Sun Up to Sun Up, Project Mgmt & Your Work Schedule

#focus

My new routine is growing on me.  I am working constantly to create a profitable livelihood, my new word to use in place of career seeing as how I am trying to bring my skills to the ca-front.  And the responsibility is looking good on me.  New tools and resources and being able to take advantage of such freely can give anyone the inspiration they need to remain productive ...  however it is the process of seeking out these tools that will show you just how much work it takes to actually ... well, work.

This week I pieced together a RFI for a friend that wanted to make a presentation to a local, promising, small business.  She wanted me to create a project plan and detailed scope of services that pertained to completing a string of tasks.  The end result, launching and maintaining a full out branding campaign for a new clothing company and relaunching its mothering urban entertainment company.  Easy enough. (side eye)

"I know how to get the work done." She explained, "I just don't know how to put it into words."

I set out doing research, compiling content, creating a project plan, budget and checklist.  I even put in a FAQ section for pizzazz.  Within a few hours she was forwarded a formatted PDF e-document composed to make the simplest of minds understand ins and outs of the services of my girls awesome work.

Like I said, easy enough.

What we do is sometimes so overwhelming to us that we forget just how we got to where we are.  I was greeted today by Black-life commentator Roland Smith on CNN giving his reasons why the African American unemployment rate is at its highest in 27 years.  Which really hit home because this means that as for as long as I have been alive the very community in which I live, love and rely on has progressively gotten worse.  Which only means to me ... that .. it must be getting better from here.  Coming from where I'm from (an eighties baby & Detroit-native) unemployment and the notion of entrepreneurship has always come hand in hand.

Optimistic .. i.e. "can't tell me nothing" #kanyeshrug

When asked, I replied, "Sometimes it is the Bridge that is greener,  and on top of all that, it connects BOTH sides."
*I visited the Japanese Tea Gardens this week with @IgboSwag, it was absolutely beautiful!

Being a freelance anything in the eyes of my Assembly Line-era family is the same as "not having no job".  However, my argument is this, wasn't entrepreneurship what started Motor City in the first place.  Wasn't it also such that further the independent civil rights fights for blacks in the 40s, 50s and 60s?  I mean, I don't think many large pharmaceutical companies were doing event sponsorships for Equal Rights Rallies.

Sun Up to Sun Up

My entrepreneur life is teaching me so much on a daily.  From sun up to sun up, is my newest mantra ... it describes my work day.  No naps, a few breaks, tons of phone calls and emails comprise my day.

I have gotten into the habit of not taking "no" as an answer.  And by keeping a well scripted log of my actions I am putting different spins on BethanyEast PR events and connections.  A string of lessons has taught me some key things:

• look for roads less taken when it comes to my industry,
• ask the right questions and do the research necessary to get the right answers
• be courteous of your time as well as other peoples time
• stay relevant and/or maintain knowledge of what is relevant

Simple enough right ...?

I know where I am.  Do you?

Upon this revelation, my girl who I had completed the earlier mentioned work shot me a GChat, "Thank you.  I don't know how you do it." ... my reply, "Me either."

• always be open to new lessons, continued lessons and old lessons.

What have you learned about your #werq ethic lately?  I am anxious to looking into more black-/minority-/oddly owned businesses and events ... talk to me people.

TTYL.

Good Hair: Beauty Trunk Show in San Antonio, TX

I know what you are thinking ... I thought you had dreads ... and that's true.  I do have dreads, but that isn't stopping me from hosting an event for my long and wavvy loving sistas.

The #GoodHair Trunk Show is an event for the masses, not only are stylists coming to shop for the most premium of Indian, Malaysian and Brazilian human hair, but the public is welcome to the event as well. 

We all know that San Antonio may not always have the best selection of beauty products for those women that like a little something extra and are more familiar with a premium grade of extension so I am teaming up with Glam Hair by Jay to host this event at TC's Hair & Nail Salon on October 3rd from 5-7:30. 

Attendees must RSVP at GoodHairTrunkShow.eventbrite.com, there is a $10 shopping fee, but don't worry, refreshments will be served and you'll get an awesome gift bag full of goodies to take home.  You can also RSVP via Facebook, but the price at the door may be slightly higher than advertised here.

Peep the flyer.... TTYL

Reality vs. Real World ME.dia

I am forever astounded by the mental capacity of the average  man.  Honestly, they are allowed to think of some of the most profound of topics, instances and occurances.

So, I am sitting here, after drinks and a few laughs with my now boyfriend, Kelechi (pronounced kay-lay-chi) and there has been a shipment at his house today, his roommate, an avid fellow, has purchased a new video game counsel.   It's almost as if the world has stopped moving, if we don't get this game set up and attached to the 40inch HDTV resting in the living room, who knows what will happen.  The entire video game world is waiting for these two guys to finish figuring out just what they are supposed to do and do it ...when it comes to the video game only ofcouse .... everything else in the world, will continue moving according to its normal trajectory. 

Which brings me to my point.  In a world where a jaded since of "reality" is shoved down our eye sockets its often a little harder to realize how to transition our dreams into fruition.  What is the process of creating a project management plan for organizing a work plan for our inner most goals.  Today I was able to work on an idea that I've had for a few months, since seeing a certain documentary on how lucrative a specific industry was and I realized that this event is GOING to happen.  It's my first event in San Antonio and I am learning so much about both the City and my own transitioning.

