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Entertainment Business Masters Program

Welcome to my blog, where I’ll be documenting my academic journey throughout my Master’s program in Entertainment Business. Over the next 12 months, my focus will be on expanding my understanding of the card game industry and sharpening my business management skills to help local card shops, like The Haven Games, thrive. My passion lies in fostering thriving communities within these spaces, and through my studies, I aim to deepen my knowledge of both the games and the business side that supports them.

In this blog, I’ll share what I learn in my classes and my key takeaways while I grow my knowledge, all with the goal of becoming a more valuable resource for card shops and their communities. I’m excited to explore strategies for running successful entertainment-based businesses, with a particular focus on marketing, customer engagement, and community development. By blending my love for card games with the insights I gain, I hope to contribute fresh ideas that help these businesses grow, stay sustainable, and create lasting connections for players of all kinds.

Mastery: Personal Development and Leadership

To Be Added

Executive Leadership

To Be Added

Business Storytelling and Brand Development

To Be Added

Entertainment Business Finance

In my Entertainment Business Finance class, I’ve gained a lot of valuable insights that I know will shape my career in the entertainment industry. Going into the class, my main goal was to understand how financial management works in businesses like local card shops. I wasn’t disappointed. This class broke down everything from reading balance sheets and income statements to managing cash flow, which gave me a much clearer picture of how businesses stay afloat and succeed.

One of the most eye-opening lessons was learning about financial forecasting and risk management. I never realized just how important it is to plan for unexpected expenses or market changes, especially in a creative industry like entertainment. Whether it’s a card shop dealing with inventory challenges or a production facing delays, the ability to forecast and make adjustments is crucial for long-term success.

Beyond just understanding how businesses operate, this course also helped me see the bigger picture when it comes to sustainability. I learned about the importance of balancing creativity with smart financial decisions, and how businesses can thrive while staying within their means. For anyone looking to run or manage a creative business, like a card shop, these skills are indispensable.

Overall, Entertainment Business Finance has given me practical tools I can apply to both my personal and professional life. Understanding how to manage money, budget effectively, and prepare for the unexpected will be essential as I continue to pursue my goals in the entertainment industry. I’m excited to take what I’ve learned and use it to help local businesses grow and succeed in the future!

Digital Marketing

In my Digital Marketing course, I gained valuable insights into how businesses can effectively reach and engage their audience in an increasingly digital world. My goal going into the class was to learn how to develop marketing strategies that could help local card shops and entertainment businesses grow by integrating online and in-person efforts. Now that the course has wrapped up, I feel much more confident in my ability to craft effective digital marketing plans that drive real results.

One of the biggest takeaways from this course was understanding how different marketing channels such as social media, email campaigns, and search engine optimization (SEO) work together to build a strong brand presence. Learning how to analyze audience data and track key performance metrics showed me just how important it is to make data-driven marketing decisions. Instead of relying on guesswork, businesses can use analytics to refine their approach and maximize their return on investment.

Another key lesson was the balance between digital marketing and real-world engagement. While online ads and social media outreach are powerful tools, they work best when paired with in-person experiences that create lasting customer relationships. For a business like a card shop, this could mean using digital marketing to promote in-store events, engage with the community, and encourage repeat visits.

Overall, this course has given me the tools to create marketing strategies that are both effective and sustainable. Whether I’m working with a business or launching my own venture, I now have the knowledge to build an online presence that supports real-world success. I’m excited to actively apply these skills to help local businesses grow and strengthen their communities!

Negotiation and Deal-Making

In my Negotiation and Deal-Making class, I developed a deeper understanding of how to approach negotiations strategically rather than just arguing my point. The instructor’s honest and direct teaching style made the material engaging, while his ability to step back and look at situations from a broader perspective helped me refine my own approach. One of the most valuable aspects of the course was the morning debates, which encouraged me to think critically, articulate my thoughts clearly, and engage with my classmates in meaningful discussions.

A key takeaway from this class was learning how to recognize and address essential human concerns in negotiations. It’s not just about getting what you want, it’s about finding a deal that works for both parties. Whether it’s evaluating a contract or negotiating a business deal in the real world, understanding the motivations and leverage of each party is crucial. This course provided me with the practical experience needed to navigate real-life negotiations with confidence.

Beyond the classroom, these skills are invaluable in both professional and personal settings. Whether I’m negotiating business opportunities, contracts, or even everyday decisions, I now have a stronger foundation for approaching these conversations effectively. This class was a great opportunity to refine my skills and gain hands-on experience in deal-making, and I’m looking forward to applying these lessons in future endeavors.

© Christian Davenport

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