Week 4 Reflection: RISE Self-Evaluation

Hello Everyone,

This is my WK3 self-evaluation; I really enjoyed everything we worked on in this class. I feel the information we gained in this class will be really helpful when creating business plans for our own company or possibly someone else’s. I had a great attitude going into all the projects and assignments we worked on this month. Sadly, I did have a lot of personal issues that kept me from being able to work on everything the amount of time I would like too but I did screen shot the steps and saved everything so I can go back at a later date when I have more time to work on the different things I would have liked to spend more time on.

I would have like to have been able to make my company a nice logo, since this is a company I do plan on opening one day I feel a logo is something important I need to stamp on the photos so they can’t be edited and so that I am able to add it to my business plan and my social media pages, blog, and website.

I think by exploring the different activities we did I was able to learn many things I didn’t know how to create or work on before. I also learned the importance of having everything nice, neat, and organized when going into a lender to get funding for m business. Having a business plan will show the lenders the plans of my business and how I plan on keeping the business running without going into debt.  

I know I will use almost all the information I learned in this class in my future career. I do plan to open this Photography business one day and now I have the first steps started to getting me going on my business plan. Although, there are some things I would like to change on my plan after reviewing some of the other students work I will now have the ideas and soon the time to sit down and put all this into place.

I look forward to taking the next class these past few classes have taught me so much helpful information I have even been able to use with a side business I just started of my own with another company. I am glad I had the chance to work with you all this month. I wish you all the best in these net few classes before graduation.

Regards,

Mandee Rodriguez

Week 4 Reflection: RISE Peer Review

I am providing feedback for Lauren Benzo’s WK3 Project. First, I would like to start off by saying I enjoyed having the chance to be able to work with you and review your work this month. I think your company will do well in today’s market with social media blowing up and a lot of people still not understanding how to successfully use social media with their businesses. Teaching a business owner or someone of their choosing to run this portion of their business is always smart but sometimes business’ don’t realize how important social media can be in building up a business.

I was curious as to what the letters “D.Y.M.E.” stood for in your business name I don’t recall seeing if there is any meaning at all or if they are just letters you put together. I saw a few grammar and spelling issues that could be fixed such as when you mention you could film “in the whole state of New York.” Correctly, it should be “State of New York.” These are all common issues and typos that happen so it is always important to have someone read over your work if possible or try to proof read it for yourself. I do understand sometimes others can catch common mistakes you don’t notice because they haven’t been working on the project as long as you have.

Gorilla Marketing is a great way to get information out about your business. I have found this way of marketing to work quickly and effectively if you stay on top of everything. I really liked the way you put together your finances now that I have seen your project I need to go back and make some revisions on my own you gave me several great ideas. I think you did a great job putting everything together. I would just proof read the information one last time as stated above. It was great to work with you this month.

Thanks,

Mandee Rodriguez

Link to project. 

Week 3 Project: Finalized Business Plan

This week we put together the rest of our business plan. I enjoyed this assignment and I was able to understand something better that I learned in the previous class. By knowing how to put together a business plan if we intend on using lenders we will have the plan to support our business.

WK3 Finalized Project

Analysis: Financing

This week I worked on finding out different financial options available to me for starting up my photography business. I really enjoyed this project this is something I feel is vital to being successful as a business owner and now I have all the tools and information I need so I wont make common mistakes. Attached is a link to my Prezi. Enjoy!

Analysis: Financing Prezi

Week 3 Exploration: Graphic Designer & Artist Coach

Sparky Firepants Images

The only thing that really caught my eye about this company is the income and how it went up $10,000 in the first year and then close to $30,000 the second year. After reading how hearing how he said the smartest decision he made was not posting his work on Craigslist or other websites to help bring in business. I am a firm believer of using social media, your website, flyers, and word of mouth. I don’t think I will alter my business plan after seeing this one. My aim is in a totally different direction and each industry has different tricks and rules to go by to be successful.

Room on The Edge- Artist Coach

I enjoyed the review for this company she has a lot of good information and insight’s that could help my business. I love how she has similar situations as myself 2 small boys just trying to make ends meet and be able to be home with her family while making money. It was very inspiring to read the part where she lost all her clients,  but she didn’t give up she found other ways to generate new clients and bring money into her business, that’s something I can admire. Most would have given up and not even looked back. I feel most of her issues were money issues and the timing not being right. From this I will make myself a 6-12-18-24 month goals for my company and where I would like to be within each time frame within my company.

