6 Event Planning Industry Trends

http://trendwatching.com/trends/top15questions/

As an event planning, I am always looking for the latest trends in my industry. It is very important to keep up with how people are celebrating special occasions these days. We are no longer in an age where we want to be traditional. We want something new, different, and creative when it comes to celebrating commencements and weddings, baby showers and bachelor parties, conventions and conferences. So after doing some research, I have found six event planning trends for 2011. You can find the six-industry trend below:

1.     Go social

- This gives you a chance to communicate easily and openly at each and every event, while the event is occurring. For example, displaying an active tweet message board during one of my events. Today it’s much easier to customize different items used for giveaway.

2.     Giveaways

- Free giveaways are things that make people excited about attending events. In 2011 there are several useful things to lookout for, such as: blankets, backpacks, sport and water bottles, high quality coffee mugs, first aid kits, hand sanitizer, digital photo frames, and more. One thing that I have often used as a giveaway, is a free gas card. With gas prices being so high, giving several of these out attracts people to my events.

3.     Forums and meet ups

- Gatherings should be more interactive and less inactive. So, more round table events, and informal meeting are being planned by professional event planners. More people are interested in attending these types of event instead of attending lectures.

4.     Greener decorations

- It is very important to take care of our environment, which I am sure everyone is aware of. To protect the environment, we are now able to use streamers made of recycled paper. Balloons are let out into sky, so they don’t end up in our water or in fields. Decorations should saved and re-used on an consistent bases.

5.     Mobilize and digitize

-Today majority of people are more interested in accessing their phones, laptops, iPods or iPads. Due to this, it is better for an event planner to promote through different social media outlets. This is the quickest and easiest way to research clients. I tend to research my client through Face book, twitter, and my personal blog. Using these outlets, seem to be the best way to promote and market.

6.     Analytics

-It is very important to keep up with the analytics of each event. This truly helps the planner predict their next event and how any people may attend. During my events, I plan to keep track of Who came, their interests, what other events they have attended, and if their going to attend the next event.

Although I ‘am not currently using the all the trends above, I plan to in the near future. I truly believe that by using these trends my business will stay afloat. I want to encourage other event planning to read this and to research other trends in this industry.

Resource http://www.eventswholesale.com/blog/event-planning/6-event-planning-trends-for-2011/

Financing and Funding your Business

http://delta-institute.org/content/funding-financing

Its very important to have financing to start up a business, this is the most critical part of the business. From taking the final business Plan course here at Full Sail University, I have learned of and researched different opportunities, to receive alternative funding. Some people get discouraged about starting a business, because they believe they wont be able to get funding. However, there are angel investor and additional funding sources available to start a business. Below, I will be providing some information on two alternative types of funding that I have found to be very interesting after doing some research.

The US Economic Development Administration programs pushes and promote business development, while trying to preserve jobs. They give aid to areas in the United States that are experiencing all types of financial distress including unemployment and low income, while also working in partnership with federal funded programs and other organizations including Indian tribes. The EDA offers federal funding to the University Center Economic Development Program, accelerators challenge competition, and development assistance programs and other programs. In order to receive funding, the EDA has several key requirements.

   

The 5 key requirements

National strategic priorities

Economically Distressed and underserved communities

Return on investment

Collaborative regional innovation

Public/private partnerships

All applications will be evaluated within fifteen days after the application de date. Information will be posted on the website in regards to all applicants that have been considered, as well all the grants that have been rewarded. You can also find more information at www.eda.gov

The second source of funding is called The First Nations Organization. Which is also known as the First Nations Development Institute.  For the pass three decades The First Nations Organization has been educating and offers grants to support tribes and native non-profit organizations. Their main goal is to support American Indian economies. However, there are a few requirements that a person has to have in order to receive funding. All of the applicants must be legal American Indians and belong to a tribe. You can also find more information on this organization at http://www.firstnations.org. First Nations also has provides policy training, email alert, and updates. EDA website also includes research tools, contact information, and different program funding opportunities. . 

