I am about to complete my college path-line (at least for now). It’s been a long 5 years, going to school no stop, with one thing in mind “I will live out my dream”. Associates in Public Relations, Bachelors in Entertainment Business and a Masters in Entertainment Business later, I have sure learned a lot about the industry and about goals, my determination and myself. It’s very scary, yet exciting starting a new chapter in my life. This journey has been everything I could ever ask for and more.
I came to this state not knowing a single person, not knowing where I would be in 3 years. I have had opportunities that I could only dream of, opportunities that have blown my mind. I have networked every chance I have got, volunteered, interned and have worked my way to landing one of the best experiences that I could ever imagine.
I am now interning for “Orlando Calling” a major festival coming here to our own backyard, Orlando. Melvin Benn, the owner of Festival Republic that happens to put on the biggest festivals in the entire world (Glasonbury, Reading, Leeds, etc) has brought something new and exciting to a city that needed to bring back its music scene. I am beyond honored…. to have been chosen to work such a festival. The experience I have been getting and the people that I have been working closely with are those contacts that will really help me live out my passion. I am only in the beginning stages to do what I want, but I will continue to work hard and push myself to really live out this dream. (Artist's playing "Orlando Calling" Bob Segier, The Killers, Civil Twilight, Kid Rock, Blake Shelton, O.A.R, The Pixies, and many more!!!)
The feeling a live festival brings to me is something I want to bring to millions one day; there really is nothing else like it.
While interning, I will be working at a local venue called “Taste” in college park. I am the “Social Media Manager & Events Promotion” (which mean I book all the talent and make sure all the sites are up-to-date). So far it has been a crazy but awesome first “real” job in the industry. It’s only part time for now, but it is something else to put on the resume, and work I actually love doing.
I am about a week away from graduating, and it blows my mind how fast time as really gone. I have a lot to look forward to here in the next couple months and I am excited to face these new challenges that life is about to throw my way.
One thing is for sure; I will stop at nothing to live out my dreams. I have come so far already, and only will continue to grow.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Financing....what?
While there are many financing opportunities available in for small business, you need to be able to choice the correct one that would best benefit your business.
The OFN or Opportunity Finance Network- Specializes in helping low wealth and low-income people join the economic mainstream. They help all the rural and native markets get financing for there businesses. They believe that everyone should have access to the opportunities that others do. They want to help the local communities that are struggling and the future generations after that.
I think the OFN is an awesome concept. A lot of people struggle to find the right funding for their business. It’s great when companies like this that have the good values really believe in the upcoming of a community and will support other peoples ideas.
Another companies that is all for helping out is the AEO. Association for Enterprise Opportunity. They want to help those “underserved entrepreneurs” start their businesses. So far they have helped over 2 million entrepreneurs succeed in bringing there ideas to life.
There are many more along the same kind of lines that do the same work that these other two do. They all seem to have many of the same restrictions. Like being in the “hot zones” of rural areas that have high poverty and unemployment rates. Another thing while viewing these websites that seemed to be popular for being about to get help from these guys is “a new markets tax credit”, “bank enterprise awards”, “Native American” or “technical assistance”.
I think it is great that associations like this exist but then again what about all the other people out there that cant get finding for a business that can potentially help the community just because they are not of Native American decent or they dont live in a rural area? They also seem to take a good percentage, before they even decide to help out. It sucks, but those people that have nowhere else to go, what are they suppose to do? What about all the rest of the population? Shouldn’t there be “Small grants for students” or “People who just got fired after working at the same place for 15 yrs” I feel that the associations should broaden to whom they are willing to help out.
Of course there should still be some restrictions. It should be a legitimate idea, and have everything they need to prove it would work. But I don’t think that they should deny anyone just because they don’t match the “rural area” or what ever other restrictions these companies may have. In my opinion, we are all supposed to be helping each other better the communities and make more jobs. Lets start on that, and make the economy better again.
The OFN or Opportunity Finance Network- Specializes in helping low wealth and low-income people join the economic mainstream. They help all the rural and native markets get financing for there businesses. They believe that everyone should have access to the opportunities that others do. They want to help the local communities that are struggling and the future generations after that.
I think the OFN is an awesome concept. A lot of people struggle to find the right funding for their business. It’s great when companies like this that have the good values really believe in the upcoming of a community and will support other peoples ideas.
Another companies that is all for helping out is the AEO. Association for Enterprise Opportunity. They want to help those “underserved entrepreneurs” start their businesses. So far they have helped over 2 million entrepreneurs succeed in bringing there ideas to life.
