I am NOT living my dream - Are you?

I had a conversation with my friend Kyle (Founder of www.ismyshittight.com) yesterday and we spoke about people telling us, ”Good job, you’re living your dream!”

We greatly appreciate the support and kind words, but sometimes we wonder about what perspective a comment like that is coming from.  Most likely, it’s just some good ol’ encouragement, which is highly appreciated.  However, I’d like to add a little bit about what a comment like that makes me think about…

“My Dream” is not to be living away from all of my family for over 10 years.

“My Dream” is not to put my personal life on hold to achieve success.

“My Dream” is not be a 33 year old, single man, living in a 1 bedroom apartment.

“My Dream” is not to skip my favorite activity of fishing for years at a time.

“My Dream” is not to live in a huge city away from nature.

“My Dream” is not to work in an industry of egomaniacs and starving artists.

“My Dream” is not something I only think about while I’m sleeping or in a fantasy.

“My Dream” is not guaranteed.  10 years from now I could realize that I was wrong.

“My Dream” is not like a dream of winning the lottery.  Those people don’t have

sleepless nights.

“My Dream” was not to spend 8 years of my life in the military so I can earn money to educate myself.

This list can go on and on, but I’ll stop there.  You get the point.  I love my life. Every choice that I’ve made until this point of my life has gotten me to exactly where I am right now.  If I had made better decisions along my journey, I could’ve been further along in my life and one step closer to my goals.  Living a dream, not so much…..  Happy, fortunate, and blessed? YES!

I feel guilty everyday for not being with my parents and spending precious time with them.  I hope that all of this work is not in vein and they can enjoy my success.  I must figure out a way to earn enough money to allow my parents to completely stop working so I can spend time with them.  That is my dream.

Very Respectfully,

George Ohan 

Producer

Hollywood, CA

www.signaturexavier.com

eDMG 

How do I start a new business - Entrepreneur

WARNING: This Blog will be informational and a little bit entertaining. 

So, let's go over the checklist:

1. Business Name
2. Awesome logo design
3. Business Card
4. Facebook "Like" page or Twitter account

Ok, you're DONE!  You, my friend, are an ENTREPRENEUR!!!!

NOT!!!!!!!!!

Why on Earth do people think by simply completing the four steps above that makes them a business owner / entrepreneur?  I really do not understand this madness.

Owning a business or becoming an entrepreneur is: a huge responsibility, a lot of research, hard work, persistence, creativity, positivity, leadership, initiative, and innovation.  If this does not describe you, please reconsider going into business.  This blog is not about discouraging anyone from pursuing their dreams of entrepreneurship.  This blog should be a wake-up call to those that have never considered some of the things I'll mention below.

Let's talk about a little word called PASSION...

 The reason I am writing this blog is because I had a meeting with a person (an idiot) today that had a decent idea, but he did not have any plan or research of how he would introduce his company to the market.  However, he DID have steps 1-4 at the top of this blog covered completely.  As I tried to give him any sort of business advice this man rejected 90% of anything that I told him with an excuse of why he didn't do that, or why my idea wouldn't work.  It's ok, it was my fault for taking the meeting.  I knew better than to waste my time just by reading his unprofessional email with grammatical errors.  I took the meeting because I appreciated the fact that the guy had enough sense to seek me out, he had a cool idea, and seemed PASSIONATE.  Big mistake!  Today I learned to not care about how passionate the person is if they don't have the hard work and understanding of their business to back up their passion.

I don't care if you're passionate about something, venture capitalist don't care that your passionate about something, and your invisible customers darn sure don't care if you're passionate about something IF 

you have not done the proper work to turn that passion into a feasible and attainable objective. 

"The world is not short of ideas, the world is short of execution." - Professor George Abe, UCLA Anderson School of Management

There are MANY steps to cover before going into business; listed below are a few things to consider and a good starting list to gather your information.

(Think Strategically) *NOTE* Strategy should be innovative, not imitative, to create a sustainable competitive advantage.  You should write or type out your answers; don't just answer it in your head.  If you don't know what something means, look it up.

