Category: Entrepreneurship

Can You Really Use Netflix’s Global Smash Hit Series Squid Game To Teach Economics??

Posted on by Alex

First-year business and economics students all over the world may soon be using Netflix’s global smash hit series Squid Game to learn complex economic theories.

A new paper by the Monash Business School has revealed how integrating the strategies of the smash-hit dystopian series Squid Game can revolutionise the way students learn game theory, one of the most challenging concepts of introductory economics.

Researchers from the Monash Business School have developed a range of innovative and interactive teaching tools based on insights from Squid Game to provide educators and students with a fresh approach to teaching and learning one of the most demanding topics at the introductory economics level.

And from semester one, first-year microeconomics students at the Monash Business School will use the Squid Game insights.

“Game theory is important because it helps us understand decision making in strategic situations,” says Associate Professor Wayne Geerling from the Monash Business School and co-author of the paper “Using Squid Game to Teach Game Theory”.

“The players in Squid Game are a metaphor for companies, and we have examined the strategic interactions of Squid Game in comparison to real-life business. How do players, ie companies, interact. Game theory has a lot of real-world applications, analysing how actions influence others and the strategic implications of such.”

Associate Professor Geerling has identified a number of scenes from the immensely popular television series that can be used to teach game theory principles. He has developed a series of teaching guides that can be adopted or adapted by any instructor anywhere around the world.

The economics profession has been notorious for its continued reliance on ‘chalk and talk’ to deliver lectures. Still, a significant amount of research pioneered by Associate Professor Geerling and his colleagues has focussed on innovative ways to teach economics concepts.

“Many students struggle to think in a strategic manner when the material is taught through traditional methods alone. Pop culture, such as Squid Game, can be used as an effective medium to break down barriers to learning because it taps into everyday life and allows students to see connections between abstract theory and real-world applications,” he says.

Squid Game revolves around 456 players, all of whom are heavily indebted, risking their lives to play a series of six children’s games against each other – with a deadly twist. The reward for the winner is a sizeable bounty. For everyone else, the consolation prize is death.

In Squid Game the players are making decisions in real time without full information and to survive they must work out their optimal strategies to maximise their chances of winning.

Just like the cut-throat real world of business.

“The Netflix series focuses on six games, we’ve chosen three of those to represent the best practical applications of game theory for students,” says Associate Professor Wayne Geerling.

Using Squid Game to teach game theory reflects Associate Professor Geerling’s passion for revolutionising how we teach economics and promote active learning techniques in class using pop culture.

“Despite the growth in teaching resources and the ability for educators to integrate innovative teaching practices into their curriculum more easily, the vast majority of educators continue to teach using a traditional lecture.”

This article was sourced from a media release sent by Medianet

Editorial credit: DANIEL CONSTANTE / Shutterstock.com

The Perfect Side Hustle For You, According To Your Star Sign

Posted on by Gary
By Michelle Baltazar

Are you destined to be an influencer? Hint: Your side hustle might be written in the stars.

Ever wondered why some people just ease into podcasting while others make ideal virtual assistants? Our personality can dictate which side hustle will come naturally while others are a pain.

For example, if you’re a perfectionist, video live-streaming will just do your head in. But if you’ve got a sense of adventure, you’ve got YouTuber written all over your future digital career.

To find out your perfect side business according to your star sign, check out these fun musings from Psychic World and you decide:

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): Become a freelance blogger/ghostwriter

The best writers are those who tell a story with their thoughts, in a uniquely identifiable way. That’s what makes Aquariuses perfect for the job of freelance bloggers or ghostwriters – they are rebellious, free-spirited, eccentric, and revolutionary.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20): Become a graphic designer
The ethereal Pisces will love to be able to make money from a creative side gig. Their love of escaping reality through art/design can translate into a great moneymaking side project.

