الخميس، 24 سبتمبر 2015
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How These Entrepreneurs Teamed Up With Teen Heartthrobs to Build a $20 Million Business
Have you heard of Matthew Espinosa? How about Nash Grier?
If you’re a woman between the ages of 13 and 18, chances are your answer is a swoony “yes.”
Espinosa and Grier are part of a new cadre of social media stars, famous for their silly videos, boyish good looks and frequent selfies.
They’re not the only ones getting rich off their digital stardom, though — so is Meridith Valiando Rojas.
But she is far from a teenage boy who acts goofy on camera. Rather, Valiando Rojas is the co-founder and CEO of DigiTour, a company that organizes international tours for these young stars and their sea of adoring fans.
And it all happened because she decided not to sleep in one morning. Interested in her story, we chatted with her about what she’s learned — and how other entrepreneurs can find and fund their own creative ideas.
The DigiTour Story
In 2009, at age 24, Valiando Rojas had a job many people dream of: working for a major music label. In one meeting, though, she had an aha moment she couldn’t ignore.
The president of the label suggested using two separate strategies to promote an artist: a social media campaign and a tour. That’s when the lightbulb came on for Valiando Rojas; she could combine the two platforms to create a “social media tour.”
She looked to YouTube, where, as she explains, “There was an entire community of creators who had developed really deep direct-to-fan relationships with millions of people. I loved the idea of entering this new space and providing an opportunity for these creators… to meet their fans IRL (in real life).”
Ideas began to percolate, and eight months later, she co-founded DigiTour with music producer Christopher Rojas, who is now her husband.
It wasn’t until two years later, however, that DigiTour had its big breakthrough at the Silicon Beach Women Founder’s Pitch event — an event she nearly missed.
“I almost didn’t make it because I was producing an event in NYC,” she says. “I learned my pitch on the plane (running on two hours sleep), landed and dashed to the hotel where it was held. After arriving almost an hour after my time slot, they let me pitch anyway and my PowerPoint didn’t work — but I poured my heart into why Digi matters.”
This opportunity led to her meeting her lead investors. “That event was my fairy dust,” she says. “Had I said ‘No, I’m going to sleep in,’ I probably wouldn’t be here today.”
The Business of Social Media Tours
So, what exactly is a “social media tour”? And how on earth does DigiTour make money from it? Though DigiTour declined to give a breakdown of their earnings, here’s the basic premise.
Valiando Rojas hand picks stars from YouTube, Vine, Instagram and Twitter, looking at “demo (it’s all about teens) and engagement,” she says. “We care about the talent who is driving conversation.”
She then brings these internet celebrities on international tours, where they showcase their talents — everything from comedy to singing and acting — to throngs of screaming teen girls.
DigiTour’s latest offering is the Creative Collab tour, which begins on Sept. 28, 2015, and will hit 23 cities stateside and three in the U.K.
General admission tickets cost $34 — but far more desirable are the VIP tickets, which clock in at $140 each. Why? They include an “exclusive pre-show meet & greet” (read: a brief hug and photo, often followed by tears) with the featured stars.
Clearly, for these girls, a feeling of personal connection foments their fandom — and for DigiTour, drives sales.
It’s far from just the tickets, though, that are bringing in the dough.
“We have built a business with multiple revenue streams: general admission, VIP, merchandise, and brand partnerships,” explains Valiando Rojas. “Twenty-two percent of our revenue comes from selling Digi-branded merch and products, and our brand partnerships continue to grow year on year.”
DigiTour’s Path to Success
Like the young talents she promotes, Valiando Rojas worked hard for several years to get DigiTour off the ground.
When she first started in 2010, Valiando Rojas says, “It was early days and no one really knew yet the power of social media or the talent it was launching. For the first two years we were… perhaps ahead of our time with the concept of a ‘YouTube Tour.’”
But she didn’t give up, and in 2013, she was at her first NYC festival when she had a moment she’ll never forget.
