McCormick Foundation 9

I have decided to apply for the McCormick Foundation New Media Women Entrepreneurs Grant for Entrepreneurs. The Application is AWESOME because it encourages you to focus and have clarity in your life about what it is that you want to accomplish and how you are going to move your business forward. For me, the questions are spot on and the character limits, mean I have to think very carefully about what I want to write and be succinct. If you are looking for funds for a particular project, even if you do not think you are a good match for Fredrickson Grant, then fill out the application fields. This will help you gain clarity about what you want to accomplish, how you want to accomplish it, and why you are the best person for the job. The application is due on January 27, 2011. I am planning on posting my responses to the 10 questions, one a day for the next ten days. I will welcome any feedback or ideas you’d like to offer. If you want to join me on this journey, please feel share your journey. I am very excited about this. Soon, I will be looking for Latina artists, graphic designers, web-developers, and ebook developers to help me get LAUNCHED...may the journey begin.

Con un pan y cafecito, seguimos adelante,
Zulmara

9) Here is how I will get the word out about my project: (1500 characters)

First of all, I have been using my extensive network on Facebook to start connecting with other Latinas and to start building a network of support. I am already building an infrastructure for success as I work to build networks and connect with others in the same business. I have already strated working my blog to see what I can do to drive traffic to my page and to engage others. I have schooled myself in how to be an online marketer and have studied with the best, Joe Vitale on how to make things happen.

Next, I will tap into the networks of my partners and collaborators. This is a very important part of my marketing strategy; I will be working with Latinas entrepreneurs who want to see me succeed as much as I want to see them succeed. This is a win/win project where we will all be promoting each other. I am planning on my partners and collaborators to be promoting my works and projects as much as I am promoting theirs.

Next, I will offer to contribute articles to ezines that deal specifically with Latinas and Latina success in education, business, and professional endeavors. My goal at the beginning is not to focus so much on earning a lot of money, but to lay a deep foundation for success, sort of like a bamboo plant, knowing that if I lay the roots and nurture them, they will grow and prosper.

And lastly, I have schooled myself in the best and most effective ways to get people to my site and to get people interested. I will use those strategies of giving away ebooks with my contact information, providing services for free, as well as services for a fee. Allowing people to opt into an enewsletter, but also allowing them to download items off of my site that do not require them to leave information, knowing that when they are ready, they will come.

McCormick Foundation 8

I have decided to apply for the McCormick Foundation New Media Women Entrepreneurs Grant for Entrepreneurs. The Application is AWESOME because it encourages you to focus and have clarity in your life about what it is that you want to accomplish and how you are going to move your business forward. For me, the questions are spot on and the character limits, mean I have to think very carefully about what I want to write and be succinct. If you are looking for funds for a particular project, even if you do not think you are a good match for Fredrickson Grant, then fill out the application fields. This will help you gain clarity about what you want to accomplish, how you want to accomplish it, and why you are the best person for the job. The application is due on January 27, 2011. I am planning on posting my responses to the 10 questions, one a day for the next ten days. I will welcome any feedback or ideas you’d like to offer. If you want to join me on this journey, please feel share your journey. I am very excited about this. Soon, I will be looking for Latina artists, graphic designers, web-developers, and ebook developers to help me get LAUNCHED...may the journey begin.

Con un pan y cafecito, seguimos adelante,
Zulmara

8) My timeline for this project over the next year: (1750 characters)

Over the next year, I plan to be ready to launch my website, start my newsletter, get my ebooks on line, and expand my blog page. My blog page is currently being updated, I am creating materials as I write this. I have already hired a graphic artist to help me with my designs and branding. My plan is to hire a webdesigner as soon as I have the funds. Assuming I get this grant in mid February, I will have my chosen webmaster hired within two weeks. I already have the contents of my website ready to go, so I will have the webmaster start building it right away.

In the meantime, I will start looking for an ecourse developer to help me get my class online. I anticipate that with my website and blog generating a buzz, I will have a few ebooks to give away and start building my email list. When I am ready to launch the first ecourse, by midyear, I will already have my infrastructure in place.

Simultaneously, I will be looking for the greatest opportunities to attend conferences, meet-ups, and other social networking events to get and stay connected with my ideal customers. I will be looking to do presentations, workshops, and seminars at every opportunity that presents itself.

