Starting a Publishing Company

From Chandra Adams of Adrolite Press

#1 You Need A Business Plan
#2 You Should Have A Business Checking Account
#3 You Need A Marketing Budget
#4 P.O. Boxes are helpful in separating your personal life from our business life
#4 You will need ISBN numbers
#6 You should copyright all publications
#7 You will need a business license
#8 You will need to keep track of your revenue and expenses for tax reporting
#9 Think about if you want to run your business as a sole propietor, partner, limited partner, or corporation, or non-profit – different rules and taxes apply
#10 Sole proprietorship is most simple form of business ownership but does not protect or limit liability against your personal assets, and limited liability status protects your personal assets but not entirely so be sure to acquire business insurance

About the author
Chandra Adams was born in Oakland and raised in Berkeley, California with her mother, father, and five older siblings. She studied piano, loved reading, dance, acting and cheerleading as a youth. She attended the University of California, Berkeley and earned a BA in Statistics and was chosen to speak to the George Bush Administration’s Education Council upon their visit to the university. Adams also attended Clark Atlanta University where she earned a finance MBA.

Chandra began her career as a financial analyst at companies such as Turner Broadcasting System and IBM. After taking a hiatus to write her first novel, Ms. Adams returned to corporate business as a Demand Planner at a Fortune 500 consumer packaged goods company.

Adams recognized her love for the written word during her years at U.C. Berkeley and taught English for a brief time. She authored her first book, Shades of Retribution and launched her own publishing company, Adrolite Press, in 2004. She is also the associate director of the Los Angeles Black Book Expo and co-host of Mixed Matters, a talk show on North Bay Media Review. Adams is the owner and contributor of several websites and blog sites including:
http://www.ChandraAdams.com
http://www.AdrolitePress.com
http://www.SweetHomeVallejo.com
http://www.NorthBayMediaReview.com
http://www.TheManShortage.com

Freelancing

Tips on freelancing from Maven Image founder Desiree Gutierrez:

1. Identify work that you can be passionate about. If you are freelancing you are really selling your ability to labor or work on a project. If you don’t believe in your work you will not give it 100%, and it always shows.

2. Don’t underestimate your value. Do some research and ask around. What are people making that do similar work? How do people in your industry typically invoice and contract with clients? A client may not go with you just because you are the cheapest. In fact, a client may not think you are very good if you are below typical market rate, and you may resent a project that doesn’t pay you fairly.

3. A positive word-of-mouth reputation is the best marketing you can invest in. Start by being friendly and professional with everyone, even people that annoy you. You never know who will bring you your next paycheck.

4. Over-deliver! This is another great way to build word-of-mouth. Offer your clients realistic results and do your best to over perform. This is a great way to insure return business.

5. No excuses! Do the job you were paid to do. Some clients will be more hands on than others, but that doesn’t mean your client wants to hear about every challenge you faced. They are paying you to complete a task, no matter the hurdles. There are some exceptions to this rule, but show discretion.

6. Use hurdles as an opportunity. You will undeniably face lots of challenges while working on a project. Be creative in how you resolve these problems. After you have successfully solved a problem, this is the time to once again show your value. Explain how you used the challenge to save the client money, gain them positive exposure, etc.

7. CYA! Document everything you do for a client. Sometimes projects will not turnout as you expected. It’s important to be able to show a client that you did everything possible for them, and to let them know their investment was not a waste. Identify the silver lining for your client. Even if results were not ideal there has to be a lesson learned. Don’t let that lesson mean that you were a poor investment.

8. Don’t forget to take care of business and know the law pertaining to your work. As a self-employed person you have a lot of business responsibilities including gaining a business license, paying taxes and getting your own health benefits. Learn the requirements in your city/state and your obligations to the IRS. I used various books by Nolo when I was getting started. These books were my bible.

9. Take on projects that will challenge you to learn new skills. Always try to keep up on the latest technologies and trends. The best way to do this is while someone pays you.

10. Fake it till you make it! I love and live by this quote very often. Sometime you will find yourself in new territory and you will not be sure how to proceed. Listen to your gut instinct, call on past experiences, and try to make the most informed decisions possible.

