Relationships Are Invaluable- What you know vs. Who You Know

Inspired by the people I meet everyday, I know first hand that fostering relationships is a key component to success. People have your best interest at heart when you allow them too. Never make it about you and always make it about them. Here is an article from Entrepreneur.com that I thought nailed how to nurture the relationships with new people you meet.

As the old saying goes, "It's now what you know but who you know." For entrepreneurs, this couldn't be truer. Building relationships can play a pivotal role in the success of your startup, as it can lead to important introductions to investors, potential clients, future hires and advisors.

But it isn't easy. Relationships need trust and rapport, which requires consistent contact over time. For those looking to nurture and build valued connections, here are some tips: 

Be helpful. In a professional setting, people like to have relationships with those that can help their career or business. Be that person. It will help both your network and you get stronger.

Offer relevant and mutually beneficial introductions. Provide advice, expertise or feedback. Share information such as events, articles or research that may be helpful. Promote your contact's work by sharing it with others. Per the law of reciprocity, when you are helpful to others, people will feel more inclined to be helpful to you. 

Keep people posted. Send updates about what you’re learning and accomplishing and ask your contacts to do the same. By doing so, you can determine who in your network is inspiring and excellent in respective fields, which can lead to connections down the road. 

Stay top of mind. You don’t want to go extended periods of time without being on someone’s radar. Ask people to join you for coffee or invite them to an event you’re attending or organizing.

Read more: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/230135#ixzz2lrpd7Mr0

Pop Culture: 12 Years A Slave

The juggernaut that is “12 Years a Slave” continued with the announcement of the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Award nominees today. The Steve McQueen-helmed drama about slavery—which has been gaining momentum since its debut at the Toronto Film Festival—led the nominations with seven nods.

But while “12 Years a Slave” already has plenty of buzz, the Indie Spirit Awards also shined a light on some deserving, smaller films that should have a bigger fan base. Brie Larson scored a nod for female lead for her work in “Short Term 12,” along with Cate Blanchett in “Blue Jasmine” and Shailene Woodley for “The Spectacular Now.” And Lake Bell was nominated for best first screenplay for her “In a World” screenplay, part of a trend this year that saw plenty of actors nominated for their writing, from Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke for “Before Midnight” to Joseph Gordon-Levitt for “Don Jon.”

The awards will be handed out at a March 1 ceremony, the night before the Oscars. Patton Oswalt will host. 12 Years a Slave has been nominated for over 10 categories  including Best Director Best Feature, Best Documentary, Best First Feature and Best Supporting Male.

www.backstage.com

Shami Publishing Library- How To Start A Business in 7 Days

Sometimes you need a starting point to get your ideas off the ground. Using How To Start A Business in 7 Days is a simple guide  that can help you understand the basics of business planning. Here is a book that will be loved by entrepreneurs, business moguls and aspiring business owners too.























 Entrepreneurs and business savvy individuals always seek different sources for inspiration. Without balance happiness is elusive. As an entrepreneur you should not equate your happiness to financial success but to something that is more sustainable.

Bob Shami inspired by the likes of Anthony Robbins, Chrissy Makulsky and Richard Branson has authored several books with the purpose of education and self-fulfillment. “How To Start A Business In 7 Days” is a book about those who want to know how to start their own company from the ground up. There is no conventional way to reading the book. It serves as a reference and reminder of what are the things you need to consider to start your business. Sometimes a refresher is always needed. After reading this book you would know how to start a business, save money and remain successful as you do it.

The book has ten chapters including Find It For Free, a chapter dedicated to being resourceful and using what you already have and who you already know to get your business started and keep it running for years to come. 

