how his iconic song "Good Times" came out during a negative time but that negative turned into his Positive and went to #1 on the charts. Listen to his story below!

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter and Instagram: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Kay Cola opens up about being in a verbally abusive relationship andnew music dropping!

Relationships whether platonic or romantic build character for both individuals involved. The person you begin the relationship as is never the person you finish as. You learn from one another. You find out things about yourself that you didn't even know. In a perfect world you should become a better person after having this relationship with said person. But, this isn't a perfect world....

There are many different types of abuse one person can receive from their partner. Such as physical, verbal, emotional, and sexual just to name a few.  Bruises, scars, marks on the body are painful but will heal after some time. Unfortunately, emotional and mental pain takes a much longer process to heal. It's ironic the pain that's not seen is the hardest to heal from. After a while it effects your day to day routine such as your attitude toward daily tasks. You hope one day to return to your normal self.

I had the chance to speak with Grammy nominated song writer Kay Cola and she was nice enough to share her Be Your Own Dad story. She opened up speaking about being in a verbal abusive relationship that ultimately effected her emotional state. Luckily she had loved ones around her and kept a healthy relationship with God. She was able to overcome what she had gone thru and still push forward. She now is a rising star with a great future ahead of her. Thank you Kay Cola for sharing your Be Your Own Dad story of turning a negative to a positive! Learn her story below! 

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter and Instagram: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Rick Ross drops some jewels and tells us how to deal with the negativeand make that a positive!

If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready! Truuu (2chainz voice* ) I caught up with the Boss Rick Ross and asked him the BYOD Main question: can you share a story of when you took a negative and used it as a positive? To summon up Ross's reply it's fair to say he plans for the negative. So when it comes he's already passed the bullsh*t and on to the next. But, don't let me speak for the man. Play the video below and listen to his way of turning a negative into a positive.

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

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Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter and Instagram: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Reality Star Nya Lee Life after VH1's Love and Hip Hop. Talks how sheturned her negative scars into a positive! She is BYOD!

Scars are memories. Memories that often want to be forgotten. 9 out of 10 times a scar is the result of an accident that you didn't want to happen. Some people try to constantly cover up their scars because it brings them to a negative space everytime they see it. Others get tattoos to cover up their scar. To keep it plain and simple nobody likes getting scars but once you get one you have a choice from that point on. You can resent the scar or embrace it.

This past weekend I had the chance to meet former VH1 Love and Hip Hop reality star Nya Lee. After discussing her her future plans for her career I asked her the Be Your Own Dad question! "What's a negative that you've used as a positive in your life?" She opened up and shared with me the scars on her chest that she received after being jumped by a few people one night. A very scary incident that I'm sure she wished never happened but she has embraces her scars. She even started up her own record label "Our Cut Ent." shedding light on her scars. And thats what Be Your Own Dad is all about! Taking your negative and making it a a positive and continuing to push forward. Big s/o to Nya Lee for sharing her story and being cool and supportive. Listen to her story below!

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter and Instagram: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Drew Lynch is Be Your Own Dad

Today I'm bringing you the July Inspirational Story of the Month. This story touches my heart personally because we relate to one another being that I have a studder myself. Drew Lynch has taken his negative and is uses it as a positive. Drew Lynch is BE YOUR OWN DAD! Make sure to watch the video and be prepared to be inspired.

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter and Instagram: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Woman's FIFA World Cup

Step into the struggle.....

The woman's FIFA World Cup is held every 4 years at different locations throughout the world. The locations change but the salty taste in a losing teams' mouth may never change. A true champions mind set in my opinion is if I'm not 1 then I'm none! Second place is the 1st loser. I can only imagine how the USA woman's team felt in 2007 of the FIFA World Cup. They played great all tournament and came up short winning bronze. Let the struggle begin....

Jump to the next tournament in 2011. The team won sliver that year losing to Japan to a penalty shot after ending regulation tied 2-2. I'm sure there was 50% joy for earning silver but 50% disappointment for not winning gold. Every sports team begins their season with a goal of finishing with a championship and nothing less. You just won silver....let the struggle continue...

If you haven't been up to date on the latest sports news...on July 5, 2015 the USA team finally did it! They won Gold defeating Japan 5-2. They beat the same team that beat them for the Gold in 2011!  If you haven't noticed yet the team had to struggle after receiving bronze in 2007 to better themselves for 2011! In 2011 they won silver. They were forced again to fight through another struggle to better themsevs so in 2015 they can win Gold. 

Talk about turning a negative into a positive! 