There are many more along the same kind of lines that do the same work that these other two do. They all seem to have many of the same restrictions. Like being in the “hot zones” of rural areas that have high poverty and unemployment rates. Another thing while viewing these websites that seemed to be popular for being about to get help from these guys is “a new markets tax credit”, “bank enterprise awards”, “Native American” or “technical assistance”.
I think it is great that associations like this exist but then again what about all the other people out there that cant get finding for a business that can potentially help the community just because they are not of Native American decent or they dont live in a rural area? They also seem to take a good percentage, before they even decide to help out. It sucks, but those people that have nowhere else to go, what are they suppose to do? What about all the rest of the population? Shouldn’t there be “Small grants for students” or “People who just got fired after working at the same place for 15 yrs” I feel that the associations should broaden to whom they are willing to help out.
Of course there should still be some restrictions. It should be a legitimate idea, and have everything they need to prove it would work. But I don’t think that they should deny anyone just because they don’t match the “rural area” or what ever other restrictions these companies may have. In my opinion, we are all supposed to be helping each other better the communities and make more jobs. Lets start on that, and make the economy better again.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
You must really want it.
I learned a lot of valuable information from the experts in the field and the ones that I researched in the past. Start with the idea, and expand from that. That was great start to the business plan. I have had this idea for as long as I remember. I did my research, I made sure I had the correct information, and made sure that my business idea was unique and had the opportunity to stand out.
I made sure to look at the business plan in a “critical light” as Dave from Growthink had mentioned. Make sure to know the backgrounds, 100% believe that I am right for this venture. And after researching many things about this industry, I know that I am absolutely the right person for the venture. Whenever it comes to actually want to get investors for my Idea, how to find the right audience, proving that the idea will work, and having a marketing plan are all super important in landing the right investors for you.
Experts are really the way to go. Look at there past mistakes, and make sure you do not do the same thing. Make yourself believe that you are going to be successful, and know 100% of what you’re talking about and then you can pursue others to believe the same.
Having the idea in the dream is where you start, after that its all up to you to make it all a reality. You must know the right words and direction to push yourself in. Most of all DO YOUR RESEARCH. Know what you are getting your self into. You must really truly want it.
I made sure to look at the business plan in a “critical light” as Dave from Growthink had mentioned. Make sure to know the backgrounds, 100% believe that I am right for this venture. And after researching many things about this industry, I know that I am absolutely the right person for the venture. Whenever it comes to actually want to get investors for my Idea, how to find the right audience, proving that the idea will work, and having a marketing plan are all super important in landing the right investors for you.
Experts are really the way to go. Look at there past mistakes, and make sure you do not do the same thing. Make yourself believe that you are going to be successful, and know 100% of what you’re talking about and then you can pursue others to believe the same.
Having the idea in the dream is where you start, after that its all up to you to make it all a reality. You must know the right words and direction to push yourself in. Most of all DO YOUR RESEARCH. Know what you are getting your self into. You must really truly want it.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Banditt Productions
First off, I will give you a little background on what my company is and what I hope it to become. The company will be called “Banditt Productions” and here is the description.
“Banditt Productions, LLC, ensures that 100% of career management needs are taken care of for artists/musicians. Unlike most artist management companies, BP offers the total package, a 360 deal, which offers management, promotions and booking for the artists. By having one contract instead of multiple, the artists can focus on their musical careers, instead of the stress and confusion of having to manage many different contracts with different companies. Banditt productions will be taking a unique approach to this company by working primarily with indie female artists. With this concept it will be sure to expand the interest into a wider market for this genre. BP will be also focusing a lot on live entertainment and having many female driven music festivals throughout the year. The location for Banditt Productions will be in Orlando, FL, but will be able to work with bands/artists all through the United States.”
What sets me apart from my competition?
SWOT
Strengths- Having the unique 360-deal concept. A lot of bands to not know the first thing about how to get their careers off the ground. We will take care of everything for them to the promotional aspects of the industry to artist development. We want to make sure that they never stress out and focus 100% of their careers. We feel that because of this an artist will have the chance of getting further in their career.
Another, key strength is being female oriented. We know the amount of talent female artists have is amazing, and yet seem to be the lesser artist in most cases. Well, we are directing everything around the festivals and company being fully female oriented.
Weaknesses- Breaking into the music industry and having artists that are not that well known yet can be quite hard. There are hundreds of new companies each year that are trying to break in and sign the best artists. It may be a difficult task to get our name really out there and brand the company.
Another, major weaknesses is the location of where we will be basing our company. Orlando has not been the best place for the music scene, even though it is getting better there will be a lot of work to get recognized in the near future.
