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  • Ask an Entrepreneur: Lara Georgine on How to Obtain GOOD Clients

    Throughout the start of my blog, one of my main missions is to share information about the business of business so that others may gain knowledge and insight on how I do things. Recently, I thought it would be interesting to gain the insight of other entrepreneurs like myself who would be willing to share their insight on business as well. Throughout my search I have found Lara Georgine through the popular networking site LinkedIN. I asked her if she could share how she obtains good clients and avoids the problem clients. Check out her response below and be sure to check out her blog, www.larageorgine.com/blog for even more insight on Lara and her business!

    As an entrepreneur, I gain the most customers through LinkedIn. I have joined many different groups and I post my different websites as well as my blog (which I try to keep updated weekly). I also do artwork specifically to post on other blogs to receive ping backs and/or as trade for a listing on their site(s).

    I also attend trade shows that are of interest to me and I place advertisements with Google ads, which can be great as I have received a good amount of free advertising dollars by searching the internet. I have joined some local groups which offer a link to my blog, and I respond to ads from different listing sites.

    I have been very fortunate with my clients so far, and have had few problems (knock on wood!) but I make sure that all parties are comfortable with the contract I provide. I did have to learn the hard way to make sure to have the contract there in the first place, as I had sent art work without more than a vague email, which does not hold up as a contract. I lost both my art and my client on that one.

    I have found that the most important thing is to be up front and to make sure that the client is aware of when I am available and when I am away. Not that I need to tweet them my working hours, but if there is a holiday or a long break, they must be aware as early as possible.

    Best of luck to all who are out there!

    Website: www.larageorgine.com

    Blog: www.larageorgine.com/blog

    Contact Lara via email at: lara@larageorgine.com

     

    LaraGeorgine is a Philadelphia and New York City-based fine arts professional with more than a decade of experience in art direction, graphic and textile design, illustration, and corporate identity management. Her work has been lauded by major apparel and design firms around the country, and her creative, solutions-based approach has built LaraGeorgine’s reputation as a leading independent creative professional in a diverse scope of capabilities. In addition to her portfolio at www.larageorgine.com, and her fabric line at www.spoonflower/larageorgine.com, her designs have appeared on the sales floors of some of the world’s major retailers, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Target, Sears, Walmart, Kohl’s and others. (Taken from http://larageorgine.com)

  • “Text or Call” Which do you Prefer?

    Through out the majority of my adult life I have had my handy dandy cell phone. Made deals, had breakups, set meetings, cursed people out, and even comforted love ones all mainly using the simplicity of a text message. One of the things that I have noticed though, is that people tend to send text messages to have FULL conversations with me! To that I say, CALL ME! Do I have time to talk about something in depth with you via text, NO! Chances are, I’m busy working on 50 million other things and if you can pick up the phone and expedite the process, both of us can get on with what we have to take care of! (excuse my rant, but c’mon people!!! Text messages are 160 characters for a reason.)

    With that, here are my rules for determining if you need to pick up the phone and call me or if we can get by with just a text, here it goes!

    You should text me if:

    • You have a question you want to ask me that doesn’t require a detailed response. (Do not text me asking about the moon, sun, and the quasars and how they function in regards to the earth’s gravitational pull. #textsreadanddeleted)
    • You are running late by a few minutes and you just want to keep me posted.
    • You want to confirm our plans as still on.
    • You just saw some dumb, funny, or cuteness that you think i would like to see (please be sure to have a picture! lol)

    Do not text me if:

    • You are promoting a party, photo/video shoot, or anything else unless its something that we have discussed prior and I asked you to send me that info, otherwise, get on facebook and bombard me with that stuff like the rest of the club promoters on facebook.
    • All you have to say is “HEY” and nothing EVER comes from you saying that (#textreadanddeleted #petpeeve #gokickyourself) if there is something you want to talk about specifically then thats fine, your “HEY” should accompany what you want to talk about. If it doesn’t, I’ve already formulated that you have nothing to talk about and you have officially annoyed me, please don’t waste digital energy on that bull.
    • “We need to talk” but you can’t talk right now…….Why the hell are you asking me to talk with you then?! Wait until you are available to tell me we need to talk and then lets talk about it if i’m not busy.
    • You have IMPORTANT NEWS: ie – you won the lottery, you are being robbed (-_-), you have to confess your undying love (chances are I don’t feel the same so save it), your car broke down and you need me to come get you, you are engaged, etc.