I must mention one player who sticks out from the rest. After doing the proper research Carli Lloyd is the true MVP. She was actually awarded the Golden Ball Trophy for being the best player in the tournament. She scored three goals in the championship game which is known as a hat trick. She was on all three FIFA World Cup teams including the 2007, 2011, and 2015 teams. She was scoreless in both final games of the 2007 and 2011 tournaments but a magician in the final 2015 game. Carli Lloyd and the FIFA World Cup team is BE YOUR OWN DAD! For turning their negatives into positives. 

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

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Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

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-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Malcolm Butler

Step into the struggle.....

Malcolm Butler...for those of you don't know Malcon Butler is a American Professional Football Player that currently plays cornerback for the New England Patriots. In February 2015 he stepped into the NFL history books for making the biggest play of his career by intercepting the ball with :20 seconds left on the play clock to win the game. But, he didn't make the historic play before going thru his struggle....

Every Level prepare for a new devil....Butler signed with the New England Patriots after going undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft. He only appeared in 11 games in the 2014 season and only starting in one. A rookie...looking to make his mark on a superb franchise. Struggling to get playing time, struggling to make a name for hisself, struggling to be a consistent starter. Not the easiest task. But, his teammates mention in interviews that Butler gets the most interceptions during practice.....

Super bowl 49! Is here the biggest game all year round. The patriots are coming off an exciting playoff win and so are the Seattle Seahawks. Both teams are ready to show why they're the best in their conference. Fast forward to Butlers time....there's a saying Will Smith lives by that i have come to adopt..."If you stay ready you don't have to get ready". 

With 1:51 left in the third quarter the Patriots are down by 10. The coaches scream out to every player "do your JOB and the rest will take care of itself!" Butler makes 2 defensive stances against Jermaine Kearse that forces Seatle to punt the ball. But this won't be the last time the two match up...

Fourth quarter is grind time and the Patriots were putting in work. After being down by 10 in the third they led by 4 with under a minute to play. Seattle is making what it looks like a game winning drive. But, remember struggle is what brings you to the next level! Russel Wilson throws the ball to Jermaine Kearse who is covered by no other than Malcolm Butler and the ball is deflected. Butler does it again but this time the ball is in the air too long, juggled some, and still caught by Kearse for a 33 yard gain. Putting the Seahawks in scoring distance at the 5 yard line! What a punch in the face. When you give it all you have and the ball is still caught...now known as one of the greatest catches in SUPERBOWL HISTORY!!! The struggle is real.....

Let me repeat when you stay ready you don't have to get ready! Butler is sidelined the next play which brought the Seahawks to the 1 yard line after a Marshawb Lynch 4 yard run. Butler is sent in on a 3 cornerback package. Butler could have hung his head, beat himself up, and gave up. Or he can turn his negative into a positive....Butler lines up for what should be the game winning play at the 1 yard line..but he recognizes the formation. Hut!!! The ball is snapped and thrown in Butlers direction...he jumps the route and makes his first NFL interception to win the game for the PATRIOTS!!!!

The same man that let up the biggest catch of the game held his composure and made the biggest play of the game. Butler made his negative into a positive and fueled him to redeem himself...which he did! Malcolm Butler is BE YOUR OWN DAD! 

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter and Instagram: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Allen Iverson

Close your eyes and step into the struggle.....

Imagine your under the height requirement, under the weight requirement, labeled selfish, and accused of a crime you didn't commit. Hold up lemme not get to ahead....let's bring it back real quick. High School football your killing it! Won the championship your junior year. That same year high school basketball your killing it! Won the championship for basketball that same year. But, THEY say your too small...you got heart tho. So much heart you become the leader of a whole community! But, word on the street is too much sweets will give you cavities....

You grew up without a father, mother in the streets....not thinking about what You gonna eat, lost more friends to the graveyard than you can count on one hand, and you grew up next to the corners that sell them grams. But, there's something inside you telling you to withstand. This isn't gonna stop you cuz you're the man! You come from Hampton! The area that encountered the first slaves....so they question you on why your community can't behave?

So it's our turn to JUST DO IT! 5 years! Your car was in drive but the courts switched up your gears! 4 months was the time done.....but your journey has just now begun! Georgetown, NBA, you just became the answer, he only thinks about himself....he's the teams cancer. Rookie of the year, MVP, scoring title after scoring title....kids across the nation now say your their idol.

So much negative in your life and the media always hates. You turn that into a positive and that's what makes your great. YOU ARE A.I. THE ANSWER! We talking about PRACTICE! 

This post is to share how Allen Iverson is the true example of Be Your Own Dad!

