DIVINE Magazine"Be Encouraged. Be Grateful. Be Inspired.": 13 Questions for Tony Davis

Founder of DMAG, LLC and The Memphis Choice Awards

By DIVINE Staff Blogger, Tiffoni Mitchell

The 3rd Annual Memphis Choice Awards sponsored by DMAG ,LLC recognized and celebrated small businesses of the greater Memphis region. This years event was as held November 17th and hosted by V101's Stan Bell and Comedian MZZZ Kecia. DIVINE sat down with the visionary Tony Davis for a one on one about DMAG, LLC and The Memphis Choice Awards.

DIVINE:: What lead you to form DMAG Americas, LLC?

Tony Davis:: DMAG, LLC originally started as Davis Marketing & Accounting Group. So many of our clients were start-up businesses and found themselves needing more than just marketing and accounting. We wanted to develop an affordable solution to handle all of our client needs. We added six additional services, making us an end-to-end outsourcing firm. In an effort to re-brand without redevelopment of our image, We kept the initials of (D)avis (M)arketing & (A)ccounting G)roup and formed DMAG.

DIVINE:: What is the goal of DMAG?

Tony Davis:: Our goal is to provide professional, value-added services with a focus on exceptional customer service. We want our clients to focus on their core business, while we handle their essential needs.

DIVINE:: Is it safe to say that helping to nurture small businesses is your "passion"?

Tony Davis:: Yes, being an Accountant, I understand the essential elements a business need in order to grow. Being a business owner, I understand the challenges one faces while trying to achieve success. The feeling of nurturing a business to a success story is exhilarating.
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DIVINE:: What is the first thing someone with an idea for a business needs to do?

Tony Davis:: The first thing a potential entrepreneur needs to do is develop a plan. In order to bring an idea to life, its imperative to know the steps it takes to get there.

DIVINE::What are common mistakes small business owners make?

Tony Davis:: One of the most common mistakes small business owners make is not seeking an Accountant or financial advisor who can assist them with their financial affairs. Small business owners need to understand the importance of financial planning and cash flow. Without being knowledgeable in where you will land financially or where you are planning to achieve, can be detrimental to success.

DIVINE:: What services does DMAG Americas LLC, offer? DMAG provides services in the following areas: Accounting & Bookkeeping, Small Business Development & Consulting, Marketing, Human Resources, Payroll, Individual & Business Tax Preparation, Accounts Receivable & Payables, and Inventory Auditing.

Tony Davis: What is DMAG doing to globally affect the small business market? DMAG currently has taken a smaller approach on the small business market with a focus on uniting the local market. We have plans of expansion to take our program nationally before focusing on our global efforts.

DIVINE:: Tell our readers about the Memphis Choice Awards and how was it started?

Tony Davis:: The Memphis Choice Awards were created to promote pride and achievement in our entrepreneurs and bring awareness to the community. A lot of the services and products the consumer needs can be delivered right in the community. The quality and level of professionalism you seek could be right next door, more efficient and effective than their larger corporate counterparts. The Memphis Choice Awards initial mission was to join our clients and potential clients in a networking mixer so that they could possibly build business relationships and possibly utilize or refer potential clients to one another. We decided to add awards as a bonus to our networking mixer and the idea spread like wildfire. The owners embraced the idea of being honored by their peers and recognized for their accomplishments and that marked the beginning of the Memphis Choice Awards.

DIVINE:: How are the businesses selected for the Memphis Choice Awards?

Tony Davis:: The nomination process is simple. Your peers, relatives, constituents, etc. make a nomination on your behalf explaining how their experience had a great impact personally or in the community.

DIVINE:: What is your motivation?

Tony Davis:: As the owner and organizer, my motivation comes from the pride that comes over the participants to know that they are being recognized for their accomplishments. When a business owner says that the MCA's motivated them to move their brand forward or continue to stride, I feel accomplished myself.

DIVINE: As it relates to business, what other projects are you working on?

Tony Davis:: I am also the owner of 645 Records, Inc. A record label based out of Atlanta, GA. Focused on making an impact on the entertainment industry, we have put strategies in place to take the industry by storm. We are focused on all genres of music from Pop to Gospel.

DIVINE::What organizations is DMAG partnered with to help small businesses succeed?

Tony Davis:: DMAG is proud to have been a part of organizations such as Memphis Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Bureau, to name a few, for years. We have developed partner relationships with companies such as Bank of America, who understands the small business market all too well. We have also partnered with non-profit organizations such as Bridges of Memphis, 501c3, who educates and motivates our future business owners.

DIVINE:: In one word, encourage the business owners who are reading this interview right now.

Tony Davis:: Steadfast! Rome was not built in a day and your companies will not either. Keep at it!

For more information about DMAG, LLC and The Memphis Choice Awards please contact Tony Davis at www.dmagllc.com, www.memphischoiceawards.com, www.645worldwide.com and Faceboo: https://www.facebook.com/DMAG.LLC