Aries (March 21 – April 19): Become a streamer/YouTuber
Rams will be up for anything adventurous. An Aries is a self-driven natural leader so will thrive at the chance to create their own content online. Whatever the theme, their playful personas are bound to attract interest from the get-go.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Invest in stocks
Tauruses are laid-back but resilient. They like to play the long game, and their focus won’t falter as they fine-tune the perfect stock investment technique.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Livestream virtual events and games
These social butterflies will be feeling the impact of social distancing. What better way to stay connected with friends, millions of others and earn from it? Grab one device to play with, another to video chat with, and get playing!

Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Become an online tutor/teacher
With schools closed in New York until April 20th, there are many people with a lot of spare time; cancers will jump at this opportunity to help. Their compassion means they are well-suited to become an online tutor, helping children who are off school and those wanting to learn something new.

Leo (July 23 – August 22): Become a TikTok/Social media influencer
The coronavirus lockdown is the perfect opportunity for Leos to refine their already influential online presence! These theatrical divas love to be front and centre – and the opportunity to earn from the comfort of their own home is a persuading factor.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22): Become a virtual assistant
More than ever before, companies need help to stay afloat. Becoming a virtual assistant for struggling businesses will work in favour of Virgo’s hardworking, systematic and methodical nature.

Libra (September 23 – October 22): Teach a language
The exquisite taste of a Libra needs an exquisite side job to match. Teaching a language is an intellectual fit that also fulfills their need to please and help others.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): Write eBooks

Often misunderstood and extremely enigmatic, a true Scorpio’s thoughts would make a fascinating eBook to read, and a perhaps lucrative online side hustle to have!

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): Become a podcaster
The Sagittarius has had a few adventures in their lifetime, and always has a million stories to tell. What better way to entertain listeners, and earn themselves money, than re-telling these stories on a podcast?

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): Learn to code and build websites
The strong Capricorn can conquer anything before them. Their unwavering focus, and (slightly obsessive) workaholic tendencies mean the technical challenge to learn how to code can make for potentially high yields.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. If you want to be a podcaster, YouTuber, graphic designer, and blogger, go for it!

Source: The Australian Filipina

Finalists Officially Announced For The Australian Women’s Weekly Women of the Future Awards

Posted on by Gary

The Australian Women’s Weekly, in partnership with La Trobe Financial, is proud to present our six outstanding young finalists, selected from a competitive field of entrants in the ninth annual Women of the Future Awards.

Since 2013, the awards have been helping exceptional young women aged between 18 and 34 develop projects that transform lives. This year there was a spectacular array of impressive entries, with strong themes around disability, conservation, and consent.

The Women of the Future Finalists are:

·      Hannah Diviney of Missing Perspectives (NSW), a global publishing platform that seeks to address the marginalisation of women and girls across news, media, and democracy decision-making on a global scale.

·      Camille Goldstone-Henry of Xylo Systems (NSW), a cloud-based platform to connect, track and manage conservation projects.

·      Angelique Wan of Consent Labs (NSW), a youth-led not-for-profit organisation that revolutionises the discussion around sexual consent, harassment, and assault.

·      Mannie Kaur Verma of Veer Foundation (VIC), an organisation that works to prevent domestic violence and support victims in marginalised communities.

·      Molly Rogers and Emma Clegg of JAM the label (VIC), a clothing brand born out of the need for inclusive clothing for young people with disabilities.

·      Martina Ucnikova and Jessica Smith of She Runs (WA), a not-for-profit that supports women’s political and civic participation through the power of education and connection.

Their incredible stories are showcased in the December issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly, on sale Thursday, 4th November. In addition, each finalist will appear in a new a six-part series on podcast Short Black with Sandra Sully. Each Tuesday from October 26, the 10 News First acclaimed journalist, presenter and women’s advocate sits down with these emerging young entrepreneurs and campaigners to talk about their passion and determination to help make a difference.

The Editor-in-Chief of The Australian Women’s Weekly, Nicole Byers, said: “This year, we had a record number of entries and I am proud to announce our six finalists. They are inspirational, they all do incredible work, they are committed, smart, and full of excellent ideas and they’re shaping the way to help create positive change for a better future.”

The finalists will be flown to Sydney to attend the prestigious Women of the Future event on December 1, a much-anticipated date in the diary of some of Australia’s most influential and change-making women. The overall winner will be announced and receive more than $100,000 in cash and prizes to assist in reaching her business goals.

