Mark Cohen: Get Your Kickstarter Funded

Michael Kleinmann, CEO of The Underwear Expert, Inc. and the Curated Underwear Club recently published an article in Forbes Magazine titled, Getting Your Kickstarter Funded: The Four Elements of a Successful Project, where he shared with his audience crucial steps to take when it comes to raising money through crowdsourced fundraising. Obtaining a substantial amount of money for a Kickstarter is not as simple as one may think, but following Mr. Kleinmann’s four essentials, which include: strategy, video production, backer levels, and marketing, are a great way to organize your fundraising to ensure you’re getting the maximum amount of funds as possible.

Here’s a recap of Kleinmann’s four elements and advice for helping your creative project come to life and reach its greatest potential:

First, Kleinmann suggests organizing your thoughts on how to raise money for your project strategically and developing a plan of action. To do this, Kleinmann says, “Before you even think about starting a Kickstarter project, carefully explore and research every facet of the field you plan to work on. Focus groups, surveys and polls are great ways to expand upon personal insight,” (Getting Your Kickstarter Funded, Forbes Magazine). Kleinmann also notes that you should not rely on employees, friends, and family for opinions, so make sure your story is genuine and alluring to your target audience. And when you do find vendors and other individuals who are willing to get involved with your Kickstarter, make sure they sign a confidentiality agreement.

Next, Kleinmann introduces the importance of a Kickstarter video, which he says “…can and will make or break your entire campaign,” (Getting Your Kickstarter Funded, Forbes Magazine). He then adds that you should put a lot of time and energy perfecting every scene of your storyboard so that you can spend your money wisely in terms of creating content for your video. This not only gives you the opportunity to focus on what’s important for your Kickstarter, but your video will most likely turn out amazing, especially if you decide to hire somebody who can produce and direct the video.

The third element, according to Kleinmann, is to focus a lot of attention on backer levels, which should have value to entice potential investors. Kleinmann notes that, “Just because you think something is valuable doesn’t mean others will… so create backing levels that appeal to all types of potential backers,” (Getting Your Kickstarter Funded, Forbes Magazine).

Lastly, and perhaps the most vital element in your campaign, is marketing. How are you going to sell your project? According to Kleinmann, “As with most things in life, how you sell something is just as important as the item you’re selling. Don’t wait until after your campaign launches – you must develop a unique marketing plan to get the word out,” (Getting Your Kickstarter Funded, Forbes Magazine). This is the area in which you need to get creative and use all sources of social media, emails, partnerships, friends, and family to help get the word out about your project.

To read more about Kleinmann’s four elements of a successful project when it comes to Kickstarters, read his article in Forbes Magazine here.

from Mark Cohen’s Finance Website http://ift.tt/1yC0ccn

Mark Cohen: Best Places to Eat in NYC

New York City, as everyone knows, is full of all kinds of possibilities. But if there’s one thing you can bet on, it’s that the big apple has some of the most phenomenal restaurants in the world. So, if you find yourself in NYC with an appetite for some fine dining, here’s a list of a few of the best restaurants that will be worth your time, money, and will sure to fill your tastebuds with only the utmost of flavors.

First on this list, which probably won’t come as a surprise to you, is Le Bernardin, located in midtown and famous for it’s exquisite French seafood. Le Bernardin has been ranked number one on a variety of food and service honors in New York, including achieving the highest score for all New York restaurants in the Zagat Survey. Run by owner Maguy Le Coze and chef Eric Ripert, the menu is nothing short of amazing and has an impeccable wine list, which has glasses to go with each and any dish you decide on. Most customers don’t look at Le Bernardin as a place to get a really nice meal, but rather a place that has perfected the art of dining itself.

The next fine dining establishment on this list of top New York City restaurants is Jean-Georges, a French restaurant located on the west 60s. Jean-Georges is everything it’s built up to be, a fancy dining experience with an ethereal New French menu that’s full of unforgettable flavors. The staff is friendly and intelligent when it comes to the menu and can pinpoint the exact wines that should be paired with your meal. With a menu full of caviar, lobster tartine, caramelized foie gras, and muscovy duck breast (just to name a few), you will leave this restaurant with a feeling that you’ll never eat better in your life.

The third restaurant on this list is Peter Luger Steakhouse, located in the trendy Williamsburg area of Brooklyn. Founded in 1887, Peter Luger’s has been the king of steaks for as long as New Yorkers can remember, and luckily it’s just over the bridge so the commute for Manhattaners isn’t too far. You will never taste a better steak than Peter Luger’s, as they melt in your mouth with a crisp outer crust, Peter has perfected porterhouse and traditional cuts alike. Not to mention the atmosphere of the steakhouse makes you feel like you’re in a vintage beer-hall quarter that only existed back in the day. And, make sure you bring cash, because cards aren’t accepted, but after a steak that good you won’t mind.

Whether you’re a New Yorker or just in the city for a visit, you won’t regret going to any of these wonderful restaurants, just make sure you make a reservation because these heavenly tastes are desired by many. For more information on where to dine in New York City, check out Zagat.com, and happy eating!

from Mark Cohen’s Lifestyle Website http://ift.tt/1yBYTdh