Steve Jobs’ Signed Business Card Fetches $181K At Recent Auction
The auction house anticipated it would only sell for $10,000 but it sold for almost 20 times the prediction
According to Hypebeast, a recent auction allowed a buyer to purchase a business card signed by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs for $181,183.
The sale was arranged by RR Auction, and part of the lot, “Steve Jobs and the Apple Computer Revolution,” showcased items from the beginning of the Apple Computer. The auction, which ended on March 2,1 was expected to fetch more than $10,000, but it sold for almost $200,000.
The auction boasted that it was a 1983 business card of Jobs. According to the auction’s description of the item:
“Highly-coveted circa 1983 Apple Computer business card of Steve Jobs…signed neatly in black ink…The off-white card, 3.5 x 2, features the iconic ‘rainbow’ version of the Apple logo and reads: ‘Steven Jobs, Chairman Board of Directors’ with the company’s address and contact information listed below…”
“The sale of the Steve Jobs-signed Apple business card for over $180,000 sets a new standard in autographed business cards. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of Jobs and the profound impact of Apple on our modern world,” executive vice president at RR Auction Bobby Livingston said.
Another item sold from the lot was a 1976 handwritten check signed by Jobs. It was auctioned for $176,850 and was expected to be bought for $50,000. The check was handwritten with “Apple Compute” at the top and was written on March 19, 1976, which predates the official founding of the company. The Apple Computer Company was founded on April 1, 1976, by Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne.
Forbes reported that an Apple-1 Computer with Wozniak’s signature, Apple’s co-founder, was sold for $323,789, and an original factory-sealed Apple iPhone sold for $147,286.
There was also a letter signed by Microsoft founder Bill Gates from 1978 listing Apple, Atari, and RadioShack as companies that “sell our BASIC with their hardware”, which was sold for $75,821, and a SpaceX business card signed by Elon Musk that sold for $39,238.
An operating budget is a critical component of any successful business, be it for profit or nonprofit.
Originally published May 28, 2019
An operating budget is a critical component of any successful business, be it for-profit or nonprofit. Business owners use the information to track progress, plan for growth, and adjust business practices to maximize profits. Before you can make money, you need to know how to spend it. It would help to look at the budget as a road map to success. Below, you will understand the importance of a budget, its components, and how to draft one for your small business.
Why a Small Business Operating Budget Is Important
A budget helps business owners assess funds, spending requirements, and profits needed. However, there are other important reasons. Banks and financial institutions review your budget to evaluate loan opportunities. Employees use the information to assess the company’s health and see if they are willing to invest their time and effort into working for you.
The goals outlined in the drafted budget allow the employees to feel like part of the team. More importantly, they know exactly what you want from them and how to help the company succeed. Lastly, a budget can help you determine funds needed for labor and materials, cost of operations, startup costs, required revenue goals, and an estimate of expected profits.
Budget Components
There are three main components. You should be able to detail revenues, costs, and profits. This information, known as cash flow, is needed to calculate the amount available for capital improvements or expenses. This should be calculated yearly and broken down into 12 months with blank columns next to estimates. The empty columns allow you to compare actual results to estimated projections as the year progresses. This can be performed with the help of a trained professional, such as an accountant, or by yourself using financial software, worksheets, or templates.
Small Business Administration Definitions
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a government agency supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses. The SBA defines several essential components of a successful budget. At the core, the SBA states that it should operate like a simple mathematical equation: sales are equal to the total cost plus profit. Sales are just your company’s revenue. Total cost and expenses are what you need to spend or do to earn sales. Fees are divided into three categories. Fixed costs remain flat over time concerning transactions, such as rent or insurance. Variable costs adjust as sales fluctuate. The number of raw materials needed to produce inventory, for example, increases as your sales do. Semi-variable prices are fixed costs that are influenced by the volume and quality of business, such as employee salaries or advertising.
Drafting a Budget
To start drafting, you first need to collect previous budgets and reports of sales and expenses. Next, list fixed costs that require payment regardless of sales. This includes rent, specific salaries, insurance, and regularly occurring losses. You will also need to compile a list of estimated expenses that can vary, such as the cost of raw materials or advertising costs. You may also want to list unexpected expenses like legal fees or repairs. While they may not occur, planning for them to arise is a good idea.