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Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

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-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Got caught slipping

I had to share two recents events that recently happened in my life. Both are great lessons to learn from. 

First event is literally sleeping on an  opportunity. As some of you may know I work overnights. So I usually sleep in the morning and wake up in the afternoon. One afternoon last week I wake up to a missed phone call and text for a hosting opportunity. I call the person back immediately once I get the doo doo out of my eye and he said it's too late...I thanked him for the phone call and hung up the phone. I was crushed! Couldn't help but think to my self "c'mon Jim!!" This whole time I'm working this job overnight to pay my bills patiently waiting for my time to enter into the hosting world and my first opportunity for it I was sleep. I didnt have to sleep going into the afternoon. I'm getting real lazy over here. And the realization of the situation is another opportunity may not come my way for another few months or maybe even a year....

My second event I want to share is a homie of mine is looking to be a musician. Recently, he was offered the opportunity to perform for a club. He told me and said he was going to pass up on it because he feels as if he isn't ready....I flipped out on him. I said "in life are you ever really ready for something?" Because we can practice and practice day in and day out but until we actually perform our skill and craft live where mistakes are possible then we're not ready for anything. I continued to say "do you know somebody out there is working twice as hard as you and wishing for the opportunity you just got presented for...but you wanna pass up on it.."

The main reason for today's post is to help bring to light that opportunities are rare. Especially opportunities in the field you want to be in. I'm talking about once in a blue moon rare...and when the opportunity arises 1. you can't literally and figuratively sleep on it and miss your chance. And like will smith said "if you stay ready you don't have to get ready" so 2. always be prepared and accept an  opportunity because you will never be as ready as you think you need to be! 

Use me as an example. The same guy that's been trying to motivate others to chase their dreams has been slipping on his own dream. I had an opportunity and I missed it. I'm still in square 1 when I could be in square 2. #BYOD is about learning from other people experiences so learn from my slip up and be ready when your opportunity arises. Until next time....

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

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Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

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-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Happy Anniversary to BYOD!!!

1 year Anniversery!!!!! It's hard to believe to keep it real with you. This time last year the idea of my brand BeYourOwnDad came about. It was just a thought I came up with while attending a week long boot camp in LA called International Week put on by Marki Costello. She helped put my thoughts into a brand. And a year later the brand has a following, sponsors my hometown summer basketball league, was featured in my hometown newspaper, partnered up with a fellow inspirational campaign that featured me, networked and met others in a similar field as what I'm doing and gave people a platform to share their own story. Because believe it or not we all can learn from each other just by our experiences. BYOD gives us access to be each other's teachers and mentors without having to physically meet each other. 

I'm proud that I've created something that people support. More proud that I stuck with it. BYOD is something that I can call mine and nobody can take that from me. I just hope those reading this blog post will take the first step in building something that they can call their own as well. 

Few major goals I do have for the brand are to travel to Haiti and film my mothers story and to convert BYOD into a non-profit organization. In year 2 I'll be working to achieve those two major goals. So yeah...year 2 we are underway! Just have to work at it one day at a time. 

If you haven't seen the latest YouTube video check it here: https://youtu.be/m7GMCybubi0

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter and Instagram: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Purpose..

What do you do when you don't know where your going? I think many of us can relate.....

We wake up...go to a job that pays our bills....in a place that we live...to eat what we can afford to put on our tables....and we call this living....

I'm currently laying down on a bed in a hotel room in San Diago. My mother and I took a little vacation this Memorial Day Weekend. Earlier...we had a conversation talking about how people can't see past where they are. People will work just ENOUGH to pay their bills. Make just ENOUGH to have a little extra at the end of the week to buy a bottle and think they accomplished something. Now Lemme say I'm not a hypocrite. I'm a slave to Hennessy and Coronnas after a long week but there's a voice in my head that's always asking me "Is this it"? 

And me and moms aren't philosophers or highly educated professors . We just think past the day, week, and month. What is the overall outcome? What is our PURPOSE? 

Last week I watched a documentary on Muhammed Ali. In one scene he was speaking with his daughter explaining to her everything has a purpose. The sun has a purpose for the Earth. The bees have a purpose for the flowers. Believe it or not, little insects on the floor that we stomp out and make them apart of the bottom of our shoe have a purpose. 

So let me ask you this....What is your purpose? Why are you hear? Can you see that your worth is more than just the "ENOUGH" paycheck that you make every week or every other week? CAN YOU SEE PAST TODAY? 

You may be asking do I know my purpose? No I don't....but I do know clocking in and clicking out isn't the answer to that question....