“[I was] walking through the crowd to get to the front gate and I could barely move. It was wall-to-wall teen girls… The sheer passion, excitement, and number of girls who showed up made me realize who our audience was. Once you discover your customer, you’re able to accelerate the growth of your business.”
And accelerate it has: DigiTour is predicted to sell 300,000 tickets and bring in $15 million to $20 million this year, according to Forbes.
Valiando Rojas attributes her success to six essential factors:
Tenacity
“We were told many times to quit. The idea didn’t work and we should just do something else. My co-founder and I never listened to the naysayers. We stayed focused and ultimately we became the leader in our field.”
Passion
“If you don’t believe what you’re doing matters or will have massive impact, it will become nearly impossible to get through the bad days of being an entrepreneur (which happen!).
“People always look to the founder(s) to set the tone and stay inspired. If you’re not inspired, how will the people around you be?”
Hard Work
“It requires a 24/7 work schedule… My partner and I rubbed two sticks together for two years and finally sparked a flame. Many people don’t have the patience to stick with something, nor the conviction to see it through.”
Focus
“You are your own greatest competition. As soon as you’re distracted or making choices based on what someone else is doing, you’re getting off track.
“Many people in our field talk about doing what we do and many of them are still talking. Doing is the important part.”
Courage
“If you are too careful, you’ll never yield a high reward. I believe risks are important as long as they’re educated. In business, you need to be bold.”
Timing
“It’s the fairy dust that we all need. My philosophy is say YES — go to events, take meetings, increase the places you are and the people you meet and eventually you’ll find your fairy dust.”
Do You Have What It Takes?
Do you dream of launching a profitable business? For Valiando Rojas, it’s been a rewarding experience.
“Every dollar the company makes, every employee we hire, and every customer we acquire[; it] has been a thrill to see how the idea has evolved into something that’s bigger than me,” she says. “It touches so many people, supports 24 people and their families, and has expanded beyond what I initially imagined was possible.”
But keep in mind those ups are accompanied by downs.
To keep your head above water through the tough times, Valiando Rojas says, “You must be obsessed with your idea and willing to work harder than the next guy or girl…
“Don’t run out of cash, have contingency plans, and take responsibility when you make mistakes. If you show you have grace under fire and can get through tough days and tougher decisions, then more people will back you and follow you.”
As for the future of DigiTour, Valiando Rojas says she “couldn’t be more excited.”
“We have tripled our staff, doubled our inventory of events, and started to develop other extensions of the Digi brand to our fans,” she says. “Our relationships with our fans, their trust of Digi and sense of its community have enabled us to learn about what they want and then give it to them.”
What do they want? To connect, in real life, with the boys they’ve grown to digitally adore for their shaggy good looks and goofy videos with chameleons. And Valiando Rojas? She’s more than happy to make it happen.
Your Turn: Does the success of this business surprise you? Had you heard of these stars before?
Susan Shain, senior writer for The Penny Hoarder, is always seeking adventure on a budget. Connect with her on Twitter: @susan_shain.
The post How These Entrepreneurs Teamed Up With Teen Heartthrobs to Build a $20 Million Business appeared first on The Penny Hoarder.
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Business Briefcase: S’burg resident named next CEO of Merchants Bank
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10 Frugal Celebrities Who Love Clipping Coupons
Celebrities ranging from Hollywood stars to professional athletes are known to make millions. But not all of them spend like rich folks.
Some clip coupons. The following celebrities have fessed up to the practice publicly and are only too happy to share their frugal knowledge.
For some of the rich and famous, couponing stems from humble upbringings. For others, it’s a reflection of their ability to appreciate the value of a dollar saved despite millions of dollars earned.
Like the rest of us, the rich and famous use coupons for certain types of purchases more often than others. Some celebrities love to use coupons for groceries and eating out. Others use them for just about anything from Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Here are some of these famous couponers.
1. Carmelo Anthony
Professional basketball player Carmelo Anthony, currently of the New York Knicks, told CBS Denver people look at him with shock when he uses coupons at the grocery store:
“I go to the supermarket, make sure I get the newspaper and tear the coupons out; save a dollar or two. … I’m human too,” he explained.
