Final Thoughts

To wrap things up, here are some final thoughts I had on this project. Through it all, it has been impossible to ignore Web presence, especially in the social networking frontier. Professor Rubin has discussed the power of sites like Twitter to take a small idea and make it into something global overnight, which, as a start-up can be invaluable.

Next, not to overlook my computer choice. The chapter on operating systems really made me think about how I want to start my company off on the right foot. Windows vs. Mac is a decision that is really a lot bigger than it seems, as it could effect a numerous amount of other decisions I'm going to have to make for the company in the near future.

And finally, all the key stuff about databases. Computers, at their core, are really functional databases and something that can't be overlooked. Starting a company now without having a clunky, oversized filing cabinet is crucial in order to stay organized and on top of everything.

Chosing an operating system

Something I forgot to blog about a few weeks ago was choosing an operating system for my company. For practicality purposes we have basically two options, Macintosh or Windows. Given the fact that my company will weigh heavily on a sleek Web design, right away my mind tells me to lean toward a Mac instead of a PC.

At the newspaper I currently work for, all text editing is done on PCs and all design editing is done on Macs, which I have to admit, can handle a lot of abuse -- more than I'd originally thought. However, some tech bloggers I've read also suggest that a Mac costs a little more, and with such a low ceiling for start-up cash, that might have to come into consideration.

What it all comes down to is effectiveness comparing to cost. I'm in a hybrid business of journalism, design and printing. When reading the text and learning about the strengths of each, it's pretty clear that a Mac is the right choice for now despite a slightly higher cost. The Snow Leopard system Prof. Rubin showed in class and in the CNET video looks like it can handle what I'm looking for.

Databases

Inventory, in general, will be a crucial factor to starting up a business. I'm anticipating a large amount of online orders, which means keeping them in an organized fashion can only benefit what I'm trying to do. If a customer has a problem or complaint, I can instantly inquire within the database and pull up their unique customer record.

The online database has its distinct advantages over the standard mom-and-pop file cabinet system. Given that I'm already an unorganized person, the massive amounts of paperwork would take up precious office space and make the work day even more difficult. Plus, orders are more easily lost, damaged or stolen, which is simply not an option.

A more current and practical use of the database could come with the advent of the new health care bill. Running a small business, I'll be responsible for all my employee's insurance. I can keep this in a separate thread in the person's individual file, separate from all of their work-related information in order to comply with government standards.

Invention Idea -- Week Eight

Spring break has come and gone, but that hasn't stopped me from thinking about my task at hand and what it might take to follow through. Something that's come to mind has been product adaptation and what it might take to keep my idea fresh and current. Take, for example, what's in the news about mobile printing.

Originally, my idea was to set people up with a home printing service that can customize aspects of their favorite news sources. But given the rising popularity of mobile printing -- a definite branch of 'cloud computing that we discussed in class -- I've decided to make it a larger aspect of my idea.

Offering users a mobile application in order to customize their news magazines and print wirelessly could only help my cause. If people are really interested, they can use this service to create a more full-circle user plan. Keeping current and up-to-date with this technology can only help myself in marketing the idea too. Looking out for advancements in the iPad and other tablet divices could also mean a large effect for my idea is well, so keeping up to date with the numbers will prove crucial.

Entrepreneurial idea, week five

In last week's post there were a few things I left out about building my perfect business laptop. Of course, I'm still assuming that until this project kicks off the ground, I'm only going to have one computer. That being said, here are some major things I left out of last week's idea update.

One is video capabilities. Of course, when I link to my product on twitter or facebook, there's going to need to be a component that comes with it. Something catchy that will be able to illustrate my point without forcing the consumer to read through boring lines of text. This is where video editing software and video cards kick in.

Like Sports Illustrated recently did with its tablet video, the goal of my product's Web site should be to show off its design and capabilities in a video tutorial. This, of course, means more RAM like I talked about before, but also loads of extra memory to store edited video files, and increased graphical capability to keep up with the video software. Currently, I know in Newhouse -- for example -- digital video editing software can take its toll almost immediately on a regular computer. Without beefing it up, I could be left behind.

Entreprenurial Idea week four

Going back to the end of week three, soething thatg will prove crucial in the print ing business is the perfection of digital imaging. If the product is going to have any success ti will need to perfect things like color toning, high saturation photo print ing and contrast in order to be catchy to the reader's eye.

But moving forward, buuilding the perfect laptop for my small business to start is also crcuail. At the outset, if I'm just creating PDF files to store and print, it doesn't seem like much work. But multiply those files by thousands and ass in the high demand for RAM that programs like Photoshop ask for, and now I'm talking about a more expensive machine. No doubt I'll want a computer that has increased memory but more importantly, added RAM to keep design going fast.

Logically one day I'll have to upgrade to a small file server once my company can afford to take on some added people. But for now, this one computer will have to serve all my business needs. That's why it will take probably $2,500 in initial startup investment money to build something smart and fast enough to sustain a small business through its early stages.

Entrepreneurial idea, week three

Using Excel to my advantage

In starting up a new business venture, there are few things more useful than Microsoft Excel. For starters, I'll need to organize a lot of things -- a basic function of Excel's spreadsheet program. A list of investor names and phone numbers, for example, would be an initial place to start.

Afterward, if I were lucky enough to get some startup cash, I would need to use some of Excel's more complex functions to keep my business in line. In setting up a preliminary budget, I would plan out the next fiscal quarter ahead, allotting certain facets different monetary amounts. Eventually I could project ahead and see if my goals are attainable.

Eventually, I could use these projections to create a plan for more investors. Charts, graphs and layouts are crucial in illustrating my idea visually and increasing my chances of garnering support. At the same time, I can prove to potential investors that I'm efficient and organized.