     

    I think I’ve gotten my message across and as I come up with some more reasons to pick up the phone I’ll update this post with those additions.

    What are some of your reasons for picking up  the phone instead of texting, let me know in the comments section below.

  • Happy Hour: GUMBALL MARTINI (Yaay its the WEEKEND!!!)

     

    For most people, Friday is the end of a work week and the beginning of a break from the 9 -5 grind. For me, its just a mini break in the evening that I can spend reflecting and having fun with friends either staying in or going out. Of course we like to do it with drinks and here’s one that I’m going to be mixing up this weekend for the crew. My drink of choice for this weekend is the GUMBALL MARTINI!

    Here is the recipe!

    2 Parts Gin

    1Part Vodka

    1/2 Part Southern Comfort

    1/4 Part Dry Vermouth

    Add a gumball to it for fun!

     

    Have a Great Weekend! 🙂

  • Fashion and Photography Experts Give MODELEVILLE the Thumbs Up

     

    MODELEVILLE is a social media platform that caters creative professionals in the modeling, fashion, styling and photographic industry. It is an arena that showcases the imaginative works as well as a ground of meeting people with the same passion.

    Since MODELEVILLE launched in October 2010, it has more than 30,000 sign ups (though not all profiles are approved), viewed in more than 150 countries.

    MODELEVILLE is open to all kinds of photographers and models from glamour, lifestyle, nude, body part, swimsuit, portraiture and of course the tall and slender fashion models.

     

    • “Modeleville connected us with both, potential consumers and talent for our fashion shoots and shows.”

     

    – Amanda Che, designer of A Che swimwear. from the USA

     

    • “I think Modeleville is the next big casting website for serious industry models, with a lot of great contacts to be made!”

     

    – Caitlin O’connor, model and runner up for Miss Philadelphia 2011

     

    • “I met several top photographers through MODELEVILLE who, I ended up working with. It’s a very easy and direct way to connect with some of the best creatives in the industry.”

     

    – Kristina Korsholm, Model/Actress, in new feature film “Madoff – made off with America”

     

    • “Drifting through the social networks for years… it is refreshing to finally find one which is equivalent stylish and state of the art too!”

     

    – Volker Fleck, Los Angeles based fashion and celebrity photographer

     

    • “Modeleville is a great new site for all professionals in the modeling industry.  It is easy to use and view profiles and I find it more useful than any of the other sites I have been on in the past.”

     

    – Justine Price, FHM and Maxim Photographer from the USA

     

    • “MODELEVILLE is an amazing platform for all fashion business professionals and beyond! You can easily get in touch and collaborate with top notch agents, photographers, editors, publicists and models. I truly enjoy the Internet presentation, which is stylish and classy with very well composed portfolios. You can also link your page directly to all the major social networks. All in all, it’s great and outstanding website that I can highly recommend.”

     

    – Sylvia Ray Arden, Model/singer from Germany

    SOURCE Modeleville

  • Things you MUST have to be a GOOD model (Part 1)

    ANTM Cycle 7 Models (no that is not me in the top of the picture, although I do get mistaken for her a lot)

     

    I usually get a lot of questions about modeling and what it takes to get ahead in the industry. Every time I am asked I always make it a point that being a good model, means being a “model person.” What I mean by that is, be the model that you want to be. You have to model a model in order to be a good model! That means getting into the mindset of a model and executing those mannerisms in your daily life. For example, when you are starting out as a model, you might compare yourself to your favorite model. Not saying that you look like that person, but their successes and thier persona. Don’t mimic what they do, but research what it is about them that has gotten them to the point in their career that they have reached.

    Aside from the physical things that one needs in order to be a good model there are a few things from within that a model must have if they want to get ahead. One of the main things is a personality.