2. Kristen Bell
Actress Kristen Bell told comedian Conan O’Brien on his TV talk show “Conan” that she is “very frugal”:
“I use a lot of coupons. I almost exclusively shop with coupons.”
Her favorite coupon is Bed, Bath & Beyond’s 20% off deal distributed by mail. (You can also sign up for them here.)
3. Sarah Michelle Gellar
Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar told Self magazine she and her actor husband, Freddie Prinze Jr., shop sales and use coupons:
“I clip coupons all the time. Why should you pay more for something that someone else is paying less for?”
4. Lady Gaga
The pop star born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta stirred up headlines with a single social media post when she tweeted about couponing:
why do people look at me like I’m crazy when i use coupons at grocery or try bargaining at retail, IM FROM NEW YORK WHERE IS THE SALE RACK
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) December 21, 2012
5. Tim Hasselbeck
When the ladies of “The View” discussed the topic of men who use coupons on dates, then-co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck spoke up for her husband, retired National Football League quarterback Tim Hasselbeck:
“I married a coupon guy. In the long term, he is so on top of things. He’s very aware of what things cost and what it means to our situation, and I thank him for that.”
6. Roy Hibbert
Professional basketball player Roy Hibbert , currently of the Los Angeles Lakers, told “The Dan Le Batard Show” that coupons are an example of how he lives modestly.
“Going to restaurants, I make sure if I have a coupon, I use it. I try to live like I’m a normal person,” he explained, according to a transcript on SportsRadioInterviews.com.
Hibbert said he gets his coupons from the newspaper.
7. Kourtney Kardashian
TV personality Kourtney Kardashian was once seen rifling through coupons on one of the Kardashian clan’s reality shows, “Kourtney & Kim Take New York.”
She explained the origin of her interest on her website:
“Khloe [Kardashian] got me addicted to coupons after watching ‘Extreme Couponing.’ Nothing like a fun shopping adventure to feed my addiction.”
8. Hilary Swank
Actress Hilary Swank told Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa on what was then “Live With Regis and Kelly” that using coupons is in her blood:
“When you open up the paper and see those coupons, it looks like dollar bills staring you in the face. … It’s how I grew up, and why not?”
9. Tiffani Thiessen
Actress Tiffani Thiessen might have started her TV career on “Saved by the Bell,” but she told Krazy Coupon Lady she grew up watching her mom clip coupons. She uses them “all the time” herself “when [she] can remember them.”
Thiessen said she’s proud to use coupons to buy healthy food — when she’s not picking produce from her own garden or the farmers market, that is.
10. Carrie Underwood
Country singer Carrie Underwood clips coupons for her weekly grocery shopping trips.
“I stock up on stir-fry kits, Amy’s meatless burgers, and armloads of onions and garlic,” she told the magazine EveryDay with Rachael Ray. “I put onions and garlic in everything.”
But she also admitted to usually forgetting her coupons.
Your Turn: Are you surprised by any of these celebrity coupon-clippers? Did we miss one of your favorite frugal celebs? Let us know in the comments!
This post originally appeared on Money Talks News. Since 1991, MoneyTalksNews has been producing both video and print to help you make more, spend less and avoid rip-offs.
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The Basics of Medicare: Choosing the Right Plan for You
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Business Leaders Skeptical of US-China Summit
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Automatic pensions welcome but not enough, say workers
Three years on from the introduction of pension auto-enrolment, most people who have been automatically enrolled in their employer's scheme still do not feel confident they are saving enough for a comfortable retirement.
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An Easy Way to Rack Up Delta SkyMiles for Free Flights
If you fly Delta often enough, it might make sense to get the co-branded Delta credit card — especially for your flight purchases. With the Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express, you can earn SkyMiles on your everyday spending, plus two miles per dollar on Delta-specific purchases, along with some extra perks just for cardholders.