Desiree Gutierrez is the founder of the communications consulting firm, MAVEN IMAGE. Her experience includes a hybrid of nonprofit, social action and entertainment campaigns. Prior to creating MAVEN IMAGE, Desiree was a publicist with ITVS and managed the publicity efforts of the Independent Lens series. She also supported five, KCET-PBS productions, including Tavis Smiley and California Connected. Desiree worked extensively with Artists for Amnesty, the entertainment division of Amnesty International USA, and her freelance clients have included: TNT and TBS Broadcasting, Antiques Roadshow, American Express, The Craigslist Foundation, The Ginetta Sagan Fund, Outdoor Gear, Oxfam International and The Pasadena Pops Orchestra. Desiree has produced numerous successful events including Oscar parties, television launch parties, film screenings and heritage events.

Dating

These suggestions are offered from Kelli and Derrick of TheBlackCouple.com.

Kelli: This is what I think anyone planning to date in college needs to be aware of:

#1 Colleges are full of disease! Wrap up because you never who your “boyfriend of today” slept
with yesterday or will sleep with tomorrow!
#2 Love and college should only go in the same sentence around graduation time. (lol) Don’t let
some boy mess up your education!
#3 College relationships are subject to gossip. You may find out from Mary, who found out from
Jasmine who was told by John that your boyfriend was cheating on you with Elizabeth at a party.
If your man leaves you open to embarrassment, dump him!
#4 Study the books harder than you do his eyes…I know it’s hard but your degree will NEVER leave
you, know-what-I’m-sayin’?
#5 Please do not wear 5 inch heels to class. You should be in there looking at books, not boys!
#6 College parties are dangerous! Please do not drink anything you didn’t make yourself! You can
never be too safe when it comes to date rape.
#7 Always conduct your first date in an open place with lots of other people. Don’t allow yourself to
be alone with a boy until you’re SURE you know his character.
#8 I understand its college and money is tight but the MAN SHOULD ALWAYS PAY FOR THE DATE!
#9 Too much alcohol and dating do not mix…learned this one the hard way…
#10 If he has a “reputation” as anything other than being a gentleman, head the warning! People
gain reputations for a reason so beware of the “Ladies Man.”

Derrick: These are the things I’d tell anyone going to college:

#1 Don’t fall in love too quickly.
#2 Don’t spend more time with her than in class.
#3 If she has a reputation for being loose, RUN, RUN, RUN!
#4 The women to date seriously are the ones studying, not partying with you! Pick ladies who have
their priorities in order.
#5 All that glitters that ain’t gold.
#6 If your boys would rather chase women, party, drink and do everything under the sun besides
taking their studies seriously; cut them loose! You are who you hang around.
#7 Now is the best time to make connections because the people in your college may be the people
helping and networking with you in the future!
#8 If college isn’t the place for you, get out, stop wasting time and go back to the drawing board for
your future plans. And be prepared to be dropped by your parents financially.
#9 You’re building the foundation for your future, so take these four years seriously!
#10 When adversity occurs, face it head on…don’t run back home.

You have been given advice by two people who started college and never finished for some of the
reasons listed above! Listen, bettering yourself can only make your future relationships stronger, so use
college as a place to be completely selfish and self-involved. Don’t let anything distract you from your
goals and you will one day find beautiful Black Love!

Kelli& Derrick
www.theblackcouple.com
www.twitter.com/theblackcouple
www.facebook.com/theblackcouple

Start a Business

#1. Have a business plan!

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Words to live buy, especially if you are trying to get a loan from a bank or any other financial institution.

#2. Good Bookkeeping.

Keep well organized and detailed books. It makes tax time so much easier. If you are not good at keeping the books then hire an accountant!

#3. Marketing.

Inside your business plan there was a marketing plan right? Effectively execute this plan and reevaluate it from time to time. Make sure it is effective.

#4. Organization

This pretty much speaks for itself. Be organized in all things. This also includes effective time management.

#5. Learn to Delegate

Focus on doing what you do best, hire some else to do the rest!

#6. Networking

It’s not just what you know but who you know. It’s an old saying but it rings absolutely true. Build relationships with people and joint networking groups. Your local Chamber of Commerce is a good place to start.

#7. Form the right legal entity

Whether it be an LLC or an S Corporation, you need the right legal formation for you business to separate your personal assets from your business. This is key.