    Personality

    As a model, you will meet a lot of people and the key to you getting more modeling work often lies within meeting these people. You will need to be able to talk to people and project to your potential client that you are a confident and capable person. How do you do that? You have to talk and let people have a feel for the way you are!

    Strike up a conversation with someone you don’t really know at social functions. Doesn’t have to be anything deep, it could be about the weather or better yet, compliment them on something you like about their outfit. That is usually a small ice breaker that can usually get the conversation flowing, who knows where it may go.

    Another thing that most models need to be a good model is a good head on their shoulders, you have to be SMART!

    Be a smart model…

    I can’t tell you how many models I have met that seem to be the stereotype of the “DUMB” model. Very pretty but can’t count to 10 worth a damn! lol. As a model you are in this business as a self-employed business, you are independent. Even if you get signed with an agency, you are on your own. The agency works for you, you don’t work for them, no matter what you may think. Whatever jobs they send you out for, it is your choice whether you go or not. You are on your own to take care of how  you secure it, your transportation to get there, your hair, makeup, clothes, etc. you are responsible for it all. If you don’t know what you are doing, I strongly suggest that you do a lot of research about the business or start asking some questions. No client wants a model who doesn’t know what they are doing, and the ones that do, WILL exploit you for your ignorance. (MESSAGE!!! *in my spike lee voice*)

    The last thing that I will mention for this article is:

    You have to have “THICK SKIN”

    What I mean by that is., you have to be able to take criticism, let downs, and whatever else this industry will throw your way. You can’t take everything personally and let it get you down in this business. Not everyone is going to book you, there will be times when people will tell you no and then IF they tell you why they said no and its a negative reason, you have to be able to take it as this is just the way the business is. If you cant handle someone telling you that you weren’t chosen because you have a look that they weren’t looking for, take it as you didn’t fit for this particular gig but there are plenty others where you would fit. When you find it, find out how you can exploit it and make your money to get in where you fit in! Don’t let one let down, let you down completely.

    Part 2 will be up, pending the feed back from this post! 🙂

  • One thing I love about Spring…MINI DRESSES! (Forever 21)

    BLUMARINE (DRESS 59088 SANDALS 43406)

     

    I can’t wait until the month of May get to the point where warm weather begins to be a constant staple of everyday life. I sooooo can’t wait to break out the MINI DRESSES!!!!! I love showing leg in the summer! Mini Dresses are just so effortlessly sexy and free, Ive already got a few looks in mind that I am going to add to my wardrobe. All of the designers have great looks, but I don’t have a designer budget so check out this video of the designer looks then check out my Forever 21 picks below and tell me what you think!

     

    Pleated V-Neck Dress $19.80
    Abstract Print Dress $17.80
    Island Vacation Dress $19.80
    Cherish Crepe Chiffon Dress $24.80

     

    What will your staple of the summer be this year?

  • Warner Music Group to be sold by Week’s End…Maybe

    According to www.FMQB.com:

    The final bids are due for Warner Music Group today, and the company could reportedly be sold by week’s end. Sources tell Reuters WMG is expected to go for at least $3 billion to one of two competing groups: Len Blavatnik‘s Access Industry and a joint bid by Tom and Alec Gores‘Platinum Equity and Gores Group.

    One source tells Reuters that Ron Burkle‘s Yucaipa Co dropped out of the bidding late last week, while bids from two major competing music industry companies “fell short of what Warner’s board was looking for in the second round.” Digital Music News notes that Yucaipa was the group that included Napster co-founder Sean Parker.There is still the chance that music companies such as BMG could be involved down the road by purchasing some of WMG’s assets from its new owner. Even though bids are due this week, there is no guarantee a deal will close in the coming days, according to one of Reuters‘ sources.Additionally, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday night that Blavantnik is frustrated by the decision process and has threatened to drop out of the bidding if WMG’s board takes too long to make up its mind.