Understand and Applying "Expert" Advice to shape my business plan

http://siteboat.com/what-is-a-business-plan-business-development-series-2/

For the pass four weeks I have been working on my very first business plan and although it’s a lot of work, it took me a lot of time to perfect it. There are still a few more things to add, now that I have reached my very last class here at Full Sail University. However, I have to say that I enjoyed the business plan development course and it has been very beneficial. I will be sure to hold to all the concepts I’ve learned from this course and other experts, and implement them into future business planning. By doing so, this will make the development process much easier. Below I added a list of things that other entrepreneurs, including myself should take into consideration when creating a business plan and starting a business.

1.          Make your product or service innovative and unique

2.          Know your industry/ do your research

3.          Develop, perfect, reconstruct, and modify your business plan

4.          Learn how to utilize, determine, and apply the correct numbers to you financial spreadsheets

5.          Set objectives for future sales and profits

Being unique and innovative tends to make a business more appealing to investors and this will set a business apart from other competitors in that desired industry. It also is very important to be aware of industry trends, competition, and your target market. By being aware and applying these three key components, this will draw investors and clients. The development process is something that you have to stay consistent with on a continuous basis. Investors will take an in depth look on how you convey the information in your business plan. So to avoid mistakes, always remember to review and revise you business plan before presenting it to investors.

Finally, the financial portion is one of the most important parts of a business plan. In order to make a business work, you have to be able to project and determine your financial needs and wants. By setting objectives for sales and profits, this will show that you have made preparations to generate capital. The business plan development course has been a very helpful guide for me; through this business plan development process. This has also been as traffic experience for me and I’m very excited to learn more in my final class. Professor Burheo, I appreciate all the resource and the knowledge you have shared with me on this journey.

"Experts bio's and their views on business plans"

http://www.mysticmadness.com/small-business-plan-two-questions-it-should-answer.html

A lot of times I often hear people talking about starting their own businesses, because they no longer want to work for anyone but themselves. However, I also notice that when a business plan is mentioned people tend to think that it is just too much work. So, business ideals tend to be put on hold or they're never started. I must say that, I'm not that type of person and I going to start my own business. In order to do so, I have to create a great business plan in order to get people to invest in business.

http://businesstraining.com/resources/tag/business-plan-resources/

I am currently in my second to last class at Full Sail University, which I am very excited about. In this course we will be focusing on how to properly develop our business plans. During our first week of class, I have had the opportunity to read through my instructor Steven Burheo’s blog post. It is very obvious that Mr. Burheo is an expert, when it comes to developing business plans. World wide, he has developed more then 75 business plans for different companies.

After viewing the available list of experts on Mr. Burheo’s, I found two female expects to be very interesting and inspiring. Both Barbara Corcoran and Andrea Cockerton give advice that I am able to apply to my business plan. 

http://goodbadandhorny.blogspot.com/

http://mixergy.com/barbara-corcoran-shark-interview/

During her younger days, Barbara Corcoran did not excel in high school and college. After growing tired of bouncing from job to job in her early twenties, Barbara decided to borrow one thousand dollars from her boyfriend to establish a real estate company called “ The Corcoran Group”. Which had progressed into a five –billion-dollar real estate business. Throughout the years, Barbara has also written plenty of inspiring books. A book entitled "If you don't have big breast, put ribbons on your pigtails" and another book called, " Shark Tales".  The book "Shark Tales", explains how Barbara turned " The Corcoran Group", into a billion dollar empire. Which she had  eventual sold for about seventy million dollars. Barbara encourages others because she wants them to become a  wealthy as she is. When giving advice, she always refers to her six do's and don't when starting a business. One the step suggest that entrepreneurs should create a business plan in order get funding for a business. From this, we learn that investors usually don't read through the whole business plan, they usually make a decision based off of their intuition and the executive summary.

http://thebusinesshub.fm/guests/page/2/

After doing some research on Andrea Cockerton, I discovered that she is the founder of Mudhut and the co –founder of Brick Handbag. She was also a member of VBN, a software .com which is an ancestor to social media outlets such as LinkedIn and Face book. Throughout her businesses, she provides services such as investor and commercial pitches, workshops, self-defense, investment readiness, public speaking, and training. Andrea became the director of an innovative and leading angel network in the UK, after the demise of VBN. According to Burheo(2011), “Andrea Cockerton says that the three most important points to mention in a pitch to potential investors are”

