Quneshia Wilson

Leadership Portfolio Month 11: Business Plan Development

noreply@blogger.com (Quneshia W.) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 22:03:00 +0000

LP Assignment: Research and analyze two experts on business plans

I put my own twist on this assignment. Instead of choosing typical experts that would basically have the same insight on business plans, I tailored it to fit the industry of my business. My two experts were 50 Cent and Jay-Z, both from very humble beginnings, got their start from their success in music and are well-respected businessmen. From these two experts I learned that aiming high and diversification is key. Having one business idea is fine, but being able to use that idea as a catalyst for another (or a few other) business plan would open so many more doors. Also, creating a solid brand can create a lot of opportunity and business ventures. With that in mind, image, product quality and consistency are that much more important when running a business.

8th Leadership Activity: Became co-chair of Cotton Club committee for BSU’s Black History Month Event’s

With Black History Month soon approaching, BSU (Black Student Union) started planning for the events we would host so that the month could be observed campus-wide. One of the events is called the “BSU Cotton Club” (which is a rendition of the club venue in Harlem from the 1920s) and will be held on February 25, 2011. I have taken on the role as co-chair of this event, which made me partly responsible for the coordination and execution of the event.

A BSU member or a general Full Sail University student will fill every role in this event like: musician, singer/rapper, host, stage manager, usher, greeter, etc. Aside from the co-chair position, I also have taken on the main stage manager position and coordinator of the music component of the show.

Flyer Designed by Bill Hudson

Leadership Portfolio Month 10: Mobile Marketing and Commerce

noreply@blogger.com (Quneshia W.) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 21:53:00 +0000

LP Assignment: Conduct a survey of up to five people on mobile device usage

I conducted an interview through an online and face-to-face survey with mobile device users. Upon completion of the survey, I took five of them from different age groups between 20-63 years old so that I could get different results. I was able to get an idea of the type of device they used, how often they used them, their reason for usage and even their perspective on how the future is affected by having various devices at our disposal. From this I learned how to conduct an effective survey that is relevant to almost everyone. I learned that we all have different purposes for our mobile devices and that a plethora of features do not always affect a consumer’s purchase. Style, quality, service, nostalgia and many other components drive consumers interests. In the end option is key because a consumers decision can be tailored precisely for them.

Leadership Portfolio Month 9: Digital Marketing

noreply@blogger.com (Quneshia W.) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 21:50:00 +0000

LP Assignment: Find and save job search feeds on Google Reader Account

This assignment was geared toward becoming familiar with Google Reader as a focal point and more convenient way to stay updated on feeds that match my interests like twitter, blogs, websites, job searches etc. We simply searched our favorite websites and subscribed to them so that they would display on Google Reader. I learned just how many ways Google has made a lot of things easier to execute for us.

7th Leadership Activity: Facilitated BSU General Body Meeting featuring panel discussion w/cast members from The Wood

In the absence of the current President, as Vice President I had to facilitate BSU’s (Black Student Union) general body meeting for this month. Like normal I addressed old and new business, announcements and other components of the meeting’s agenda. Aside from that we were given the privilege of having Sean Nelson and Duane Finley (cast members of “The Wood”) come into the meeting and speak to our members about themselves and the film industry.

Leadership Portfolio Month 8: Entertainment Media Publishing and Distribution

noreply@blogger.com (Quneshia W.) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 21:45:00 +0000

LP Assignment: Create a business strategy for a record label

The assignment was to formulate a media and distribution strategy for a record label. Since my business plan project was based on a record label (ForeQast Entertainment), I used it as a reference to develop my strategy for this assignment. Everything from the address, mission statement, executive summary, company description, product type, manufacturing and distribution plan, and marketing and promotion plan were coordinated in this assignment. This helped me learn to consider and measure all the elements needed to create a successful business strategy in order to reach my target market.

