Education, Trends and Technology

The event planning industry is becoming more and more popular in the workforce, Entertainment Industry, and Social Environment.  Event Planners are becoming more of a high demand. The higher the demand the more competitive the industry will become. Love Jonz Soiree Inc. has been working to develop a brand and become one of the most reputable event planning and management company in the industry.

As a recent graduate of Fullsail University I have learned that through research and development of our business plan I know the importance of understanding the industry. I know who to stand out form my competition and how to identify what new current trends and technology will enter the market of my choice. I have learned that the event planning industry is rapidly growing and flourishing throughout the world.  The Event Planning industry is a billion dollar industry with many sub section that allow event planners to tap into the market by focusing on one area or all areas.

Although we are to believe the event planning industry will survive the economic depression. What the event planning industry wont get away from is the consistent change in trends and technology.  A lot of Event planners are now focusing on some of the technology. While most industries have become a paperless environment, the event planning industry will began to use more paperless technologies.

According to a article about The Latest Trends in EventPlanning, The Meeting Planners Guide reports that

“Technology is the way to go for the modern event planner. Most event planners are going high tech and developing softwares that enable the event attendees to get an idea of the event online, even before the event starts. Attendees are able to select their meals and even meet other event participants online before the start of the big show.”

In addition to the change in technology event planners will become more familiar with one of the newest trend call “GO-GREEN”. Going Green was design to for business owner to offer a more environmental friendly setting. Go Green is becoming more and more popular in the Event planning industry. Offering a Green environment can mean more business. Knol  BETA put out an article which list the 10 steps to a greener Event. The more Green is introduce to our society the more popular Green will become all industries. This will be a winning service for event planners to provide, it not only helps the environment but also is appeal to the new modern market.

References:
http://themeetingplannersguide.com/latest-trends-in-event-planning/
http://knol.google.com/k/regonline-marketing/event-planners-its-time-to-go-green/qfywfpljrkfe/7#

It takes money to Make money!!!

It takes money to make money in every aspect of owning a business. This is something I was taught in my undergrad program. This is something I am currently learning in my masters program. We all have dreams and visions and if you are an aspiring business owner you will need financing to bring those dreams and visions to life.

With the right business plan, Elevator Pitch you can obtain the right amount of financing and funds from investors who are just as inspired as you are to see your plan come to life.

There is funding for individuals from all economical class. For those who wish to seek funding and are low income in family size Opportunity Finance is an institute that provides private funding to individuals that come from many disadvantages communities.

http://www.opportunityfianance.net

Another funding for individuals with economical issues and distress communities would be Economic Development Administration E.D.A. The findings from this source is granted quarterly. EDA also has a trade and investment program which is to promote the Obama Administration’s Export Initiative.

http://www.eda.gov

There are many, many other companies that provide small business seminars and class about financing, and how to obtain financing and grants to fund their business. To qualify for some of these loans Income, Credit, and region can sometimes determine whether or not you will receive funding. Some lenders require you to have your business plan prepared and a host of other documents.

Disadvantages to some of the lending websites are the limitations for what you can and cannot due once the lender approves the funds. Then you the Advantages for using certain lenders such as low income, families that live in distressed communities.

My advice to new small business owners who wish to obtain funding is to make sure you do research, attend seminars that are available to individuals who wish to start up a business. As I stated in the beginning of the blog in order to be successful and in order to make money you must have a solid business plan and access to investors and funding.

Listed below you will find a host of websites that provides grants and funding for small business owners.

·               http://wwww.opportunityfianance.net/

·               http://www.microenterproseworks.org

·               http://www.cdfi.org/

·               http://cfed.org/

·               http://www.eda.gov/

·               http://www.fistnations.org/default2.asp?id=69

·               http://www.oweesta.org/

References:

www.instantcreditapproval.com Retrieved January 14, 2012

Experts View! My Vision!

Up until almost 4 weeks ago I did not realize how important a business plan would be and how it can successfully help me throughout my journey. Since the beginning of my Business Plan Development class I have been following some of the top Event Planners in the industry to help encourage me to see my vision through. I have learned that just because I have the educational background my learning does not stop there. This is something I’ve learned not only from my industry experts David Tutera and Preston Bailey but also from Jayson Whitmore a former student of Full Sail University.

I have learned that in order to be successful you must know your competition. With that being said I have decided to research my market a little more and learn more about those who could come off as a competitor; those whom would potentially be consider my competition. Both David Tutera and Preston Bailey would both be competitors of one another but being that they both serve to very different markets allows them to both be successful in the same field. I know that there are many event planners in my area and in order for me to stand out I must display uniqueness, I must prepare myself and do my research and know exactly whom it is I am targeting.