Timeline:

Jan-Dec	Start posting original articles and other Latino news related information on my blog and facebook page
January-March	Secure funds, work with graphic artist on branding design, continue building social media group
January-March	Continue building my social network, get sites such as Linked-In, Twitter, and Google Groups going
March-June	Work with webmaster to design and build my website
March-June	Work with ebook developer and start selling my ebooks online
June-August	Launch my website—start working with ecourse developer
June-August	Launch 1st ecourse and start making plans for the next one
August-December	Start working on second ecourse and continue marketing and branding in earnest

McCormick Foundation 7

I have decided to apply for the McCormick Foundation New Media Women Entrepreneurs Grant for Entrepreneurs. The Application is AWESOME because it encourages you to focus and have clarity in your life about what it is that you want to accomplish and how you are going to move your business forward. For me, the questions are spot on and the character limits, mean I have to think very carefully about what I want to write and be succinct. If you are looking for funds for a particular project, even if you do not think you are a good match for Fredrickson Grant, then fill out the application fields. This will help you gain clarity about what you want to accomplish, how you want to accomplish it, and why you are the best person for the job. The application is due on January 27, 2011. I am planning on posting my responses to the 10 questions, one a day for the next ten days. I will welcome any feedback or ideas you’d like to offer. If you want to join me on this journey, please feel share your journey. I am very excited about this. Soon, I will be looking for Latina artists, graphic designers, web-developers, and ebook developers to help me get LAUNCHED...may the journey begin.

Con un pan y cafecito, seguimos adelante,
Zulmara

7) Here are my specific plans for continuing this project after NMWE funding runs out: (2000 characters)

This is my life and the NMWE funds are just a starting point to help me launch and get going at a great velocity. The grant funds will allow me to get my print media done, my website launched, my speaking engagements in place, and my ecourses completed. (I still have my day job to pay the bills). Once I am up and running, I plan to work this as my business and in 2 years be at $250,000 revenue mark and in 5 years be at the million dollar mark. My plans are big and I am ready to launch and achieve. I feel that the past 20 years have been coalescing to get me to the place where I am today. My plans to grow are huge. I plan on hosting seminars and weeklong workshops at Easlen, I plan on adding video to upcoming ecourses, and I plan on expanding my materials once I have launched.  

I will continue to offer my products and services and use the money generated from this first round to expand to the next level and then to the next. I will be reinvesting all of my revenue for the next 3 to 5 years to ensure that Roots and Wings reaches the million dollar mark and employs at least 10 people. Social advocacy and activism are totally integrated into my products and product lines. It is my hope to build a cadre of Latinas who are moving forward in the world and making it a kinder and gentler place with our collective positive energy as we achieve our goals, take care of our families, and nurture our uniqueness.

Once I have the funds to launch, I will continue to market in earnest with social networking groups, in person, and online. I have a good sense of offering products for free so individuals will see the quality of my work before committing their funds. I understand that I need to do a number of promotional products to get the word out and connect with others. I understand how to drive readers to a site, giving away free quality materials to pique someone’s interest, and how to grow a list of subscribers by giving them something that catches their eye. I also understand how to collaborate

In all that I do and all that I write, there is a sense of understanding social responsibility and social justice and how do we leave this world and kinder and gentler place. I am narrowly focused on the Latina market, because that is my niche and that is where I find there is a lack of products like the ones that envision and develop. I know there is a market for my products and I will work to create, develop, and nurture that market.

McCormick Foundation 6

I have decided to apply for the McCormick Foundation New Media Women Entrepreneurs Grant for Entrepreneurs. The Application is AWESOME because it encourages you to focus and have clarity in your life about what it is that you want to accomplish and how you are going to move your business forward. For me, the questions are spot on and the character limits, mean I have to think very carefully about what I want to write and be succinct. If you are looking for funds for a particular project, even if you do not think you are a good match for Fredrickson Grant, then fill out the application fields. This will help you gain clarity about what you want to accomplish, how you want to accomplish it, and why you are the best person for the job. The application is due on January 27, 2011. I am planning on posting my responses to the 10 questions, one a day for the next ten days. I will welcome any feedback or ideas you’d like to offer. If you want to join me on this journey, please feel share your journey. I am very excited about this. Soon, I will be looking for Latina artists, graphic designers, web-developers, and ebook developers to help me get LAUNCHED...may the journey begin.

Con un pan y cafecito, seguimos adelante,
Zulmara

6) This is how I will raise the $2,000 in matching funds: (2500 characters)

I will raise the $2,000 in matching funds by a) giving presentations, workshops, and seminars, b) selling my online materials, c) offering professional coaching, d) monetizing my blog, and e) being a part of relevant and pertinent affiliate programs.

The Guided Journals will be ebooks that will sell for 2.99 each that individuals will be able to download to their computers and electronic devices. My goal is to have apps for tablets created as well to help boost sales.

The three ecourses will be self-contained and come with a series of free offers. They will sell for $29.99 and students will be able to download the course and move through them at their own pace. I plan on making the courses exciting and interactive to increase participation.

There will be guided support and personal coaching for the ecourses at an extra fee. The fee schedule is $100 for email review and comment and $500 for a one hour phone consultation that includes email review and comment.