The panel of judges tasked with choosing one winner for the awards this year are: Ita Buttrose (AC OBE, Chair of the ABC); Yasmin Poole (Youth Advocate and Plan International Australia Ambassador); Julie Bishop (Australian National University Chancellor and Former Foreign Minister); Narelda Jacobs (Network 10 presenter and journalist); Tanya Plibersek (Federal Shadow Minister for Education and Women); Nicole Byers (Editor-in-Chief of The Australian Women’s Weekly and group Publisher Women’s Lifestyle & Food at Are Media); and Caterina Nesci (Director of ESG and International Partnerships at La Trobe Financial).

Australian Companies Win Big At 18th Annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business

Posted on by Alex

The Stevie® Awards for Women in Business, which shine a spotlight on female executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and organizations run by women, announced the 2021 winners.

The 18th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business is an international competition produced by the creators of the prestigious International Business Awards® and American Business Awards®. The Stevie is widely regarded as the world’s premier business award.

More than 40 Australian organizations and individuals have won the Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

The Audacious Agency from the Gold Coast submitted nominations on behalf of Stevie-winning clients. Their clients won 27 Stevie Awards overall including seven Gold Stevies, 10 Silvers, and 10 Bronzes. The Audacious Agency won the program’s highest honor, the Grand Stevie Award, for the success of their client’s nominations.

Kids on the Spectrum (Melbourne, Victoria) won two Gold and one Silver Stevie Award. Kids on the Spectrum-Australian autism directory was launched in 2019 to provide parents a free national online directory to assist them in locating inclusive services, products, and events for their autistic family members. The directory’s founder, Anita Aherne felt the urgency to provide valuable free information with an aim of improving autistic outcomes in Australia.

Aherne said “Being acknowledged for developing Australia’s first national autism directory is exciting and overwhelming. To have Kids on the Spectrum awarded three Stevie awards is definitely a highlight of our business journey so far.”

Natalie Brennan, General Manager of Muffin Break in Sydney won two Gold Stevies Awards for Woman of the Year and Most Innovative Woman of the Year – Franchising. Muffin Break first opened its doors in Queensland in 1989. In 2021, with over 200 stores in Australia, all stores are locally owned & operated by our franchise partners who are proud of the communities they serve and the products they offer.

More than 1,800 nominations from organizations and individuals around the world were submitted to the awards this year for consideration in categories including COVID-19 Response, Entrepreneur of the Year, Executive of the Year, Most Innovative Company of the Year, and Startup of the Year, among others. More than 160 business professionals working in eight specialized judging committees determined the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners.

This article was sourced from a media release sent by Maggie Miller of Stevie Awards.

Meet The Shepreneur Behind The Cover Of The October 2021 Issue Of MoneyCentral Magazine: Em Hardwicke

Posted on by Jenny

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It took Em Hardwicke 40 years and the birth of her beautiful son to be truly comfortable in her own self, to love the person she is, and to be proud of her achievements and successes in life. Em’s son is her world. He is what inspires and motivates Em every day and she wants her son to know that anything is possible with passion, determination, and hard work.

It is this passion, determination, and hard work that has got her through some tough times and has given her the strength and courage to take on some big dreams and physical challenges over the years. She has trekked Kokoda, Everest Base Camp, Mont Blanc, Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro. She has also competed in several ultra-marathons including the Ultra-Trail Australia 50km and 100km. She does these things, not to stand on a podium or to break any records – but to remind herself of what she is capable of and of the beauty this world has to offer. Doing these things reminds Em to always be the best version of herself.

For Em, like for so many others, 2020 was a year never to be forgotten… Australia battled the Snowy Mountains bushfires in January then COVID in March which saw her get stood down from her job and ultimately made redundant – leaving her without work and her family not knowing what was next.

