For the past year or so, I've been trying to live the 'American Dream' by starting and developing my own business. All my life I have always had little side projects going on, whether I was going out in the winter time to shovel snow around the neighborhood, or I was cutting grass, raking leaves, or doing pretty much whatever I could to make a buck. I've always wanted to own and operate my own business. Last spring, I saved some money and bought a really nice professional camera and started doing a lot of photography. After a couple of months of collecting pictures, I decided that I could probably turn this into some sort of lucrative enterprises, perhaps launching my aspirations of an independent career forward. 

So where do you start? Well, that was the first question that I asked myself. What do I need to do to make sure that I start my business the right way? I went to my county government office and put my business on record with the Clerk's office. Starting a business in Lake County, Indiana costs $9.00. I am still in the process of getting other licenses and permits so that I am fully 'legal' and may legitimately operate my business.

Aside from all of the government mumbo-jumbo I had to do, I needed a marketing plan. How was I going to sell my product? What IS my product? Who am I selling my product to? All of these were questions that I asked (and still ask). All of the products that I would be selling would either be something that I have created (an art piece, brochure, etc) or it would be a service to the customer (resume help, landscaping, painting, etc.)

I decided that the best way to run my business selling custom art pieces was to do it via internet. I bought a domain name that compliments the name of my business and also bought server space. My friend Abbey, who is a pro webdesigner, is helping my put the website together so that it is easy to navigate, aesthetically appealing, and everything on it works. The process of designing the webpage is a long process when the page is fairly complex and there are only two people working on it. This is the step that I am in now.

In the meantime, I have been selling various products through word-of-mouth and referrals. I have posters located in a Tatoo Parlor, a Restaurant, and even one at Giordano's Pizza in Orland Park. Numerous friends and family have also added my artwork to their decor. Some of my photography has been used by Robert Morris College within their marketing, and I have two potential clients also seeing my work! Things are happening!!!

To the right, you have a sneak peak at some of the screenshots of the things that I have done. There is a mosaic (30X24), and my past blogs reflect much of my photography. When the webpage is done, I will post the URL for all to see. In the meantime, if you have a dream to be a business owner, GET STARTED!!!

Hello to all of you who are new to Robert Morris! Please let me take a minute (or a page, haha) to introduce myself. My name is Joey, I'm 25, and I work in the admissions department for the college. I'm based out of the Orland Park campus, so those of you in 'the OP' will probably see me wandering around the campus. Feel free to introduce yourself to me! I'd love to meet you!!

Anyways, if there is any guidance that you might need, questions (the more random the better!! :-p), or if you just want to tell me how much of a fan you are of my blogs (*snicker*), then I'm here for ya! Ooh yea, and I'm also there for ya if it involves food of any kind.  ;) j/k

If you are not familiar with the Orland Park area, obviously you have found the mall! And for those of you who have come to the OP campus and NOT seen the mall.....well.....bless your soul. The mall is 200 feet away and there are TONS of great restaurants in the area! Here's a few of my fav's...

• CHIPOTLE!!!
• Olive Garden
• Giordano's Pizza
• Jimmy Johns
• Subway
• TGIFridays
• Lang Lee Chinese
• BWW's
• Hooters

And of course, all of the fast food places that you can image. Oh yea! And the mall food court of course...gotta love Schoops! If there are any other recommendations that I could give, I'd be happy to! I love food, and talking and thinking about it, heehehee.

Again, if you have any questions, need directions somewhere, or just want to say hi, please do! I love meeting new people! I can also be found on Facebook. CLICK HERE TO ADD ME!

Send questions or feedback to:

jlaxsalinas@robertmorris.edu