5th and 6th Leadership Activity: Volunteered for American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Cancer Walk and hosted BSU Late Night Breakfast at IHOP

This was the month of October, which is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With this in mind, I was privileged to be apart of American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Cancer Walk as a volunteer. At this event I directed the event participants to the sign in tables, cheered the participants on as they walked passed their 2nd mile and cleaned up the presentation area at the conclusion of the event. Later that night BSU (Black Student Union) hosted our social event “Late Night Breakfast” at IHOP (International House of Pancakes), which was an opportunity to network and fellowship with our members outside of meetings and the campus atmosphere.

Flyer designed by Bobbi Ruffin

Leadership Portfolio Month 7: Advanced Entertainment Law

noreply@blogger.com (Quneshia W.) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 21:40:00 +0000

LP Assignment: Interview a law professional in the entertainment industry

I interviewed Shannon A. Ligon, Esq., she is the managing member of Ligon Law Group, member of the Florida Bar and she is apart of many other related organizations that keep her tapped into the various areas of the law industry. This industry was not a strong suit of mine, nor was I very interested in it. This resulted in being curious about a lot of things involving Shannon’s reasons for choosing this career path and learning as much as I could about something I had very little knowledge of. I learned a lot about Shannon and how she got her start, her shining moments, her challenges, the people in entertainment she has worked with and even some of the rates she charges for service. The advice I took away from the interview were things like: gain hands on experience, network, build credibility and stay up to date on my industry of choice (whether through books, websites, looking at contracts, etc.)

3rd and 4th Leadership Activities: Became the Black Student Union’s Vice President and hosted panel discussion with The Nappy Roots

This was also the month that I transitioned from Public Relations and Marketing Chair of BSU (Black Student Union) to the position of Vice President. By this time I was well adjusted to the new campus, the people, the program and BSU. It was my time to step into a higher rank and that is exactly what I did. Upon my transition, we were given the opportunity to host a campus wide panel discussion featuring the well-known hip-hop group “Nappy Roots”. Students were allowed to ask questions they were anxious to know the answer to straight from an industry source. We also allowed photos and light conversation with the group after the panel discussion.

Leadership Portfolio Month 6: Product and Artist Managment

noreply@blogger.com (Quneshia W.) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 21:30:00 +0000

LP Assignment: Interview an artist manager

I interviewed a producer manager by the name of Sarah J. She is the founder of SubUrban Entertainment, LLC and PMPWorldwide.com. She is a well-connected, industry savvy professional who shops projects for producers of all levels (new and established). Producers need managers too and getting an interview with Sarah J was my way of exposing myself to the fact that there are different areas to artist management. It is not always the typical singer/rapper and manager relationship. Sarah J helped me understand some key points in a management contract like: exclusivity, commission, and to always have a contract in black and white (hard copy). I also learned to be fully committed in my interest or passion, have paperwork as precise as possible, constantly network and stay ahead of trends.

Leadership Portfolio Month 5: Negotiation and Deal-making

noreply@blogger.com (Quneshia W.) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:38:00 +0000

LP Assignment: Interview a professional negotiator in the entertainment industry

For this assignment I interviewed DJ PC, who is a radio DJ for 94.3 FM WKUF in Flint, MI. Aside from being a DJ, he has been in many scenarios where negotiations take place like: local showcase venues, radio interviews and at the time he was working on a deal with Fontana Universal Music Group. We talked about some of his essential values and techniques to being a successful dealmaker. From this interview I learned that I have very similar values as DJ PC when negotiating and handling business. However, I also learned the importance of planning before approaching negotiations so that I am never going into the situation blindly and to know exactly what I plan to take away from the negotiation. I also learned that I should never expect to get a “NO” from the other party, I should always go into the meeting confident and expect to get exactly what I came for if not more. And most importantly, I learned that communication is important. Body language, speaking clearly, listening and building a rapport are the foundational tools to being successful in negotiating.

Leadership Portfolio Month 4: Entertainment Business Finance

noreply@blogger.com (Quneshia W.) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:34:00 +0000

LP Assignment: Interview a professional in the banking industry

During this month I was privileged to meet and interview Isaiah Evans, Jr., Vice President and Banking Center Manger at Bank of America (Orlando location). We talked about the qualifications of banking professionals and lending, available services for individuals and businesses, and current interest rates on deposits and loans. This assignment taught me meaningful and practical lessons on finances that I was never shown throughout my childhood and undergraduate years. There are a lot of ways to capitalize on your money that can be tailored to your affordability or interest. Everyone can take advantage of the saying; “let your money work for you”.

Leadership Portfolio Month 3: Business Storytelling and Brand Development

noreply@blogger.com (Quneshia W.) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:25:00 +0000

LP Assignment: Tell a significant childhood story that lead to interest to business plan interest

For this assignment, I created a short clip telling a story about my childhood and how it shaped my love for music and also developed my interest in owning a record label. Through that childhood story I learned the importance of how storytelling can capture an audience in numerous ways. Some people are captured because they can relate or are simply intrigued by a well-told story. I also learned that there are different ways in which a person can tell a story and that it does not always involve reflecting on the past or verbal communication. I included the clip below, enjoy! (Click "clip" if below does not work)

Leadership Portfolio Month 2: Project and Team Management

noreply@blogger.com (Quneshia W.) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:51:00 +0000

LP assignment: Create and develop a project proposal for golf course charity event w/group

I was assigned to a group (we named our company “Unity Events”) made up of three members and together we were responsible for developing a project proposal for a charity event located at Sand Trap Country Club. My group divided components (technical, management and cost section) of the proposal that we each would be responsible for and we alternated holding the position of Project Manager at the beginning of each week. Not only did I learn how to put a solid project proposal together, but I also learned how to be an effective leader and team player. I took slack and provided help when needed. I learned the importance of understanding the work habits of others and how I could mesh my style with that to make a winning team. This was an overall great experience in terms of strengthen my people and staff development traits.

Logo designed by Vineeth Kalva

Leadership Portfolio Month 1: Executive Leadership

noreply@blogger.com (Quneshia W.) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:39:00 +0000

LP Assignment: Identify strengths and weaknesses in my leadership traits

For this assignment I took a Leader Skills Assessment to identify my leadership traits (both strong and weak) from the book “Developing the Leader Within You” by John C. Maxwell. I learned that my strong traits were: priorities, integrity, self-discipline, vision, creating positive change, influence and attitude. My weaknesses were problem solving, people and staff development. Upon learning my traits, I was able to analyze them and formulate a plan to strengthen my weaker traits. I executed my plan through leadership activities (along with the Leadership Portfolio assignments) I participated in throughout the program like:

- Get involved with an on-campus AND off-campus organization
- Join a committee and/or executive board
- Get familiar with everybody in the chosen organization
- Recruit people I think would be an asset to the organization
- Chair an event

1st & 2nd Leadership Activities: Joined the Black Student Union and served as Public Relations and Marketing Chair

Logo designed by Bill Hudson

I found this organization (BSU) through Propeller and attended a general body meeting. Little did I know that they were going to hold elections that day or that I would become an executive member at my first meeting. Nonetheless, being involved on campus has always been important to me so I stepped up to the plate, as the organization needed my help. So without hesitation I became BSU’s Public Relations and Marketing Chair.

The Effectiveness of Digital Channels

noreply@blogger.com (Quneshia W.) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 20:04:00 +0000

The effectiveness of digital channels for companies has become more and more necessary and relevant. They allow companies to address and interact with consumer’s head on, sell products, stay updated on the business world from a competitive perspective and allow them the opportunity to gain and/or sustain their competitive advantage.

There are many digital channels out there especially if you interpret the word in its entirety. These channels could mean social media, email, mobile apps, display ads and much more than your attention span could absorb while reading this. Strategy is as big a deal as knowing the channels that are available and utilizing them. These channels can grow, sustain or not affect your business at all but that depends on you. The digital channels I choose are ones that I find effective for myself as a consumer which in turn gives me insight on how to utilize these same channels from a business standpoint.

Three digital channels that catch my attention are: email/newsletter, social media and advertising. My short definition for the reasons I chose these channels is as follows: you keep in touch with consumers through email, you reach out to them with social media and you bring them in and/or keep them with advertising.

I believe these channels are effective because they are more direct methods of getting to their core consumers. For instance, I love Papa John's pizza so when I receive a text or email about a special offer the chances of me going to their website and ordering something is very high. So not only am I satisfied with the product, I also put myself in a position to feel special enough for that company to contact me when they are doing special promotions. I think the psychological effect that occurs from the marketing strategy of a company is the magic that is marketing.

Tips:

1.) A good tip for a marketer to understand is the “psychology” involved that I mentioned before. Consumers hate ads but they love to be targeted in the sense that they are getting special offers or immediate updates and information on the companies/products they love.

2.) Another tip is that you should know how you can best reach a consumer and this to me is why social media is important and effective because most of our time throughout the day is spent on social media sites.

3.) The last and most important tip for any company is to formulate an objective for your marketing strategy to align with. Who are you trying to reach? What are you offering once you reach them? How will you keep their attention?

The best marketers are consumers because we know what we want. I think when a company can turn away from the bottom line and put themselves in consumer’s shoes I believe they can cook up a great and effective marketing strategy very easily.

The World of VD

noreply@blogger.com (Quneshia W.) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 01:35:00 +0000

The very sight of VD probably raises an eyebrow to those reading this right now. But unlike what we have known the abbreviation for in the past (and present, smh), is the best abbreviation I could cook up that integrates video with the digital world. Now that we have that all cleared up, let's briefly talk about digital marketing.

Anybody (or company) that considers themselves digital marketers should be more than willing to use video in their digital advertising campaigns. The population is spending more and more time online than any where else in terms of entertainment, news, work, and whatever else you can think of that can simply be typed into a Google search bar. The population is not only doing this on a desk or laptop but on their phones, gaming consoles, iPad, etc. Most of the projections on where digital marketing was heading have come alive rapidly. So the “smart marketer” would advertise where the traffic is most likely to take place, which is within the digital realm.

Below are two video posts within the entertainment industry that execute the digital marketing concept:

The first video “Lebron Rise” is Nike’s initiative of giving one of their top athletic sponsors an opportunity to react to all the ridicule of “The Decision” where James announced to the world that he was going to leave Cleveland and play in Miami back in July. This video has received over 3 million views since the commercial aired on Oct 24th, 2010 (same date as NBA season opener). Nike has effectively displayed their support for their superstar sponsor and has received the attention they sought out all the while advertising Lebron James’s latest shoe from the collection he has released with Nike since being drafted in the NBA in 2003.

The last video is one of the few collaborations with HP and Beats by Dr. Dre. Both companies effectively integrate music and technology to promote a laptop and its booming speakers (an extension of Beats by Dr. Dre headphone collection). HP is obviously trying to send the message that their laptops are capable of more than surfing the net and completing projects but are a great multimedia tool, particularly, for music. Dr. Dre showcases a flawless composition (as usual) in the back ground giving consumers an idea of just how well he knows a good sound and that Beats by Dr. Dre can help them obtain that same knowledge within the experience from his signature speakers and now popular brand. It’s clear that this video is obviously pushing digital marketing to those many digital users/consumers.

Digital Trends

noreply@blogger.com (Quneshia W.) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 23:54:00 +0000

Three digital trends that have the most impact in my industry(music) are digital distribution, social media and digital illiteracy. These trends have caused havoc amongst the four major record labels due to there slow adaptation to the rise of technology that brought along piracy, convenience and inexpensive ways to get music that rarely resulted in the labels getting a profit. Digital distribution and social media have caused artists to use the web to market themselves, get there music heard and sold. Here is a article that touches on some relevant trends: http://mashable.com/2009/05/30/digital-music-trends/

These changes will provide smart marketers with a way to get themselves out there without having to depend on a major distribution deal. Artists like Soulja Boy and Justin Beiber are examples of how powerful the web can be through mediums like Youtube whether it is your intention to turn your talent into something viral or not. If you are not familiar with these two artists (if you lived under a rock of course) here are a couple videos that made them viral video icons:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UFIYGkROII (Soulja Boy)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXBAGCPvrqc (Justin Beiber)