Review sales reports to determine targets for the year. According to market research, a financial projection can help determine the outcome of products or services. Once all this data is compiled, you can combine it into your budget. You can use financial software and spreadsheets or hire a professional.
Tips and Tricks
With a properly constructed budget, you are informed of issues quickly. When such problems arise, there are some tips and tricks to help get your business back on track.
You should review your figures and make sure all the data and estimates are correct. Sometimes, businesses grow faster than budgets are examined, resulting in complications.
– Freeze expenses such as raises, new hires, or bonuses until your business is stable. You should also avoid starting new projects, which can only exacerbate the issue.
-If you need to cut expenses, you can lay off extraneous employees and shut down facilities. This will result in a decrease in morale. However, if you can get everything back on track, you may be able to rehire and reopen.
A budget is a simple tool. It estimates your business’s financial performance based on previous sales and revenue reports. Though simple, it is still an essential addition to your financial tool belt. The information lets you predict performance, efficiently manage resources, and ensure stable cash flow.
Former Hot 97 Executive Sues Radio Station For Discrimination After Allegedly Being Told He Was ‘Too White For The Job’
Stanley Pillman III also alleges that Funkmaster Flex and Hot 97’s SVP of sales “were involved in potential kick-backs and theft of company funds.”
An accusation of discrimination has been levied against the hip-hop radio station Hot 97, as a white former executive with the station says he was terminated for being “too white for the job.”
According to The Daily Beast, former VP of digital operations at Hot 97, Stanley Pillman III, has filed a lawsuit at the New York State Supreme Court on Monday, March 25, stating that MediaCo Holding, the parent company of Hot 97, is accused of retaliation and discrimination in violation of the state’s human rights and labor laws. He also has claimed that DJ Funkmaster Flex has been accepting kickbacks from advertisers and after reporting that to the station, he was fired as retaliation.
“Pillman’s employment was terminated in retaliation for his protected complaints or on the basis of his race,” the suit states. He wants his position back, along with back pay, compensatory damages for emotional harm, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees.
Pillman’s attorney, Robert Valli, told the media outlet, “We investigated, and we determined, in our opinion, that there was retaliation for protected activity. Here, it’s discrimination and speaking out about what we claim to be protected activities.”
Pillman claims that last year, in January 2023, after working at the station since February 2021, he was summoned to a meeting with MediaCo CEO Rahsan-Rahsan Lindsay and COO/President Brad Tobin. He has alleged that Lindsay informed him that “there was a feeling around the office” that the VP didn’t know “anything about hip-hop” and he needed to listen to the station. Pillman said he asked them, “Are you trying to say I am too white for the job?” and he claims that Lindsay replied by saying, “Yes,” and Lindsay said that Pillman was a minority at the station.
He also accused Flex of telling some fellow employees that “the white boys are stealing from us,” referencing Pillman and Tobin, who was also white, last July. He then told Hot 97’s Human Resources department that Flex and Hot 97’s SVP of sales “were involved in potential kick-backs and theft of company funds.” Then, in August, Pillman’s lawyer sent a letter to MediaCo “complaining about Pillman being subject to workplace discrimination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment.” He was then terminated on Aug. 31, 2023. He says that on that same day, Flex allegedly went on air and called him out by saying, “You’re a bozo, effective immediately.”
After being let go, he said a “Hispanic male” took over his job and was later replaced by a “Black Male.”
He also alleges that Tobin’s contract was not renewed, and he was “replaced by a Black male.”
Diddy’s Lawyer Slams Federal Raids As ‘Gross Overuse Of Military-Level Force’
Diddy's legal representative, Aaron Dyer, has denounced the federal raids on March 25 of the music icon's properties.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal representative, Aaron Dyer, has denounced the March 25 federal raids of the music icon’s properties in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami as an excessive display of force, asserting that Combs fully cooperated with authorities during the operation, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
In response to the raids, which occurred just a month after Combs faced a new sexual assault lawsuit, Dyer criticized the tactics employed by federal agents, labeling them as disproportionate and unwarranted. “Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences. There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated. Mr. Combs was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities. Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way,” stated Dyer.
“This unprecedented ambush — paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence — leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits. There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name,” he continued.
