I’d been working on this concept for the entire year and this was my opportunity speak about the idea in front of a larger audience.
You Are a Media Company (YAMC) – Check out this LEAD Talk at Leadership Center for Excellence‘s Homecoming. I gave a talk on how you should strategically build your marketing strategy as if you are making your favorite dish (e.g. sweet potato pie). It’s this media company mindset that helps you be strategically focused and not chasing after every “shiny” object and at the same time understand, respect and “Trust the Process.”
AKA your RECIP^3E
- REcipe / Your Marketing Plan
- Crust / Your Foundation (e.g. website/blog)
- Ingredients / Your marketing tools (e.g. SEO, social media, networking groups, flyers, etc.)
- Pick & Prepare / Select the 1 or 2 ingredients that are central to your strategy (e.g. podcast, LinkedIn)
- Put it in the oven (but check it) / Execute
- Enjoy the final product / Keep working to perfect it but enjoy the process
Thanks Paul King of King Edits for capturing.
Check out the course at youareamedia.company
Gresham W. Harkless Jr.131 posts
https://iamgresh.comGresham W. Harkless Jr.
Franchise Broker & Entrepreneur | Founder, Blue Star Franchise
Helping founders and aspiring owners find franchise opportunities that match their purpose, finances, and lifestyle. Host of the I AM CEO Podcast with more than 1,600 interviews.
Book a Franchise Consultation
Listen to the I AM CEO Podcast
About Gresham W. Harkless Jr.
Gresham W. Harkless Jr. is a seasoned entrepreneur and franchise broker based in the Washington, D.C. metro area. As founder of Blue Star Franchise, he helps aspiring and established business owners discover franchise opportunities aligned with their goals, skills, and long-term vision.
With over 15 years of experience in entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and business development, Gresham brings a consultative, client-first approach to franchise matching. Through his media company, Blue 16 Media, and the I AM CEO Podcast, which has featured more than 1,600 interviews, he has worked with hundreds of CEOs, founders, and small business owners to accelerate growth and build scalable business models.
His mission is simple: to help people “run their race” by finding franchise opportunities that align with their purpose, skills, and lifestyle.
Credentials & Affiliations
Certified Franchise Broker - Franchise Broker Association (FBA)
Founder - Blue Star Franchise
Founder - Blue 16 Media
Host - I AM CEO Podcast (1,600+ episodes)
Featured in 50+ Black Marketers on the Rise & Influencer & Media Innovators (2022)
B.S., Business Administration - Howard University
How Gresham Helps
Franchise discovery & matching consultations
Franchise investment and financial fit analysis
Franchise development guidance & onboarding support
Speaking engagements & media interviews
Business growth advisory through Blue 16 Media
I AM CEO Podcast
With more than 1,600 episodes, the I AM CEO Podcast features conversations with founders, franchise owners, authors, and business leaders.
Gresham shares real, actionable insights to help entrepreneurs grow, scale, and lead.
Watch Episodes on YouTube
Contact & Bookings
Email: gresham@bluestarfranchise.com
For franchise inquiries, speaking engagements, or media interviews, send an email or use the consultation link.
Schedule a Consultation
Connect with Gresham
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluestarfranchise
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bluestarfran
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlueStarFranchise
Instagram: http://instagram.com/bluestarfranchise
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@bluestarfranchise
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluestarfranchise
