MEDIA COVERAGE

Idea Hall
By DORIS BENAVIDES
The Orange County Register

Describe your business: We are hired by clients to elevate their image, promote their products and services, develop and/or refine their promotional materials, develop and manage events, and help our clients to tell their stories and communicate effectively and creatively with their target audiences.

Where did you get the idea for the business? I worked for other national and regional agencies where I learned the business. Eventually, I was confident enough to start my own. I wanted to create a work environment that was fun and challenging, and attract great people, both as employees and as clients.

How long did it take you to get from idea to open doors? I dreamed of owning my own business since I was in high school, but when I put my mind into it, it took only about 90 days to solidify my plans, obtain the appropriate business licenses, bank accounts, etc., before taking the plunge.

What did you do during that time?I was really focused on getting the business up and running.

How much did it cost to start the business? About $10,000

Where did you get the money? Personal savings.

Your expected revenue for this year? $2 million

Is this your first business? Yes

Did you write a business plan? Yes

Whom did you seek for advice? My family was the first to provide support and advice. And to my surprise, as soon as I announced the formation of Idea Hall, many other business owners came to offer me advice and resources.

How are you marketing yourself? Through networking, referrals, and the media. Chapman University's alumni association has been one of the most successful networking venues for us.

The biggest thing you didn't think of before you started?T he challenges of accelerated growth. I actually thought about it - I think everyone envisions his/her business taking off – but sometimes success can sneak up on you.

- Doris Benavides/The Register