By signing up for the card, you’ll also earn a hefty signup bonus to get you started. Here’s what you need to know before applying:
Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
Highlights:
Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express: How it Works
If you’re a frequent flyer on Delta, you’re already earning miles with every flight you book. The Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express lets you earn additional miles through everyday spending – and by using your card specifically for Delta purchases. With the Delta credit card, you’ll earn:
- 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases made directly with Delta Air Lines
- 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases
- A $50 statement credit after you use your Delta credit card for a Delta purchase within the first three months
- Your first checked bag free on Delta flights
If you fly Delta frequently, earning two miles per dollar spent is a great way to rack up miles quickly. Other perks such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and no annual fee the first year round out this card’s offerings.
It’s also important to note that Delta Air Lines lets you book reward seats with no blackout dates. In a world where frequent flyer miles are often hard to redeem, this makes Delta SkyMiles pretty valuable. Meanwhile Delta SkyMiles never expire, which means you can rack up points for years without worrying about miles lapsing or disappearing.
Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express: How to Use It
These tips can help you rack up Delta miles quickly without missing out on other point-earning opportunities:
- Use your card for all Delta Air Lines purchases. Since you earn two miles per dollar spent on all Delta Air Lines purchases with the Delta credit card, you should definitely plan on using your card whenever you book travel with Delta. With enough Delta spending, you may also earn one of Delta’s Medallion statuses, which range from general membership all the way up to Diamond.
- Pair this card with another top travel card for more earning power. While it makes sense to use your Delta credit card for Delta-specific purchases, the rest of your travel spending should go on a card that earns at least two points per dollar spent on travel purchases. A good option is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which offers two points per $1 spent on travel and dining.
- Get The Platinum Card® from American Express to earn more miles that transfer to Delta Air Lines. Although you’ll earn more miles by using your Delta credit card for Delta purchases, the signup bonus and airline credit from The Platinum Card® from American Express can help you rack up more Delta SkyMiles while earning additional perks.
- Rack up miles as long as you want. Since Delta SkyMiles never expire, you can earn or hoard miles for years without redeeming them. This is especially helpful if you’re hoping to redeem your points for an especially expensive flight or combination of flights that might take a while to earn. Just remember, you’ll need to pay the card’s annual fee each year after your first year as a cardmember.
Who This Card is Good For:
- Someone who flies Delta Air Lines almost exclusively
- Those who want to earn Delta Medallion status as quickly as possible
- Those who want to earn SkyMiles instead of other point currencies
Who This Card Isn’t Good For:
- Someone who flies multiple airlines and doesn’t care about status
- Big spenders who would get more value out of one of the top rewards cards
- Someone who wants flexible points that are good for multiple uses
Does the Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express Need a Companion?
Since the annual fee is waived the first year, it’s possible to try out the Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express for 12 months without a commitment. However, it may not make sense to pay the annual fee in the long term since it would take a considerable amount of Delta spending to make up for the annual fee.
If you’re unsure how much you’ll actually spend with Delta this year, it may make sense to get a flexible rewards card instead. With The Platinum Card® from American Express, for example, you’ll earn points that can transfer to a handful of different airlines and hotel loyalty programs – including Delta. Or, if you just want to earn as many Delta SkyMiles as possible, this card makes for a good complement in your wallet.
With American Express Membership Rewards, you can transfer points to Delta Airlines at a 1,000:750 ratio. In other words, 1,000 Membership Rewards points is equal to 750 Delta SkyMiles.
Here are some details to consider before you sign up:
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Highlights:
Should I Get the Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express?
If you’re considering the Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express, you should ask yourself how often you fly with Delta Air Lines.
If you’re an avid Delta consumer, this might be the perfect card for you. But if you’re not loyal to Delta and fly other airlines often, you would probably be better off sticking to a rewards cards that lets you earn at least two points per dollar spent on all travel purchases like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
The post An Easy Way to Rack Up Delta SkyMiles for Free Flights appeared first on The Simple Dollar.