My blog is monetized and therefore, I will be generating funds by driving traffic to my blog and encouraging individuals to look at what I have to offer. I know this does not offer a lot of money, but every little bit counts and I feel that it is one way to get started.

I am also part of a number of Affiliate programs that are generating some funds for my business venture. These affiliate programs include Abundance Abounds and MasterPeace. I have just started with these group and I chose them specifically because they offer products that compliment my products and are of the highest quality. Again, I realize that Affiliate programs do not always work to generate a lot of funds, but they do help with generating some funds and reaching a wider audience.

McCormick Foundation 5

I have decided to apply for the McCormick Foundation New Media Women Entrepreneurs Grant for Entrepreneurs. The Application is AWESOME because it encourages you to focus and have clarity in your life about what it is that you want to accomplish and how you are going to move your business forward. For me, the questions are spot on and the character limits, mean I have to think very carefully about what I want to write and be succinct. If you are looking for funds for a particular project, even if you do not think you are a good match for Fredrickson Grant, then fill out the application fields. This will help you gain clarity about what you want to accomplish, how you want to accomplish it, and why you are the best person for the job. The application is due on January 27, 2011. I am planning on posting my responses to the 10 questions, one a day for the next ten days. I will welcome any feedback or ideas you’d like to offer. If you want to join me on this journey, please feel share your journey. I am very excited about this. Soon, I will be looking for Latina artists, graphic designers, web-developers, and ebook developers to help me get LAUNCHED...may the journey begin.

Con un pan y cafecito, seguimos adelante,
Zulmara

5) Here is my budget for the $12,000 in funding (Be specific): (2500 characters)

The $12,000 will allow me to grow my business and get it launched. There are a few things I need to do to get the next level and I have reached the end of my own ability to do it on my own and am now ready to ask for help. I need to hire some people to help me with the technology parts that are beyond the time and skills that I currently have. I have the know how and energy to create the content, give the classes, and monitor the online environment, but I need help with creating it. Specifically, I need the following:

·         $5,000 for a graphic artist and web designer—I am planning on using MGS Designz. She is a Latina entrepreneur, co-author in Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul, and is doing very well. As part of my business, I want to make sure I am helping my fellow Latinas.

·         $2,000 for ebook development of my 6 Guided Journals. I plan on using Create Space for this service. The books are ready to be uploaded into the ebook environment so others can download as a PDF.

·         $4000 for a webcourse developer-I am still looking for a webcourse developer—I am hoping to find a Latina with the skills to put courses online. I have begun sending out inquiries and getting quotes from various individuals. The price for one course will be close to $4000, so this money will allow for one course to be developed. I have content and curriculum developed for 3 webcourses. From the funds I generate from that one course, I will then have the other 2 courses developed.

·         $4000 for travel to conferences, workshops, seminars, and presentations. Although, I will operate in a electronic environment, I have found that face-to-face connections are crucial to both personal and professional success.

McCormick Foundation 4

I have decided to apply for the McCormick Foundation New Media Women Entrepreneurs Grant for Entrepreneurs. The Application is AWESOME because it encourages you to focus and have clarity in your life about what it is that you want to accomplish and how you are going to move your business forward. For me, the questions are spot on and the character limits, mean I have to think very carefully about what I want to write and be succinct. If you are looking for funds for a particular project, even if you do not think you are a good match for Fredrickson Grant, then fill out the application fields. This will help you gain clarity about what you want to accomplish, how you want to accomplish it, and why you are the best person for the job. The application is due on January 27, 2011. I am planning on posting my responses to the 10 questions, one a day for the next ten days. I will welcome any feedback or ideas you’d like to offer. If you want to join me on this journey, please feel share your journey. I am very excited about this. Soon, I will be looking for Latina artists, graphic designers, web-developers, and ebook developers to help me get LAUNCHED...may the journey begin.

Con un pan y cafecito, seguimos adelante,
Zulmara

4) Detail how you will generate content. How frequently will you update? (2000 characters)

I have a threefold process that I am following to generate content. First I will generate original content by interviewing and surveying the women that I meet in the workshops and seminars I will be conducting and in my online groups. I have authored numerous articles and I plan on continuing to write articles of interest to Latinas, especially in the area of bilingual education, activism, immigration, college access, preschool, and professional growth.  I generate content by using the articles that I have read or written, books and articles I review, and encounters that I have around certain topics. At times, the articles I develop come from surveys and interviews around a particular topic. An important part of my program for Latina success is that they are well versed in the news and issues of the day.

Second is to generate content from articles and news that is already out there and bring it to a Latina audience in a timely, interactive way. I plan on posting articles about immigration, women’s issues, politics, life style, personal and professional growth and engage my readers in discussions about these very pertinent issues. I firmly believe that part of our success, as Latina, is to be socially responsible and I want to encourage activism among Latinas, especially activism that resonates with them.