If you haven't seen my latest YouTube video check it out here: 

http://youtu.be/mOiFJ-uZ6eE

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter and Instagram: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Month of May

This month of the year is always special because its a month of celebration. GRADUATIONS!!!!!!!!!! are left and right. To be apart of a graduation is a blessing in its self. Its the event that everyone has been waiting for. The long nights of studying, the tests, the homework, the presentations......o man let me chill out. I'm already getting a headache just thinking about it. If Google and I weren't so cool than my grades......let me get to my point of this blog. I'm talking about reaching the finishline...

Its a great accomplishment to graduate and earn that degree, diploma, or certificate. Your moving up in the world right....but besides the physical award let me share what it does for you mentally. Graduating is your testimony letting everyone and yourself know that "I had a plan and I stuck to that plan". Its saying "I talk the talk and walk the walk". Anyone can start something new. Whether it be school, a project, a new venture, whatever.....making sure you make it to the finishline is what counts. Keeping somewhat of a focus throughout the process and finishing is what builds you mentally. If it took 4, 5, or 6 years to graduate...imagine what you can accomplish when you put that same effort and time into an idea or dream that you have.

Thats my wisdom for this week. Big s/o to everyone graduating this month CONGRATULATIONS its a great feeling. Now go out into this world and make a difference. Or try too...

When was the last time you checked out the website!?! Click the link below!

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter, Instagram, and Vine: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Vegas '15

I been slacking big TIME!!! I know, I know. I'm over here preaching to you guys putting in hard work and i'm over here slacking on my pimping (not really pimping). But, i'm getting re-focused. I need you guys to keep me on my toes and call me out when I don't post a new blog post or video. My goal is to post one of each every week. So if you don't see a new blog post by the end of the week CALL MY ASS OUT! Cuz i'm being a major hypocrite. I don't just talk the talk I walk the walk too. So keep it real with me and ill continue to keep it real with you guys.

I had to get away to get re-focused. A little vacation you can call it. Where did I go? Ya boy went to Vegas for the BIG fight of course. Was the fight equal to the excitement for the actual event? HELL NO! But, big s/o to Floyd because the objective is to win the fight...any way possible. So if that means hugging up on your opponent like its the 3rd date then do what you gotta do. NO shade being thrown because i'm a huge Floyd Mayweather fan. He is a clear example of hardwork and dedication. Congrats on the win champ 48-0.

While in Vegas I was able to show some support to someone who's been on her grind I must say. Shes been building her brand FitThick for sometime now and when the opportunity to meet her presented itself I said why not. I always like to support others cuz I know how hard it is to get support for myself. Real recognize real. Besides her snapchat is hilarious and shorty badder then a 5 year old so you know I had to see for my own eyes lol. And, she hooked ya boy up with free headphones. But S/O ms FitThick aka Brittany Renner. Keep grinding....

Whats going on with BYOD? Well....you know I drop the May Inspirational Story of the month. If you haven't seen it then you've been under a rock. But, you know I got your back...play the video below, like, comment, and share:

 

I'm excited for the T&T Basketball League I sponsor going on back home in Boston. Starting up in June. Gonna fly back home to show love of course. Once again I appreciate you reading this blog post and spread the news about Be Your Own Dad. O Btw when was the last time you check the website? Click the link below!

 

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter, Instagram, and Vine: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

April Update

Another week another blog post. Just an update following last weeks post. I had a conference call with the cool Authentic Me Campaign. We were just discussing the ideas of our campaigns: Dare2Motivate and Authentic Me Campaign and how they will effect those around us. They are very similar and will make a difference. It was a half-hour phone call. I have the actual link for the conversation so I will post that below. I was able to connect with them by simple social media so begin to use social media for business to benefit yourself.

My most recent episode of BYODTV is below as well:

Link to conference call: http://fccdl.in/PFJWpLvdU

That's it for today. Everybody stay grateful and Blessed.

Share your story and be an inspiration to someone today! Email me at: JimmyV@beyourowndad.com

BTW: When was the last time you check the website???!??? Click the link below!