Not one to let a setback deter her from achieving her goals, She refocussed and at the age of 46, after 25 years in Event Management, she’s now embarking on a career in Real Estate and Property Management, which is exciting for her giving her a new focus. However, she also couldn’t let all of her knowledge and experience in event management go to waste, so she took the opportunity to rebrand and relaunch. Hence, her Event Management Consulting business, Meraki Events and Public Relations as well as The Meraki Academy of Personal Development and Coaching were born.

MoneyCentral magazine recently caught up with Em to discuss her journey as an entrepreneur and here’s what went down:

When did your entrepreneurial flair first reveal itself?

I have always had determination and have always been a bit of a self-starter, but I guess my entrepreneurial flair first revealed itself after a stint living and working overseas and when I returned home to Australia there wasn’t much full-time work available within my industry. So I decided to set up my own business and freelance – this gave me a lot of flexibility and the opportunity to take on a number of projects at the same time and really diversify my skills and experience in different areas, making me more employable and more valuable within the Event Management industry.

In addition to working full time, I have four small businesses of my own… Meraki Events & Public Relations, The Meraki Academy of Personal Development & Coaching, Soul Purpose Body Products, and Jindy Treats.

Photographed by: STUDIO 49 / TONY PALLISER 2021

How did your life look like before being an entrepreneur?

I have always loved being busy and have always loved having variety in my days and in my work, so I think the biggest change I noticed when working for myself was the ability to be able to choose the projects I wanted to work on and the variety that my workdays took on.

As an entrepreneur, what is it that motivates and drives you?

Definitely the rewarding feeling when you pitch and land a new client… or when a new retailer chooses to take on your product. But I think the biggest motivator for me is customer satisfaction. I have always said that customer satisfaction is paramount to my success. If my customers and clients aren’t happy or aren’t satisfied with my work or my products, then I am not doing my job!

In one word, describe your life as an entrepreneur and explain why.

Passionate and Determined! Okay, so I know that is two words, but I truly believe I have passion and determination in equal measure.

It has not always been an easy ride and there have been disappointments along the way, but I have always got up, dusted myself off, and landed on my feet and I know it is my passion and determination that has allowed me to do that.

Photographed by: STUDIO 49 / TONY PALLISER 2021

What were your top three motivations for starting your business?

Circumstance, necessity, and opportunity… that combined with absolutely loving what I do and doing what I love.

What do you put your success down to?

Passion, determination, hard work, and a strong work ethic. It is also important to know your clients and be clear on the services and/or products you have to offer. Don’t spread yourself too thin – you are better off being really good at some things than mediocre at many things.

What would you say are the key elements for starting and running a successful business?

For me, it was all about having a clear plan about the products/services each of my businesses was to focus on and a clear target market. Without clarity, there is no direction. Without direction, you have no destination. I once read a quote that has stuck with me and always reminds me what is missing when I find myself stuck, or in a rut.

“Clarity has purpose and strength and brings with it the undeniable ability to move forthwith into our chosen direction.”

This is when I stop, reflect, refocus and gain the clarity I need to move forward.

Photographed by: STUDIO 49 / TONY PALLISER 2021

What are the three biggest challenges you have faced growing the business and how did you overcome them?

I think there are always different challenges at different times. When I first started my business, my biggest challenge was getting my foot in the door and getting people to take a chance on me, particularly if I was completely unknown to them.

Another challenge for me was not selling myself short or undercutting myself just to get a job – you have to know your worth and be able to sell that to a prospective client.

Overcoming these challenges was a challenge in itself as it largely came down to believing in myself and not taking the knockbacks and lost contracts personally.

I found as I won pitches and landed contracts, the door opened a little wider each time. I also did a lot of research about salaries, wages, and contract rates, and how to quote a job fairly so the client felt they were getting great service at a rate that was affordable, but I was also still charging at a rate that I knew I was worth for the work I was doing.

Knowledge and confidence was a big factor in overcoming these challenges.

Knowing the market, knowing your worth, and being confident in your ability.

Does the loneliness of the entrepreneur really exist? Is there such a thing?

I have never found entrepreneurship a lonely venture. Perhaps this is because I have always surrounded myself with a lot of people and have also, more often than not, had another job to give me some stability and human interaction while I have been starting and building my businesses.