1. The target market that needs your product or service.

2. The team’s credentials and ability to follow through with the business plan.

3. How your product or service is innovative and groundbreaking.

After exploring the views of both Andrea Cockerton and Barbara Corcoran, I must say that I’ am now convinced that an efficient business plan would go along way. I have learned a lot from both experts and plan to apply their lessons to my business plan. A proper business plan keeps your business moving in the right direction, and it also gives investors insight on your particular business.  I am glad that I have been able to share the views of experts who write and review business plans. Below I have also attached links, which provide more information on these experts. I have also posted a YouTube video, that tells what an investor my be looking for in a business plan. After viewing this video, i have learned that an investor can determine within three minutes whether they should invest. In this video several key conponients are mention, these are the things investors are looking for in a business plan. They look for these things because they it is easier for investor to determine if they should invest. 

Websites:
http://bpexpertviews.blogspot.com/
http://barbaracorcoran.com/2009/09/six-ways-to-land-venture-funding/
http://www.helium.com/items/1747172-barbara-corcoran-biography-real-estate
http://www.allamericanspeakers.com/speakers/Barbara-Corcoran/432
http://www.linkedin.com/in/mudhut
http://thebusinesshub.fm/andrea-cockerton/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFi_TaCVX8c&playnext=1&list=PLC9DF8608EA667010

Starbucks Success with Social Media

http://gourmet-coffee-zone.com/starbucks-logo.html

We all would love to have marketing success online, whether it comes from Facebook, twitter, and other hip social media outlets of today. However, some companies are doing far better then others. One company in particular would happen to be Starbucks. They currently have 705, 000 follows on twitter and 5,428,000 on Facebook. After doing some research, I see that they have taken several step to become successful online.

Please see the steps below:

1.     Starbuck joined twitter: By doing so, they are able to answer questions, retweet, and see what consumers are saying about the product.

2.     Starbucks Joined Facebook: which allow them to invite people to different events and upload other content.

3.     Starbucks joined YouTube: 48,000 people have subscribed to their channel. This allows Starbucks to upload videos, which helps people relate to the brand.

Starbucks owns different social media networks, which allows people to share ideas, give suggestions, and feel as if there are apart of the decision making process. I have joined and subscribed to every social media outlet that Starbucks has. However, I must say that I really enjoy their blog the most. I say this because different employees blog throughout the day, which keeps it interesting. They always tend to keep us updated on a daily bases, which I love. I would have to say that I wouldn’t change anything about their strategy, and I plan to apply all the tips to my business. 

Website: http://thenextweb.com/2010/01/11/starbucks-formula-social-media-success/

Servey

<iframe src="https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform?formkey=dHFsNjE4Y3d4YVpCZHhISDhBR2FySHc6MQ" width="760" height="1591" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe>

<iframe src="https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform?formkey=dHFsNjE4Y3d4YVpCZHhISDhBR2FySHc6MQ" width="760" height="1591" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe>

Promoting With Video Production

My overall goal is to some day own my own event planning company.  After graduating from full Sail University, I will be working on my event planning certification. The events that I would like to host would be weddings, parties, meetings, concerts, and tradeshows, etc. Last month, I had decided to plan a party just to get my feet wet. To be honest, I would have to say that the party was a total failure. I believe that it would have been successful if I promoted my event differently. Although I failed, I am not planning to give up and I will be hosting another event this month. However, I want my second event and future event to be successful as well. So, I have done some research on how to promote my events in different ways. One-way would be hiring a production company to video my next event, or I could just video the events myself.

After reading an article called “How to Use Video Production to promote Your Event”, I now know why web videos are one of the best ways to promote different events. Although this article talks a lot about hiring a production team, I think that it would be better and more affordable for people to video themselves. The article gives several very good useful tips, such as:

1.   1.Create a video about your event, so that it can be uploaded to YouTube, and then linked to Face book

2.   2.Video to draw new sponsors and participant /create DVD

3.   3.Use video for press release to promote your next event

4.   4.Stream video through social media outlets such as Face book, Twitter, and YouTube for a buzz

By applying these tips to my business, this will allow me to have success the next time around. Just recently, I have noticed that I have more people interested in my events. This is due to the creation of my businesses Face book page. Although, I don’t have a video of my first event, I now plan to post videos of future events on all of my social media outlets.  Hopefully, these tips will help other people promote and market their events as well.