Dyer condemned the raids as part of an orchestrated media spectacle, characterizing them as a premature judgment against Combs based on unsubstantiated allegations made in civil lawsuits. He reiterated Combs’ innocence, asserting his determination to vigorously defend himself against the accusations.
The federal raids come in the wake of multiple legal challenges against Combs, including allegations of sexual assault and harassment. The lawsuits, initiated by individuals such as producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones and former partner Cassie, have cast a shadow over Combs’ reputation as a rapper, producer, and entrepreneur.
Despite the legal turmoil, Combs remains steadfast in his denial of any wrongdoing, with his legal team fiercely contesting the allegations levied against him. As the investigations continue, the music mogul faces mounting pressure to address the allegations and restore his public image amid the ongoing legal battles.
Rihanna Shares ‘The Most Beautiful’ Thing About Motherhood And Making Her Parents Proud By ‘Living My Dream’
Rihanna is opening up about mothering her two sons and blazing her own path as a pop star and self-made billionaire.
Rihanna is opening up about mothering her two sons and blazing her own path as an international pop star and self-made billionaire.
Speaking with Vogue China’s editor-in-chief Margaret Zhang, the “Diamonds” singer celebrates the launch of Fenty Beauty in China with a cover spread and candid chat about raising her two sons Rza, 1, and Riot, 7 months. Having welcomed her boys with rapper A$AP Rocky just 15 months apart, Rihanna has been in full mommy mode for the last two years.
Watching her sons develop their personalities and raising them to own their individuality is her favorite part of the parenthood gig.
“The most beautiful thing… is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity, which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group,” she shared.
“It’s really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be… they should embrace it completely, because it’s beautiful, and it’s unique. I love them just that way.”
She’s taken a break from releasing new music while focusing on motherhood and continuing her business endeavors. With 14 Billboard No. 1’s, nine Grammy awards, and hailing as America’s youngest self-made billionaire with a 1.4 billion dollar net worth, Rihanna is well deserving of a musical hiatus.
While fans beg the “Umbrella” singer to return to the studio and crank out some new tunes, the mother of two has kept herself busy with business endeavors and one musical release on the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” soundtrack that garnered her an Academy Award nomination. She returned to her brand ambassador role at Puma last year, launched her Fenty Skin line, and is making her beauty brand global with Fenty Beauty China.
The accolades keep stacking and Rihanna is happy to build a legacy from her dreams that makes her family proud.
“We always want our parents to be proud … I [certainly] wanted to make my mom and my dad proud,” she told Zhang. “But the reality is, I did it by standing up for what I believed in and pursuing my own path and dreams.”
Rihanna continued. “I’m living my dream. My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance.”
The “balance” she speaks of might explain why she hasn’t released an album since 2016’s “Anti.” While fans continue to pressure her for new music, Rihanna shows how she’s mastered the art of not living by “everyone’s expectations” of her.
“Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds,” she added. “You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Lawsuit Challenges Constitutionality Of Arkansas Ban On Teaching Critical Race Theory
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, like many governors in the old Jim Crow South, has passed laws that restrict how teachers can discuss race inside their classrooms.
A high school teacher and the families of two students at Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas have filed a lawsuit against the state over its controversial LEARNS Act, which bans critical race theory and claims that critical race theory is a form of indoctrination.
As The Associated Press reports, the lawsuit argues that restrictions on what can be taught, instituted by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in 2023, is a violation of both the First Amendment and the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.
One of the lawsuit’s arguments is that the LEARNS Act harkens back to the school’s ugly place in history; Little Rock Central was the site of a test of the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education ruling in 1957. The U.S. Army was called in by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to escort “the Little Rock Nine” into the building as they became the first students to integrate into the high school.
“In the state of Arkansas, we will not indoctrinate our kids and teach them to hate America or each other,” Huckabee Sanders said in a statement. “It’s sad the radical left continues to lie and play political games with our kids’ futures.”
Huckabee Sanders, like many governors in the South, has passed laws that restrict or otherwise impede how teachers can discuss race inside their classrooms. As the AP notes, Arkansas’ ban does not even clearly define what constitutes critical race theory. Furthermore, critical race theory is not a concept found in K-12 education because it is a rigorous field of study generally reserved for graduate-level studies.
