Book Review
Melody Spann Cooper is one of the USA’s leading female broadcast executives who has mastered the art of Closing the Deal. In her debut book, The Girlfriend’s Guide to Closing the Deal, she shares her story of finding her voice in a male-dominated industry. In this semi-autobiographical work, Melody uses her special brand of warmth, candor and wit as she shares with readers how they can use their power to enhance opportunities as the highest level.
The semi-autobiographical "The Girlfriend's Guide to Closing the Deal" is an honest and intimate conversation with Melody as if she's speaking from one deal-making woman to another . . . the cliff notes passed down from mentor to mentee . . . a primer on how to spot what and who is real in business, and pivot successfully, even under adverse circumstances. Melody was inspired to write the "Guide" after receiving rave reviews for a similarly themed speech she delivered to the National Association of Women Business Owners' annual luncheon in Chicago following the 2016 Presidential Election.
Throughout the "Guide", Melody huddles down with the reader to share colorful observations - both humorous and serious - from her upbringing and her entrepreneurial journey. Success. Failure. Regrets. Melody opens up as if she's talking to a good girlfriend over a glass of wine, cheese and crackers. And, at the end of each chapter, she shares what she's learned so far from her experiences as a boss-in-training; a business woman among men; a daughter preserving and building on her father's legacy; and with the men and women who've taught her well.
Author quotes
This is a must-read for entrepreneurs and female executives who want to position themselves as a driving force for change and equity at the table where the deals are done.
The story behind The Girlfriend’s Guide to Closing the Deal title was my goal of delivering a book about business and entrepreneurship in an informal and casual style that was engaging and fun. You don’t find that often in a business book, and I wanted to capture women’s attention and have them remain engaged throughout its many chapters.
The book is semi-autobiographical so a lot of it is me. Interestingly, every chapter ends with chapter lessons. Since I’ve wrapped the book, I have become aware of how often I have had to practice what I preached. I’m learning to live my book.
People who read The Girlfriend’s Guide will learn so many things, but … here are several of my favorite standouts. Women will learn the importance of friendships and how they can be used to position yourself for advancement. Women will learn that we have certain innate traits that make us an asset in negotiations and a necessary force in business.
As a second-generation entrepreneur, I spend time discussing the importance of legacy businesses and how business owners must make an honest determinant on whether it’s best to sell the business or leave it to family members.
About the author
Melody Spann Cooper is Chairman of Midway Broadcasting Corporation, a best-in-class African-American owned media boutique whose properties include radio and interactive platforms. The two properties combine to provide niche programming to Chicago's thriving Black and Hispanic populations. As Chairman of Midway Broadcasting Corporation, she joined an elite list of America's female broadcast owners after purchasing the company's controlling interest in 1999. Midway Broadcasting properties include WVON 1690AM, the oldest Black-oriented radio station in Chicago. With its urban talk format, the station is lauded as a leading source of information and community empowerment. In 2007, Spann Cooper spearheaded the corporation's expansion with the development of WRLL 1450AM, Chicago's Home for Hispanic Independent Broadcasters. WRLL is committed to preserving the authentic voice and culture of Chicago's growing Latino target market. In addition to the company's radio properties, Midway Broadcasting Corporation has established itself as a premier event and integrated marketing company. Spann Cooper's other professional affiliations include: Vice Chair of the Illinois Broadcasting Association; the Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Council for the Obama Library Foundation; Board Member of Chicago's tourism board, Choose Chicago; Trustee of the Museum of Science & Industry; The Executive Committee of the Business Leadership Council; Executive Board Member of The National Association of Black- Owned Broadcasters, and Co-Founder of the Color Us Woman Organization. Spann Cooper's accomplishments in broadcast media have been recognized by numerous organizations that have highlighted her achievements in leadership and business. She holds a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the Loyola University of Chicago. She is married and the daughter of legendary radio personality Pervis Spann "The Blues Man."
Why LoA loves it….
So many women entrepreneurs grapple with getting access to a great mentor and learning practical insights from those women entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses often in really tough industry sectors. Melody Spann Cooper is bringing all her unique insight and years of practical experience to the table for all women entrepreneurs to access and learn from in her new book. As someone whose entrepreneurial journey has been focused on the communications business through the power of broadcast, Melody certainly knows how to get the message across as a powerful storyteller. This is a personal book packed with personal insights and great information that can benefit all women entrepreneurs as they tackle their own challenges and industry sectors. A great read! — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa