Final Project: Business Plan
My âMastery Journeyâ with Full Sail University has come to an end as I have mastered the Entertainment Business. Â This is week 4 of Final Project: Business Plan and graduation is next week. Â This past year has been a challenging, exciting, and fulfilling one; but it has helped me learn so much about my vision and career path. Â Each course involved in the program was designed to help us focus on the key aspects of starting, funding, and running a successful business in our chosen industry. Â
In the 1stcourse, Mastery⌠I set out the goals that I had for each course, as well as a few ways to reach those goals.  As the program went on I had to look back at my Mastery Journal to discuss whether or not those goals were achieved.  The next course was Executive Leadership.  This is where I compared the different leadership styles of Robert Greene (Author ofThe 48 Laws of Power, etc) and John C. Maxwell (Author of Developing the Leader Within) and realized that I can use elements of both styles, as it relates to the situation at hand.  Project Management was next in line and in this course I created a project plan; which included knowledge of the work breakdown structure and creating a project definition mind map.  My festival idea is still an idea that I plan to incorporate into my marketing strategy.
Brand Development and Storytelling was the course that showed me how to brand myself through the art of storytelling. Â In this course, I figured out who my target audience was; how to differentiate my brand from my competitors; how to conduct market research; as well as which archetypes best fit my brand. Â I also created my brand story video; which was an inspiration for my campaign strategy in a latter course. Â Business Finance wasnât as bad as I first imagined it would be. Â I learned about the different costs associated with starting a business. Â I was introduced to the Pro Forma Financial Statements âthe balance sheet, the income statement, and the statement of cash flows; these statements itemized start-up costs, projected revenues, sales, etc. I also learned about the time value of money, opportunity costs, and the different types of investments available.
The Digital Marketingcourse is where I was able to develop an effective digital marketing plan. Â I learned that the use of strong, precise keywords and phrases help consumers to find my brand more easily and quickly. Â I also figured out which marketing channels would work best for whatever campaign or project my brand is working on. Â I learned about the KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and how analytics both play integral roles in my brandâs presence, both online and offline. The next course I was fortunate enough to partake in was the Negotiating and Deal Making course. Â In this course, I learned about deal memos, ADRs (Alternative Dispute Resolution), and problem solving. Â The key takeaway from this course was to research all parties involved in a negotiation, as this will set you up for a win/win outcome. Â
There was a LOT of research involved in the Product and Artist Management course. Â One assignment called for me to conduct research on an Artist Manager; My choice was Usher Raymondâs âmomagerâ Jonetta Jones. Â This course gave helped me to identify credible sites for industry news and introduced me to Nielson.com; which I will be using quite often to research industry statistics. Â I conducted a cross-analysis between two major talent agencies: United Talent Agency and Creative Arts Agency; and concluded that the CAA would be a better fit for my brand. Â I also learned about pricing strategies; revisited leadership styles; and learned how to find and keep my target audience.
I think that my most dreaded course was Advanced Entertainment Law. I thought that it would be a challenge; which it was, but also interesting. Â I researched actual cases related to my industry; which I think is a great way to avoid similar legal situations. Â I received instructions on properly filling out trademark, copyright, and similar forms. I was also introduced to a great resource: FindLaw.com. Â I have to say that Entertainment Media Publishing and Distributionwas one of my favorite courses. Â Professor Craftâs informative publication is such a valuable asset and I am thankful that she took time out to write it for her students. This course gave insight on how to acquire an agent and what type of agent is best for my needs. Â I learned how to write a query letter, as well as what is needed for a digital press kit. Â My major takeaway from this course is the learned tools needed to get my content published, marketed, and distributed.
Business Plan Development was one of the courses that took everything I learned in the program and bottled it up into a business plan. I was required to do a 1-minute pitch and we revisited the mission statement. Â This is where I out most of the components of my business plan together: company description, competition, market size and trends, financials, and a few more. Â As I write this last journal entry in my Masterâs degree program, I am in week four of my last course - Final Project: Business Plan. This course helped me to fine tune my financial statements, tighten up my 1-minute pitch (aka elevator pitch), organize and present my business plan. Â I was surprised that my completed business plan received such good feedback, because I was more than nervous submitting my assignments. But, (huge sigh) this is my final assignment and I have completed the goal that I set out to complete; Iâve attained a Masterâs degree in a field that I love. Â
There is no greater feeling than to accomplish your goals. Â I hope this post serves as a inspiration to, at least, one person to finish what you set out to do and make sure that whatever you do has been planned out and thoroughly researched. Â I am grateful for the instructors that Full Sail put in place and am ready to begin my outward journey into entrepreneurship. Â
