1. What is the opportunity for this business?

2. Can I create a business concept to exploit that opportunity?

3. What resources do I need to exploit and take advantage of the opportunity?

4. How do I assemble and manage the operation?

5. How do I exit the operation?

6. Do we have a Mission Statement?

7. Why do we exist?

8. What is the pain that our customer has?

9. What are we trying to accomplish?

10. What is the purpose of this company?

11. What is the fatal flaw that can take you out instantly?

12. Why would anyone partner with me?

13. What business are you in, really?

14. What are we really good at?

15. What does the market place look like?

16. Who are our customers?

17. What important benefits do we provide to our customers?

18. Are these benefits sustainable? 

19. Where can this business be in 3-5 years?

20. Do I know how to read a lease properly?

21. What are the proper business licensees and permits required?

22. What are my threats, opportunities, weakness, and strengths?

23. What is the law of diffusion and innovation?

24. How can I define market segmentation?

25. What is my niche?

26. Have I completed a marketing mix?

This list can go on and on...... However, I will choose to stop here.  I hope that this will enlighten and encourage some people to really step their knowledge up.  This takes some time, intense focus, and a lot of dedication.  Don't give up!  Just know that every time you answer one of these questions you're giving yourself more of a chance to survive in the world of business.  If you're not willing to do it, it's ok because your competition is.

Entrepreneurship is a team sport.  Surround yourself with people that are much smarter than you are.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to educate yourself by reading this blog.  Please feel free to share this blog with anyone that you think can use the information too

.

Very Respectfully,

George Ohan

www.signaturexavier.com

@georgeohan - Instagram 

@LAfilmOhan - Twitter

www.youtube.com/ohangeorge 

UCLA, Anderson School of Management, Entrepreneurship (2012)

The Los Angeles Film School, Entertainment Business (2013)

The Los Angeles Film School in Hollywood, CA - Producer George Ohan

Hello,

My name is George Ohan and I am looking for potential students at "The Los Angeles Film School" in Hollywood, CA.  I am a veteran of the US Army; eight years active duty and also a graduate of LA Film School.  We offer industry standard equipment, facilities, and training in the heart of Los Angeles.  I currently work in the Military Services department and I specialize in community outreach, to include admissions.  I help you with becoming a student at The Los Angeles Film School, how to take care of your financial needs, and any housing questions that you may have.   Thank you for your time and consideration.  If you have any questions please feel free to call or email. 

  gohan@lafilm.com  - (559) 451-1370 (text)

Associate of Science in Game Production-For the entrepreneurial and collaborative individuals who would enjoy a hybrid curriculum of programming and game/level design, students in this 18-month program learn how to build flash games, smartphone apps and more.  16 of our graduates were selected to work on the recently released game phenomenon, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 for Treyarch and Activision. 

Associate of Science in Computer Animation- Our students begin with fundamental techniques and rapidly advance to the creation of computer-generated virtual models, characters, environments, animations and visual effects. Our program is designed to graduate animators for a wide variety of careers across the entertainment sector, such as 3D computer graphics for video games, commercials, television shows, theme park attractions and short and feature-length films. Recent Veteran graduates have been employed by S2 Games and commissioned for work by the SyFy Channel.

Associate of Science in Recording Arts-The incredibly diverse world of professional recording includes music production, feature films, television shows and commercials, theme park attractions, self-guided museum tours, audiobooks, apps and video games. Our film school’s branch campus, The Los Angeles Recording School, empowers learners with industry-standard equipment and software, engineering guests, onsite GrammyU meetings, and more.  We are proud of our US Veterans who have graduated and now work for employers such as Capitol Records and LiveNation on projects for acclaimed artists. Interested parties are encouraged to book a tour with the Military Services

Department to tour this campus and see the platinum and gold records from graduate work that deck the halls of this 27-year old institution.