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter, Instagram, and Vine: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Partnering with TheAuthenticMeCampaign

The power of social media is powerful. Later on today i'll be partnering up with THEAUTHENTICMECAMPAIGN which is a great organization looking to empower young girls and woman through individuals life stories. Very similar to my idea of BYOD but of course their focus is towards woman. If it wasn't for social media than we would have never crossed paths. Which is why I urge those that are reading to begin to use social media as a business resource. Social media allows us to network with people from across the world for example and 10 years ago we didn't have this option. So start to think how the different social media outlets can benefit what you are trying to bring into this world. If you are free make to sure call in and tune into our conversation. The number is on the flyer below:

Also, keep in mind the Dare2Motivate Campaign is in full effect! Get your free wristband today by: Make a 90 second video of you explaining a struggle you are or had overcome to better yourself. Mention the phrase "I Am Be Your Own Dad" and help change a person's life. Email it to me at: JimmyV@beyourowndad.com After sharing your story think of 3 people and dare them to share their story as well. If they do they will receive wristbands as well and the movement continues on. Send me the video and your address to receive a FREE "I dared 2 motivate" wristband for limited time only! My free gift to my supporters of #BYODFAM Wristbands are very limited only 50! So first to participate win the FREE prize. Do You Dare to Motivate?!?

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter, Instagram, and Vine: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Dare2Motivate

Very exciting day for the brand! Today is the launch of the #Dare2Motivate Campaign that's I've been putting together these last couple of weeks. The campaign is an idea I thought of but wasn't all that confident about. After days and days of going back and forth with myself I finally said "trust yourself" and started to put in work.

The campaign is a way to give back to all the supporters aka #BYODFAM and continue to motivate. 

I DARE YOU 2 MOTIVATE! 

It's simple: Accept the dare and make a video sharing your story of overcoming a struggle (turning and negative to a positive) and how you used that to push on. Mentioning the phrase "I AM BE YOUR OWN DAD" and email it to me at JimmyV@beyourowndad.com. In return you or the person will receive a free #BYOD wristband! These aren't ordinary wristbands. The wristbands say on them: I Dared 2 Motivate at Beyourowndad.com After sharing your story think of 3 people and dare them to share their story as well. If they do they will receive wristbands as well and the movement continues on.

So everytime you look down at your wrist you can have a friendly reminder of what you've done. 

Now the fun part is getting other people involved. Because we all loved to play truth or dare as kids. So much like the ice bucket challenge which was very successful this past summer I grabbed the idea of sharing it with friends, family, co-workers to help others to motivate as well. 

I have a limited number of wristbands only 50 to begin with so the campaign will begin today and all throughout April. If the feedback is good I will go ahead and order more.

Life is about trial and error. Have to try in order to see if It will work. We shall see...

BE SURE TO SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATE! 

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter, Instagram, and Vine: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Top 5 Excuses we MUST stop using

Its crazy how getting caught up in work and day to day routines distracts you from ideas. Its like you move so fast during the day that ideas go in one ear and out the other. That's why its important to write down ideas as soon as they appear in your head. I personally am constantly using the notes section in my phone because it allows me to type whatever idea I may have had and return to it later. I had this idea for Top 5 excuses we must stop using and I wrote it down, came back to it, and made a video for it too. Unfortunately, the video angle was messed up so I decided to blog about it.

 TOP 5 EXCUSES we MUST stop using
1. "I DON'T HAVE TIME"
I know....I know...you've been wanting to get back in the gym but you don't have time. Or you've been wanting to start up your own website or blog but you don't have time. LISTEN stop all the bullsh*t you keep saying and make time for it. As an individual you make time for what you want to do. Its YOUR schedule. The problem is the phrase "I don't have time" is such a go to phrase the words flow right out of our mouths.  If you wait for your favorite show to come on at 8 and watch it every week then you have time. (Empire is over so alot of you have a empty hour in your Wednesday night now) If you hang out with the fellas or ladies every week for a hour or two then you have time. "Well Jimmy, this is the only time I have to hang with them"....I understand that but you have to sacrifice and be selfish for what you want to do in life. If you have time to roll up some of that green and zone out for a hour or two then YOU HAVE TIME. At least learn to multi task in that event lol

2. "I DON'T KNOW HOW'
Its 2015! If your reading this blog post that means your on a electronic device of some kind. Go to YouTube or Google and type in the simple words "How to (insert what your interested in)" The internet allows us to be our own professors. We have the availability to soooooo much different information at our fingertips but we wait for someone to "teach us" instead of going out and research it on your own. Take charge and go do it on your own. Only thing to be careful for is whatever information you do look into make sure it is valid. Don't take driving advice from a 5 year old...

3. "ITS TOO HARD"
Anything you do in life starts out hard. Unless you have natural talent for whatever it is the skill level you have when beginning is very low. It take consistent practice over and over to get better. Its like the old computer game "The Sims" when you wanted to increase the skill level for your player you would have them do their activity over and over. Any successful person in any craft will tell you 10/10 times that it took time and practice for them to master their craft. I often make comparisons to basketball players because the player that lives in the gym and works at it everyday is going to be the better player than the one that only shows up to play.