#8. Leadership

People work with a manager, but people follow a leader! Know the difference.

#9. Passion

You must have passion for what you are doing. You can overcome all your personal shortcomings when you have a strong enough passion for what you do.

#10 Pay your taxes

Another self explanatory thing. Pay your taxes on time and in full. The includes sales, payroll, income taxes etc. The IRS can snatch your dreams from you in seconds!

www.GiantGSM.com

About Lamont Ward

Lamont Ward currently owns and operates Giant GSM LLC, one of the largest cell phone repair shops in Phoenix Arizona. Lamont is a self made, self taught entrepreneur with nothing more than a GED. Mr. Ward also works in cooperation with area sales managers, retail store managers, indirect account managers, and retail sales specialists to align with key objectives and revenue drivers for both the carriers and Giant GSM.

About Giant GSM LLC

Giant GSM is one of the largest and most popular cell phone repair shops in Phoenix Arizona. We have been in business since March of 2008 and have repaired thousands of cell phones. Our expert technicians have a combined 12+ years in the cell phone industry with a comprehensive knowledge of cell phones, cell phone technology, and the cell phone industry in general.

From simple repairs to the most complex, Giant GSM can handle ANY repair for ANY make and model! If it’s a cell phone, we can fix it.

Link:

www.GiantGSM.com

Social Media

Social media is a great way to stay connected with family and friends, and get connected with new ones and expand your long-term professional opportunities. Thus, here are 10 Things College Students Need to Know About Social Media:

1. Be Friendly, Look Around, and Stay Engaged. Do a little research and watch how people interact with others, then jump in and join the conversation! Comment on blogs, make @replies on Twitter, and introduce yourself to someone via Facebook. When you speak for the first time, say “Hi (insert first name)” and mention something that is an area of interest for them and highlight your mutual interests. Remember, most people’s favorite word is their own name and their favorite topic is themselves.
2. Choose Your Network and Friends Wisely. While it’s great to connect with people and actively engage with them, know that everyone isn’t going to be your friend, nor is their worth to your network the same. Don’t just add friends to have a huge friends/followers list. Work on having a connection with all those you’re connected to and make the investment in your network by choosing its members carefully.
3. Follow Up. Your word is your bond, even in social media. If you say you’re going to do something: Do it. If you can’t meet a deadline, make an appointment, or keep a prior commitment: Let people know that in advance. Also, if someone says they’ll get back to you, or that they’d like for you to get in touch with them at a later date: Send a reminder and follow-up to make sure you don’t get misplaced from someone’s busy schedule.
4. Apply the “Front Page of the Newspaper Test”. Though the concept of newspapers and the physical front pages of them are becoming an antiquated idea, the concept of “The Public Eye” is not. Though the throng of “reality TV shows” would have you believe otherwise, “all news isn’t good news”. Before you publish something online to a social media outlet, think “What would my mom/dad/loved one whose opinion I really respect think if they saw this?”. Also, it’s not a bad idea to ask: “What would this look like if it were broadcast to the world?”. If it’s something that can be taken out of context, or make you look bad to potential employers or clients, think again about posting it. Know that nothing is “private” if you put it out there, regardless of whatever “safety controls” that are offered on various social networks. If it’s there, it can be leaked, so if you don’t want EVERYONE to know something, don’t post it!
5. Google Yourself and Protect Your Reputation. Censor yourself (see #4) and edit as necessary. Consider the fact that everything you do, say, or upload to the internet can be archived and potentially displayed in perpetuity (i.e. forever), so remember that when you upload content and make comments. Google yourself once a month and see what others are finding out about you.
6. Take Control of Your Personal Brand. Purchase your name as a domain name now if it’s available, and stake your claim to your name on all the social media networks available. Get control of the information that’s on the web about you, and do that by strategically posting comments on blogs, engaging in online communities, and being mindful about what people can find out about you by doing a Google search. As time progresses and you work on making more of a name for yourself down the road, you’ll appreciate having been proactive about your personal brand and the image you project to the online world.
7. Promote Yourself and Others. Start a blog hosted on your domain name, and start building your personal brand early. Include a nice, smiling photo of yourself, and lots of information about who you are on the “About” page, in addition to what’s the best way for people to get in touch and connect with you. Do a Twitter Search for a topic of interest to you, and find like-minded people, join related online communities, and comment on their blogs. When you see something you like, promote it and tell everyone why you love it!
8. Get LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a great resource and provides a vast professional network that can mean job opportunities, internships, mentoring, career advice, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Fill out your profile with “future-oriented language” highlighting how your past experience has prepared you for future successes. Join groups and send personal messages when you invite people to join your network. Show that you know a little about the person, and highlight some areas of interest you both share.
9. Be flexibly adaptable. As soon as you master a social media application, it will surely change, so continue learning and surveying the landscape for new developments in social media. Find out what others are using and why they like it, and always be willing to try new things.
10. Think Long-Term. College is 4-6 years of fun and learning, but don’t forget to keep your end goal of being prepared to handle all of the responsibilities of adult life in mind in all of the decisions you make. Make social media choices that you can look back on years from now with a fun and familiar grin, instead of a shameful chagrin.