 

Associate of Science in Film- Our flagship program is a 12 or 16-month journey through the complete film production process, teaching the art and science of filmmaking. Students learn cinematography, directing, producing, creative writing, editing, sound design, lighting for film and video, production/set design, and more. Located in the heart of the Hollywood, the motion picture capital of the world, The Los Angeles Film School offers a hands-on curriculum that has been referred to as the “basic training for filmmakers”.  A sampling of recent Veteran graduate employment: Stargate Studios, Bandito Brothers, Vampire Diaries, Capitol Records and a national Jeep ad.

Entertainment Business Bachelor of Science- The Los Angeles Film School's Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Business program is designed to prepare students to create a productive synergy between their artistic passion and creativity with marketable business management skills. This 18-month course of study is designed to allow individuals who hold an Associate Degree to continue their education and earn a Bachelor’s Degree.

Very Respectfully,

 

George Ohan

Producer

gohan@lafilm.com

559-451-1370 cell

1-877-9LA-FILM ext- 6175

 

Veterans proactive in leadership. Hollywood, CA - Film - Producer, George Ohan

I did not write this article, but I did like it when I saw it.  Please enjoy a very easy one page read.

Very Respectfully,

George Ohan

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

Producer George Ohan leads the way with veterans in Hollywood.

I would like to take a few minutes to tell you a remarkable story of dedication and commitment and how producer George Ohan leads the way with Veterans in Hollywood. After 8 years of Active Duty service in the United States Army he returned home and went to film school so he could share his perspective and his voice on the things he’d seen in his Life and his global travels. He now finds himself in the midst of the Hollywood roller coaster ride. Not only is he a Veteran, he is the CEO of a production company, an accomplished producer, a graduate of the LA Film School and is The Alumni President of Veterans at the same.  He has made several short films, is currently working on an HBO series and has an endless sea of ideas for what I’m sure will be a long list of  projects to come in the future.

His movie “The Long Journey Home” (Director- John H. Wan) focuses on what it’s like to return back to America after service and the challenges that our troops face. This is a movie written by a civilian for the friends and families of Veterans to help spread the word about how difficult it can be for our soldiers to re-enter society after being away for so long.  Different family issues, separation, and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) are just a few of the things that George sees on a daily basis in his work. He strives to really heighten the level of awareness on these issues and does more than his fair share to make a difference in the lives of those who risk their lives for our Freedom.

I expect to see many more great things from George Ohan in the future. He is also an expert in Sales and Marketing, Communication, Training and Team Development. I mean this guy is a Leader. He’s focused, committed, has the desire to make a difference and the persistence to Never Quit. Look for him on the big screen. And Make It A Great Day!

 

Associated with:

email - gohan@lafilm.com

www.youtube.com/ohangeorge

www.twitter.com/fresno_famous

www.lafilm.edu

www.vetsonset.com

www.vftla.org

 

 

USMC - I would've been a Marine, but I was too FAT

My father was from Syria and my mother was from Lebanon and they decided on moving to the jungle of the United States of America in 1981; Los Angeles.  Years later we had moved 4 hours north to Madera, CA.   I was 16 years old and it was my junior year of high school.  This was the first time that I had realized there was life after graduation.  As I started to pay attention to what was going on around me I noticed a bunch of students getting ready for college.  My parents had never told me about college; how would they know what it was like to get into an American college?  After all, they were Armenian immigrants.    One thing was certain my family LOVED the United States and felt very American.

I drove to the Marine Corps recruiting office in Fresno, CA and ran into two interesting characters.  One man was Sergeant Vernon and the other one was Gunnery Sergeant Gorsky.  Now, mind you..... I was interested in the Marine Corps because I had heard about 1,000 helicopter pilot stories from my friend's dad; Captain Terry Lewis.  He had encouraged me and motivated me about the American military.  When I walked into the USMC recruiting station I heard,"Ahhhh shit!" Then they started laughing quietly.  I walked further into the recruiting station and I heard,"Wassup my man, Ahahahaha..... Ya man, right here."  Sergeant Vernon was pointing at the weight scale while Gunnery Sergeant Gorsky chimed in with,"You're probably gonna be too fat, but I'll get down your basic info anyways."  He asked many random questions, like my address, phone number, and medical history......but he never asked me my name.