Photographed by: STUDIO 49 / TONY PALLISER 2021

As you grew the business, what have been some of the most important leadership lessons you have learned?

Be clear on what your definition of success is for your business and do what is necessary to achieve those successes. Your definition of success will always change as the business grows, but so too does the plan and actions needed to achieve the new goals set for yourself and for your business.

My businesses are still small and all still growing at a pace I am happy and comfortable with. One of the biggest lessons I have learned along the way is to never let my business become bigger than I can, or want to, handle. I always remind myself that a business doesn’t have to be BIG conglomerates to be successful.

The other important leadership lesson I learned at a very young age, and one I apply to all aspects of my life. Always treat people the way you would like to be and would expect to be treated, and NEVER ask someone to do something you wouldn’t be willing to do yourself.

What do you hope to see happen in the near future for small businesses all over the world?

I truly believe small business needs to be nurtured and supported. There is absolutely a place in society and the world for big business and multi-national firms and operations, but I also believe that big businesses and multi-national firms are not the place for everyone, and nor should they be.

The pandemic has, in the blink of an eye, totally destroyed so many small businesses around the world and destroyed the lives of the people whose blood, sweat, and tears have gone into building these businesses.

I would love to see some of the big businesses and multi-national firms around the world, whose businesses have remained largely unaffected by the global pandemic, establish a series of small business grants to support many of these small businesses re-establish and re-build. There are a lot of amazing business minds in this world whose businesses have failed, by no fault of their own. Small business is an important part of society and all contribute to a country’s economy, but do not have the support and backing of deep pockets to keep them afloat when times get tough.

Photographed by: STUDIO 49 / TONY PALLISER 2021

Meet The Entrepreneur Behind The Cover Of The September 2021 Issue Of MoneyCentral Magazine: Danish Sayanee

Posted on by Jenny

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A veteran entrepreneur, Danish Sayanee is an internationally published author with 3 books published under his name on platforms such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Simon & Schuster. He is known for his innovative developments and affiliations in technology and STEAM/STEM integration at the school level – some of these affiliations include Microsoft, Google, STEM-ED Coalition, Common-Sense Education, and more. On top of that, he’s also the co-founder and director of the Institute of Excellence in Learning and Teaching.

A highly sought-after trainer, Danish is an internationally certified and licensed TESOL trainer from the Arizona University; he’s Pakistan’s very first CommonSense Educator, and he’s a Cambridge English trained agent which entails him to counsel students, teachers, and professionals on the importance of Cambridge English Certification. In fact, he has incredibly trained 3000 individuals including teachers, students, and other professionals. Danish also happens to be the first National Geographic Educator in Pakistan.

Danish has completed Business and Leadership Management from the Michigan University and he is also a Microsoft Educator, Adobe’s Master Trainer, and Intel’s Technology Partner, who’s currently working on his Teacher Training Licensing Program from London Teacher Training College OFQUAL Affiliated program.

MoneyCentral Magazine recently caught up with Danish to discuss his journey to entrepreneurship and here’s what went down:

What are your standards for success? Is it a certain dollar figure?

My benchmarks for success are not measured by anything especially not by the monetary success of a man. I have set the standards of my success on two principles:

1. Your Effort should match your vision
2. Be true to your vision

I have stuck by these principles, worked hard, tried my level best not to deviate from my vision, and climb ascend Mount Success.

What do you think made you successful in business?

I was born not to be the sort of person who can comply with the rules that others set for him, rather, from an early age, I have been able to make people do what I wanted them to do, I feel that this being able to delegate, and process who does what best is a key factor that made me successful in business. Another thing is the fact that I can jump from the mountains but I can still stick to a vision. Often, businesses simply fail, or people running them fail because they lose sight of their vision.

How would you define true entrepreneurship?

The truest form of entrepreneurship is when a person can identify a true social gap and fill it up with a unique and innovative idea.

What inspired you to develop your idea?

I have always been a compassionate person by nature, this enables me to look at society from a unique perspective and this is the very perspective that I am able to translate into ideas. So far, my analysis of societal needs has been pretty much on point, and I hope that this will continue to be the case.