Kindra Cotton Bio:

As a Serial Entrepreneur, Technology & Social Media Enthusiast, and Jill of All Trades (and a Master of Two), Kindra Cotton channels her energies into her small business consulting enterprises specializing in brand marketing, market research, and strategic information consultancy.

When not working on one of her many entrepreneurial business ventures, the transplanted Nashvillian uses her years of expertise with the Internet and web-based technologies to provide resources and advice for online marketers and people looking to promote their brand on the web as Nashville’s Online Marketing Examiner for Examiner.com.

In her spare time (what little there is), she is working to receive her Certification in Search Engine Marketing, and will soon venture into the Career Services field as a Federal Employment Career Transition Coach.

Visit www.kindracotton.com to find ways to connect with Kindra or follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/KindraCotton

Etiquette

10 Etiquette Tips for College Students:

1. Turn off your ringer in class.
2. Address your instructor properly.
3. Arrive to class on time.
4. Don’t make a habit of leaving class early.
5. Don’t eat and/or drink during class.
6. Do not talk during class discussions.
7. Positive/Negative impressions occur within the first 30 seconds of meeting someone.
8. Image is a combination of our appearance, speech, demeanor, and even our people skills
9. Always be ready to initiate and receive a handshake.
10. Wear your nametag on your right shoulder. The eye will travel there naturally when you shake hands.

www.MShannonConsulting.com

Michelle Marts-Shannon is an Etiquette Consultant, Author and Owner of M. Shannon Consulting in Los Angeles, California. Ms. Marts-Shannon presents classes and workshops on social and business etiquette, everyday manners and table etiquette. Some of her classes include: “Introducing a Young Lady, a course with manners, poise and style”, “The Amazing Table Setting Class for kids” and “Teddy Bear Tea Party” The classes provide students with the confidence and skills to succeed personally and professionally. She has a passion to assist youth in their journey of learning and discovery. Her passion to assist youth has inspired her to write a cookbook for young ladies called, “Introducing a Young Lady to Cooking.” She offers programs designed to help young ladies reach their full potential. Michelle Marts-Shannon provides a variety of classes to discuss the importance of etiquette, image, self-esteem and making good choices. Michelle Marts-Shannon believes that by providing a strong foundation for young ladies it can assist them in minimizing situations that will hold them back in life. For example, drug abuse, teen pregnancy and bad relationships. Her goal is to inform young ladies of what is expected of them and to develop strong young ladies with various options for a successful future.

www.MShannonConsulting.com

Running a Paper Goods Business

Starting a Paper Goods business can be relatively inexpensive and a great way to make some extra income on the side. Everyone, especially women, LOVE stationery! Handmade note cards & invitations are often times sought after more so than generic note cards, because of the uniqueness and extra care that goes into making something personal. I have created a list of 10 things you need to know about (or do) in starting your own paper goods business.

1. Have a Plan. Write out a business plan. It doesn’t matter if it is 1 page or 30 pages. If all you have for now is an idea of what you want to do – go for it! It is purely an outline for what you want your business to be about. (p.s. No one checks your business plan. This is for you own records).