Being that I am starting from scratch with my business I know that I have a long road ahead of me, and a lot of work to do. I also know that it takes money to make money and in order to be successful with my business I need to develop a plan that will appeal to investor in a way so that they will be willing to lend the money to help me start my journey on the road to success.  There is not one part of my business plan I feel is more important than the other. Most peoples down fall in business is that they fail to plan (John Beckley). I feel like the entire plan from the Executive Summary to the Target Market on down to the Financial Data all holds the same amount of importance. Along with all of the key point the investor will look for I believe my creativity, my passion and my determination to be on top, will WOW the investors and let them know I am completely serious about my work and making sure my business is built to last. 

References:

Full Sail University. (2011). Jayson Whitmore: BPD Business Plan Video. In Full Sail Online. Retrieved November 14, 2011, 

http://course.online.fullsail.edu/index.cfm?fuseaction=lms.activitiesDISCUSSION&activityId=522777&deliveryId=1060336

David Tutera (2011) Retrieved November 14, 2011

http://davidtutera.com/index.php

Preston Bailey. (2011) Retrieved November 14, 2011 
http://www.prestonbailey.com/

Isabel M. Isidro. Power House Biz. Tips for starting a business. Retrieved November 14, 2011

http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol2/competitor.htm

 

Preston Bailey & David Tutera Motiviation to Success!!!

The key to a successful business is a well-put together plan. Business plans takes time and effort, so you have to make sure you cross your “T’s” and dot your “I’s”. There are several successful business owners and entrepreneurs who have mastered the field of writing and reviewing business plans. The Graduate Program at Fullsail University put’s their student in the position to be able to develop a successful plan of their own.  This months entering in the Business Development Plan class we are focusing on individuals who are experts in the field of writing and reviewing business plans.

I have a high interest in the event planning, managing and design industry. There are several individuals who inspire me to move forward and strive hard to be successful in that field. Preston Bailey and David Tutera two successful event planners that know what it takes stand out in the industry.

Preston Bailey was born and raised in Panama’. At the age of 19 he moved to New York where he began his fashion Career. Preston Bailey has always been innovative, unique and creative. These traits encouraged him to focus on a career in the events industry. Preston Bailey has made several national television appearances.

David Tutera at the age of 19 took on some advice from his grandfather and opened up an event planning business. Today David stands as one of the most well known recognized event and wedding planner. Tutera has been honored by several magazines and currently is the host of a primetime show “My Fair Weddings” which is aired on We tv. Tutera has seven books in the store that will assist individuals with party planning and event planning. David is also a partner for Mon Cheri Wedding Collection. In addition to Tutera’s wedding collection he also has a bridal jewelry line that is online and at locate sear stores. With all the work he has created, David has had the pleasure to featuring on several national television shows.

Just from following Both Bailey and Tutera, they both are definite examples of individuals who conquered and mastered their business plan. When working on a business the first thing one should keep in mind is that it cost money to make money. Tutera and Bailey had a plan and they both put their plan to work. I’m sure that the steps that were taken were different but the end rests were the same. They mastered their plan and made sure that the key components were there to carry out their business plan.

I have always been a huge fan of David Tutera, and Preston Bailey both of them motivate me in several different ways to make sure my plan is in place so I can share the success that the two of them have endured. I am currently in progress to being certified through Preston’s course, preparing myself to get hands on experience on how to master the industry as he has done himself.

Investors look for certain key components and require that those key components are strong enough to paint out a perfect picture that is believable enough for them to believe in you as well. The key components are the foundation of your business plan without that key component, and or if those key components were not as strong as an investor would prefer your business may not succeed. I have learned more than enough through out my education and following my role models that it’s not always as easy as it seems. Yes it will take hard work to complete and develop a strong business plan but it can be done. Along with a strong business plan you must also have faith and believe in what you stand for this two will also determine the success of your PLAN. 

Reference:

http://portfolio.prestonbailey.com/about-preston/ Retrieved October 28, 2011

http://davidtutera.com/index.php Retrieved October 28, 2011 
http://Finance2business.com/ Retrieved October 29, 2011

Rohnda Abrams. Succesfull Business Plan Secrets & Strategies 5th ed. California 1991-2010

Oprah Winfrey and Donald Trump Master the Plan!!!

Business and life goes hand in hand. In order for either to be successful one must have a plan. You have to lay down a sold foundation and build upon it. Those who are unsuccessful the ones who fail to plan. I remember working for a multi level marketing company the CEO would always say, “People don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan” (Primerica). This month in my Business Development Plan class we were ask to select two experts in the field of writing and reviewing business plans.