Opportunities- The Company Festival Republic will be now putting on an annual festival every year in Orlando, FL. This will be good for Banditt Productions because of the reputation that Festival Republic has. We could have the chance to either get some of our artists to play the festival or promote our company at the festival itself.
Secondly, there has been a sudden interest in more female artists. This could be good for Banditt Productions, considering many will have the style of Taylor Swift or other female indie-artists.
Threats- the declining of the industry in the past few years has hit hard, and we feel that it is harder for new artists to really get to the top. We do not want to be one of the companies that do not succeed because of this. This could be a cause to hold Banditt Production back from being successful.
A threat that could possibly push the company forward is the fact that we are branding ourselves differently. We are bringing new concepts that are new to the industry and that are something that has never really been done before.
“Banditt Productions, LLC, ensures that 100% of career management needs are taken care of for artists/musicians. Unlike most artist management companies, BP offers the total package, a 360 deal, which offers management, promotions and booking for the artists. By having one contract instead of multiple, the artists can focus on their musical careers, instead of the stress and confusion of having to manage many different contracts with different companies. Banditt productions will be taking a unique approach to this company by working primarily with indie female artists. With this concept it will be sure to expand the interest into a wider market for this genre. BP will be also focusing a lot on live entertainment and having many female driven music festivals throughout the year. The location for Banditt Productions will be in Orlando, FL, but will be able to work with bands/artists all through the United States.”
What sets me apart from my competition?
SWOT
Strengths- Having the unique 360-deal concept. A lot of bands to not know the first thing about how to get their careers off the ground. We will take care of everything for them to the promotional aspects of the industry to artist development. We want to make sure that they never stress out and focus 100% of their careers. We feel that because of this an artist will have the chance of getting further in their career.
Another, key strength is being female oriented. We know the amount of talent female artists have is amazing, and yet seem to be the lesser artist in most cases. Well, we are directing everything around the festivals and company being fully female oriented.
Weaknesses- Breaking into the music industry and having artists that are not that well known yet can be quite hard. There are hundreds of new companies each year that are trying to break in and sign the best artists. It may be a difficult task to get our name really out there and brand the company.
Another, major weaknesses is the location of where we will be basing our company. Orlando has not been the best place for the music scene, even though it is getting better there will be a lot of work to get recognized in the near future.
Opportunities- The Company Festival Republic will be now putting on an annual festival every year in Orlando, FL. This will be good for Banditt Productions because of the reputation that Festival Republic has. We could have the chance to either get some of our artists to play the festival or promote our company at the festival itself.
Secondly, there has been a sudden interest in more female artists. This could be good for Banditt Productions, considering many will have the style of Taylor Swift or other female indie-artists.
Threats- the declining of the industry in the past few years has hit hard, and we feel that it is harder for new artists to really get to the top. We do not want to be one of the companies that do not succeed because of this. This could be a cause to hold Banditt Production back from being successful.
A threat that could possibly push the company forward is the fact that we are branding ourselves differently. We are bringing new concepts that are new to the industry and that are something that has never really been done before.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Experts are the way to go.
When starting a new business, you must first have the idea. Once that falls into place you have to do your research and create a business plan to allow yourself to get others interested in the company to hopefully invest. Many people out there are such experts in this field of creating the perfect business plan such as Donald Trump, Oprah, Kevin O’Leary and many more. The certain expert I will be discussing is the co-founder of Growthink “Dave Lavinsky” he is very successful and an expert in creating the perfect business plan and capital.
Growthink is a company that is geared towards helping other entrepreneurs become successful. They help anything thing from small new businesses to fortune 2,000 companies. I really enjoyed reading about Growthink, the company is all about positivity and integrity and is all about making sure they “get it done” and “get it done” right.
In a video about Growthink on the company website, David discusses many reasons about the importance and key components of developing a business plan. Some of those business plan basics he mentioned about investors and about how you must keep up to speed with the times. He mentioned that they look at business plans in a more critical light; they want to know your backgrounds, know that you are right for this idea. They are more likely to invest in YOU then your actual plan. You have to have the confidence that it will work, do your market research, and being 100% that if it makes sense for you to even start a business at this time.
Another important thing that really stuck out throughout the video, David said that you must do everything to convince the investor, really sell the idea to them. Find the right audience, what is the importance of the opportunity that would make them more interested in investing in your company. David also mentioned many times that no longer are business plans just an operational document, but a marketing plan, proving that the idea will work.