“How To Start A Business in 7 Days” can be purchased on Amazon.com

Shami Publishing is a publishing house in New York City that provides a platform for undiscovered writers, unnoticed storytellers, and uncelebrated wordsmiths and gurus. We believe that just because the New York Times hasn’t noticed you don’t mean you don’t have anything worth sharing. Writing is a tough business to break in to, but Shami Publishing makes it easier. Just as you are devoted to quality writing, so are we. We look for excellence on every page, and we seek to enrich the lives of everyone who reads our books. Our focus is on self-help, information, positive thinking, and family values. With Shami Publishing, you’ll be 

In Search of Success?

How success is defined, varies from  person to person. What do you want success to mean to you? Here are some tips that can inspire you on your journey to reaching personal success.


1. Keep Your Perspective-

If you can not grasp early on that you are not perfect you will mess up before you even start. Understand that mistakes are part of the process. Trying new things or things that are difficult help you to grow and learn. Embrace that.

2. Be Patient-

Enjoy the journey it takes to get where you are trying to go. You will get there sooner than you think. And hungry for your next adventure

3.Go Back To Your Roots-

Get in tune with your passions and from that you will find what brings you the most joy. Pursue that.

4. Do Not Fear Failure-

Not everything happens the way you want it to. That is OK. Go with the flow and it sometimes leads you to better places and greater opportunities.



For more inspiration and entrepreneurial wisdom visit www.bobshami.com 

Shami Movie Library: BAD RECEPTION

Heading for a new life in the big city, writer Ben Anderson (Randy Brown), thinks his luck has changed when he finds a new TV by the side of a desert road. At a house-warming party in his new apartment, Ben finds out the TV doesn't seem to work, much to the amusement of his friends. And then it begins... In the dead of night, the TV begins to work, showing images of a fanatical priest (Michael Sorich) hell-bent on redeeming the souls of "Sinners". Everyone who appears before the TV is to be judged. Commit a sin-and be punished. Nowhere is safe from the TV's wrath. Pride, Lust, Anger, Envy, Greed, Gluttony and Sloth are now truly the seven Deadly sins.

WATCH TRAILER HERE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dl_xNBIS3Y

Have a Great Idea? Now What?

Every idea needs to be followed by a critical assessment to evaluate if it will make or break in its respective industry.

I read an article on Entrepreneur.com and took away these important things to consider when creating a prototype. Next time you have an idea you want to follow through on consider this process.

What should a newbie entrepreneur do first?
Before you ever pick up the phone, make sure you know--and can explain--exactly what you want in as many specifics as possible. You also have to educate yourself on the process so you understand what the person on the other end of the phone is talking about. A virtual prototype is not the same as a prototype, but some manufacturers try to sell them as such. You need to know the terminology so you can be sure you're getting what you want.

Once you identify potential manufacturers, what should you ask them?
Ask for their portfolio to see what kind of work they've done and for whom they've done it. Make sure they have the experience and capability to do everything you need. A smoke alarm is not an overly complicated product, but it does have some complicated issues. You might find a prototyping shop that can easily do the outer case but doesn't know anything about electronics or how they interface with the case. You need someone with experience that covers everything. Also, look for someone with a design aesthetic that matches yours. You won't be happy with a futuristic designer if you're looking to design something around a retro brand.

How can you vet references for these shops?
You can check the references they provide, but also call the [Better Business Bureau] and clients in their portfolio to ask about things like responsiveness and timing. Research them online to see how long they've been in business, if they've been in the news and what others have to say. But keep in mind that internet information is just one data point, because you don't know its origin. Lastly, listen to your intuition: We all have an inner compass that guides us when we interact with others, and if something feels off, or feels right, that's an important variable.

What can one expect in terms of prototyping time and cost?
The structure of a deal is difficult to nail down because it's dependent on so many factors and how well-prepared you are. Prototyping companies typically set rates by the hour or by the project. The more complex the product and the more handholding you require, the more time it will take and the higher the cost will be. Communicating your needs thoroughly can save time and money. Because you provide all the information they need to design it, your flow and preparedness will typically dictate the pace of the project.