What were the main challenges you faced at the early stages of your business? And do you still encounter them to this day?

Challenges have and will always be part of my life, they are part of every person’s life. In Pakistan, the situation for budding entrepreneurs is tough, it is cutthroat most of the time. Some of the major challenges I have faced is the lack of investment availability, people are not willing to invest in businesses that will reap a profit in the long run but at a steady pace. Nowadays, people want instant gratification when it comes to reaping their investments.

What keeps you going even in hard times?

Interesting question! I guess the fear of failure is a huge motivator for me that keeps me going but another motivator is that I am a largely stubborn human being and hate giving up, this keeps me going on.

What are your thoughts on entrepreneurship for young people especially in an economy where jobs are harder to find?

Unlike what many people believe, entrepreneurship hasn’t arrived, it is here to stay, and entrepreneurship is the element that will create opportunities for Generation Z.

What strategies did you first use to market your business?

Hah! You will probably laugh when you hear what I have to say on this. I had no ideas about marketing strategies in those days, I had no idea how a business was supposed to be run. I relied heavily on social media platforms to spread our word and to introduce the business and promote it. As time went by, we invested in paid marketing and again we had no idea how it actually worked! In the end, all I can be grateful for is that our wild guesswork paid off.

How have your priorities changed from when you first started?

No, I guess not, my priorities have not drastically evolved over the years, but I have realized that for a man to succeed in a business, he needs to learn to give as much leverage to his team as they deserve, and not let them take advantage of you. I have always prioritized empathy and sustainability and have tried to ensure that I achieve the two.

Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?

Nah! I think I wouldn’t have succeeded as much as I have if I go back and undo my learning opportunities, I have grown and matured with time and my mistakes, my missed chances, even the moments of despair have taught me to be a better man and an even better entrepreneur.

Three Blogs On Managed Funds Every Entrepreneur Should Be Reading

Posted on by Alex
By Michelle Baltazar
Investing your hard-earned money is a little bit like an organ transplant: the stakes are high and decisions are best left to the experts. It doesn’t mean however that you just close your eyes and hand over your piggy bank. Thanks to the internet, you can check out many websites to get handy tips on how to go about investing in so-called ‘managed funds’.

We know you’re time-poor so why not start out by just checking out three website links we’ve picked below? They’re worth the few minutes it takes to see whether they’re useful to you.

1. Paul Clitheroe, a financial expert who is big on financial education, writes about complex topics using simple language. See this link on his latest blog about investing in managed funds for as little as $80.

2.  For all of you hard-working career women out there, check out www.moneygirl.com.au, which, like Clitheroe’s blog, is financial education in basic English. On managed funds, there’s stuff to read via this link.

3. They call themselves ‘The People’s Watchdog’. Consumer body ‘Choice’ has a section on its website dedicated solely to investing. It’s disappointing that their last article on a buyer’s guide to managed funds was done way back in 2007 but the basic premise still holds to this day so it’s still worth reading. See this link.

Besides, it’s worth bookmarking www.choice.com.au because they’re quite good at naming and shaming those who do dodgy deals, whether it’s about the worst plasma TV to buy or a rip-off deal in property.

If you’re tight for time, read Clitheroe’s blog. It’s chockfull of easily digestible info on investing.

Source: The Australian Filipina

Meet The Entrepreneur Behind The Cover Of The August 2021 Issue Of MoneyCentral Magazine: Steve Stanulis

Posted on by Gary

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Steve Stanulis is an award-winning filmmaker, actor, and the founder of Stanulis films who is currently adding to the revolution of the modern-day entertainment industry with his premium content and unmatched vision.

As the world continues to evolve digitally, high-speed internet connection has paved the way for the latest addition to the entertainment industry: streaming services that allow people to watch their favourite movies or shows online.

According to Action Elite magazine, Streaming services also brought about a significant impact on the roles of actors and actresses. They are no longer tied to major movie studios and productions exclusively. Rather, they can now earn through various online platforms because the advertisers in these digital channels pay them a certain fee to promote their products to their followers.

