Eric “LaidBack Black” Williams moved to Atlanta in 1990 when it was just a small Southern town known for its congeniality, hence the slogan, “a city too busy to hate.” Now Atlanta is sporting monikers like the Black Hollywood, Hotlanta and Motown of the South and it’s fertile ground with unbelievable marketing opportunities. Here, Williams shares how he transitioned from going on tour with BET, working as an engineer at Scientific Atlanta, and doing marketing for his own company, Conscious Marketing, to working in all areas of radio – marketing, engineering, on-air and sales – for V-103 for 16 years to now, a new business developer for Steed Media Group. –yvette caslin
Where are you from?
Greenwood, S.C.
How did you end up in Atlanta?
I moved here in 1990 to attend college. I earned a bachelors in Electronics Engineering Technology in 1994 at DeVry.
What is your area of expertise?
That’s a good question. I have a range of areas of expertise including marketing, sales, engineering and connecting people. I am the middle man. I have a network of people in Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles and New York, who are from all walks of life. They may work a 9 to 5, be entertainers, TV and music producers, athletes and CEOs; my network is priceless. For example, I am one of the first to experience Ludacris’ SOUL Headphones. These awesome noise-canceling headphones are his latest business venture and as a friend of mine, he made sure I had a pair of my own.
Are you living your passion and getting paid to do it?
Yes, I am. I love witnessing people’s success and to see them enjoy life.
Your ponytail was your trademark. Why did you cut it?
It was time to grow up and start looking like a grown a** man. I was tired of doing my hair everyday. Now, all I have to do is run my fingers through my hair and go. I love it and I don’t miss my ponytail at all.
How do you give back?
I like speaking at high schools and colleges and telling the kids what life is really about. I was raised by my mom and I beat all odds by earning my college degree. I have experienced life’s ups and downs and I share with the students how they can become successful in life if they focus on it now. I encourage them to find something they love doing and the money will come. Being rich doesn’t mean you have a better life. I want them to understand that being happy with life and loving what you do will pay more in return. Just work hard and let God do the rest.
Do you believe mentoring is important?
Yes. We need to help the next generation be better than we are. I wish I had more mentors when I was growing up.
What can your followers and fans find you working on now?
Now that I am a new business developer at Steed Media Group, I help business executives and entrepreneurs tell their stories on the different platforms that Steed Media Group offers: the national, weekly newspaper rolling out; custom publications; digital; video production; strategic marketing; event activation; Hip Hop On-Demand website and cable channel; photography services; ideation and radio. We are a one-stop shop for your marketing needs.
How do you unwind?
Traveling. I love to go to the beach. My goal in life is to become a beach bum. No. [Laughs] I really want to have a home on the beach. I think the ocean is so peaceful.
Follow Eric on Twitter: @laidbackblack. To reach him for your marketing needs email him: [email protected].
