The PowerNetworking Conference: Learn, Earn and Prosper!
By Audrey Muhammad
If you attended the PowerNetworking conference this
year, your value has just gone up!
Everyone’s “return on investment” was high due to the excellent Global
Virtual Power Networking Conference hosted by Dr. George Fraser. Thanks to the Black power we
witnessed at the PowerNetworking Conference (PNC), we will never
have to worry about the “electricity” going out ever again. The light of knowledge shared at this year’s
conference was truly electrifying. This
year’s theme was “R.O.I. is King: Learn,
Earn, and Prosper.” Rev. Dr. Jamal
Bryant shared some powerful words at the beginning of the conference. He said, “If we explore our ‘net worth,’ we
can value our “network.”
Dr. Stacie Grant served as the MC for the event and helped to
introduce the various segments. This
year’s participants were able to get a “front row seat” to view celebrity
interviews with actor/author Hill Harper; radio personality, Michael Baisden
and billionairess, Janice Bryant Howroyd, while enjoying comedy and exercise
segments with AJ Jamal and Cheryl Jones. Participants were also able to
virtually mix and mingle in the PowerLounges & Suites with top trainers
and coaches like Dr. Cheryl Wood, Brother Bedford, Dr. Tiana Von Johnson and
Dr, Casey Kimbrough.
The amazing celebrity interviews were conducted by Dr. George
C. Fraser, the Founder of the PNC.
For twenty years, the PowerNetworking
Conference has been the home of Black professionals and entrepreneurs looking
to connect, grow and prosper. Forbes named
it “One of the Top Five Conferences Not to Be
Missed”. The conference has developed a unique platform
helping people to network and build a financial legacy. Dr. Fraser, who is an Elder, author,
entrepreneur, speaker, and networking guru, has an amazing skill of bringing
people together and helps everyone feel heard.
The PowerNetworking Conference participants were able
to comment in the chat about every event on the main PowerStage which
featured presenters such as Dr. Delatorro McNeal, Dr. Ron Daniels, Dr. Mike Roberts, Iyanla
Vanzant, Dr. Stacie NC Grant, Dr. Boyce Watkins, John Hope Bryant, Walter Bond,
Linda Clemons, Delano Johnson, Eugene Mitchel, Dr. Frederick Douglas Haynes,
Dr. Randal Pinkett, Che Brown, Dr. Kwa David Whitaker, Ambassador Andrew Young,
Trevor Otts, Dr. Cheryl Wood, Wendy Muhammad, and Tony Jackson and many more.
In the first celebrity interview, Dr. Fraser and actor/author Hill Harper had a frank and fun discussion about education and money. Hill Harper, who graduated magna cum laude from Brown University and earned a law degree from Harvard Law School, said, “Education and money both buy you something very similar in life…options.” He said if you go to med school or law school, you are not limited to careers in those areas, you just have more options. When asked what three things he thinks black people need to thrive today, he said, “1. A Truly rooted deep sense of self-worth. 2. Unity 3. Transfer cross generational wealth.”
There were so many jewels of wisdom shared during this power
packed 4-day event. Michael Baisden
talked about the need to pivot during this time. Dr. Jackie Mayfield, one of
founders of ComproTax mentioned that “where there are challenges, there are
opportunities.” Some of the best
life-giving advice was given by billionaire Janice Bryant Howroyd, founder and chief executive officer
of The ActOne Group. She said, “Never
compromise who you are personally to become who you wish to be
professionally. Like Earl Nightingale,
she defines success as the “progressive realization of a worthy ideal” and
encouraged the participants to “understand your worth before you gain the
money.” Which is why Dr. Fraser said,
“We should always chase excellence, never chase money. When you are excellent, money will chase
you.”
During the “Money Answers All Things” panel discussion with Dr. Boyce Watkins, Rev. Dr. Casey Kimbrough,
Bishop Claude Alexander, and Dr. Emma Fraser-Pendleton, Dr. Boyce Watkins he said, “Ask the right questions to get the right answers;
have your money ask the right questions.”
Dr. Emma Fraser-Pendleton reminded the audience that Jesus asked the
right questions and was able to multiply; the apostles didn’t ask the right
question.
Everyone agreed that collaboration is key. “People with money have no problem partnering with other people with money so that they can make more money!” Dr. Emma Fraser-Pendleton stressed the importance of living below our personal needs. She said when she and her husband bought their first house, her husband wanted a Cadillac. She said don’t get “caught up in having a Cadillac parked in front of the house.” We need to talk to our families about saving and growing our money.
The panel also discussed the importance of uniting. Collaboration is key; people with money have no problem partnering with other people with money so that they can make more money. Our businesses need to learn how to scale up. For example, a one tractor operation is limited, but if three farmers come together with their tractors they can solicit for a bigger deal.
Dr. Fraser ended the conference with
some profound personal advice such as encouraging brothers to keep their
queens. He said, “If you have a Queen in
your hand, don’t shuffle so often because you may end up with a joker.” For the women, he reminded them on how to
choose a man by saying, “If you can’t build with them, don’t chill with them.” He
said the goal and key for all Black people in these stressful times is
“Supernatural Equanimity” …we must be Super Cool in tough times.”
This year’s conference has received amazing feedback. "This is my first Power Networking Conference since Dallas. I’ve had to pivot since COVID and this year’s conference has put my attitude, behavior and skills back on track!” said David Tyson.
Darlene McDaniel’s said, “I’ve made connections and have implemented the suggestions George Fraser shared on creating a networking system.”
For Darla Cummings, it was her first conference. She said, “This was my first time attending the PNC conference and I personally want to thank Dr. Fraser for an amazing experience!!!
Dr. Fraser reminded the participants about the mistakes commonly made in networking. He said we need to spend more time networking and the “fortune is in the follow-up.” Lastly, he said to remember that the purpose of life is to love, to give, to serve and to add the highest value to others.” The participants at this year’s conference received their “highest return of their investment.”
(For more information about next year’s “LIVE”
conference in Houston, Tx. August 3-6, 2022, go to www.powernetworkingconference.com).