What if my invention just doesn't fly?
Millions of inventors have gone down this entrepreneurial path of prototyping only to end up with a very nice bookshelf piece. At some point, we all have to walk to the end of the board, jump off and hope there's water in the pool. If not, there are lots of resources that can help you revisit or decide if it's time to move on, including UIA, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and independent programs such as Inventor's Blueprint [in Portland, Ore.]. Whether you decide to carry on or move on, inventor education is the key to making sure you're pointed in the right direction.

Read more: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/227975#ixzz2lgoYtby5

Products Meet Movies.

Inspired to try to get your product or service some free publicity? Here are a few quick steps you can follow that just may get your product or service a supporting role in a movie or television show:

1. Put on your brainstorming cap. What type of show or movie would you like to see your business in? When attempting to reach your target market, you really need to think about the types of programming they're most likely to watch. If you're marketing lipstick to teenagers, for instance, approaching teen-oriented sitcoms would be smart. If your product is aimed at stay-at-home moms, you might want to consider everything from soap operas to daytime talk shows.

If you don't care about reaching the audience as much as building credibility among the general public, then think about the characters on the programs who might conceivably use your business or service. The important thing is to stay away from thinking about your own personal favorite programs and instead think about what's a good fit for your product. Put yourself in the shoes of the producer or business development person. If you can honestly envision your product being a help to their show, then that show is probably one you should approach.

2. Once you have your list, start looking for contacts. There are a few ways to get the information you need. If it's a TV show you're interested in, try searching the end credits of the show to find out who the show's producer is. A little internet searching should turn up the production company's contact information. Or you can go directly to the search engines to find the show's site where you'll find the name and possibly the contact information for the production company. If it's not there, try searching directly for the website of the productions and start trolling for the appropriate name of someone who might want to see your media kit. One piece of advice: Be sure to approach several production companies--like cold calling, product placement success is a numbers game.

If it's movies you've got your heart set on, read the current editions of such trade magazines as Variety (www.variety.com) or Hollywood Reporter (www.hollywoodreporter.com). Most issues include listings of the production companies currently working on projects, where you can at least get phone numbers and addresses, if not key names. You can also search the trade publications--or the internet--to see what movies are currently in production or will begin soon. Both Variety and Hollywood Reporter offer a lot of invaluable information online for free; in some cases though, particularly with Hollywood Reporter, you may have to subscribe to get the information. Or you could try an old-fashioned but reliable approach and check out the publications at your local library.

3. Send a media kit. Once you've located contact information for the companies you'd like to contact, mail them a media kit that includes a cover letter, photos and descriptions of your product or service and contact information so they can reach you if they're interested. Do not call anyone, unless it's a receptionist to get the name of someone to send a letter to.

4. Don't oversell. Producers will either like what they see--or not. You aren't going to talk them into anything.

5. Be careful about suggesting a scene that the producers might use your product in. For instance, a good way to go about it might be "Since our doughnut shop is based in Chicago and ER is set in the same city, please keep us in mind." Suggesting that Luka or Abby might want to share breakfast over doughnuts is also probably safe, but even that may be more details than the producers would care to hear. Deciding how to use your product is their business; bringing your product to their attention, in a low-key and professional way, is yours.

Read more: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/173086#ixzz2lJowRpVq

Thinking of Working From Home?

Its very difficult to stay focused when you are working from home. The distractions can get a little bit too overwhelming and their is a fine line between lunch time and going back to bed for the rest of the day. Here are a few helpful suggestions to make the at home work life a more productive one.

1. Set a schedule.

It's great to have the flexibility of working any time, any place, but operating without any structure can hurt your productivity. Divide your day up into blocks. Fried and Heinemeier Hansson suggest using "Catch-up, Collaboration, and Serious Work" as your labels. Maybe you take a break between "Collaboration" and "Serious Work" to have a snack or play a game with your kids. The important thing is to use a relatively consistent schedule each day. Sure, you can switch it up once in a while — that's one of the huge benefits of remote working — but having a set routine will help you switch between professional and personal modes from the confines of your own house.

