Monday, September 2, 2013

I am a Mobile Instructor

As an educator for more than 15 years, I have learned a great deal about expanding learning outside the classroom.  Before securing my teacher certification I taught community college classes in Parkville and Kansas City, Missouri. I have published (online) a great deal of educational information including learning games, reading activities, writing prompts, reviews and interactive lessons for whiteboard, browser, and various online lesson sharing sites.

In an effort to hone my skills and expand my services I am introducing a line of easy-going flexible mobile classes that can be done on the run.  These classes require minimum cost, and minimum time commitment.  While these individual courses do not provide educational credits for any institution, they do promise to expand your knowledge and offer a unique personal learning experience for each individual.

The primary advantage to completing personalized instruction is the unique one-to-one attention and ability to tailor "lessons" for the individual.  These courses are less like a traditional classroom and more like a consulting workshop, learning experience, or interest activity.

Please contact me if you are interested in enrolling in one or more of the following Personalized Learning Experiences.  I have an outline of offerings below, however private tutoring, and consulting are also available at a very affordable rate for subjects not offered. Please email me for a proposal or to inquire about costs and enrollment.

Always Available:
Course length is customized for individuals from 3 to 7 weeks.
Practical Skills- Personal Writing: correspondence
Practical Skills- Business Writing: correspondence, email, resume, cover letter, summary introduction, or professional portfolio
Practical Skills- Basic Photography: school sports
Practical Skills- Basic Photography: travel
Practical Skills- Basic Photography: children
Practical Skills- Basic Photography: formal occasions
Basic Computer Skills- Introduction to the Internet
Reading Skills- Spelling and Vocabulary (primary, intermediate, collegiate, and advanced)
Reading Skills- Comprehension through Memories
Research Project Assistance (secondary academic, undergraduate, or graduate)

4-Week Courses
Reading Skills- Comprehension through Interactive Reading
Basic Computer Skills- Personal and Individual Email Management
Basic Computer Skills- Simple File Organization
Basic Computer Skills- File Storage and Backup Resources
Practical Skills- Biography Project Assistance (for the classroom)
Practical Skills- Biography Project Assistance (for scrapbooking and archiving)
Practical Skills- Biography Project Assistance (for formal occasions such as weddings, funerals, and speeches)

Sunday, June 30, 2013

20 Answers to 20 Questions

20 Questions to Answer Before Starting a Business

So you’ve got what it takes to be an entrepreneur

Now, ask yourself these 20 questions to make sure you’re thinking about the right key business decisions:

1. Why am I starting a business?

     To serve the Jefferson County Missouri Community. Revised July 2, 2014
     To develop and market my personal brand of education and educational services and resources.
2. What kind of business do I want?

      Philanthropy, Photography, Educational, Publishing, and Entertainment. Revised July 2, 2014.  
      Professional Services Education, Professional Development, Consulting

3. Who is my ideal customer?
      The average citizen in Jefferson County Missouri. Revised July 2, 2014
      Clients in need of custom instructional, organizational, management or consulting services.

4. What products or services will my business provide?

      PROJECT COORDINATION
      Custom projects involving analysis of educational programs, services, procedures, and results.

      PHOTOGRAPHY
      Discount Photography services (commercial, portrait, occasion, family, event, and party)
      For Publications (displays, student published media, pamphlets, flyers, brochures, postcards,                                educational materials)

      CONSULTATION
      Collaboration with educational professionals to address performance, sustainability, and support                          problems.
      Coordinated PBLs using community resources with educational opportunities.
      Custom Family, Learner and Educator Modification Plans and Instructional Support Programs

       KEYNOTE SERVICES
       Speaker on Educational Issues, Student Rights, and Character Development
       Hosting Discussion Groups, Study Groups, Event Host
       Motivational Speaker
       Professional Development Speaker
       Presentation Voice Over
       Storytelling
       Continuing Education Instruction
       Intensive Instructional Assistance and Tutoring
       PLC Team Speaker

5. Am I prepared to spend the time and money needed to get my business started?

      I am in the planning stage right now.  I am willing to commit 5-7 hours a week on this. 
         Capital is currently unavailable.

6. What differentiates my business idea and the products or services I will provide from others in the market?

      Services are personalized.  Services are provided at a discount. Services are distinct because of my                  personal philosophy and brand.

7. Where will my business be located?

     Currently the business is "on site" and home based.  Services are available online and in person by                   appointment.

      In five years maintain a small office in the commercial or business district of area community.

8. How many employees will I need?

      Three: Myself, the assistant, and the administrative assistant Revised July 2, 2014
      Capital is not available to employ others, however consultation may include referrals and outsourcing if               custom services require further support.


9. What types of suppliers do I need?

          legal
          advertising and marketing
          insurance
          accounting and banking
          office supplies
          film processor and printer
          information technology
          wireless networking and mobile communications
         data storage and back-up
         printer
         paper supplier
         party supplier

10. How much money do I need to get started?

 ESTIMATED COSTS
         $1000 for sports and portrait camera
         $1500 for mobile photo booth
         $1500 for DJ and Recording Equipment
         UNKNOWN Insurance
         UNKNOWN Accounting
        $500 mobile data services
        $1100+ for 1st years office rent, (based on 2013 commercial space rates)
        $500+ for 1st year's utilities (based on 2013 commercial space rates)
        $1000 for advertising and marketing (based on 2013 commercial space rates)

PROJECTED
      $20,000 for Assistant
      $35,000 for Administrative Assistant


11. Will I need to get a loan?

      Yes, and grants.

12. How soon will it take before my products or services are available?

      Many services are available immediately.  2 weeks notice is required for custom services.

13. How long do I have until I start making a profit?

      Projected 3 years from now.

14. Who is my competition?

     None, my services are unique because of their personal nature.

15. How will I price my product compared to my competition?

     Prices are set at cost + 10-25% for my own salary.

16. How will I set up the legal structure of my business?

     Through a business lawyer.

17. What taxes do I need to pay?
     As determined by accountant and SBA or BBB.
18. What kind of insurance do I need?

     Liability
     Personal Injury (minimal)

19. How will I manage my business?

     Hands On, by contract.  

     When staff is needed they are harvested and hired by contract as needed or outsourced as independent            contractors.  

      Administrative Assistant and personal assistant will work directly with me so must be supportive and                cooperative.  Both positions could become collaborators.

20. How will I advertise my business?

      Grassroots Promotion
          Flyers, posters, job boards, classifieds, online
      Local Media

      Business cards, flyers, brochures, newspaper, greeting cards, postcards, word of mouth, internet,                    phone/email list, commercial customer marketing such as shopping carts, place mats, table cards, and            community event sponsorship.