The Girlfriend's Guide to Closing the Deal

The semi-autobiographical "The Girlfriend's Guide to Closing the Deal" is an honest and intimate conversation with Melody as if she's speaking 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.

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."

Shawn is a professional writer and publicist who founded Treetop Consulting, a boutique media consulting firm, in 2006 following a successful career in newspapers that spanned the Midwest. She spent the bulk of her career at the Chicago Tribune, including stints as a copy editor, crime reporter, workplace/careers reporter and columnist, and a feature writer. She is working on completing her first documentary film, "Gone Too Soon: America's Missing Black Men," examining the long-term impact the early deaths of black men have on families and communities.