4. " I'M NOT READY"
There isn't a day and time where you will be "ready" for something that you want to do. You have to dive in head first with whatever you want to do. You have to fall and pick yourself up, and get those scratches, and make those mistakes to learn how to not make the mistake AGAIN. Life is a big trial and error game. So let me continue by saying when you fail don't hang your head. Don't quit and look at doing something else. YOU FAILED its ok...take a moment and reflect at why you failed and try at it again. Now you have an understanding at why you failed and you can prevent yourself from doing it again. So get up off ya ass and start failing so you can get better.

5. (Your Go to....)
IDK what the excuse is but you know what i'm talking about. If your parents ask you to do something you know what to say to get out of it. If a guy/girl ask for your number you know what to say to get out of it. If the homie wants to link up with you and you don't like that person....you know what to say to get out of it. That excuse that you use 3 times a day probably to get out doing things is whats gonna ultimately hold you back from progressing. So let me wrap this up with STOP LIEING TO YOURSELF and STOP MAKING EXCUSES.

Dare2Motivate starting soon....be on the lookout!

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter, Instagram, and Vine: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

My newest Campaign Idea

I been slacking on the blog posts. I've came down with some type of stomach bug so forgive me. But, i'm back on my game with my webisodes. Dropping every Sunday 5 p.m. pacific. My latest two are below:

Also, I mentioned in a few earlier blog posts that I'll be beginning a campaign. Hopefully beginning in April I will have have began the "Dare 2 Motivate" campaign in which will spread awareness of peoples' struggles. Not only will their story be posted onto the beyourowndad.com website but they will receive a free wristband that says "I dared to motivate at beyourowndad.com". An idea I had to thank my supporters thus far. The wristbands will be limited due to the small order and it will be some what of a trial run to see how things go. Currently, i'm waiting for the wristbands to come in the mail. Once they arrive I can begin the campaign.

Don't have much for you guys this week. Trying to rest up so until next time....Peace

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter, Instagram, and Vine: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Pancakes on my MIND this week!

I'm typing this as I stand in line for free pancake day at IHOP smh. Line is out the door idk what I was thinking.

But, had a great week with the brand. My logo was completed and revealed on the IG page. If you haven't seen it yet peep below:

Also, the March Inspirational Story of the Month was released. This story is special because it was the first user submitted story sent to me. Which means that the idea of people opening up about their past to help others is possible. The idea that this is a dog eat dog world is true....but at the same time we can help each other without even knowing each other. So if you haven't seen the story yet check it out below and consider sharing your story. You don't know who it can help. If you want to share your story but stay annoymous you can type it and email it to me as well. 

I usually like to leave you guys with something inspiration or motivational but these pancakes are on my mind lol so stay positive and spread the word about BYOD! 

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter, Instagram, and Vine: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

A prisoner in my own head

The struggle of wanting to please everyone. Right now I'm dealing with trying to please everyone. And idk how I got to this point. It truly sucks because I feel like I'm holding back my true self. Luckily I have this blog to express that.

As I've wrote previously in my blogs I am attending tv hosting class. And one major aspect of tv hosting is showing your personality. Hence it being called a tv personality. And what I'm most struggling is just that! I can't seam to show my true personality because I have a filter on my words. And the objective is to show a non filter. Not meaning curse like a sailor but your true thought and opinion on a subject. It's like I'm too smart for my own good. Meaning I know a certain statement would effect those around me so I wouldn't say it...I would go a more safer route. And that is my problem.....

I don't wanna be a statistic or looked as one...

Honestly deep down I don't want to let down or disappoint people and I know that's my problem. I need to let go...like I don't wanna hear "you changed idk who this person is." Funny thing is when I have a comment on a topic I'm talking about with someone and I know there not going to agree with me (Cuz I'm just that smart ah) I'll just be quiet. I need to start giving my honest opinion. Not everyone's gonna agree with me and that's what I have to work on if I want to get this personality thing poppin. 

Just a vent session this posting...As far as BYOD I'm planning a DaretoMotivate Campaign in which rewards all those that decide to participate. So I'm touching in on my creative side a lil bit. Btw I recently received a inspirational story all the way from Slovenia!!!! Excited the hell out of me knowing someone outside of the states is supporting what I'm trying to do. But, that's it for now catch you next week! Logo on the way!

