And this is why I do, what I do....

Infographics on the distribution of wealth in America, highlighting both the inequality and the difference between our perception of inequality and the actual numbers. The reality is often not what we think it is.

References:
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2011/02/income-inequality-in-america-chart-graph
http://danariely.com/2010/09/30/wea...

Accelerator Awards Celebration (Update)

So how did the presentation go?

I believe the presentation went great. I am receiving a lot of praise for it and I know it is a big improvement as compared to the week before when I practiced with my fellow Sandbox Finalists.

When I had started working on my presentation, I began with the PowerPoint so I could organize all my ideas and make sure that I was hitting all the points that were required of me. But then I think I got over-confident because when I looked at all the information, I was like "Oh! I do these presentations all the time in my business classes!" and with everything that I had going on the week of the practice....... I couldn't really practice.

So it was a good wake up call to get back on track! I did my usual and wrote a small script that I memorized but had note cards as well. I received a few questions. All of which made sense to ask and I could answer readily. I was the last presenter out of everyone so I was scheduled to present from about 9-920pm so I'm sure the judges were a bit tuckered out.

But at the end of the day, I am happy with the outcome, and even happier about the overall Accelerator experience. I recommend to any and all entrepreneurs that are steps away from launching and have a well thought out idea that they can fully dedicate their time to and make use of all the resources provided. It was an amazing experience and I intend to keep up with everyone!

Random Ideas of an Entrepreneur

In preparing a write-up for Women's Path to Employment, I was asked to go into detail about WPTE's services. Since taking away the resume and cover letter writing services, it has been noted that I would be providing less at the same price to clients and the organizations that refer them. Yet the driving force behind removing the resume and cover letter services is to focus on one aspect, build that up successfully, and then branch out from there.

In doing so, knowing that I will be focusing on the clothing (collection, sorting, and delivery), I want the delivery to be a big part of WPTE's reputation. 

In the past I have played around with different revenue models and now have found that the pay-per-person model works best for local organizations because it is (financially) a one size fits all kind of model. 

Since WPTE is focused on improving women's confidence in their interviews, in WPTE's new model, when we go out to do a one-on-one, or a five person pop-up shop, or are treating a lucky client to a complete make-over head-to-toe, customer service is going to be key. WPTE's volunteers will act as personal shoppers for the clients and give them interview tips as they pick through the outfits. 

For a pop-up shop for 5 clients, we'll take the size information beforehand, arrange several outfits for them to try on, set up the racks at the location, have the personal shopper volunteers work with the clients, and have them try on the clothes.

I had thought of this before, and did some pricing research, etc., brought back the idea ofhaving portable dressing rooms. It would allow us to have full felxibility in the space, cut down wait time compared to when clients, and control how far out of sight the clothes go. The dressing rooms here a pretty radical, but I have one style that I found that would be perfect and is reasonably priced! Only thing now is to make sure the ceilings are high enough!

Ok, so I really fell off the wagon in terms of keeping up a routine with blogging. Classes at Merrimack College are in full swing and I have some overlap between Merrimack and the Accelerator Program.

Let's start with updates,

• Mid-way pitches went well. I felt a little scripted when I spoke (because I memorized a script that I wrote for myself) but I ran right through it without any major problems.
• This past Monday, I was a guest on the Friend's of Kevin Radio Show. It was my third radio interview with him, but my forth overall when you add in the TV Show interview, and it was my best so far! I was very relaxed and although I prepared my answers, I think I might have looked at them once!
• Also, thanks to Kevin, I MIGHT have a new lead. He introduced me via to a professional in the Career Services field and I have introduced myself/explained WPTE. I will follow up again next week whent he storm is out of the way and the timing is more appropriate. 
• Tonight, before blogging, I created a new budget based on the new pricing format that I would like to market. Since the pricing model is already set up/determined, I took into account my current expenses and how many referred clients I would have to work with in order to make a profit.  
• New email addresses are Sabrina@WPTELawrence.com and Info@WPTELawrence.com

Reminders:

• KEO is currently in 2nd place - Top 4 food companies get to present at MassInno next Wednesday! Vote to keep KEO in 2nd!
• Next Tuesday is when we show off our new 3 minute pitches
• The Accelerator will end with a 10 minute presentation