2. Get dressed for work.

Don't worry, this doesn't mean you have to be in a full suit in your kitchen. But there is a psychological benefit to ditching the pajamas and getting dressed decently. Changing from loaf-around-the-house clothes to presentable attire is another way of creating boundaries between home life and work life. You can put the slippers and sweatshirt back on at the end of the day.

3. Mix up office and remote work.

Just because you're a remote employee doesn't mean you have to work remotely all the time. You can work from home some days; commute to the office on others; or do both at once. Fried, for example, tends to work from home starting around 7:30 or 8 a.m., before heading into the office around 11 a.m. The quiet mornings allow him to catch up on work without office distractions, while the afternoons let him address more collaborative projects. As a remote employee, you can be flexible, so take advantage of that. A routine is helpful (as discussed in the first point), but doing the same thing day-in and day-out can numb your creativity and make it easier to zone out while working. 

4. Consider the coffee shop.

We've all faced the mid-afternoon lull. That can be particularly dangerous when working from home, as it's far more liable to turn into a mid-afternoon nap. When complete isolation makes it harder, rather than easier, to concentrate, it's time to relocate to somewhere with some friendly white noise. That might mean the neighborhood coffee shop, a local park, or a library. As Fried and Heinemeier Hansson write, "It sounds counterintuitive, but the presence of other people, even if you don't know them, can fool your mind into thinking that being productive is the only proper thing to do."

5. Overlap with your teammates.

Even if everyone on your team is in a different country, it's still important to schedule some overlap in the hours you're putting in. This might mean you need to make some scheduling compromises, but it will pay off in terms of collaboration. You'll still likely have part of the day just to yourself, and then during the overlapping period you'll have colleagues to bounce ideas off and get help on any tricky projects. When you're feeling stifled and unexcited about a project, conferring with a coworker can be a great way to jumpstart your ingenuity and find new motivation for an old idea. 

6. Separate your digital devices.

One thing that makes switching between work and play particularly difficult is having all your emails, phone calls, and other communications mashed together. For some people, this is inevitable. But if your company gives you a separate work phone or computer, take advantage of that. Use one set of devices for professional matters and the other set for personal. That way, when work is over, you can literally unplug. 

7. Take on work you like.

This may sound naively optimistic, but the fact of the matter is that self-motivation is essential to remote work, and people are far more likely to be self-motivated when they care about what they're doing. If you like what you do but still are feeling burned out, it might be time to check in with your manager. Are you stuck on a project? Do you need to take a break? These are legitimate questions to raise, especially when your boss can't check on you in person every day.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/tips-to-stay-motivated-while-working-from-home-2013-10#ixzz2lJg1Qnd7

Top Sites for Independent Filmmakers.

Filmmaker

Filmmakers on a tight budget know perfectly well how difficult it is to stay on that budget.  Filmmaker.com’s blog contains helpful articles regarding a wide array of topics from industry news, to new software updates, and to helpful tips.  Members of the site can post on the forums and exchange information on filmmaking as well as their own projects.  The forum is an ideal place for independent filmmakers to seek knowledge from their peers.

View Filmmaker

Film Riot

Film Riot is a video tutorial site with a comedic twist.  Host Ryan Connolly covers every subject from how to make a music video, to using CGI, to how to cast your film.  This site is a delightful departure from the typical monotonous tutorials usually found on the net as the humorous videos take a narrative structure making them actually enjoyable to watch.

View Film Riot
Follow Film Riot on Twitter
Check out their YouTube Channel

Go Into The Story

Good screenwriters know how important it is to know every trick of the trade there is (even if they do not use them all).  Go Into The Story ditches all the fancy graphics and cluttering advertisements and opts for the bare essentials of screenwriting.  Blogger Scott Myers, a screenwriting professor at the University of North Carolina, posts advice and how-to-guides daily to aid young writers in the creative process.  The blog also sports an extensive list of other great websites and blogs that serve as great resource as well.