Website:

http://www.apexvideoproductions.com/blog/50/how-to-use-video-production-to-promote-your-event/

http://www.rmk-media.com/

http://avision2market.com/newsblog/

Advice and Women in Entertainment

I am currently taking an “Entertainment Media Publishing and Distribution” course at Full Sail University. Although class is coming to an end, I must say that I truly enjoyed it and I have learned a lot.  As an up and coming artist, I was unaware of some of the things that I needed to make it in the music industry.  From taking this course, I have learned how to find the right agents, how to create a query letter, a press kit, and how to find the correct sites for self-publishing. The greatest thing about this class is the fact that we are able to collaborate, give advice, tips, and share industry news. Although I am able to take in all this knowledge, other people may not be as fortunate. This course has inspired me to share my knowledge with those people. So every week, I will be posting a blog that relates to the entertainment industry or the music industry.

So for my first blog, I will be giving advice on how to find an agent and what to include in the contract. As an artist I have a habit of looking for a talent agent, publishing agent, and a music-booking agent. When looking for the right agent, it is always important to do research. Everyone isn’t lucky enough to know someone who is working in the entertainment industry, so this is why I encourage people to do their research. Today, it is much easier to just use the Internet to find an agent. Technology has also made it easier for those who do not live in a city that targets entertainment to find all types of agents. Online, we may run across dishonest people, so always remember to check the agent’s credentials. Once you find the agent that fits your needs, always remember to review the contract with your agent.

In the contract please remember to specify exactly what you are going to do. Whether it is singing, producing, writing, or other things dealing with the entertainment industry. The contract should not last longer then three years. Finally always discuss what you expect your agent to make, as in money. Normally, an agent will not make more the 10%, when it comes to certain things. So as an artist, my agent will receive 5% of personal appearances, 10% of generated revenue, and 10% for film, radio and TV.

Websites:

http://law.freeadvice.com/intellectual_property/music_law/agency_agreement.htm

http://www.allmusicindustrycontacts.com/index.html

For my second blog, I would like to discuss an article that I came across a few days ago.

This article was based on an event that took place on May 5, 2011 at Drexel University. A few well-established women working in the music industry discussed gender barriers they broken to build success and they also gave the students industry advice. This panel of women included Rona Elliot, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame board member, Stacie George former WKDU DJ, Joan Myer who has worked for several well-known artists, and Vanessa Parr, who graduated from Berklee University. All of these women are doing completely different jobs in the industry, but they all agreed that the music industry was cutthroat and demanding. It was clear that all of them have experienced some form of sexism. However, they gave tips on how to fight against sexism in the music industry. I like the fact that they encourage us to be creative and win the respect of our male peers in any industry. This event was created because one of the students couldn’t fine powerful women in the industry, when doing some research. The reason why I wanted to take sometime out to write about this article in my blog is because as a woman I need some encouragement. I also want other women to know that they don’t have to accept sexism, sleep around, or flirt to work in the music industry. This also shows that we as women can be more then just video girls, singers, and rappers. Sometime I feel like giving up because I am a woman, but after reading this article I know that I could do any job in this industry. I just have to continue to working hard and show men that I can work just as hard as they do. So for any female reading this blog, please take the time to review the attached article. It would also be good if you reached each female that was included on the panel, to see what they are doing and how they may have changed the industry. 

websites:

http://thetriangle.org/2011/05/13/women-in-entertainment/ 

The basic of torts and how they apply to my business

I am currently enrolled in an advance entertainment law class at full Sail University. However, class will soon come to an end but I am proud to say that I have learned a lot in the last few weeks. In this class, I was able to see how companies and people take legal action when a law is broken. I am also able to interpret different case studies; this is due to the Monday and Tuesday night wimba sessions. The subject that held my interest the most would be tort law. After learning about several of them, I begin to do a little more research. So for my blog assignment, I decided to focus on torts and how they could possibly affect my business. Below, I will be summarizing three podcast that I have found during my research.

