New Business Support

Developing a business from your passion is quit the challenge.  During the past year I have explored many aspects of what works and doesn’t work for my business, but not without examining financials and networks.  While evaluating current business situations I found that there were many things I did not consider.  One of the major things I didn’t consider was that I couldn’t do it all alone.  A few years ago I read a book by Bruce Judson called “Go it Alone.”  In the book he discussed starting a business with little to no capital on your own.  The examples he used in this book focused mainly on Internet ecommerce businesses.

It has been a crazy journey with may twists and turns.  I have found myself at a true loss, but I realize that anything worth doing is hard.  I took on my first client under my company early this year it is a great contract, but I quickly found that no one will take care of your business like you will.  Everything has been a huge hurdle no matter what I do for this client.  I worked long hours and spent my own money to correct issues.  I found that some times the people you want to count on to help develop your business wouldn’t be there.  I had to get creative if I was going to accomplish all of my goals to finish this contract.  I had to surround myself with people that wanted to do what I was doing with a passion to succeed and break barriers.

Websites like elance.com and guru.com are great resources to find talented people that are self-motivated to do more with their lives.  The most valuable tool I found to help with this business is the ability to recruit talent that will go the extra mile to get the mission accomplished.  My goal is to continue to grow and develop with like-minded people.  What have you seen on your journey either at work or with your own developing business?

The Power of Now

“I am who I am today, because of the choices I made yesterday,” Eleanor Roosevelt.

Earlier this year I decided I was going to be someone I have never been and do some things I have never done.  The power to move now was something that was developed as a result of years of making other people’s dreams my reality.  I incorporated Movis Media Group last year with a plan to slowly build and develop a media management and consulting firm to help brands bring out their voices over a three-year period.  I know the power of having a strong foundation and team.  Someone once told me to tell life my plans and it would laugh at me.  That was truth and I haven’t looked back since.  This new journey has allowed me to both grow and develop into a stronger leader and businesswoman and I owe that to the power of now.

On January 12, 2013 I made a decision to change my life forever.  I believe in the power of now, because I can clearly see that belief and faith have already changed my life forever.  I made a decision to take all options off the table and live my dreams, so I put my plan into action to launch Movis Media Group before I initially planned; however, I have never been happier and more focused building a strong foundation for both my company and my team.

The Power of Now means to remove all excuses in your life make things happen now.  You have everything that is within you today to reach you professional and financial goals. “You don’t have to be great to be started, but you have to get started to be great,” Les Brown.  I first heard this quote in my early teens only to both meet the master, but work with him on media strategy and professional speaking.  Life is full of surprises!  I tool the time to develop myself with people I both respected and admired in this industry.  “Now” can make things happen that some day and tomorrow may never bring to life.  I am happy I planned for this journey and this business, because I was prepared so that when opportunity appeared I could move with urgency.  What things are you putting off until Someday?  

Industry Education vs Industry Experience in Business

I have changed many things from the experts I profiled and researched over the past few weeks.  Some people say that the best way to learn is by doing and I have learned that the statement is very true.  I have changed by business model and my original thinking about my company.  I have found that the easiest answer is never the answer for the long-term situations.  Below are some of my experiences that have shape my thinking.  They discuss some of the big changes I made to my plan.

Although propaganda floods various media outlets one thing holds true, the economy is in uncharted territory, so always give yourself enough space in your budget for unexpected expenses.  As a former active duty Marine I rejoined the civilian sector thinking I should first complete my formal education to support my professional experience. The transition process didn't prep me for the next step. I can't sat what the transition process is for every Marine, but I can say that my immediate chain of command made no effort to ensure my continued success.  It wasn't a completely horrible experience I had to amazing Sergeant Majors that ensured I got the help I needed to succeed on my way out.  Even with their help I realized this was a teaching moment. Have you ever given everything to something only to be met with insult and injury?  Story of my life!

Eleanor Roosevelt said, "I am who I am today, because of the choices I made yesterday."  I started school full time shortly after leaving active duty only to find there wasn't much learning going on the institution.  I quickly found that school was the fastest way to go for broke. Some times you just have to “go for it” as Jayson Whitmore outlines or “Go it Alone,” like Bruce Judson.  I was blessed to be allowed to use the GI Bill enacted to allow veterans to take full advantage of their educational benefits. This is a great program that helped me get through the program with minimal debt; however my peers and even instructors weren't so lucky. While completing school I choose to work full time in an animation studio. During my time at the studio I traveled around the country, represented the company to million dollar clients and international advertising agencies, produced campaigns for international products, and negotiated international contracts.

I learned more from my hands on career than ever in a classroom, but after I finished my Bachelor's degree I choose to continue to my Masters program.  While in this program I decided to take the Movis Media Brand to a new level. We have signed new clients enabling us to operate in the now instead of what could be.  This exciting journey has pushed me to clear the thoughts that a formal education alone has a fighting chance in this economy without many other factors.  Never once has a client asked about my educational background, which I find ironic since that's what is mandatory right?  They focus solely on our results and professional, which can be credited to a proper upbringing. 

What makes an entrepreneur competitive in today's market?  Napoleon Hill wrote a book called "Think and Grow Rich."  This masterfully written text was beyond its time.  Mr. Hill talked about how Andrew Carnegie commissioned him to write this book and capture the inside stories of great entrepreneurs from all back grounds even humble uneducated beginnings including Thomas Edison and Ford.  Someone once asked Thomas edition why he continued to attempt inventing the light bulb after more than 10,000 failed attempts. Mr. Edison said after so many failures success became the only option.

The most important areas I believe investors will focus on when reading my business plan are the financial areas.  Although I know we have a strong concept with Movis Media Group, investors focus on the bottom line information.  What would be their return on investment?  Another key area is the marketing information and how we secure business.  Les Brown was quoted saying, "Shoot for the moon and even if you miss you will land among the stars."  You're more than what you have become go for it!  What do you think?