When thinking about business and success there are two individuals who inspire me to do more than what is expect of me to do to be successful. Donald Trump and Oprah Winfrey. Both have over achieve and over succeeded in the areas of business planning. The Both of them are very successful, they both have their or had their own television show and most importantly they both give back and allow views as my self to have the same opportunity they have had to succeed.

Oprah Winfrey was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi; in 1954 she lived a very trying and challenging life. At a very young age she was molested by some of her moms relatives, close friends, and boyfriend (angelfire.com). During her teen-age years she was able to go and live with her father and that is when the good of her life began. Oprah started out in television and radio at an early age. Oprah attended Tennessee University as a communications major. She was a co-host on a morning show called people talks. In 1981 she was hired at a talk show in Chicago and in September of 1985 they rename the show Oprah Winfrey. With in the first few years of the Oprah Winfrey show it had became one of the most successful show aired.

Donald Trump born in Queens, New York in 1946. Trump was a very bright student who attend The New York Military academy at the age of 13. He graduated from high school in 1964, and graduated from University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Economics (Biography.com). Over the years Donald Trump became a successful real estate developer. Trump brought hotel chains creating wealth and finding out all about business early own. His father was also in to real estate as well. As time moved on Trump start his own television reality series the Apprentice in 2004 in search of his newest underling (Biography.com).

Both Donald Trump and Oprah Winfrey took two very different routes in becoming successful, but both had to have a very strong business plan to get to where they are today.  I see myself as the female Donald Trump and use Oprah Winfrey as my idol to keep me motivate towards success. Both of their views has been outline throughout the fullsail University program in some shape, from or fashion.  Without a plan in place how can you expect for your business to have great success? JulieWise wrote an article on how to build your business Oprah Winfrey style. Julie talks about how no matter what industry you are in you can learn how to successfully build your business from Oprah Winfrey. Julie identifies three of the most important strategies Winfrey uses to build a business: Managing relationships, defining your purse and focusing on core value (Julie Wise).

Your business plan has to define some key components investors looking for in a business plan. Those components are: executive summary, company history, marketing plan, operational strategy, and financial statements if you are seeking money. These components allow investors to see your vision and believe in your vision. Winfrey and Trump both had to have master these key components before they could go in a direction of success. All of these components determine the success of your business and weather or not if your business had any chance to stand. 

Taking what I have learned in my Entertainment Business Program at fullsail university, the success from my role models and the journey Donald Trump and Oprah Winfrey to get where they are today, I know that although it may not be easy and nothing will be handed I will continue to work hard and focus on build a solid foundation for a solid business plan. I was always taught anything worth having, you have to put effort and hard work into.

Reference:

http://www.biography.com/people/donald-trump-9511238?page=2 retrieved September 20, 2011

http://blog.abn.org.au/grow-your-business/build-your-business-oprah-winfrey-style retrieved September 30, 2011

http://www.angelfire.com/ne/lliegirls/WINFREY.html retrieved September 29, 2011

Tips on Social Media!

Social Media is the new marketing tool for the entertainment industry. It’s a way to keep your current clients update with information about current and ongoing information. Social media allows you to save money and time while allowing driving new audience to your business. I was reading a website called Clicknewz, this website gave me several tips and advice on using the social media network.

Listed below you will find smart ways to use social media successfully.

“1. Map Out A Clear Objective Your social media plan should stand on its own two feet, and not even include “how to get better search engine rankings”. Consider how you would use social media properties if the search engines did not exist. Ideas to consider in your overall objective might include:

• Branding
• Networking
• Exposure
• Relationship/Trust Building
• Customer Relations

2. Customer Comes First While mapping out your objective, consider what your customer – or your ideal website visitor – wants to see from you. Get an image of that ideal person clearly in your mind, and consider what they see on their end with everything that you do. They are the person you ultimately want to attract into your funnel, so you want to make a great impression no matter where they find you on the web.

3. Consistent, Quality Content The content that you post to social media properties should be both consistent as in regular updates, and also consistent with your overall message or objective.

If you are an MLM recruiter for example, provide quality resources for recruits. If you own an ecommerce gardening site, offer gardening tips. Whatever your message, you want to make it consistent across the web. At the same time, being consistent with your message and your branding lends towards your goal of relevance and theming when it comes to SEO.

4. Focus on Content, Not Marketing Too often I see people get this backwards. If you focus on valuable, high-quality content then that content will do the marketing for you.

You shouldnt be digging or bookmarking your own content, but rather writing such great content that your readers give it an unsolicited digg or stumble. Your job is to write, and provide easy access to social media services where your readers can share your content with their friends & groups.

When people like what you have to say, they will share it – period. And when they share it, the search engines will take notice. Write something great, and let the rest happen naturally!

