Reading time: 2 – 3 minutes

I want to see YOU at Ilm Fest 2009 This Weekend

You may or may not heard about the buzz about Ilm Fest 2009.

Whether it be that Baba Ali is going to be there, or the topics being covered are very contemporary, or you’ll have the opportunity to meet a lot of the AlMaghrib instructors, or the fact that you’ll be chilling with some cool cats like Haytham, Ammar, Amir, Adib and for the sisters Egyptian Gumbo – just know that now you’ll have one more reason to be at Ilm Fest:

I’m hunting for talent.

Of course it’s not the ONLY reason I’m going, but it’s certainly ONE.

One of the strategic objectives I’ve set for this last quarter – expect a post on quarter 4 goals soon - is to totally systematize the production of video and content for social media and offline marketing within the active AlMaghrib community.

My hopes are to seek out about five people from Qabeelat Nurayn who are dedicated to learning not only the craft of producing video, but also the vision of what AlMaghrib has to offer to the world.

The idea is to train the individuals in the processes of producing specific types of content and the processes of distributing them out there for maximum impact. – Think of it as the beginnings of a decentralized studio system inshaAllah.

First step is to get the right people on the bus. – If you feel you’re a super star and want to be on the team, hit me up at Ilm Fest. I’ll be actively checking my twitter >> @khanb1

Reading time: 1 – 2 minutes

I’ve decided to begin releasing some classic content material as a means of simply giving back to the active student body volunteers of AlMaghrib Institute.

On a semi-daily basis you should see videos being uploaded and posted on http://twitter.com/almaghribhq – If you already haven’t begun following @almaghribhq then now is a better time than any.

Five years ago I attended a training that was not only the beginning of my professional relationship with AlMaghrib, but also the beginning of some foundational business skills that helped me start Leechon >> ( see original blog post )

Sensei himself called this training the birthing stages of what DiscoverU is today.

Here is the first video of the series:

Reading time: 4 – 7 minutes

This blog post is a personal one, but a reflection that I believe is worth sharing non the less.

Just before Ramadan I got married (to EgyptianGumbo).

After all the excitement and the rush of emotions that led up to it and the first week following it had passed, the world seems so much heavier. I spoke with several married guys to find out whether my feeling of this new reality is unique to me or not.

Turns out its a common feeling, but not without the serenity of a wife to make it all go away when you need it to.

Before I go any further on the personal reflection, lets talk business in light of marriage.

There are three questions that must be answered with total clarity before embarking on a successful journey in any project or business.

• Where are we now?
• Where do we want to go?
• How do we get there?

The last part is the HARDEST to answer because the world is so dynamic.

- — -

LESSON #1 – DUPLICATE YOURSELF

Marriage is a very belittling yet humbling experience. For me it was coming to the realization that I was never Superman and could never fly.

At the same time – my Lois Lane was there to support me and rub my head so I can continue to sweep her off her feet. When she did that all I could care about is making her life as comfortable and easy as HUMANLY possible because she was there when I needed her most.

I was terrified of the thought of the new reality once it set in, but even after it all it was totally worth it. Knowing what I know now, even if I knew I could fly and was Superman, I’d give it up to be married.

Some single guys might think having such a feeling may bring about thoughts such as, “I don’t know if I can do it.” or “What am I doing?” but in truth for me it was, “Man up. She’s counting on you.”

The most empowering feeling is knowing the fact the voice is coming straight from inside you.

My point is: None of us are super-human and we don’t have super powers. Passion and fire lead us to do so much work. We use it to get away from problems. Sometimes to the point where we spread ourselves too thin.

If you don’t realize this then know that your fire will burn out, your business or project will collapse and any opportunity to benefit people for the long term may be lost.

We may not be supermen but we certainly can be knights who lead armies of great men.

Delegate and train leaders who work with excellence. That should be our strategy.

Plans never make it past the front lines. Details will always get lost in the battle simply because the world and your life is always changing and you cannot control it.

What you can control is your ability to respond to the changes with your values in mind and the end goal and objectives in sight.

Keep your objectives broad and your focus sharp. When opportunities present themselves, jump on them like there’s no tomorrow.

- — -

LESSON #2 - SYSTEMATIZE YOUR BUSINESS/PROJECT

You MUST lay down the different gears and pipes in their appropriate places so that the water can flow to the entire nation as opposed to you carrying buckets to a small town.

A pipeline may not be pretty, but neither is carrying buckets.

As a single guy I spent most my time on work and keeping myself busy and away from distractions. Naturally, that led to being spread thin.

As of right now I’m actively engaged in 16 separate projects with Leechon simultaneously. Looking at that now I’m asking myself, “What ever happened to fulfilling your strategic objective of taking on the role of an executive producer?”

I guess whether you’re a hotshot employee who loves his job or your an ambitious entrepreneur with high aspirations, or a humble volunteer for a non-profit organization – know that you are helping in establishing and maintaining a SYSTEM.

Systems – like a car – have gears that move so they can get you from point A to B. There’s a process that takes place when you start a car:

• Turn key to start sparks in engine
• Gasoline in engine explodes turning pistons
• Moving pistons turn gears
• Those gears turn other gears which in the end turn the wheels  – while at the same time pushing waste out of the car’s exhaust.

You need to define the gears of your project/business so that it can be readily duplicated and made into an efficient machine that can move beyond just you.

- — -

For all the married guys out there who have been there and done that. I know I’m a newly wed and I haven’t seen it all nor done it all.

As time progresses my outlook will probably progress on business and life in general. I’ll be sure to share that progress as has I have done so in the past appropriately.

Reading time: 1 – 2 minutes

I felt that the website needed a facelift and design that was up to date with what’s happening these days.- I’m still in the process of making some changes here and there. Overall I feel like the clutter factor has been decreased.

*POST UPDATE*
Some new benefits of this design:

• Search Bar - allows you to search for stuff. I’ve applied the “search unleashed” plugin. It works great
• Social Media Links in Navi - gives you direct links to social media activity happening at Leechon and of my own. Keep in touch sooner and get responses faster!
• Social Media Links in Posts - give you the ability to share with your friends the post directly on facebook, twitter, or stumble upon.
• Current Projects Under Main Navi - Less clutter, neatly organized, easily accessible. No more need to scroll down to see the project any more.
• Clean Design – more white space gives the feeling of open air and welcoming nature.

I’ve also been meaning to update the Leechon logo. Finally did it!

What do you think? – Criticism (good and bad) is welcome

Reading time: < 1 minute

I’m attending a seminar on developing a global distribution strategy for independent films in Santa Monica, CA. I’m looking forward to:

• Seminar content and meeting some other indy filmmakers as well as the instructors (click image above)
• Experiencing the excellent Qabeelat Haqq hospitality again like I did last time.
• Going to take this opportunity to film my second episode of “Browntourage” starring Belal “Brown Affleck” Khan and other fellow Haqqians and see what fun filled adventure we can embark on inshaAllah.