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Tips and tricks in the game of business

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Running a business isn’t a skill you are born with, it is one that is acquired.

Simply getting the foundation correct before you hit the ground running is difficult. Building a worthy business plan can’t be done overnight and once the emails have begun piling up, you find yourself seeking help.

Meet four entrepreneurs. They come from all areas of the city, some even the country. Starting a small business isn’t a “piece of cake” to say the least, but with their life lessons, dedication for being the best at what they do and intimate passion for their creation, they are able to reflect and give tips to help shape your masterpiece. 

Thinking of going into business with friends?

On the rise: Brandon Pope 

Team member of: Noria photo and networking smartphone application

As a recent graduate of Ball State University, Pope serves as vice president of marketing and communication for a mobile photo sharing and networking application called Noria. The app provides users with a filtration system for photos.

When working with friends, Pope says you must leverage your skills with others and be sure to choose people based on what they can bring to the table. “There is power in numbers,” said Pope. “It makes working through problems and finding solutions easier when there is an established level of trust and knowledge of each others’ strengths and weaknesses. If you choose wrong, it could tank your business before it even gets off the ground.”

Pope says his team of six, including CEO and founder Anthony Sparks, are scattered all across the state and coordination is key. He recommends using Google docs, conference calls and group message threads to connect.

Want to make a guest appearance?

One the rise: Lanae Stovall

Creator of: Lanae Monique Designs

Stovall, creator of Lanae Monique Designs, is a contemporary fashion designer in the Midwest who has been featured in numerous fashion shows. Last year alone, she participated as a New York Fashion Week and Midwest Fashion Week designer.

Participating in smaller community events and well-admired events such as New York Fashion Week isn’t easy. You must get your foot in the door first before you are qualified as top of the line.

Stovall says it’s all about promoting yourself so that people will begin to recognize you before you ask to participate in a popular event. “My own personal self-marketing technique is to promote, share and network,” said Stovall. “I also share new items or promotions available through social media such as Facebook and Instagram. Last but not least, I network as often as possible and take opportunities to get involved in charitable benefits.”

Stovall believes preparing for a major event is endless work but very beneficial. Finding out how to contact the correct people in charge of the event is a challenge on its own, but Stovall has learned to use social media to her advantage. “I was originally discovered by Plitz Fashion Marketing in New York through Facebook after posting pictures of my latest collection in 2012 with Midwest Fashion Week,” she said. “I then was invited to attend Plitz New York Fashion Week in February 2013.”

Is the business plan not going so well?

On the rise: Courtland White

Creator of: Rootz Inc. wireless technology

Instead of building his business plan alone from scratch, White decided to take a new approach to help make his dreams a reality. The Harbor Accelerator program is located in Charleston, S.C., and helps entrepreneurs not only develop their plan, but execute as well. White searched for business accelerator programs and investment opportunities online and came across Harbor Accelerator.

“I think programs like these are incredibly important to minority entrepreneurs, but a lot are unaware of the opportunities,” said White. He says the opportunities he gained from the program have helped his company progress to another level, and he recommends the program to all minorities. “Out of the eight companies involved in the last program semester, I was the only minority-owned tech firm, but they treated me equal.”

Programs such as these are valuable which is why White says it can be tough to get involved. “For start-ups and entrepreneurs, I recommend sites like Angel.co for assistance with creating a nice executive summary, establishing direct connections with Angel Investors, and finding business accelerators around the world to apply to.”

Can’t do it alone?

On the rise: Sparkle Myers

Creator of: Makeup By Sparkle

Going from full-time software engineer to a business owner featured on the “Today Show” is just what Sparkle Myers has accomplished within the last few years. While working her full-time job, Myers continued to pursue her love for makeup artistry part-time. Last year Myers launched her own line of cosmetics, Makeup By Sparkle and now has two studios in the Indianapolis area.

With creating a company comes developing your brand and Myers knows firsthand what the process is like. “It is important to understand your product or service and what you want to represent,” said Myers. “This involves creating your plan that involves your mission statement, vision, goals and objectives. Once you have completed that exercise, you can branch out to the fun, creative part of your brand with the logo and visual components.”

Once the basics have been completed and you’re attracting more customers than you can handle, it may be time to hire a team. Myers says developing a team is different for every business owner.

“I am a makeup artist and esthetician, I understand beauty and skin. However, I understood from the beginning that I would need a HR person, a publicist, an accountant, as well as other beauty and skin care professionals. Having them on board from the beginning has proven to be very beneficial for MBS.” She says it helps the team to be proactive versus reactive.

 

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