Week 2 Project: Business Plan - Part II

Industry Analysis and Trends –

The photography industry is growing rapidly every day. Each day another photographer is taking that huge leap of faith and turning their passion into a business. Right now, the photography business is booming, everyone somewhere is wanting to get pictures taken professionally whether it be for a wedding, birth, party, maternity, school, or whatever the occasion may be.

I know my business will do great in the photography business. I will be offering cheaper rates so that it’s more affordable for my clients and they’re able to get professional pictures done for their occasion. I think some barriers I might run into is that from the start I will be using local locations, the clients house, or a location of their choice for their photos. I know a lot of clients prefer to go into a studio setting for photos. To get around this barrier I have different offers and options available to customers that may have an issue with this.

 

For the future, I know things are changing daily so I will be staying on top of keeping myself involved with other local photographers and classes available so I have the most up-to-date information and tools available to my clients so we don’t run into any barriers.

Target Market-

My business will be competing with other photography business around Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. Personally, I feel my business will be competing against all photography businesses because I am willing to travel further distances to meet my customer’s needs.  My target audience will be all ages, both men and women, looking to have professional taken pictures for the right price.

The market size for the photography industry is huge and is growing more and more by the minute. I feel photography is a business would be hard to fail at because people are taking pictures constantly, but having someone there to take the pictures for you, edit them professionally, and have high quality photos printed for a fair price is something everyone would prefer to do. I see a ton of my personal friends and family go out and buy professional cameras but when it comes down to editing the photos and having them printed at a local Walgreens or CVS isn’t what they would prefer to be done.

Since the photography industry is already booming and as mentioned early is growing rapidly each day I feel the market will be strong and as long as I put in the work and provide my customers with fair pricing, professional photos, and great prints I shouldn’t have a problem building my business successful within the first year.

My business has several advantages with the target market. Someone is contacting me because they need photos done that are going to be professional, on time, and memorable. First I need to find out the customer’s WIN’s (wants, interests, and needs) Once I am able to establish this I know I will gain a new client. My portfolio and reviews on my company will be something important to gaining new clients and keeping them as repeats.

The Competition-

A few of the competitors in the Los Angeles area specializing in the same area as my business includes, White’s Studios, Kristine Ovsepyan Photography, and Dual Pixel Studio.

At White’s Studio’s they offer senior portraits, dances/proms, sports, and business photos, amongst others. Kristine Ovsepyan Photography offers, newborns, family, maternity, and children. Dual Pixel Studio specializes in taking photos for marriages, ceremony’s, party’s, family’s, etc. The advantage my business has over all the other companies listed is, I include all the service combined between all the companies at my company. So basically, I am a one -stop shop for all your photography needs I am trained in doing photos for several different types of shoots. The big thing my company has compared to the others is my prices are more affordable making it more comfortable for the client to be able to hire someone for their photography needs.

I feel I might run into some barriers because I am new to Los Angeles so social media, blog, posters, and word of mouth are going to play a huge factor in building up my clients. Whereas most of the photographers here in Los Angeles have been here for a while and are well established. (i.e. they have friends and family to tell as well)

Resources;

Ovsepyan, Kristine, (2015), on September 12, 2015, retrieved from

http://www.kristineovsepyanphotography.com/

Dual Pixel Studio, (2015), on September 12, 2015, retrieved from http://www.dualpixelstudio.com/

White’s Studios, (2015) on September 12, 2015, retrieved from http://whites-studios.com/

Week 2 Analysis: Competitor Research

I enjoyed working on this assignment because I was able to see what the businesses in Los Angeles were missing such as reviews; I feel having reviews on your business will help your business to be more successful. One thing I always do when I am buying a car, going somewhere new, etc I always checks the reviews on it first. Also, by doing this assignment I was able to realize I should be able to start off my company without having a studio first. This assignment helped me a lot, glad we were able to do this.

