From Start-up to Restructure: SCORE Helps Design Firm in Englewood, OH Succeed
After falling victim to the recession of 1993, Denise Tudor decided to start her own graphic design firm. When conceptualizing her business, she had one goal in mind, "To become the one source for all of our clients' promotional and design services," Denise said. With the help of the SCORE Association, a few choice clients, and talent, her firm, Media Circus, has become successful by establishing long-term strategic relationships with clients.
While many companies struggle to get their first client, Media Circus did not have this obstacle. After being laid off on May 6, 1993, Denise booked her first and longest standing client, A.O. Smith on May 8. Her assignment was to create an education package, which consisted of fourteen manuals. This assignment took seven months to complete and financed her while she laid the groundwork for her company.
When planning her company, she sought business counseling from the SCORE Association "Counselors to America's Small Business." As a graphic designer with over ten years experience, she knew how to design and create products, but she didn't know how to design a business. Initially, she went to SCORE for a workshop on creating a business plan. "What I liked about SCORE was that they told me what to do. All I did was check tasks off my list when they were done," she said. She also has talked to Gordon Callihan, about other business issues, such as buying and leasing equipment.
From 1995-1996, her income and client base doubled. This led to another turning point for her company. She was working 80 hours a week, and selling more and designing less than she desired. To keep up with the increased customer base, Media Circus expanded its staff. Although business was increasing nicely, the bottom line was not increasing at the same rate; and Denise was not having fun. She realized that it was time refocus her company's direction.
Again, she sought SCORE Counselor Gordon Callihan's advice. She met with him to discuss how to scale back smartly. In 1999, she reorganized her employee base and client load to focus on those whom she wanted to work with and would lead to long-term relationships. This made it possible to concentrate on designing as opposed to selling. "It is a fun job! You work so hard on each project. When the project comes together the result is like opening a Christmas present. You are as excited about the outcome as the client is," she said. "Owning a company is the same. You work so hard and spend so many hours making it a success, that when it does reach a comfortable level, you feel as though you have unwrapped a hoped for toy." |
MEDIA CIRCUS STAT SHEET
Company: Media Circus
Location: Englewood OH
Formed: May 1993
Phone:937-836-6656
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