Third, I plan on publishing my curriculum for self-help, personal and professional growth. I will hire a graphic artist, web designer, and ebook developer to help me to put the content from my workshops and presentations on the web in a more usable fashion. Currently I have 10 workshops and 6 ebooks that are ready to go, I just need the funding to get them web ready.

I plan on updating daily, and I will post on Facebook, Linked In, Twitter, and Google Circles daily using Haute Suite. I plan on posting original articles at least once a week and connecting to ezines to give my work a wider audience. I will also be putting out an enewsletter with links to my blogs and posts to ensure a wide audience for my work. I have just started a blog on Latina authors that I will expand to Latino authors within the next year, to make yet another connection.

A review of my Facebook Fanpage will show that I am connecting well to the online Latina community in a variety of ways. I will reach those who are not online in various ways, including conferences, workshops, and presentations.

McCormick Foundation-3

I have decided to apply for the McCormick Foundation New Media Women Entrepreneurs Grant for Entrepreneurs. The Application is AWESOME because it encourages you to focus and have clarity in your life about what it is that you want to accomplish and how you are going to move your business forward. For me, the questions are spot on and the character limits, mean I have to think very carefully about what I want to write and be succinct. If you are looking for funds for a particular project, even if you do not think you are a good match for Fredrickson Grant, then fill out the application fields. This will help you gain clarity about what you want to accomplish, how you want to accomplish it, and why you are the best person for the job. The application is due on January 27, 2011. I am planning on posting my responses to the 10 questions, one a day for the next ten days. I will welcome any feedback or ideas you’d like to offer. If you want to join me on this journey, please feel share your journey. I am very excited about this. Soon, I will be looking for Latina artists, graphic designers, web-developers, and ebook developers to help me get LAUNCHED...may the journey begin.

Con un pan y cafecito, seguimos adelante,
Zulmara

3) This is what I've been doing with my life and my proudest accomplishment to date: (3000 characters)

My proudest moment to date has to be when I walked across the stage at my doctorate graduation from the University of California in Santa Barbara in 1994. I earned my doctorate, in Education, Policy, Organizations, and Leadership, as a Latina working full time as a kindergarten teacher, supporting my family and raising 3 children, ages 1, 3 and 6 at the time I entered the program. My kids were 5, 8, and 11 when I finished. It was a proud moment not only for me and my nuclear family, but for my extended family as well. Having come from Brazil with nothing when I was 2 years old, it was a great accomplishment and I am still the only one in my family to graduate with a Doctoral degree.

My second proudest moment was when I purchased my first house, for my mom. My mom had sacrificed so much for her children to have a better life. She came to this country with nothing but the clothes on her back and she managed to instill in all of us a sense of pride, ownership, and duality in both our heritage and adopted cultures. She was an amazing woman who held her family together from sheer will. My third proudest moment was having our story published in Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul. It is my heartfelt story that inspires me to this day, knowing that she gave me roots to stay grounded and wings to soar.

Other proud moments include my first professional publication, my first job as an administrator, my first job as a professor, and my first job as an administrator within the University System. I have accomplished a lot with my life and I am now ready to pay it forward.

I have been an educator all of my life. I started off as a Kindergarten Teacher in a multi-lingual class and working with Latinos has been my passion all my life. Next, I moved into a leadership position and became Director of the Migrant Program at the School District where I worked. Later, I wrote and was awarded an Even Start Grant and I became the Director of a Family Literacy program. When I finished my doctorate, I began working at a University as a professor and now I work in higher education administration.

Throughout my career, my avocation has been my vocation. I love what I do and I do what I love. And in the process, I have developed many tools to help others succeed. I have been an inspirational speaker to many Latino groups, I have written numerous articles about Latinos in education, and conducted more workshops, presentations, and seminars than I can count on motivating Latinos to go to school, get an education, start a business, give back to their families and give forward to their communities.

I have started my own consulting company, Roots and Wings. Roots and Wings will allow me to focus my work for a uniquely Latina market. I have been working on blogging on a regular basis and building an infrastructure for taking my ideas to the next level. My blog is just now getting started, but I am planning on reaching a wide audience within the next year. On my blog, I have personal and professional growth ideas for individuals that will help them with what they want to accomplish. This is where all that I have learned in the past 20 years comes to fruition. I have developed curriculum and written manuals on personal and professional development. I am now ready to soar to the next level by developing ebooks and ecourses with a focus on Latina success.

I have achieved most of the goals I have set for myself. Currently, as I enter into the next phase of my journey, my goal is to build a million dollar business to help Latinas to experience the euphoria and jubilation that I feel everyday as I pursue my dreams and make my passion my reality.