Business has been different for small businesses during the past quarter.  The economically indifferent atmosphere of big spenders possessing a drastic sense of entitlement has definitely created a new environment for business owners and how they market to us.  The ability to appeal to a very defined and specific market has created an upper hand for the various communities of consumers, they are demanding more and wanting to pay less and less for it.  What does that say about the "general" consumer who wants to maintain their false sense of success while on a limited budget influenced by a "gloat" based social media life?

Again, bear with me, I am going somewhere, if not everywhere, with this one.  

In terms of E! and Bravo TX I am supposed to be in a full-blown relationship, with a career and a side gig (endorsement), married to an NFL player and being an apparent size 6 on television (4 in real life).  

But I am none of those things.  Instead a girl from Detroit, who went to college on a scholarship, graduated in the middle of her class and at some point was never in complete control of her actual life, and mistaking the day-to-day livelihood and happenings as what "life has to offer", for a person her class, size, color, demeanor, origin, familial lineage ... etc, and all of that jazz.  To say the least, I was spending more time commenting on Basketball Wives and Real Housewives of New Jersey than I was focusing on the hard work it took to get to both of those points i
Upon deciding to relaunch my business I have been searching for causes that are not only lucrative, but worth my time: ofcourse those are different things, despite their similarity.    I am now in the middle of learning how to turn my dreams into my own reality. 

I am focusing more on certain tasks and processes as I did before and for that I am increasing my working knowledge of each and every instance.  But most importantly I am creating a new rule, whereas I complete a task I cease to worry, fret, bother with, explore new options on that particular issue, and began to focus, clearly on the next.



I am coming along great with the transition of letting dogs lie, observing sleeping patterns and readjusting my personal space to get more lucrative setting for my business and social networks. 

When it comes to maintaining individuality amongst my clients and my network this new method of creating a zen moment in between my talents has helped me to remain focused. 

This is a new #BlackIntheCity as I am reaching new heights in my mentality, thus exploring my options of keeping it copesthetic (real).  My reality, being a little slower than that of the "reality" we see on television and in social media, where everyone is either a model or a stylist, a blonde or a brunette, nevertheless, it is my own and although I am not waltzing the city streets with cameras tethered to my every expression, I must control myself as if, at any and every moment, I'm live and in living color.

TTYL, let me know what you think.

Drumming up some new business ... do so with advertisements.

Normal banner ads and links on associating websites may not do the trick, create local exposure using the Highway Method in advertising ... place ads where you know the traffic will go.  From Craigslist to Local Blogs, reach out to the frontier of where your clients and social networks will surely find you.

Make sure your advertisements aren't too vague, the average consumer requires just enough information to get them interested and then just enough information to verify you as an authority on the subject or industry or product, thus and therefore, giving you a call.

I made this ad with Microsoft Powerpoint, even making it into a JPG and PDF was easy.

If you see this on a Craigslist site near you, don't hate.

Just a tip, TTYL

The Blessings in Redirecting

It seems as if every other blog I write is meant to illustrate some new frontier in my life.  I don't necessarily believe that this one is going to be any different.  So, if you don't feel like being inspired, having a quick little revelation, or even finding out that you are not the only one switching up the scene, then I suggest you stop reading ... everyone else, roll with me.

So business is looking up and I am preparing to launch my newly renovated website, BethanyEastPR.com (don't click on it yet, I said I am preparing, so be patient).  The website will illustrate a few of my PR products.  And by products I mean, a la carte public relations and media services that any small business will be able to purchase, track and see a noticeable ROI (return on investment).  I began to formulate these products in late 2009 when some local business owners that I had befriended had a desperate need for PR but no particular budget that included hourly billing for such a service.  I began to offer my services under a monthly contract, however that wasn't as lucrative for myself as each business owner would basically over work me.  It was a mess.

In early 2010 I decided to dive into my own lane of public relations, actually producing events and marketing opportunities for small businesses in the Detroit area, it was a rocky road, but pretty soon I began to earn a little recognition for my efforts.

Then came the move to San Antonio, where at first, I struggled to locate my new niche market.

The entire process was a lesson.  And I decided, towards the middle of last year that in each instance of interaction with a potential client or entrepreneurs to take a few notes as to what it was that I was doing, learning and thinking.  

I've since filled a 5-subject notebook with contract drafts, proposal outlines, budgets, book ideas, event ideas, dinner ideas, tasks lists ... whatever it was that I dreamed or was motivated to expound upon, I wrote it down. And now, I have a string of blogs that will soon become staples among my lineup of posts.  I will feature everything from commentary on politics, fashion finds, dates on the city, advice, business and marketing tips, twitpic tours and guest bloggers.  Its been a tough transition, but I must say, things are looking up.

It all comes down to being redirected.  

If you're a true #BlackInTheCity blog reader you know that I am all for making decisions without excuses, stating my opinion and creating action.  I take things in stride and I am not easily angered. And most importantly I always accept when to make a change, and how to recognize when that change validates itself in both my business and my life.

Don't get me wrong, most of these "changes" can often times be considered, failures .. but, I'm an optimist and everything's relative.  Right?

That's where the blessings lay.  Everytime I start a new contract or project I will encounter my fair share of obstacles.  As I quickly make moves to learn new skills and make new contacts, I'm often redirected .. not meaning to say that I am given the run around but, hey, it happens.  But being steadfast and diligent in all of my tasks is a lesson that I am constantly being taught.

I've come into a situation that has created a zen within me.  I wish I could tell you what exactly it is, but that would ruin all of the new things I've got lined up for you.  

TTYL

 

... my idea of when one of those "changes" becomes a redirected blessing in your favorite ...