These comments had not bothered me in the least bit.  I was just surprised that the Marines weren't super human like I had been taught.  This was my first time having any interaction with Marines, besides from the neighborhood heroes.  I immediately started to assess my situation and decided that this is not the type of people I want to be around.  Sergeant Vernon spoke as if he was an announcer with a drum roll from Gunnery Sergeant Gorsky,"Twoooooo Hundreeeeeeeed and Thirt Teeeeeeee Fiiiiivvveee pounds!!!!"  I put my shoes back on and without uttering a word I slowly walked out of their office and looked toward the other recruiting stations.  It was 9:00pm and the other stations were already shut down for the evening so I went to Taco Bell and stuffed my fat face before going home.

While I was at home the remarks of the recruiters started to bother me.  I knew I was fat.  I knew I needed help.  I knew I wasn't ready to be a Marine, that's why I was there........and my fu*kin name is George Ohan sir.  At 11:15pm I heard a knock at my door at home and when I answered it Sergeant Vernon stood there with a packet of paperwork in his hands ready to be filled out.  I did not invite him in because I was confused of his arrival.  He told us that the USMC had opened up a few slots with weight waivers, blah, blah, blah.  He started getting very aggressive and rude.  A few minutes later my father asked him to leave and Sergeant Vernon said in a very stern voice,"Sir you need to understand that this is America and this is how the system is.  He needs to come with me to Sacramento tonight."  Sergeant Vernon would rather have me go to the Military Entrance Processing Station and fail the height and weight requirements than to disqualify me as an applicant.  Needless to say, my father was not happy and kicked him out of our home.

The next day I went to the Army recruiting station and came across a Soldier by the name of Staff Sergeant Shenefelt.  I'm not going to say he was the best guy or Soldier in the world, but I can say that he took the time to help me.   I walked into the recruiting station and before he asked me any questions about weight, medical, or law violations he asked about my interests and educational goals.  He KNEW I was fat, just like I did.  He also knew to look past that for a moment.  By the time the meeting was done we had put together a workout plan and assessed that I had to lose 65 pounds to qualify for the Army.   I showed up the next afternoon after school and he took me for a run that nearly killed me.  It was just what I needed.

I lost the weight.  I joined the Army.  All I needed was some motivation from a LEADER outside of my family or close circle of friends.  If you are a person in a power position it is imperative to always be the LEADER.  It took a 10 minute conversation for an Army recruiter to recognize my potential and he gave me a shot.  I strived in the military to be named as "Top Soldier" on many occasions and went on to earn numerous awards and commendations while serving active duty in the U.S. Army.  I had also reached the rank of Staff Sergeant (P) promotable before deciding to become a civilian again.

The point I'd like to make is that I did not let the actions of a couple of people that were not representing the Marine Corps the way they should've been determine my future path.  My reactions to their less than honorable behavior is what set the tone to my future success.  I KNEW I was fat, that's why I went to the Marines......for help.  If someone comes to you and expresses a need, it's probably true and worth further investigation.  This can apply for any situation.  Sometimes people just want to talk.  Someone may suffer from PTSD, low self-esteem, depression, etc... If they're reaching out to you please be a friend, be a mentor, be a leader.......just be there.

Sergeant Vernon and Gunnery Sergeant Gorsky, You were right.  My weight prevented me from wearing the same uniform as you.  No hard feelings though.  I served this country honorably for eight years active duty as an Army Soldier and I feel very privileged for having an opportunity to do that.  Currently I help ALL military branches find work in the Film & Television field through an organization called Vets on Set.  I am also the alumni president for veterans at Los Angeles Film School.  Oh ya, I also belong to a group called Veterans in Film & Television located in Hollywood, CA..... not bad for a FAT boy huh?

Thank you for taking a moment to read some of my thoughts.

Very Respectfully,

George Ohan
George@SignatureXavier.com


@Fresno_Famous

OhanGeorge on YouTube