     

    In casue you don’t understand what this means… WMG is the world’s third-largest record label behind Universal and Sony. In recent years, the company has overhauled its business model and made significant inroads in the digital music market. Digital revenue represented 40% of its recorded music revenue in the U.S., WMG said in its most recent earnings call. I wonder how this will change the way they do business after it’s sold…

  • VIDEO: “SLEEP IS 4 SUCKERS” – FRONTLINE

    This week’s selection comes from a phrase that myself and associates, friends, and cowokers live by. Not to mention that FRONTLINE did their thing on this track and it doesn’t hurt that I have a bit of a South Jersey bias! lol Check out the video below and leave your feedback in the comments!

     

  • Sir, are you “Thirsty”?! Take a sip of this metaphorical water…

    I’m sure you have heard the term “THIRSTY” lately. Its becoming a more and more popular slang term when describing someone who is pursuing someone in a desperate and persistent manner even though the opposite party has expressed (often times non verbally) that they are not interested.

    Personally, I don’t know if its the hints of summer that have been coming about lately, but I think the heat is making a lot of these dudes out here EXTRA thirsty.  I just want to let you all know that THIRSTINESS is not attractive! It is a major turn off, and if you aren’t sure if you are being thirsty or not, get yourself a glass cause if any of these apply to you I’m gonna give you the “water” you need to quench your thirst.

    You might be thirsty if:

    1. Every time you ask that person out on a date or to spend time with you they are always busy, and never suggest a time/day that is good for them, but you just keep askin (take a sip)
    2. You find yourself not getting any phone calls anymore and you try to play slick games to get them to talk to you. “Oh my bad, I pressed the wrong person on my phone, but what’s up tho?” (take another sip)
    3. You shower that person with compliments and you get none in return…and you KEEP showering them with compliments, hoping they will eventually return them. (you must be a little parched)
    4. All on your facebook or twitter all you talk about is finding wifey or getting a hubby…
    5. Giving the person a nickname, like boo, sweetheart, etc, and they call you by your full government and they make it a point to never deviate from it…
    6. You exchange numbers, and you add them on ALL social networks 10 minutes later and then ask what took them so long to approve you, and in the process of waiting for them to approve you, you message people on their friend list about them…then if you get approved you comment most, if not all, of their pictures (you’re throat must be dry, take a sip patna)

    and the list continues on from there.

    The point to remember in order not to be considered thirsty is, if your find yourself putting fourth most of the effort and energy in communicating with a person or trying to make things work with someone but all you get is the Kanye Shrug or not even a “Oh that’s what’s up” you might just appear thirsty in their eyes and you should fall back.

    Anyone who wants to be involved with you will make an effort to be with you and reciprocate feelings and communicate with you. If they don’t get yourself another “glass of water” and walk away, no need to make them feel like your thirstin over that particular glass. There’s plenty of water out there, find yourself the most refreshing source that will keep your cup running over.

    What are some traits of “thirsty” people I missed? Please Share!

  • Miami Fashion Week Casting (Philly, NJ, NYC Area Models)

    “Casting Couch” The Fashion Show & Swimwear Model Competition

    Prize: Paid air fare & hotel for 1 first place Male & 1 first place Female model to Miami to particapate in the Miami Slpash: Dive into Fashion Swimwear Showcase – Catalina Hotel, South Beach Miami, Fl. – July 16, 2011

    “Casting Couch” The Fashion Show & Swimwear Model Competition
    To take place at the Key Club, 58 Park Pl., Newark, NJ 07102

    Fashion Show Date & time TBA –

    Female Model Criteria:
    Height: 5’7″ to 5’11”
    Dress size: 2 to 4
    Attractive face
    Swimwear model physique
    Experience runway walk
    NO DIVAS!

    Male Model Criteria:
    Height: 5’11” to 6’2″
    Waist: 32″ to 34″
    Attractive face
    Muscular physique (comfortable in speedo)
    Experienced runway walk
    NO DIVOS!

    All interested models must email Bernardmoore09@gmail.com the follow to be considered: City & State of residence, 2 swimwear photographs (NO LINKS), measurements (dress/jacket size), bio/resume & complete contact info – Please note: Only emails containing this info will be responded to.

    Other than the first prizes of air fare & hotel, the winning models will be paid $75.00 rate to participate in the Miami Fashion Week Show as well as other perks.

    Thank you! GOOD LUCK!