A question that David and Robert continually ask themselves is how to use their company to benefit another's, while at the same time benefiting their own. With this at the forefront of their minds, RealVibez began to take off. Instead of focusing on making money, the brothers looked for more creative ways to promote their brand.

For example, they convinced reggae artist Sean Paul to bring them on his tour, without paying for them, as long as RealVibez could be promoted on the tour.

Since then, Sean Paul has helped the two out on numerous occasions, introducing them to other artists, as well as other record companies such as Atlantic Records.

RealVibez has also co-sponsored the largest reggae festival in Jamaica along with Black Entertainment Television. They required no payment, just a chance to promote RealVibez.

As it turns out, building these mutual relationships with other companies can go a long way. David said, "Creativity always wins. Making money isn't the be-all, end-all."

At the end of the session, David and Robert offered some tips for start-up companies. They advised entrepreneurs to use professors as advisors, as they are sure to help with advice as well as connections. They recommended simply getting started and not wasting time planning. Passion, they said, is something invaluable to a business.

"People feel it, sense it, and gravitate toward it," said Robert. Lastly, they stressed the importance of building relationships, closing with, "It's not who you know, as much as it's who knows you." n

< prev Page 2 of 2

Article Tools