Summer 2025 Portfolio.
HelpMate
Table of Contents
Objective for Summer 2025
The Lecturus Summer 2025 Internship brings together a diverse cohort of students from the U.S. and abroad, combining expertise in Marketing, Computer Information Systems, and Business. This cross-disciplinary program empowers interns to collaboratively build and manage a functional micro-business, gaining hands-on experience in key areas such as data analysis, front-end and back-end development using CMS platforms like WordPress, digital security, server administration, and strategic marketing planning.
Led by Linden Johnson, the program focuses on applying academic knowledge in real-world contexts to develop a tech-focused microbusiness that delivers authentic product reviews. Interns learn to evaluate and refine business models, implement scalable web solutions, and craft data-driven marketing strategies. By the end of the internship, participants will have not only built a working business but also developed the technical, analytical, and entrepreneurial skills necessary to thrive in today’s digital economy.
Recording Meetings
For Collaboration and Accountability
As part of the Summer 2025 Internship at Lecturus, interns are required to record at least two team meetings each week, in addition to the weekly meeting with coordinators. This practice serves multiple purposes: it enhances team collaboration, supports brainstorming sessions, and ensures accountability. By documenting their discussions, interns can more effectively track progress, delegate tasks, and reflect on their decision-making processes. These recordings also serve as a valuable tool for reviewing strategies, resolving misunderstandings, and showcasing the evolution of their micro-business project. Ultimately, this approach promotes transparency, improves communication, and helps interns develop professional habits aligned with real-world workplace standards.
The team meetings
Playlist
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Internship Tasks tracker
Week 1 hours worked
| Week Unit | Team Member Name | Task Assigned | Task Completion Date | Hours Worked | Group Meeting Time | Group Meeting Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Sonia Shaw | Pester Analysis | 6/17/2025 | 6 | 7:00 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. | 6/17/2025 |
| Bismark Kpapu | Meeting Coordinator/PESTEL | 6/17/2025 | 6 | 7:00 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. | 6/17/2025 | |
| Jose Rosado | Marketing Strategy | 6/17/2025 | 6 | 7:00 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. | 6/17/2025 | |
| Unit 2 | Sonia Shaw | Environmental Scan/Tech Analysis | 6/18/2025 | 6 | 8:00 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. | 6/18/2025 |
| Bismark Kpapu | Meeting Coordinator/Research | 6/17/2025 | 6 | 8:00 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. | 6/18/2025 | |
| Jose Rosado | Marketing Strategy | 6/17/2025 | 6 | 8:00 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. | 6/18/2025 | |
Week 2 hours worked
| Week Unit | Team Member Name | Task Assigned | Task Completion Date | Hours Worked | Group Meeting Time | Group Meeting Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 3 | Sonia Shaw | Website Design | 6/25/2025 | 10 | 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | 6/25/2025 |
| Bismark Kpapu | Logo Design | 6/25/2025 | 10 | 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | 6/25/2025 | |
| Jose Rosado | AI Advertisement | 6/25/2025 | 10 | 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | 6/25/2025 | |
| Unit 4 | Sonia Shaw | Web Design / Google Analytics | 6/26/2025 | 10 | 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | 6/26/2025 |
| Bismark Kpapu | SEO Integration | 6/26/2025 | 10 | 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | 6/26/2025 | |
| Jose Rosado | AI Advertisement | 6/26/2025 | 10 | 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | 6/26/2025 | |
Week 3 hours worked
| Week Unit | Team Member Name | Task Assigned | Task Completion Date | Hours Worked | Group Meeting Time | Group Meeting Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 3 | Sonia Shaw | Website / BCG Matrix | 7/1/2025 | 10 | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM | 7/1/2025 |
| Bismark Kpapu | VRIO Analysis | 7/1/2025 | 10 | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM | 7/1/2025 | |
| Jose Rosado | GE Matrix | 7/1/2025 | 10 | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM | 7/1/2025 | |
| Week 3 | Sonia Shaw | Competitor Analysis | 7/4/2025 | 10 | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM | 7/4/2025 |
| Bismark Kpapu | Social Media Creation | 7/4/2025 | 10 | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM | 7/4/2025 | |
