Magazine Journalist Business Plan

Kraig Guthrie has been involved in the bicycle industry for ten years. Kraig attended Brown University for an undergraduate degree in Biology and Journalism. While at Brown, Kraig raced on the cycling team and was an active writer for the student newspaper.

Upon graduation Kraig moved to Boston and worked in a bicycle shop for four years. The first year was in a sales/mechanic capacity. Kraig’s intelligence and skill set quickly became noticed and he moved into a manager’s position for his three remaining years at the shop. While working at the shop he continued to ride and write. Kraig was an excellent rider, both on the road and off road. On road he was a Category One racer and off road he raced Professional.

During his first year after graduation, Kraig cycling talents became noticed and he was invited for summer training at the Olympic Cycling Center in Colorado Springs. It was here that Kraig raced and became friends will all of the leading American cyclists. The relationships that Kraig developed were quite personal and he would remain friends with these future professional cyclists throughout his life. At the same time Kraig began to do some freelance writing for a few cycling magazines.

After four years Kraig left the bike shop and moved to a position at Shimano America. Shimano is the largest and one of the most prestigious bicycle component manufacturers. Shimano works with every major production and custom bicycle manufacturer in the USA. Kraig accepted a project manager position at Shimano.

Initially his projects were the introduction of new products. Eventually Shimano moved Kraig in to a position doing outside Public Relations. Kraig traveled extensively, meeting with manufacturers, retailers, racers, and end consumers and updating them on new gruppos, parts, accessories, technical procedures, and corporate marketing, and sponsorship activities. This was an great experience for Kraig, building a network of contacts that would soon prove to be invaluable.

The travelling took its toll however. Kraig was spending less and less time with his family. After six years Kraig decided to consider other ways to make money within the cycling industry that would provide him with more time with his family. Because Kraig had been still writing freelance articles for the last 10 years, albeit somewhat infrequently, Kraig began to work on business plan to determine the feasibility of being a full-time freelance writer. After more and more contemplative thought and analysis, it became obvious that there was a reasonable likelihood of success and that he would give it is a shot.

6.1 Personnel Plan

Write Bike is a home based business with Kraig as the single employee. As the only employee it will be Kraig’s responsibility for sales, marketing, accounting, and WRITING. Kraig’s wife Marie will help out with the business when Kraig is working in the field, however, Kraig will be doing pretty much everything. Because his work will be freelance, Kraig will have the flexibility to accomplish all the necessary activities.