by De’Juan Galloway
Atlanta-based, media entrepreneur Neko Cheri jump started her brand-building efforts by adopting technology as a vehicle for her business strategies. This proved to be the winning formula.
She holds the titles of: writer, publisher, radio personality and activist and individualizes each one well. Her successful online publication, Neko Cheri Magazine illustrates her entrepreneurial skill and emphasis on women empowerment. Ms. Cheri’s following of listeners, readers and fans on social networks are evidence that this brand will not fade anytime soon. Discover a distinguished brand builder as TAP goes Behind The Click with Atlanta’s Neko Cheri.
Favorite website: Facebook.com
Favorite read: 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
Recent read: The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
2010’s ultimate goal: To Broadcast Neko Cheri Live in FM format
Quote Governing Neko’s Mission: “What you think you are, you are.”
Twitter handle: @nekocheri
How did you begin developing your business online?
I began the branding process by writing my book entitled, “It’s Not Him, Its You,” based around life experiences. I have always had a desire to help women because when I was younger I had a low self-esteem. Everything my brand offers is to uplift, encourage and inspire women. I began with the e-book, so if people wanted a quick read it was readily available. It is now available as a hardcopy as well.
Developing my brand using the digital space in a tough economy was the most practical way to brand myself. It doesn’t cost much to create a brand online. It does require you to be very specific about where you want to be and who you want to be.
How has the reception been for “It’s Not Him, It’s You?”
It has been very good. I finished the book in thirty days and self published it. The odd thing is I haven’t marketed my book much; it was more of an introduction to Neko Cheri. Often times, when one authors a book, people consider them an expert–that is how people look at me. Writing the book and becoming an expert was the strategy I used to create my brand.
Are there any challenges your brand has faced online?
Yes, there is sometimes a challenge between who you are and who people want to see. I am a very fun, outgoing person and sometimes people want to see a very serious business woman. I am very serious about my business. However, my personality is very outgoing. It is difficult to find a balance between people’s perception of you and who you are. Online you must cultivate the two very carefully.
What advice would you give to an entrepreneur on developing his or her brand using new digital media?
I would suggest seeking advice from an expert. Find consultants who specialize in the digital realm. Professional advice will assist with your brand’s image online and give it life. Finding these professionals can be challenging but it will save a lot of time.
Your digital product Neko Cheri Magazine is extremely innovative–what is the purpose of your online magazine?
The purpose of Neko Cheri Magazine is to motivate, uplift and motivate women. It is a publication for women by women.
What content do you provide to fulfill those purposes?
I focus on all women owned businesses. If a woman has a business or is attempting to build a successful entity–I will promote her. My job is to motivate and uplift these women. If she is willing to put herself out there, I am here to assist through my free online magazine.
Instead of focusing on African-American women solely, women of all shades are featured in your publication. Why did you choose an all inclusive approach to empowering women through your magazine?
All inclusive is my personality. I am an African-American woman but I was raised in a white community and I have friends of all different races. My choice to include all women is an extension of who I am. I consider myself to be a well-rounded women. I can go from Ya’ll Street to Wall Street.