My first podcast covered “The 3 basics for finding liabilities” by Mark Montgomery from the “The Life of a Law Student podcast”. This website offers valuable information that focuses on defining what a tort is. A tort can be defined as an illegal act that is committed against one private party by another. A tort also deals with two things, criminals and contracts. Mr. Montgomery offers information on how we could use torts to address the wrongful party. Which deals with compensation and deterrence. He explains what modern torts are and how they come from the second writ of trespass on the case or action on the case.  Which can be seen as an indirect action involving a tort. Finally, I have also learned that modern tort law has three bases of liability. The three bases are: intentional conduct, negligence, and conduct that could be either intentional or negligent. To review this podcast please refer to the website that is cited at the bottom of this page. Mr. Montgomery, will take you through several tort cases and how the plaintiff must prove the defendant to at fault or not at fault.

http://skyblufox.deviantart.com/art/Assault-and-battery-138366495 

 The second podcast “Civil battery and assault” refer to intentional torts specifically. There are also a number of different intentional torts that can be defined. In this podcast Mark Montgomery, describes in detail civil assault and civil battery as the first two intentional torts. When it comes to battery, a person intends to cause harm or may want to scare another person. To obtain the definition of a law, it is easiest to refer back to a restatement of a case. The American law institute made this possible by conveying these restatements in the place of common law. Montgomery, also refer to a 1704 case that was held in a New England Trail Court. Not only does this case have several different meanings for battery, it also states that battery may occur out of anger. However, battery has evolved and anger is no longer included. This is due to people not being things out of anger. They are aware of what they are doing, and maybe be doing it just because. Montgomery defines assault as unwanted or offensive contact. So in other words, the defendant must place victim in reasonable apprehension of harmful contact

http://www.pedigolaw.com/services/personal-injury/false-imprisonment/

The third podcast covers false imprisonment, which is another form of an intentional tort. It is always good to remember that torts do not require damages; the injuries symbolize an invasion of rights. Montgomery, use the example of some spiting on someone else as a form of an intentional tort. Even though, the person may not be able to show proof of damages in this type of situation. However, this should never discourage the person from taking action against the other.  When dealing with tort case, the judge will determine the award and maybe focus on punitive damages. The reason for this is that the judge is trying to discourage the guilty party from ever doing this again. False imprisonment case can be described as someone violating your liberty. Which is your freedom to move about, were and whenever you want. The restatement will also give several definitions of what false imprisonment means. With lawful confinement there doesn’t have to be an act of physical restraint.  Mark Montgomery also refers to a case that deals with a police officer on duty, he happens to see a dog wondering around. He follows the dog home and comes in contact with the owner. The police asked the owner to she her driver license has she got out of the car. The women refused and the police officer threatened to take her to jail if she didn’t. The women was eventually arrested and taken to the police station. She was convicted of a lease law, however she did win the case for false imprisonment. Her didn’t have to produce a license for the police officer because they were not deal with a motor vehicle issue. This cause was clearly about the victim dog being off the leash.

In conclusion, I feel as if all three podcast where interesting and informative.  I have learned that a tort deals with either criminal or contracts cases. With intentional torts, I will always remember that damage will not have to be required. As a business owner I can definitely apply these laws to my business. There maybe times were I might have to deal with someone committing assault or battery at one of my events. In the event that this occurs, I must be prepared to take action. If there were one thing that I have learned, it would be to always refer back to the restatement of a case to determine what a law means.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/loals-torts/id215667454

Entertainment laws and Intellectual Property

 I am currently enrolled in the entertainment business program at Full Sail University, were I am also taking an advance law course. Although we are only in the first week of the course, I have really learned a lot. I want to some day own my own business, but I didn’t take the legal side into consideration until now.  This week I have had the chance to listen to several podcast that where related to the entertainment and law industries. Throughout this blog, I will be sharing the knowledge I have gained from this course and several podcast.

 http://zunia.org/post/intellectual-property-and-developing-countries/

The first podcast that I covered is titled “ Intellectual Property: Protecting Ideals, concepts, processes and plans” by Andrew Mirsky.  Mirsky is currently working in a Washington law firm, with a practice in new media, intellectual property, non-profits, and technology. This podcast also features Neal Seth (guest); he is currently a partner in Baker Hostetler’s Washington, DC office.  These guys discuss the problems businesses are facing when developing new ideals. Neal Seth offers advice to entrepreneurs who are just starting a business. Throughout this podcast, he takes you through the basics of how to protect your ideals.  He also gives a clear definition on what a patent is and what it can and can’t do. I now know that by patenting my ideals, I could prevent someone else from making, selling, or using my ideal. However I now know that cost plays a major and is an issue for small businesses. If there were one thing that I have learned from this podcast, it would be to consider trade secrets when I want to keep my ideal a secret.

