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?