The Story

Business has a habit of testing us as individuals and as entrepreneurs. Several years ago I retained my first entertainment agent to represent my business and me. This was at a time when I was coming closer to the threshold of gaining national attention for my speaking and writing business. Retaining a qualified agent had become necessary for representation purposes in particular.

In the weeks following the initial meeting with the new agent, he introduced me to a woman named Sherry who owned a newspaper in Richmond. I contacted Sherry on his recommendation and referral. After weeks of talking and establishing a solid relationship with Sherry, she became impressed with the work that I was doing. As our relationship developed she agreed to make personal introductions to resources that could sponsor my national youth program.

Weeks before the time came for me to host a panel discussion at the University of Virginia, Sherry led me to believe that she could make the introductions I needed for my youth program. Because I was coming into town she told me that she was having a cocktail party at her home where these introductions would be made. Finally, after many years things were beginning to fall into place I had an agent to represent, lead, guide, and refer me to people who could and would help me.

It was a great feeling to know that after years of handling all aspects of my business on my own I no longer had to wear multiple hats in promoting my business, or so I thought.

In fact, I received no help, no introductions, and my group of three were the only people to attend her cocktail party. I had been mislead and lied too for weeks. I was in disbelief that a person could fabricate such unprofessional lies during a business social activity. Moreover, she trampled on the hopes of others.

Later that year, I was asked to do a book signing at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Legislative Weekend