http://mirskylegal.com/2011/01/podcast-3-intellectual-property-protecting-ideas-concepts-processes-and-plans/

The second podcast refers to the doctrine of “Fair Use”, when it comes to trademarks and copyright. Ernest Grumbles and Joe Bennett is the host of this podcast radio show. Throughout this podcast they will be interviewing Prof. Bill McGeveran, who is currently s professor at Minnesota law school.  Today, the Internet plays a heavy a role in “Fair Use” because a lot of things are available online. In the first part of the podcast they discuss trademark laws. There isn’t just one doctrine, they come from different places and they can be different activities. I have learned that “Fair Use” can be referred to a word that has been used a lot but can’t be used anymore. Something new that they have discussed happens to be nominative use. Which refers to the brand, and being sued for using the band without permission.

http://bpgradio.podbean.com/

The third Podcast, cover entertainment law and give updates on what’s going on in the legal world of entertainment.  This podcast targets entertainment lawyer and is also hosted by entertainment lawyers. Throughout this podcast, several cases are being discussed and I have decided to pick the two that interest me. In the beginning of this podcast, they are discussing the Google’s smart phone called the “Nexues One”.  The term “Nexues six” was used in the book entitled “ Do Androids dream of Eclectic Sheep” by Philip D. Dick.  Dick’s daughter believes that this is an infringement of their intellectual property rights.  They also discuss a case were Fox News used some footage that was recorded of Michael Jackson by Shuffle. Shuffle currently has the rights to this footage and is now suing Fox News for copyright. Infringement.  The podcast gives you a chance to hear the different opinions of entertainment lawyers. I think that it’s very important to hear these cases, especially when you’re interested in working in entertainment 

 http://www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/2010/01/entertainment-law-update-podcast-episode-8-rights-of-publicity-et-al/

Tremayne Eubanks "Manager & Producer"

This pass week, i had the liberty of interview Tremayne Eubanks. He is currently working for a company called "Norman Music Group". Not only is he a manager, he is also a producer at this company . He is also currently managing groups and artist such as "LiL V & DAE DAE".

ME: How long have you been working in this industry, and what made you interested in this field of work?

Tremayne:I have only been doing management for 1 or 2 years now but I have been doing production since I was a teen and the thing that got me hooked on the industry was the fact that it gave me the opportunity to network and be creative.

ME: Have there ever been any major challenges you faced, including with the artist’s you manage?

Tremayne:Definitely have had a number of challenges, one of the biggest is just the willpower to keep perusing your passion even when it seems like things don’t go your way. The major challenge with artist is scheduling and dealing with different personalities.

ME: How did you work through these challenges to get the job done?

Tremayne:Sometimes I have to take myself away from the situation to allow myself time to clear my head and then go back in and get it done.

ME : Are there any other experiences that you would like to share?

Tremayne:Just make sure you don’t allow yourself to get discouraged because there are going to be some tough times ahead, and remember that your degree doesn’t guarantee you ANYTHING in the industry

ME: Since I am interested in working in this industry, what advice would you give me?

Tremayne:Make sure you stay in the loop and updated with all the latest trends as well as knowing the legal side of the industry. Network ever chance you get. And don’t be afraid to speak your mind if there is something that you are not clear about or satisfied with.

ME: What do you think are the important qualities you have to have to be successful in this Field?

Tremayne:You defiantly have to be driven and self motivated and you can’t be afraid to meet and greet.

ME: What would you consider the hardest thing about this field of work?

Tremayne:Getting you foot in the door

ME: What do you think about your experience so far, and could you see yourself doing this for a few more years?

Tremayne:It has been a great ride so far, I am still learning and if things go the right way I can see myself doing this as long as I a physically able to.

I have really enjoyed conducting  this interview with Tremayne. From this i will always be encourage to keep networking to get my foot in the door. When dealing with certain situations, it maybe be best to just walk away and come back to it later. I will continue to follow Tremayne on his journey, as well as staying driven and motivated to work in the entertainment field. 