Business: Kenneth Dolin Photography

This photography business specializes in head shots. This business operates out of a personal studio in Los Angeles, California. Kenneth does sessions in his studio located in Los Angeles. The owner Kenneth operates Kenneth Dolin Photography. “ Over the past several yepars Kenneth has taken head shots for mulitiple Golden Globe, Emmy, and Academy Award winners.  couldn't find any ratings on his company which is something I would suggest to him to have all his clients leave feedback about his photography. 

Business: Next Exit Photography

Next Exit Photography specializes in wedding photography.Next Exit Photography is ran by a married couple, Cat & Addie Benner. Next Exit is located in Los Angeles and the photographers travel to the location sites of the weddings for their shootings. Next Exit Photography is the winner of California Wedding Day Magazine's Best Wedding Photographer in Los Angeles and also seven-time winner of the Best of the Knot Award. Once again with this company I wasn't able to find many reviews. However, with the award they have won I feel that may be enough to get new clients for them but as always I still suggest reviews.

Business: Tommy John Studios

Tommy John Studios specializes in Engagement, Newborn, Family, etc. I wasn't able to find any information on if this business has a studio or not. From what I read, the photographer travels to different locations throughout Southern California to meet his clients. Tommy John operates the business himself, from taking the photos to editing them. This photographer works all over Southern California. I didn’t see any reviews for Tommy John Studios, I would also suggest to this business to have their clients leave reviews, I ALWAYS read reviews before I go somewhere, buy something, etc.

Week 2 Exploration: Photography & Adventure Travel

This assignment was to show us background of other companies and show us what has worked for them and what hasn't worked. In the studies you will find success and failure. These assignments give us ideas of what to look out for hen we one-day start up our business. I enjoyed working on this one!

Review- Photography

I can relate with the photographer at Junshien Photography, since I also have an interest in having my own photography business. After reading that opening his photography business has been worth it and a dream come true for him. It motivates me to work harder towards my dream. From what I gathered it seems like the key to success in a business such as photography is connecting with your clients and listening to their needs so you can best accommodate your client and get repeat business. I don’t think I will alter my business plan in any way after reading this case.

Review- Travel

This case study shows a lot of common mistakes people make when starting up a business. I often ask myself, “Can you really plan to have a successful business?” I believe you can, but this isn’t something that happens overnight and it's not something that will happen without putting in hard work and dedication. I think after reading this review I am going to look more into my marketing plan for my business. I agree marketing is an important key to success. I will take each step of the process of my business with caution and always look out for new ways to enhance my services.

Week 1 Project: Business Plan - Part I

 This assignment was to help me understand how to put together a successful business plan. This is something I have been wanting to work on for a while and this assignment helped me to better understand how to put together a successful business plan. I will use this as a rough draft for my business plan and go back and revise as I learn more.

Enjoy!


Company Description
Operations and Management

Week 1 Analysis: Vision & Scope

Vision and Scope

This activity helped me to better understand the steps I will be taking to start my own business. I enjoyed going into depth about different aspects of owning my own business. This was a great activity I enjoyed working on it.

Company Name: Mandee's Photography Studio

Mandee's Photography Studio will offer several different photography services. Such as for weddings, graduations, births, maternity, family photos, friends and much more. This company will hold a high standing name by the professional work we provide our clients with. As the owner, I will be in charge of capturing images, editing photos, and finding out what services will best fit my clients needs and budget to assure my client is happy.

My business will remain in local in the Los Angeles, California area. However, if requested we will travel up to 45 miles for a small fee and mileage paid. My clients will be local Los Angeles residents, and residents from surrounding areas such as Torrance, Long Beach, Santa Monica, Venice, Hollywood, South Gate, Whittier, etc. This business will includes myself and my husband as the owners. Our main goal is to do most of the work ourselves until we get well established and are able to hire help. One day in the near future we will have a studio to capture indoor photo shoots for our clients and this will be our main office.

The customers we target can range from anyone looking to have professional photos taken for themselves, for an event, newborn, party, wedding, birthday, etc. I will work with local newspapers and local bloggers to get my work out there to bring in more business for myself. I will also utilize social media to arise awareness of my business and work. I will work together closely with my husband for any business advice I may need for my business to assure a successful outcome. If needed we will seek outside advice from professionals.