Leveraging this new wave of digital entertainment, Stanulis established Stanulis Films in 2019. His enterprise has already showcased early success, earning the award for “Best Documentary” in the New York Independent Film Festival for his documentary “Wasted Talent”.

Stanulis made a statement of intent with that documentary, alerting the entertainment world of his vision, creativity, and drive for triumph. Stanulis followed up this maiden success by bringing home the titles of “Best Drama” and “Best Ensemble Cast” with the hit 2020 film “5th Borough.” This casting award further lends credence to Stanulis’ creativity and a keen eye for detail in finding the right people for his films.

With longevity comes experience; with experience comes greater expertise. Stanulis didn’t appear from thin air to scoop up laurels. A former NYPD Officer and A-List Celebrity security guard, Stanulis honed his craft and garnered entertainment experience as a published and credited actor (starring in projects such as The Sopranos, The Interpreter, and I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry).

With his expertise, a wealth of experience, ability to develop and find talent, and work ethic, Stanulis has been successfully steering the wheels of his enterprise in the right direction, creating amazing content all while staying within minimum film budgets.

Stanulis is not resting on his laurels yet, for his drive for success is new every morning. Leveraging on the rising independent film industry, the filmmaker currently has 10 upcoming films in the works through 2022, and with his precedents draped in awards and laurels, viewers have reason to be excited, for first-class entertainment is on the way.

MoneyCentral Magazine recently caught up with Steve to discuss his journey in the entertainment industry and here’s what went down:

Why Did You Decide To Be A Producer Above All Other Industry Job Roles?

I really enjoyed the business aspect of the entertainment industry. Being a producer allows you to run the show and make business decisions, which ultimately decide the success of the project.

What Was Your First Job In Film And How Did You Progress To Producer?

My first job in film was The Replacements with Keanu Reeves and Gene Hackman. I played Keanu’s backup quarterback and only had two lines, but I was hooked!

What do you look for in a script?

When reading a script, the genre, the dialogue, and character development are most important to me. Unfortunately, many writers fall short when it comes to character development.

How do you select a director?

I usually choose a director based on the genre of the film and their past success on prior projects. It’s also very important for us to be compatible and have the same creative vision.

Have you ever had to handle a difficult conflict in your career? What did you learn from it?

There have been many difficult conflicts, usually on the financial side. For instance, sometimes monies are counted on and at the last minute, investors don’t follow through. As a producer, you need to have a fallback plan and if for some reason you do not have enough time to raise the money, you have to decide where to cut the script where it doesn’t change the story.

What would you change in a movie you produced that you believe would make it better?

None- I have been blessed in the sense I have never looked back on a film or cast member and wished something was done differently.

What Film Projects Are You Working On Right Now?

We are currently shooting a project called “Monica”, starring Emily Browning and Patricia Clarkson. The film is about a transgender woman who comes home to take care of her sick mother, even though their relationship is estranged. We think the topic is timely and we are proud to be a part of this film.

Do you think it’s a good time to invest in films right now amidst this pandemic?

It’s never been a better time to invest in films, due to the fact when I first started in 1999, you either needed a theatrical release or a deal with Blockbuster. Now, there are so many platforms looking for new content. Therefore, it truly has never been a better time to have your work as a filmmaker distributed.

What Advice Would You Give To Those Hoping To Pursue A Career In Producing?

My advice would be to network, do your research, and try to find a mentor already in the business to help you learn the ins and outs. I’d also warn them that the journey is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. But if you stay motivated and remain tenacious, you will achieve all that you dream of!

5 Surefire Tactics For Reducing Overall Business Debt

Posted on by Gary

Debt can be a drain on a business, especially if you are hoping to end the year in green, we will discuss some strategies to help you get closer to that goal.

Considering a renegotiation of loans whilst also pursuing other opportunities such as grants can be a great way to reduce or eliminate this debt.

Keep reading for three other life-saving methods to consider as well.