Websites:

http://www.facebook.com/r.php?profile_id=62300710&next=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.

http://www.rocbattle.com/forums/member.php?u=77386

http://www.reverbnation.com/lilvdaedae

"ETCH-A-SKETCH" Manager

During this pass week, I was given the opportunity to interview a young man name Rashad J. Smith. He is currently working in the entertainment industry as a first time manager. He is a manager for a company called “ETCH-A-SKETCH COMEDY”.  This company consists of several types of artist, such as comedians, actors and singers. The soul purpose of the company is to give people an experience of a lifetime, while also being able to laugh and enjoy their selves. Through sketch comedy, the crew is able to reach their fans through their real life experiences.

Rashad Smith is a native of Rochester, New York and a recent graduate from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. Smith’s tenure in college consisted of him being heavily active with campus organizations including executive roles in Student Government Association, Residence Life, Student Affairs, Student Activities and serving as the President and Step-Master of his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In addition to his on campus involvement, Smith served as the Marketing Representative for Black Entertainment Television (internship) where he held responsibilities to uniquely promote BET’s programming and special events. Smith hosted a number of cultural events plus his own college blog spot radio show through his internship at www.swaggertv.com. Smith even tried entertainment in politics as a summer intern for C-SPAN in Washington, DC.

Interview

Me: How did you get started in the industry and how long have you been working in the industry?

Rashad: I have always been interested in Entertainment – since I can remember. It’s been a part of my life forever. When I was younger, my uncle would create talent shows every summer and would choreograph about 8 groups each year. At the end of the summer we would put on an extravaganza for the community either in our backyard or in the McDonalds parking lot. From then, I know I wanted to focus on being a mogul in entertainment. While in college, I made it a priority to involve myself in everything possible in order to work on my leadership skills. I never was afraid to meet people and talk about my vision. I challenged myself and applied to internships that countless persons applied for. I always got the job! Because of my acceptance into difficult problems and internships I knew that the entertainment business was definitely a GO for me!

Me: Since this is a new experience for you, have there been any major challenges you faced, including the artist you manage?

Rashad:  While in undergrad, I learned that when dealing with performers of any genre there would be challenges. As a leader, I understand that not everyone has leadership skills and our not business minded. It’s my responsibility to take charge and assist. The challenges will never go away. The most challenging component is trying to get a bunch of talented individuals who are not so business savvy to be business savvy. For new artist who have not been exposed to different aspects of the business, you have to be firm with them and remind them that the business is as important as the talent. In many cases, the business is more important. The talent can always be replaced but once the business is disordered it can ruin relationships and become tragic.

ME: How do you work through these challenges to get the job done?

Rashad: Well, when you deal with a team, a group of people, of course it’s more complicated when dealing with just one artist. You have to make sure that everyone is on one accord and understand that business is business. For example, if we as a team made a commitment to participate in an event then I hold everyone responsible for keeping their commitments. You would think this is common sense right? Wrong. Again, when people are not as business savvy you have to re-iterate the importance of taking responsibility and how it can negatively affect the entire company if just one person is off. So being firm in dialect is key for me.

Me: Are there any other experiences that you would like to share?

Rashad: Not necessarily experiences. If I did that I’d be giving away all the business of the team. And that’s not cool. You have to be careful about the information you share because it can possibly ruin the image of you and your artist. Then again, we talked about the challenges. Now, if we spoke about what I enjoy the most, then I can speak forever. Some of the things that I do enjoy the most are being able to have a number of individuals put their trust in me and for them to understand that their careers are in my hands and I kind of hold the key to their success. Trust is important and I’m glad I have a team that can trust my managing skills and the decisions I make for them.

Me: Since I am interested in working in the industry, what kind of advice would you give me?

Rashad: Every day I have to encourage myself. I have to remind myself about an excerpt from a poem I learned while pledging that says: “success begins with a fellow’s will it’s all in the state of mind.” We all want to be the next Oprah, Diddy, and Bill Gates. But we have to know that they too struggled and made things happen. Their success came from a dream that they made into a vision. If we keep working towards our vision, without a doubt, it will soon blow up and then we will be the next best thing!

Me: What do you think are the important qualities you have to have to be successful in this field?

Rashad: Personality is everything to me. For me, it’s being excited about life. Excited about your vision. Excited about being excited. It’s about having good self-esteem and feeling good about your work. It’s about being personable. It’s about supporting others. It’s about being that IT factor in someone’s life. When you give off love it’ll come back to you in ways that you wouldn’t imagine. If you posses all of these things, then success awaits you.