| Jose Rosado | GE Matrix | 7/4/2025 | 10 | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM | 7/4/2025 | |
Week 4 hours worked
| Week Unit | Team Member Name | Task Assigned | Task Completion Date | Hours Worked | Group Meeting Time | Group Meeting Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 4 | Sonia Shaw | Website Contact Page Design / Profit-Loss | 7/9/2025 | 12 | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM | 7/9/2025 |
| Bismark Kpapu | Blog Post Creation | 7/9/2025 | 11 | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM | 7/9/2025 | |
| Jose Rosado | Media Advertisement | 7/9/2025 | 10 | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM | 7/9/2025 | |
| Week 4 | Sonia Shaw | Strategic Formulation Review | 7/10/2025 | 11 | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM | 7/10/2025 |
| Bismark Kpapu | Vendor Information Review | 7/10/2025 | 10 | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM | 7/10/2025 | |
| Jose Rosado | Profit and Loss Document Review | 7/10/2025 | 10 | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM | 7/10/2025 | |
Week 5 hours worked
| Team Members Name | Task Assigned | Task Completion Date | Hours Worked | Group Meeting Time | Group Meeting Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonia Shaw | HelpMate Website Optimization/Scrapy | 7/17/2025 | 15 | 10:00 Am to 11:00 Am | 7/17/2025 |
| Bismark Kpapu | Final Report Paper | 7/17/2025 | 10 | 10:00 Am to 11:00 Am | 7/17/2025 |
| Jose Rosado | Final Report Paper | 7/17/2025 | 10 | 10:00 Am to 11:00 Am | 7/17/2025 |
| Sonia Shaw | SEO /Final Presentation Slides | 7/18/2025 | 18 | 10:00 Am to 11:00 Am | 7/18/2025 |
| Bismark Kpapu | Final Helpmate report Paper | 7/18/2025 | 10 | 10:00 Am to 11:00 Am | 7/18/2025 |
| Jose Rosado | Final Helpmate report Paper | 7/18/2025 | 10 | 10:00 Am to 11:00 Am | 7/18/2025 |
Week 6 hours worked
| Team Members Name | Task Assigned | Task Completion Date | Hours Worked | Group Meeting Time | Group Meeting Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonia Shaw | SEO /Final Presentation Slides | 7/18/2025 | 18 | 10:00 Am to 11:00 Am | 7/18/2025 |
| Bismark Kpapu | Final Helpmate report Paper | 7/18/2025 | 10 | 10:00 Am to 11:00 Am | 7/18/2025 |
| Jose Rosado | Final Helpmate report Paper | 7/18/2025 | 10 | 10:00 Am to 11:00 Am | 7/18/2025 |
BUSINESS
Business Planning & Strategy (PESTEL)
During the Summer 2025 Lecturus Internship, Team Helpmate applied a PESTEL analysis — a strategic framework in business administration — to guide the development of their micro-business concept. By assessing external influences across Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal dimensions, the team was able to make a well-informed decision that aligns with contemporary needs.
The PESTEL analysis underscored pressing factors such as economic challenges, the rising demand for trusted digital services, and the need for data privacy. Social and technological insights were especially influential. These highlighted a shift toward convenience, local service access, and student support platforms.
Guided by these insights, Team Helpmate developed a dual-purpose microservice platform offering in-home support (such as pet care and cleaning) and academic tools for students, including downloadable study materials and schedule management. The platform is designed to be secure, intuitive, and accessible, supporting both service users and providers in their daily routines.
This initiative demonstrates how Team Helpmate combined their technical skills using WordPress and Elementor with analytical business planning strategies from the internship. Their goal was to create a reliable and inclusive solution for busy families, students, and individuals seeking microservice opportunities—all while encouraging sustainable practices such as digital materials and local engagement.
Political
The political landscape in the U.S. generally supports small businesses and startups through various grants and tax incentives. This creates a favorable environment for launching a micro-business like Helpmate, which provides local and digital services.
Economic
Post-pandemic economic shifts have led many households to seek affordable service alternatives and supplementary income sources. Helpmate leverages this need by offering both employment opportunities and cost-effective services to communities.
Social
There is a growing demand for convenience, flexibility, and trust in service platforms. With people increasingly relying on local help and digital tools to manage daily life, Helpmate aligns well with these evolving social behaviors, particularly among students and working professionals.