"So much on my mind I wonder how it fit in my brain.."-J.Cole

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter, Instagram, and Vine: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Ideas on a Logo

S/O to Kanye West! Yeezy! Not for being married to arguablly the Marilyn Munroe of our generation, or for faking another possible Grammy rant when Beck won the Grammy for album of the year, but for following his creative mind. I mean we have heard his creative mind in all his music and he is a game changer of course. Kanye is the peanut butter and the jelly you feel me. He's been the freshest thing since slice bread.

What im applauding him for is launching "Yeezy Season " his clothing line that he released this past weekend during NYC fashion week. Just another mark in history that he's made. He's now a designer of clothes...let that sink in. Kanye West from Chicago, Illiinois is a producer/rapper/sneaker designer/clothing line designer/ whatever he wants to be. And I remember watching his interviews and listening to his rants about large corporations not wanting to work with him for whatever reason and he still figured out how to get it done despite being told no. Now before you say I'm on this mans **** let me get to my point.

What kanye has done is follow whatever visions he has in his mind. You and I have similiar artistic visions whether it's dealing with clothing, music, art, dance or whatever it is in our minds. Difference between Kanye and the rest of us is well about 500 millions dollars lol. The point is though it takes belief in a vision and action to make the vision true. So take whatever you have in your mind and put it out in this world so we can all enjoy it! Make your own mark on history like Kanye is.

Now for BYOD talk..I have the website, FB, Twitter, Instagram (btw just broke 5k), blog, etc...but I'm missing something....o yea my own logo! My own stamp on it! When I first thought of BYOD I came across a jordan picture that made sense with the brand so I rolled with that. But, with progress change has to be made. So I have a logo under construction. Pretty excited for it. I've been working with a friend from high school who happens to be out here in Cali as well. Matter of fact he gave me my first tattoo so it's ironic how things work out in life. Here's a few sketches of potential logos below! Share your thoughts on them if you would like. What would you go with?  Comment on the blog or IG. Once the logos complete I'll be sharing it with you guys. Until then stay cool like a igloo..

"Told 'em I finished school, and I started my own business / They say, 'Oh you graduated?' / No, I decided I was finished / Chasin' y'all dreams and what you've got planned" -Kanye West

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter, Instagram, and Vine: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Black History Month

The month of February is always a special month for me. My mothers birthday lands on the 28th. There's the Super Bowl, Valentine's Day, and of course it's Black History Month.

What Black History Month means to me is change and progress. You know there's all the great accomplishments of many black individuals that are celebrated throughout the month. It's important to not forget who invented what and played a major part in the development of our current world.

But, in my opinion this month represents the many results that ideas can create. The one idea that sticks out is the actuall naming of February as Black History Month. First beginning as the second week of February in 1926 the idea then evolved into the whole month in 1976. Much respect given to Carter G Woodson because he opened the door for yearly recognition to many African American entrepreneurs. That just shows me what action and time can do for an idea. Also, just pushes me more to continue with th development of BYOD. 

I'm speaking of the brand I have an idea of beginning a Dare2motivate campaign! The idea came to me while eating a bowl of cereal lol but hey I'm still working out the kinks of the campaign. I'm hoping to launch it around March. I'll be sure to get more specific as the weeks go by. As far as what the campaign is all about but I'm excited about it. 

This month I will be doing a lot of reflecting on the many before me that have made a difference with their minds. It's amazing what the mind can do when you follow an idea. I came across this picture recently and had to share it. I think it's a pretty tough pic! Each individual in this picture has made a difference and I hope to do the same. 

"If you're not making someone else's life better than your wasting your time"-Will Smith

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter, Instagram, and Vine: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

 

Blessed!

Had a very exciting weekend. First things first shout out to the PATRIOTS!!!! I'm gonna have a good month just because they won the Super Bowl! I was actually at the SuperBowl and it was one of the best days I've had in a while. I was able to work security for the game and when I wasn't working I went to watch the game. There was a point where I was watching the game and put my hands in the air because I never thought I would be at a Super Bowl especially with my team in it. I mean, I spoke with one guy he said he ticket cost him $1750 dollars....I was like what! I'm thinking in my head I'm here for free and working. God has blessed me with a lot of opportunities and I'm truly THANKFUL. Things aren't too bad for a guy moving out to Cali chasing a dream.... 