Me: What would you consider the hardest thing about this field of work?

Rashad: Again, challenges will always be around. For the most part, there’s nothing too hard for any of us that we can’t handle. Just be persistent and all the puzzle pieces will form themselves. (Corny, but that’s a good way to be)

ME: What do you think about your experiences so far, and could you see yourself doing this for a few years?

Rashad: My experiences so far are cool. This is what I want to do forever. As time goes by, I’m sure my experiences will be more memorable. I’m living it day-by-day and working hard as well. 

I have really enjoyed interviewing Rashad, he has giving me more insight on becoming a manager. If I have learned one thing from this interview, it would be the that there will always be challenges working in this industry. I will continue to follow Rashad through this journey and hopefully I am able to learn more from him. 

Websites:

http://eascomedy.com/

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1372830031

An Interview with the University Negotiator

• 

Once I graduate from full Sail University, I plan to open my own event planning company. I plan to have an entertainment department, so I now that I will have to do some type of negotiating. At this time I am currently working at Johnson C. Smith University in the student activities department. I do not hold a high position in this department, but we as a whole are responsible for being entertainment to the campus for the students. From working in this department, I am able to learn a lot from my fellow employees.

I was given the opportunity to interview someone at the university who happen to be the liaison for the school and the entertainers.  He may not work in the entertainment industry directly; but I am still able to get some insight on negotiating. The person that I had the change to interview is Charles Amerson. He is the Director of student activities here at Johnson C. Smith University. He is also the person I am currently working under. He is actively working with businesses and entertainers in the entertainment industry in a deal- making capacity, who negotiates as a regular part of doing business.

Me:   As a Johnson C. Smith employee, please describe in detail your position, and the department you currently work in

Charles:  I am the director of student activities here at Johnson C. Smith University, and I book student focused entertainment for the University.

Me: In what ways do you implement negotiation into your work from day to day?

Charles: I deal with entertainment contracts and event operations among non-related departments of the university. As a small University, we depend on the cooperation of outside departments to ensure proper event execution.  Regularly meeting with service providers and open communication with agents and artists is key.

Me: How do you separate the people from the problem when negotiating

Charles:  By understanding that everyone is doing their job and looking out for the individual welfare of their area. There are ways that everyone can get a benefit out of any deal.  Identifying what those benefits are early is crucial to good negotiation.

Me: How have you used leverage and power to move forward in negotiation with an entertainer

Charles:    I do not feel that I have.  My personal ethics calls for even bargaining strategies.  If I am interested in booking the artist I go forth and work towards a win-win situation understanding that this is how the artist makes his/her/their living.

Me: Explain how you may have used objective criteria to get what you wanted out of a deal

Charles: I don’t tend to think of it as objective criteria.  I work within budget and timing constraints that are presented to me.

Me: How do you deal with dirty trick and tricky tactics

Charles:   Most campus entertainment comes under a code of ethics established by the National Association for Campus Activities.  If I come across anything such as a dirty trick I would report it to that body.

Me: When negotiation with entertainers, have you every incorporated mutual benefits. If so, please explain how?

Charles:    NACA Cooperative buying is a win-win for both the University and the artist by the two means below:

 
1.University gets discounts on booking act

2. Artists is ensured multiple concentrated dates in which he/she can perform

Me: How do you deal with negative emotions in negotiation

Charles:    I don’t.  I move on to a similar artist. I believe in keeping emotional ties out of negotiation and sticking with a logic perspective. Emotions makes negotiation more one sided rather than win-win.

Me: If you could give me any advice on negotiating, what would it be and why?

Charles:  you have to understand what your motivations are in negotiation. Whether, it has to do with something that will be taking place at the University/venue, or getting paid.  Keeping it focused on the basics and realizing how to keep everything win-win is often the utmost importance.

This interview was as valuable as the work I see Charles from day to day. I get to see first hand how to negotiate a contract with someone who may work in the entertainment industry. I have learned how to take a small budget and create a large event. I may not want to work directly in the entertainment industry, but I do want to work in the event planning industry. So, what better what to some knowledge and some experience? I have been working in student activities for over a year, and I know how to negotiate artist contracts, book venues, and how to do a successful event. 

  Websites: http://www.jcsu.edu/athletics.htm