Technological
The wide adoption of CMS platforms like WordPress and tools such as Google Analytics enables quick, scalable development of service platforms. Helpmate uses these technologies to provide a user-friendly interface and secure digital experience.
Environmental
By focusing on digital delivery (e.g., downloadable resources and virtual scheduling tools), Helpmate minimizes its carbon footprint. Promoting local services also reduces the need for long commutes and contributes to sustainability goals.
Legal
The platform complies with data privacy expectations and terms-of-service laws relevant to online micro-businesses. As services involve student users and local helpers, the business also considers basic liability awareness and ethical usage policies.
SWOT ANALYSIS
HelpMate’s strengths lie in its affordable pricing, community trust, and multi-service digital platform. However, it faces weaknesses such as limited brand recognition and resource constraints. Opportunities include expanding into underserved markets, leveraging AI, and forming local partnerships. Key threats involve strong competitors like TaskRabbit, gig economy regulations, and the need to maintain user trust and platform security.
GE Matrix
The GE Matrix for HelpMate evaluates its strategic business units based on industry attractiveness and internal business strength. The mobile app functionality falls into the “Grow/Invest” quadrant due to high user growth and strong technical performance, making it a top priority for marketing and feature development. Career coaching services are placed in “Hold/Selective Growth” with moderate potential and scalability, requiring cost optimization and steady engagement. The employer recruitment tools and freelance marketplace show lower strength or attractiveness, suggesting a cautious approach—either improving their value or reducing investment. This matrix helps HelpMate focus resources where growth and return are most promising.
The VRIO analysis for HelpMate reveals that its core strengths lie in offering trusted local service providers and a multi-service platform that combines home, pet, and student support—resources that are valuable and moderately rare, though somewhat imitable. Features like verified and insured services and the student hub tools provide additional value and differentiation, but their long-term advantage depends on consistent quality and backend organization. Localized niche positioning enhances trust but requires strategic scaling. Overall, HelpMate holds several temporary competitive advantages, with the potential for sustainable value if it invests in execution, user experience, and ongoing trust-building.
VRIO Analysis
| Resource / Capability | Valuable? | (R)Rare? | (I)Imitable? | (O)Organized? | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trusted Local Service Providers | Yes | Moderate | Moderate | Yes | Temporary competitive advantage |
| Multi-Service Platform (Home + Pet + Student Hub) | Yes | Moderate | Moderate | Partial | Temporary advantage, execution-dependent |
| Verified/Insured Pet Care & Home Services | Yes | Moderate | Moderate to High | Yes | Temporary to sustainable advantage |
| Student Hub Tools & Resources | Yes | Moderately High | Moderate | Partial | Temporary advantage if promoted |
| Localized Niche Positioning | Yes | Moderate | Moderate | Partial | Temporary advantage, brand-dependent |
Internal Scan
Helpmate’s internal scan reveals a platform with strong core services like furniture assembly and home cleaning, supported by its exclusive IKEA partnership. The BCG and GE matrices highlight furniture assembly as a strategic growth area, with cleaning and moving services positioned for selective investment or hold strategies. The VRIO analysis shows that while many of Helpmate’s resources—such as its vetted Taskers and brand trust—are valuable and well-organized, only the IKEA integration offers a sustainable competitive advantage due to its rarity and difficulty to imitate. The company’s digital infrastructure, end-to-end service model, and trust-based features give it a temporary to moderate edge over competitors. Challenges remain, including platform fees, regulatory risks, and past cybersecurity concerns. Helpmate’s internal strengths lie in tech-enabled service delivery, brand recognition, and exclusive partnerships, supporting its continued growth in the gig service economy.
TECHNOLOGY
Team HelpMate developed an eCommerce website using a Content Management System (CMS) powered by WordPress and Elementor Pro. The project incorporated multiple plugins to support:
User Login & Subscription Features
Responsive Contact Forms optimized for mobile devices
Security Enhancements including SEO optimization and spam protection
Performance Optimization via sitemaps, image compression, and canonical tags
Data Analysis Tools to track user engagement and improve interaction
This setup ensures a secure, responsive, and engaging platform tailored to both users and business goals.