5. Caution: Dont Over-Optimize! Obviously you want top search engine rankings for specific keyword phrases, but be careful… because there is such a thing as over-optimization. Using the same anchor text everywhere that you link to (or request a link to) your site leaves a ‘digital footprint’ too, throwing up a red flag that you may be trying to manipulate the search results.

To avoid this, you want to use natural variations in anchor text for the links that point back to your primary website. You need a certain number of “click here” or similar links to give balance to your optimization strategy.

6. Stop Linking To Your Home Page “Deep Links” or links pointing to internal pages on your website (or blog) help to give it authority and depth. It is not natural to have hundreds of links pointing to your (general) home page, and none pointing to your internal content pages.

Social media is all about micro-topical discussions, so consider how you can introduce internal sections or pages of your website into these conversations.

Tip: Your home page may not be the best link to share with someone you meet while networking on social sites. Consider linking to your “about me” page instead for a more personable introduction into your site.

7. Be a Valuable Resource There’s a reason its called Social Media, and not Self-Promotional Media. Keep that in mind when you are considering what you will post to your social media properties.

If all you post is self-promotional links and requests, you will eventually become a part of your readers “noise” and ultimately be filtered out. They may not unfollow or delete you, but they will begin to scan over your posts and tweets without even realizing it.

Avoid this by becoming a valuable resource in your niche. One way you can do this is by sharing links to domains that you don’t own. And I don’t mean your own squidoo lenses or MySpace profiles – I mean domains you have ZERO association with. Provide value to your groups.

You mean, you want me to *gasp* promote my competitors? Yes – and become friends with them too. Interlinking and networking is powerful!

8. Use Social Networking To truly achieve your social media objectives; you’ll have to do some social networking too. Forget the word “competitor”. Other publishers or webmasters in your niche are your best friends in the social media landscape!

One of your goals should be to locate every competitor on your level (or within reasonable range) and create an “inner circle” of friends or business peers. These are people you can interview or be interviewed by, exchange links, joint venture with, etc. Stop looking at them as competition, and start looking at how you can leverage each other’s position in the marketplace!

Tip: Don’t ask for favors. And don’t flaunt the favors you do. Simply follow, comment on, link to, or otherwise become “known” to select publishers in your niche and I promise that they will notice… and generally begin to reciprocate. Given a little time the relationship will form naturally and be mutually beneficial.

9. Build Rapport Get involved in discussions, reply to blog comments, ask for feedback (and then respond to it and act on it!), etc. People want to know that you’re a real person, and not just a bout spitting out links and sucking in cash.

Don’t be afraid to have an opinion or to express your thoughts on hot topics within your niche. Your unique voice in the market will attract your ideal visitors and customers.

Social media gives you an opportunity to be personable. An ecommerce site has its limits when it comes to establishing trust and building long-term customer relationships, so use social media as an opportunity to truly connect with your target market.

10. Link Freely – And Don’t Apologize For It! This is somewhat of a combination of tips #3 and #7. (Terry Lynn).”

 Refernce: Click Newz 

I follow a lot of individuals in the event and planning industry and I have notice that Preston Bailey, Mindy Weiss both are very knowledgeable and keep current with their entire social media network. If you would like to find out industry tips, new information and where they are currently accessing either their blogs, website, twitter will keep you current. Both individuals follow the 10 steps listed about and more. 

Reference:
How to use social media successfully. Terry Lynn. http://www.clicknewz.com/1689/how-to-use-social-media-successfully/ Retrieved September 17, 2011

Digital and Fashion!

It was just a matter of time before some one would come up with the idea of online dressing rooms, 3D Fashion. I’m my opinion this would take the digital industry to another level. This would be good for the fashion industry and a great thing for Event Planners such as my self who plans weddings. This will give clients the opportunity to select their attire virtually without having to break their busy schedules.

Deschamps article on virtual fashion talked about how this technology would be very benefical to Japan, DeChamps believe that the 3D fashion would have a huge sale impact in Japan. I believe it would have a huge sales impact all over the world. There is a American company that has come up with the idea to enable consumers to use a 3D body scanner that will create a avatar of their body to allow them to try on cloths. This 3D online fitting room would be a big hit. It will help decrease the amount of returns items, consumer will be able to shop on line and they will be able to see first hand how the items look on them before the product arrives.

As a event planner and image consultant I am overjoyed. I’m sure this technology has a long time before it hit out market but trust and believe when it does Love Jonz Soiree will be on a roll.

Reference:

MJ Dechamps. September 2011 just-style management briefing: 3D technology in the fashion business.

http://www.just-style.com/management-briefing/3d-technology-in-the-fashion-business_id112058.aspx Retrieved September 3, 2011

http://www.cyberware.com/products/scanners/wbx.html Retrieved September 3, 2011