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Never Buy an Expensive Airport Salad Again: 7 Smart Ways to Save Money on Travel Food
On a cross-country flight a few years ago, I paid $11 for the world’s grossest Southwest salad.
It was next-level disgusting: waxy tomatoes, tasteless iceberg and a “zesty” (slimy) vinaigrette. Since then, I’ve been on a quest to find ways to skip the airport food court and bring my own food.
And it makes sense. I’ve already saved up my miles, researched the cheapest flight and pounced at the right moment to get a great fare. Why would I go to all that trouble to save and then waste my dollars at a greasy pizza stand?
I’ve found that a little pre-trip prep helps. Here are my best tips for saving money on your travels, and eating better in the process.
1. Skip Reuseable Containers
That Tupperware’s just one more thing to keep track of while you sprint through the terminal to make your connection.
In the weeks leading up to my trip, I stockpile clean disposable containers from things like cream cheese and sour cream. I pack my travel food in these tubs and then ditch them in trash (or recycling) cans along the way.
The holy grail of disposable containers is one of those tiny honey jars from hotel coffee stations. They’re perfect for dressings and sauces. I also save a couple of empty disposable water bottles to refill when I get through security.
2. Spice Up Your Water
Once you’ve refilled your bottle, you might be looking longingly at the soda machine.
But rather than splurge on an overpriced beverage, pack a few packets of powdered flavoring. Just add to your bottle of water, and you’ll be ready to settle in at your gate with a trashy magazine.
3. Take Advantage of the In-flight Hot Water
I learned this tip from The Kitchn, and now I do it every time I fly: Before you head to the airport, spend three minutes packing lemon slices and ginger, and add some honey. In a pinch, bring along some teabags.
Either way, once you’re on the plane, ask the flight attendant for some hot water. You’ll have a soothing drink and a good reason to skip Starbucks during your layover.
Hot water is also your friend if you’re in the mood for breakfast — just bring along a few packets of instant oatmeal or cream of wheat.
4. Keep It Light
It’s a mystery to me why airport food courts are stocked with heavy, greasy options. When hurtling through time and space in a metal cylinder, I usually feel better if I’ve eaten something fresh.
Pre-washed apples and pears travel pretty well, and you can avoid being slimed by the core if you tuck the fruit in a baggy along with a folded up paper towel. This trick also works with hard-boiled eggs. Just put the shell in the baggy and discard it the next chance you get.
Salads are also totally doable. Employ the salad-in-jar methodology but, instead of a jar, whip out one of those plastic containers you’ve been saving. Dressing goes on the bottom, followed by tougher veggies and protein, and then any ingredients you don’t want soaking. Top it off with greens, and you’re good to go.
Other great choices are sandwiches or wraps. This is a great time to go through your fridge and make use of any food that will spoil while you’re gone.
5. Purloin Some Silverware
If you happen to get takeout in the weeks before your trip, squirrel away a few of those packages that include silverware and a napkin. Some airport food vendors are wising up and putting the plastic silverware behind their counters, but if you ask the staff, they’re generally happy to slip you a fork.
6. Stay Cool
No one wants to eat a warm salad. Instead, fill a baggie with ice right before you leave for the airport. Once it’s all melted, either toss or pour it out in a drinking fountain, and refill with ice at one of the restaurants.
Another TSA-approved option: Wet and freeze a sponge to use as a replacement ice pack. As long as it’s frozen solid when you go through screening, you’re all set.
7. Bring Some Dry Snacks
Be strategic about when you eat what. Eat the cold items first, and then supplement with room-temperature ones.
Grab packs of nuts, granola bars or beef jerky in advance. It’s straight-up silly how expensive this stuff is in the airport shops, so why not stock up before you fly?
Your Turn: What are your best money-saving tips for airport eating?
Lyndsee Simpson is a freelance writer living in Washington, D.C. She’s eaten her last in-flight salad, thank you very much!
The post Never Buy an Expensive Airport Salad Again: 7 Smart Ways to Save Money on Travel Food appeared first on The Penny Hoarder.
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