Our goal is to have this business up and running by the end of Winter. By Spring time 2016 I hope to have a studio for capturing indoor photos and using as a home office for our photography business so we can expand offerings to our clients. After the business is open for 6 months – 1 year I feel it is vital I find a studio for my business. I will purchase a Mac computer for my studio. Other items will be needed as well for the studio such as a printer, backdrops, props, etc.

I am creating this business because I have a passion for photography and I love to capture pictures for others and myself. Photography has always been a huge part of my life, and being able to capture precious moments for others makes me happy. My clients will come to my studio to get all their photography needs because they will see the high quality of work, professionalism, and how well we work with our clients. Clients will keep returning to us for photos because they want a special moment to be captured so they can cherish it forever. I believe a bank would invest in this business because people are always hiring photographers to capture moments for them.

I will finance this business personally and off of money made from photo sessions, and selling my ItWorks products. One day I would like to have 1-3 employees depending on how the business is doing, and wat our budget can afford. I have a really good feeling about this business and I am excited to get started on this adventure.

I know this business will be successful for my husband and myself. Between the two of us we have the skills and knowledge to run a successful business and keep our customers happy and spreading the word on to others. I want this to be a family oriented business, we have children so that is something important to us and I can see it being something important to potential clients. 

Week 1 Practice: Business Structures

This is my Week 1 Practice Assignment Mind Map. The purpose of this activity was to understand the different types of businesses and to show us what we could possibly benefit most from in the future. I enjoyed this practice assignment it really showed me the difference between Corporations, Sole Proprietorship, etc.

Link to my Popplet

Week 1 Exploration: Web Designer & Serial Entrepreneur

The purpose of this activity was to show us other information on businesses that were started up by people just like us with an idea and the will to succeed. I really enjoyed these case studies they gave me some ideas of what to and what not to do with my business. 

Review for Soapbxx

I have so many ideas I would like to do with my husband to start up our own business from a photography business to Social Media handling for businesses that need help getting everything started, kept up to date, etc. After reading this case it really gave me the inspiration I needed and some good tips on having employees and being able to pay yourself as well.

I think by budgeting and making a strong business plan it will help my business to be successful without over spending, not bringing in enough to pay employees, etc. By keep everything in order and having my finances in order this will help my company to be more successful. I believe organization is an important key to someone or a business being successful.

After seeing this case study I will make some changes to my business plans I have for myself. I know by starting a business there will be many risks to take and by getting all the information I can before hand will help me to not make common start up mistakes.

Review for Cloudred

I like how he said he took a “leap of faith.” I agree moving on from working for a Cooperation for years to owning your own business is a leap of faith because you don’t know will happen a year down the road or even 10 years.

Hiring someone else to help you with work with a big client is always a risk you never know if the person will deliver or not. For myself, I like to just complete all the work myself so I know it gets done and I know it is done the way I like it and if anything bad comes of it I only have myself to blame.

I don’t think I would alter too much from reading this case study. To be honest it didn’t have as much information as the first case study for Soapbxx.

MCBS Blog Post

When I took Graphic Design and Communications we were learning how to work with Photoshop which was something I had little experience in at the time. I enjoyed working with this piece and using the different tools available within Photoshop. I created this banner to fit a Facebook cover photo for a business my husband and I run together. I am adding this piece to my portfolio because it is something I use to promote my business and can benefit my future business. I changed the font and decided to go with Noteworthy and a different font to make the name of the business stand out. I changed the coloring and text from when I first created it. I don't remember the feedback because we took the class a while ago. I chose this piece to be added to my portfolio because this is something I would like to use to promote my business. I am seeking a 1 Star Rating for my project.

MCBS Portfolio Submission.

I would like to submit this project for a 1 star rating to my MCBS Portfolio. I created this a few months ago in Professional Communication and Presentation. I feel this piece should be added to my Portfolio because it helps an employer get to know me and my qualifications in a short amount of time. I created this project with Keynote and searched for different pictures online to add to my presentation as well as some of my own personal photos. I got really good feedback on this assignment from my instructor and my peers I haven't made any changes to the project because I didn't have any suggestions and I felt happy with the outcome of the project. Please share any feedback that could be helpful to making my Professional Persona Presentation better.

Link to my Slide Share presentation.