Renegotiating the Terms of your Current Loans

If you currently have loans that are proving difficult to pay back due to existing debt, it might be worth considering with your lender if you are able to renegotiate the terms of these loans and sort out a mutually beneficial agreement.

By expressing the hardship of the current loan on your finances, you may be able to secure an agreement to change the terms of the loan. This could be a reduction in interest rates for example, or simply changing how frequently the loans are paid, allowing you that extra time for other beneficial financial decisions to help keep your business up and running, allowing you to build towards the reduction of your debt.

Using Grant Opportunities

It is extremely likely that your business may be eligible for grants from entities such as the government or other entities with a goal in mind that you help to pursue. For example, your firm may specialise in an area that supports a key government objective, and if you believe this may be the case, it is worth getting in contact with them to explore any options available.

Further to this, in the current pandemic, you are likely to be able to access some potential grants to support you at this difficult time, and these are great at reducing your current debt.

Focusing on Eliminating the Debt as Opposed to Other Objectives

If you are in a stable position in regard to your company, and your finances appear to be the only difficulty, it might be worth diverting your attention away from other opportunities for growth to focus on eliminating your debt.

It may be worth making conservative decisions at this time, such as not hiring new employees such as marketing directors to promote your social media presence if it is relatively stable at this point in time. This allows you to focus on the task at hand, reducing extra unnecessary costs in the short term.

Focus on Increasing your Sales

However, as a business, you must run an analysis to see if the previous point is the best option, as it may be worth incurring that short term cost if it is likely to return positive results, such as increased sales, money from which can be used to pay off such debts. In which case, alternate strategies may be necessary to pursue.

Tapping into Your Networks

Finally, if you have crippling debt, consider using your network to help you. You may have family and friends who can help you pay off existing loans if they believe in the long-term success of your business.

Top 5 New Challenges Facing Entrepreneurship, and How to Rise Above Them

Posted on by Gary

The world continually challenges us to be our best possible selves, but how can entrepreneurs best ensure that they are prepared for these challenges?

From company conduct to company communication and the impact imposed by COVID-19, we will discuss the best responses for entrepreneurs to take.

Keep reading for 2 more challenges that entrepreneurs must consider in their future plans as well.

Company Communication

The COVID-19 pandemic has revolutionised the way that we work. We have begun to take to our desks at home to get the job done, and this has severely impacted the ability of your company to communicate with each other. As workers are no longer in a concentrated area in their offices, entrepreneurs are becoming increasingly worried as to how best to meet company targets.

A great way to boost communication methods is through the use of video streaming services such as Zoom. This allows the concentration of your team into one area once again, and assuming no technical difficulties, allows the re-establishment of clear communication.

Company Conduct

Consumers are becoming increasingly interested in a company’s position on social issues, and this is a crucial challenge to entrepreneurship. If you are unable to understand what your consumers want, it might be difficult for your company to appear reliable.

As an entrepreneur, by gauging an understanding of consumer wants in your approaches to things, you may be able to implement more environmentally friendly initiatives, for example, showing consumers that you are a company that cares about the wider issues and not just about business.

Company Competitiveness

As an entrepreneur, you will always be competing against the next best person, but COVID-19 has severely changed the way that we do business. It is not worth targeting your marketing strategies to things that people are only going to see if they enter your stores, as online purchasing has skyrocketed.

For this reason, it is crucial that you develop your social media presence and begin creating a presence on there that your consumers can interact with, allowing you to remain more competitive in a much more difficult world.

Company Health

Whilst doing business is the primary goal of any entrepreneur, considering that your workers, and yourself, need to take care at such a critical time is also crucial to productivity and overall happiness. This is because it can actually damage internal relations if people are dissatisfied, making this a top priority matter.

Taking frequent breaks is a great way to look after yourself, and understanding that some workers may be more affected than others shows your willingness as an entrepreneur to be considerate and caring of your workforce.

Company Finances

Finally, money may be tight at the moment due to the impositions of the pandemic, and it is important to realise that asking for help is necessary at this time.

If you have loans, speak to your bank about potential extensions, and tap into your network to see if they are willing to support you in any way possible.