As far as Beyourowndad is the February Inspirational story dropped this past weekend! Featuring Jenn Williams from Los Angeles who lost over 100 pounds! Went from weighting 240 to 135 now. She is a true inspiration to many battling weight loss. She says her struggle was "believing in myself". After she started to believe she saw change. And that's what Beyourowndad is all about using your struggle to motivate you! Watch her story:

                                      

Now accepting entry's for the next inspirational story of the month. Share your story to help someone in a similiar situation you may or have been in. Make a 90 second YouTube clip explaining your story and mentioning the phrase "I AM BE YOUR OWN DAD". Email it to me at JimmyV@beyourowndad.com

"I'm way up I feel blessed, way up I feel blessed"-Drake

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter, Instagram, and Vine: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Patience

Patience, Patience, Patience.....

When you consistently put in work at the gym, work, or your craft or anything you automatically want to see results; you want to see something coming out of all this effort being put in. But, things take time. Why? I DONT KNOW! I'm in the same game as you. We're playing this game of life and trying to understand the rules. Somebody clearly forgot to give us a manual or rule book when we came out the womb.

I thought it was my time to shine and things aren't going as planned. But, that's life. I'm not gonna hold my head and pout. (I did for 2 minutes to keep it real) I have to continue to put in work and wait for my time. I believe and have faith that everything is going to come together when the time is right. I just have to stay ready and keep getting better until then. 

For the brand the February inspirational story is coming out this weekend! It's a real good one. So stay tuned for that one. And it's SUPERBOWL WEEKEND!! So you know I'm yelling GO PATS all week until Sunday. 

Keep it real everybody! 

"Waiting on my moment"-DJ Drama

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter, Instagram, and Vine: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Life is good...

Wassup BYODFAM! Had a pretty exciting weekend. Filmed the February Inspirational Story of the month and was able to do some networking. The inspirational story is very inspiring! You guys are gonna really feel it. Make sure you look for it soon! On top of that my Patriots got that W so you know I'm ampd as shit! WE GOING TO THE SHIP WHAT! WE GOING TO THE SHIP WHAT!!!

Another bonus is the security company I work for has a contract with the stadium hosting the Super Bowl. So ya boy is going to the Super Bowl!! I NEVER thought I would be going to a Super Bowl because the tickets are always crazy expensive. I ain't got money like that.....yet. But, I'm hella excited especially since my own team will be in it. 

Life is good. I'm very blessed. The simple things keep a smile on my face: opportunity to have a job, a roof over my head, and food on the table. As we honored Martin Luther King Jr. holiday yesterday i'm often thinking to myself how he was such a fascinating leader. His courage truly inspires me to dig down within myself to find out what I truly stand for and represent....

Beyourowndad is growing slowly but surely. The fact that I can call something mine is REAL. I can say "chill homie that's me. Built that from ground up" lol

I'm out though thanks for checking this weeks post out. By the way my new show is Empire! That show is tough is anyone else watching it?

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."-Martin Luther King Jr.

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter, Instagram, and Vine: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD

Unnoticed Work

You ever feel like your work is going unnoticed? It's a horrible feeling....feeling under appreciated. What I'm talking about is like doing your homework and the teacher doesn't even check it. That ever happen to you in class....but we have to keep in mind homework is intended to truly benefit ourselves in the end.

I recently began attending hosting class again. We had a break for the month of December. I took this as time to put in work and stand out from the rest. Because those that work in the dark will shine in the light. Our instructor told the class back in October to begin to read out loud. It will help on pronouncing and transitions. I began that same night he told us. I need to put in work!

Fast forward to January. Class is back in session and it's my time to shine. I'm in class and the instructor calls on me to read off the teleprompt. I do my thing. He responds by saying "okay you need to start to read out loud." My thoughts are  "what did you just say!...Na my minds playing tricks on me. Did he just say start!" But, that was the harsh reality. I could of forced it and said a long speech on how I've been reading out loud for the past 3 months but my actions didn't show that. My performance isn't what is expected. 

So was my work a waste of time? I mean I tried and failed...right? No it wasn't because I now read more confident than I was 3 months ago. I now can pronounce words better. I understand commas are truly for a breathe in a sense lol. The homework I was given is helping me. Even though the instructor hasn't seen my homework I know I am benefiting off of it.

What I want to say is continue to grind and put in work. It may not seam that you are getting miles ahead of where you want to be but you are hundreds of feet from where you were before. Before you know it all the feet of work will equal out to a mile. 5280 feet in a mile if you didn't get that lol. I got ya back...stay cool

Btw first webisode for 2015 is up check it out below:

"But yet I put in work like a deposit on my bank account"-J.Cole

Website: http://www.beyourowndad.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/beyourowndad

Youtube Channel: Jimmy V/Be Your Own Dad 

Twitter, Instagram, and Vine: @beyourowndad

-Jimmy V aka MR.BYOD