According to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, critical race theory is an examination of how systemic racism works in American society. They noted that the efforts to ban discourse on racial justice, as Huckabee Sanders’ statement alludes to, constitutes an attack on the rights of students to receive a truthful education.
“Critical Race Theory recognizes that racism is embedded in laws, policies, and institutions that uphold and reproduce racial inequalities. According to CRT, societal issues like Black Americans’ higher mortality rate, outsized exposure to police violence, the school-to-prison pipeline, denial of affordable housing, and the death rates of Black women in childbirth are not unrelated anomalies.”
The LEARNS Act has been criticized by the Laux Law Group, one of the firms representing the group of plaintiffs in the lawsuit.
The group issued a statement to the Arkansas Advocate, calling the act “a brazen, political attempt to silence speech and expression” that the governor disagrees with.
“The LEARNS Act violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution,” the Laux Law Group added. “It is unworkably vague and oppressive, and it discriminates on the basis of race. Section 16 is just another front in the culture war being waged by right-wing ideologues.”
New Discovery In Breast Cancer Treatment Kills ‘Hibernating’ Cells
A potential new breakthrough for breast cancer treatment involves the targeting and eliminating of dormant tumor cells.
In a new breakthrough in breast cancer treatment, scientists discovered they can potentially locate and kill “hibernating” tumor cells. Their findings were recently published in the journal Cancer Discovery.
Researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research in London were studying why oestrogen receptor positive (ER+) cancer can relapse, and found that breast cancer cells were able to lie dormant for decades. However, upon the cells “awakening,” they can form tumors, according to the Daily Mail.
This new revelation can lead to preventative tactics to identify these cells even while they’re “sleeping.” Eliminating the cells during that stage will lessen the need for long-term hormone treatment: Scientists discovered that inhibiting the G9a enzyme will stop the dormancy of cancer cells and kill current ones.
“We wanted to better understand why breast cancer does return so we can hopefully find ways to stop it — so people don’t have to live in fear or face the devastating news of a relapse,” shared Institute of Cancer Research Professor Luca Magnani. “Our research identified a key mechanism used by cancer cells to evade therapy by remaining in a dormant state, hibernating before they ‘wake up’ years later and begin to rapidly divide again. I hope our early findings will next lead to research to target these dormant breast cancer cells so that one day, without the need for years of hormone therapy, patients can be sure that their cancer will not return.”
The findings are especially relevant to women of color. According to the American Cancer Society, Black women have the lowest five-year relative breast cancer survival rate, for every stage of diagnosis and every subtype. Breast cancer is also the leading cancer death for Black women.
The scientists’ discovery will help track when cancer cells are developing and terminate dormant cells before a relapse occurs.
“This promising study gives vital clues into how cancer cells evade treatment and survive in an inactive state, and we look forward to seeing how this will inform future research,” shared Dr. Simon Vincent, a director at Breast Cancer Now, a UK-based charity that pledged up to 1 million euros for research into the dormant cells. Its studies in these treatment strategies are to ensure that when doctors eliminate breast cancer, it stays gone.
RYSE Creative Village Has Fireside Chat With Former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed On Affordable Housing Initiatives
RYSE Creative Village has plans to transform the creative scene in southwest Atlanta with an innovative project.
On March 20, the RYSE Creative Village (RCV) invited former Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed to participate in a fireside chat at the UTA Artist Space as part of its “Journey to RYSE” event, according to a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.
RCV is a tech-enabled content production studio and development incubator specifically designed for creatives in Georgia’s film, entertainment, gaming, and digital media industries.
Several community figures and companies were in attendance, including Rico Brooks, CEO of Adella Thomas Management, and Vice President and COO of Carver Bank Kenneth Rance, whose company is currently funding the development of the project.
The multimillion-dollar Black-owned production studio has plans to become a talent incubator for the underserved in southwest Atlanta. It will include a virtual studio, a gaming center, podcasting rooms, a recording booth, a screening theater and other resources.
The first phase of construction for the project began in January of this year and is being financed by Carver Bank, one of the most notable Black-led banks in the United States.
Since its inception, RCV has hosted more than 400 productions and aims to equip emerging and established creatives with technological tools to advance their craft.
It was once the home of Preston Arkwright Elementary; the site remained empty for two decades after the public school’s closure in 2004.