View Go Into The Story
Follow Scott Myers on Twitter

Hope For Film

Hope for Film is the brainchild of the American independent film producer Ted Hope.  His credits include 21 Grams (2003), American Splendor (2003), and Adventureland (2009) to name a few.    Everyday Hope and various guest bloggers post advice and opinions concerning independent film.  Like johnaugust.com this blog is a great opportunity for beginner filmmakers to seek and discuss insight of an industry professional.

View Hope for Film
Follow Ted Hope on Twitter

IndieTalk

Similar to Filmmaker.com, IndieTalk is filmmaking community in which filmmakers share and exchange ideas in a forum.  The forums are broken down into categories such as Cameras & Lenses, Screenwriting, Cinematography and Lighting, and Post Production.  The members on the forum typically offer advice on how to get around problems in filmmaking while not doing damage to your wallet.

View IndieTalk

IndieWire

Similar to Twitch Film, IndieWire is convergence point filmmakers and film lovers alike.  Fans of independent cinema receive information of films and festivals, as well as reviews and blogs.  Filmmakers can read articles covering topics such as production, distribution, exhibition, and festival strategy.

View IndieWire
Follow IndieWire on Twitter

John August

John August is an accomplished screenwriter whose credits most notably include Tim Burton’s films Big Fish (2003), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), and Corpse Bride (2005).  He started his blog back in 2003 as an encyclopedia of information about screenwriting.  Since then it has expanded into a wealth of information ranging from career advice to the state of the film industry itself. Many of the blog posts are responses to reader-submitted questions, making it a great way for independent writers to get feedback from a working professional.

View johnaugust.com
Follow John August on Twitter

Raindance

Besides being one of Britain’s largest independent film festivals, Raindance also offers a treasure trove of information and how-to-tips for independent filmmakers worldwide.  Under the resources section of the site there are links to articles written by members of the Raindance team and industry professionals.  These articles detail the tricks and traps for filmmaking on little to no budget at all. Raindance also runs a film school with am innovative postgraduate film degree in association with Staffordshire University and the Independent Film Trust. They also have 7 regional offices in six countries which gives them an unusual and valuable perspective on new trends in independent film.

View Raindance
Follow Raindance on Twitter

Shooting People

Shooting People is a network for filmmakers based out of London.   It serves as a means for independent filmmakers to connect with each other by using blogs, databases, newsletters, and podcasts.  Members of the site have premiered at Sundance, been nominated at BAFTA and the Oscars, and screened at Cannes.

View Shooting People
Follow Shooting People on Twitter

Twitch Film

The world of independent cinema is so widespread around the globe it can sometimes be difficult to absorb it all it.  Twitch Film compiles everything there is to know and creates a central hub for the lovers of indie, international, and cult films.  Followers of the site can read news, reviews, and interviews regarding a huge library of international and independent films; as well participate in forums and comment on articles.

View Twitch Film
Follow Twitch Film on Twitter

Philip Bloom

Philip Bloom has travelled the world as a successful maker of short films, documentaries. adverts and much more. He is part of the new breed of digital cinematographers, using DLSRs to achieve that film look. On his website you can see his wide range of work, from his adverts with Kevin Spacey to his 5D Cinematography on the WWII Lucasfilm Red Tails.

View philipbloom.net

NoFilmSchool

No Film School is a site for DIY filmmakers and independent creatives run by Brooklyn based filmmaker Ryan Koo. It offers solutions to how to get the most out of the things you create in order to sustain a long career as a filmmaker, writer, director, producer, editor, cinematographers and much more.

View nofilmschool.com

Film Maker IQ

Film Maker IQ is a group of filmmakers who discuss a range of topics. With articles on things such as Make-Up Tutorials to Camera comparisons, they answer both  the whys and hows of filmmaking and help us understand the new media wave, without forgetting the old.

View filmmakeriq.com