While studying David and Growthink, I learned many new great ideas about writing a business plan. Growthink would be a great company for a new start up business to look into, they really know what they are doing and most likely are going to be the reason for helping you get just the right investors for your certain company.
http://www.growthink.com/content/david-lavinsky-growthink-and-entreprenurship
http://feedroom.businessweek.com/?fr_story=a6be55484f395148180836b4e80cb8d042fb2c8e
Growthink is a company that is geared towards helping other entrepreneurs become successful. They help anything thing from small new businesses to fortune 2,000 companies. I really enjoyed reading about Growthink, the company is all about positivity and integrity and is all about making sure they “get it done” and “get it done” right.
In a video about Growthink on the company website, David discusses many reasons about the importance and key components of developing a business plan. Some of those business plan basics he mentioned about investors and about how you must keep up to speed with the times. He mentioned that they look at business plans in a more critical light; they want to know your backgrounds, know that you are right for this idea. They are more likely to invest in YOU then your actual plan. You have to have the confidence that it will work, do your market research, and being 100% that if it makes sense for you to even start a business at this time.
Another important thing that really stuck out throughout the video, David said that you must do everything to convince the investor, really sell the idea to them. Find the right audience, what is the importance of the opportunity that would make them more interested in investing in your company. David also mentioned many times that no longer are business plans just an operational document, but a marketing plan, proving that the idea will work.
While studying David and Growthink, I learned many new great ideas about writing a business plan. Growthink would be a great company for a new start up business to look into, they really know what they are doing and most likely are going to be the reason for helping you get just the right investors for your certain company.
http://www.growthink.com/content/david-lavinsky-growthink-and-entreprenurship
http://feedroom.businessweek.com/?fr_story=a6be55484f395148180836b4e80cb8d042fb2c8e
Sunday, May 22, 2011
The Social Media Storm
The social media storm just keeps getting stronger and more demanded in the marketing world. Over the past two years social media has been one of the primary places to market a companies products. I only see this trend to continue as more items move digital and technology continues to take off.
There are many companies/ artists that have great strengths in the social media marketing fields, but there are a few who seem to be ahead of the game.
One of the best companies, that I have seen utilize social media so far is Zappos.com. Zappos is only an online retailer that sells mostly shoes, but clothes and some accessories as well. They are one company that really puts effort into making relationships with their customers, which really drives their successes. Zappos is using catchy and fun sayings to get you to be apart of their company. If you happen to go to their Facebook you will see such things as be in a “Like-Like relationship with us” making you want to like their page, not basically begging like some companies do. It makes you feel as though as you have that option to like them if you want to.
Some companies make you sign up for emails and such before you can like the Facebook page or other pages, here they just let you know that you will receive good deals and “exclusive content” if you would like to sign up for the email list. I really also enjoy the fact that you are able to share what you like about the company on the page. You get to see what others think about the company and really interact with other fans of Zappos.
I have to say the coolest thing, is the fact that they have the “fan of the week” which really engages users to interact with the company. Everyone likes to feel important and having that changes to have their picture on the page and have thousands of people see you is that little fifteen minutes of fame everyone wishes that they could have.
Zappos really knows how to engage the fans with the product and you can see that they take all of the feedback from the customers, constantly updating the social media sites to make the fans happy. It is so smart for a company to reach that “emotional connection” with the fans and really interact with them. This will only be positive and keep them coming back for more.
There are many companies/ artists that have great strengths in the social media marketing fields, but there are a few who seem to be ahead of the game.
One of the best companies, that I have seen utilize social media so far is Zappos.com. Zappos is only an online retailer that sells mostly shoes, but clothes and some accessories as well. They are one company that really puts effort into making relationships with their customers, which really drives their successes. Zappos is using catchy and fun sayings to get you to be apart of their company. If you happen to go to their Facebook you will see such things as be in a “Like-Like relationship with us” making you want to like their page, not basically begging like some companies do. It makes you feel as though as you have that option to like them if you want to.
Some companies make you sign up for emails and such before you can like the Facebook page or other pages, here they just let you know that you will receive good deals and “exclusive content” if you would like to sign up for the email list. I really also enjoy the fact that you are able to share what you like about the company on the page. You get to see what others think about the company and really interact with other fans of Zappos.
I have to say the coolest thing, is the fact that they have the “fan of the week” which really engages users to interact with the company. Everyone likes to feel important and having that changes to have their picture on the page and have thousands of people see you is that little fifteen minutes of fame everyone wishes that they could have.
Zappos really knows how to engage the fans with the product and you can see that they take all of the feedback from the customers, constantly updating the social media sites to make the fans happy. It is so smart for a company to reach that “emotional connection” with the fans and really interact with them. This will only be positive and keep them coming back for more.
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