Now, founder Jay Jackson has transformed the vacant lot into RCV, an innovative 31,000-square-foot mixed-use facility which has been utilized by some of the entertainment industry’s most prominent names, including Lil Durk, Gucci Mane, and Jeezy.
The production space will continue to expand its role in the community by incorporating a housing component with hopes of developing micro homes during its second phase, which will be headed by real estate developer Booker T. Washington. If successful, this would produce the first affordable housing project of its kind in Atlanta.
Illinois Prison Review Board Member Resigns Amid Stabbing Of 11-Year-Old Jayden Perkins
Illinois' Prison Review Board is facing scrutiny amid the stabbing of an 11-year-old boy, leading to the resignation of one of its members.
In the aftermath of an incident where a man released on parole fatally stabbed a Chicago woman’s 11-year-old son, Illinois’ Prison Review Board is facing scrutiny, leading to the resignation of one of its members, according to Daily Mail.
LeAnn Miller, who participated in recommending the release of Crosetti Brand, resigned following public outcry and Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s call for reforms. Pritzker expressed his support for Miller’s decision to step down, acknowledging the need for improvements in the handling of cases involving domestic violence.
Brand’s release sparked controversy, given his history of violence and repeated violations of protection orders. Despite warnings, Brand was freed from prison and went on to commit the murder of 11-year-old Jayden Perkins. The incident prompted questions about the adequacy of the parole board’s procedures and raised concerns about public safety.
In response to the outcry, Gov. Pritzker announced measures to overhaul the handling of domestic violence cases by the Prison Review Board. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that such cases receive thorough consideration to prevent future tragedies.
The resignation of Miller, alongside the departure of Prisoner Review Board Chair Donald Shelton, hopes to be the start of addressing systemic issues within the board. Senate Republican Leader John Curran called for comprehensive reforms, emphasizing the need for greater oversight and accountability. “Sadly, it is clear that the serious reforms that we have been calling for at the Prisoner Review Board are needed now more than ever,” stated Curran. “This is another example of Gov. Pritzker failing to oversee an agency under his direct control. His attention should be focused on the life and death matters of our state.”
According to NBC Chicago, legal documents unveiled a protracted history of domestic violence aimed at the mother of the slain boy, who took proactive measures by filing multiple protective orders against Brand and alerting law enforcement. The decision to grant parole to Brand despite his documented pattern of violence has prompted scrutiny from law enforcement officials and legal experts.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling told NBC Chicago about his profound dismay over the tragic events that transpired, “Let me start by saying this is something that should have never happened.”
How Branding Makes Gen Z Most Likely To Succeed In Business
Gen Z's background in social media and creating a personal brand gives them a definitive edge in entrepreneurial success.
Who best to understand and elevate the business landscape than those who create the trends? Gen Z’s innate understanding of branding and social media makes them the most likely to succeed as entrepreneurs.
According to Business Insider, the emphasis on branding for businesses is a modern change. However, branding can be a game-changer for entrepreneurial success as well. Gen Zers are able to tap into their designated market to build a consumer base through social media.
The growing importance on personal branding marks a new trend for successful business owners. The number of entrepreneurs skyrocketed in 2020, with business applications doubling since the pandemic began. Especially in a profitable creator economy, developing a cohesive and intriguing brand is key to selling one’s product.
The road to entrepreneurship is also more viable and less tedious than before. According to a survey conducted by Business Wire in 2023, 75% of recent grads are leaning toward starting their own business ventures, with 78% saying that the career path is the most accessible. A vast majority of those studied, 93%, have already begun their entrepreneurial journey.
Also new is the access to Chinese manufacturers and suppliers, as well as the creation of websites like Shopify that make building an e-commerce website easier.
“Now you can rent Shopify as an e-commerce solution in the cloud for $50,” shared Luke Lintz, an entrepreneur whose wireless earbuds sold out due to savvy online marketing tactics. “The access-to-technology barrier has come way down.”
This influx of Gen Z business owners may also have some benefit on the economy. There is hope that a greater focus on community will become the new standard.
“The effect could be tremendous growth with new disruptor-type companies coming,” said Bernhard Schroeder, a business professor at San Diego State University. “I also think Gen Z, long term, they’re going to be a kinder entrepreneur. I think they’ll be better about what they build, better about what they don’t waste, better about helping in their local community.”