2. Software. Find a software program that you can use for designing. Believe me – you do not need a background in graphic design. There are some free design software programs available such as Inkscape. Another example is one of the many Adobe programs (Photoshop & Illustrator). Some of these software programs will offer a 30 day trial for free. Try out a few and see what you like. Spend a little time getting to know the program and you’ll soon be designing your own paper goods.

3. Create & Design. The paper goods you design should reflect your own unique style. Your style may be similar to another, but make sure there is something that sets you apart from another designer. There is something for everyone! Your design/style may not resonate with one person, but will certainly be adored by another. I am not the least bit offended when someone doesn’t care for my paper goods – someone else out there LOVES it. Be true to your own particular style in designing & creating. Design with integrity.

4. Invest in a printer. This investment doesn’t have to be a huge expense. Printers have come a long way since I first began printing my own stationery from home. You can easily pick up a nice color ink jet or laser printer for minimal expense.

5. Legalities. For tax and legal reasons I will also suggest setting up your business legitimately. The cheapest way to do this is to file a DBA with your local county Clerk-Recorder office. A DBA (Doing Business As) is also known as a Fictitious Business Name. Check your local county website for more information and details on how to file.

6. Quality Paper. Once you have created your paper goods, and have your printer, your next step is to get a hold of the actual paper! As I mentioned before, women love paper products, but they also love quality paper goods. There are several online resources for finding paper, envelopes & packaging. I’ll give you a big tip … check out www.ClearBags.com. You will find cardstock, envelopes & for a great price (if you can afford to buy in bulk. If money is a little tight, as it was with me when I first started out, look into using Michael’s, JoAnn’s, or some other craft store. You can find smaller quantities of paper goods in the scrapbooking sections.

7. Price your product. Don’t sell yourself short. You’ve invested the time and money into starting this business, be sure to price your products so that you can be rewarded for your efforts. An easy formula for setting your price point is to add up ALL your raw material. This becomes your cost:

COST x 2.5 = sale price.

8. Set up shop. Now that you have your products and a price point, you are ready to sell. There are a couple of ways to go about this. If you cannot afford the expense of a website designer, there are a few very inexpensive alternatives to choose from. Sell your products on Etsy.com. This is wonderful community of creative people buying and selling handmade goods. You don’t need a merchant account either. Etsy, like ebay, uses PayPal for all transactions. Setting up an Etsy shop is very inexpensive too! You are only charged a few cents to list an item, and then once you sell an item you are charged a fee through PayPal. In addition, there are several hosting sites (Shoppe Pro, Pappa Shop, Merchant Moms, Eco Chic Hosting), these offer inexpensive pre-made templates where you can list your products and sell them online.

9. Spread the word. Getting the word out is easy within your social circle. Send out an email announcing your new business, offer family and friends sample products for free, you can even ask as few friends to host a Paper Party.

10. Do something every day. There are many ways to market your new business daily. When you engage in conversations with people the same questions come up; “what’s your major?” and “are you working?” Don’t be afraid to tell people about your paper business. This business is part of you, even if you are still in school.
Tapping into the social media scene is a great way to generate awareness of your business. Start a blog to compliment your business and be sure to comment on other blogs. Commenting on other blogs will bring others to your site. Offer to sponsor a giveaway on one of the blog you like. Join Twitter or start using your Twitter account to generate awareness. Engage others on Twitter and follow other paper people. Everyone is on Facebook these days, so why not create a fan page?! Do one thing daily.

www.SwankyPaper.com

Heather Cowdell started Swanky Paper in 2005 to offer stylish and fun stationery and invitations at an affordable price. Swanky Paper has built a good reputation in offering a great product at an affordable price, without compromising quality. “I like to say that I fell into designing stationery by accident.” Heather recalls, “I wanted personalized stationery, but was too cheap to buy some overpriced, poor quality note cards, so I made my own and had fun doing it.” Soon after, she made some stationery for family and friends. Heather was then encouraged to start her own stationery boutique.

She started playing around and designing on the computer and was instantly hooked. She had so much fun creating something from a blank screen. Now she enjoys creating both personalized stationery and working with clients to create invitations for their special event.

She loves the opportunity to raise her 3 children while pursuing her passion in the stationery industry. When she is not designing stationery and invitations you can often find her cuddling her baby girl, or building an expansive train track system for her 2 boys.

www.SwankyPaper.com