HelpMate Performance
Jun 28, 2025, 12:14:37 PM
Jul 24, 2025, 12:24:03 PM
As part of their internship experience, the team was tasked with promoting their micro-business through targeted social media and marketing strategies. Interns utilized a combination of platforms and tools—including Google Analytics, Google Trends, HubSpot, SimilarWeb, and web scraping techniques—to analyze market trends, monitor competitors, and identify high-performing content. This data-driven approach allowed them to craft effective promotional campaigns across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. By integrating analytical insights with creative outreach, the team learned how to build audience engagement, drive traffic, and establish a strong online presence—key skills essential for launching and sustaining a successful tech startup..
Helpmate - eCommerce Analysis
HelpMate operates entirely through digital infrastructure using WordPress, secure payment processors like Stripe/PayPal, and scheduling/analytics plugins. The growth of cloud-based service tools, secure payment APIs, and on-demand platforms makes it easier for small teams to launch full eCommerce platforms without the need for traditional inventory, warehouses, or storefronts. This trend enables efficient scaling and user-friendly experiences while maintaining low operational overhead
| Facet of Business | Bricks & Mortar Business | eCommerce | Both Businesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wholesale purchasing | Not applicable | No physical products; service-based business | N/A |
| Warehousing | Not applicable | No warehouse needed; digital platform only | N/A |
| Stores & storefronts | No physical store | WordPress-based website with full-service features | |
| Employees | N/A | Freelancers (service providers), tech/admin team | Screening and onboarding processes |
| Logistics | N/A | Digital scheduling and location coordination for service visits | Calendar tools and real-time updates |
| Inventory | N/A | Digital: study materials, time slots, provider availability | Tracked via plugins and dashboard |
| Payments | In-person cash/card | Stripe, PayPal, secure online checkout | Encrypted receipts and refund policies |
| Marketing | Flyers, local ads | Social media, Google Ads, SEO, email marketing | Unified messaging and branding |
| Sales | Walk-in customers | Online service bookings and digital downloads | CRM to track leads and conversion |
| Web presence | None or marketing-only | Full-service booking and academic hub | Blog and live support features |
| Legal | Leases, HR, insurance | Digital contracts, provider agreements, privacy policies | Compliance with service laws |
| Accounting | Manual or POS system | Online bookkeeping and tax reports | Financial tracking software |
| Analytics | Manual tracking | Google Analytics, plugin dashboards | Insights into user behavior and service trends |
| Security | Physical store security | SSL encryption, plugin firewalls, verified logins | User data protection policies |
eCommerce Activities
HelpMate’s eCommerce setup focuses on launching a user-friendly, secure, and scalable service platform. Key priorities include onboarding verified service providers, integrating secure payment systems (Stripe, PayPal), and enabling booking functionality. Early efforts also target SEO, legal compliance, and performance tracking via Google Analytics. As the platform grows, additional features like customer reviews, newsletters, and AI support tools will enhance user experience and retention.
| Activity | Description | Importance Rating | Timing Timeframe | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-business marketing | Connecting to customers, raising awareness of the site and services | Critical | At launch or soon thereafter | Should not create buzz until users can book services |
| Service Provider Onboarding | Recruiting and verifying home cleaners, pet sitters, etc. | Critical | Before launch | Core service depends on having trusted providers ready |
| Secure ePayment Setup | Set up PayPal, Stripe (for Apple/Google Pay & cards) | Critical | Before launch | Payments must be available at launch for booking |
| SEO & Local Listings | Optimize for Google search and local service keywords | Very important but not critical | At launch or soon after | Increases traffic over time and improves visibility |
| Booking/Calendar Integration | Integrate scheduler for service appointments | Critical | Before launch | Users need to choose time slots at checkout |
| Terms of Service & Privacy Policy | Write and publish legal policies (GDPR, refund, etc.) | Should be done | Before launch | Protects the business legally and builds trust |
| Google Analytics Setup | Enable tracking of visits, conversion funnels, etc. | Very important | At launch or soon after | Helps optimize marketing and improve UX |
| Customer Review System | Add review system for services/providers | Should be done | After getting some experience | Builds trust as platform gains real users |
| Newsletter/Email Capture | Collect user emails for updates, promotions | Nice-to-have | After getting some experience | Enables remarketing but not urgent at start |
| AI Chatbot / FAQs | Add automated chat or Help section | Nice-to-have | After getting some experience | Improves support but not critical at launch |
ePayment Method Recommendation
HelpMate’s ePayment plan focuses on offering secure, flexible, and mobile-friendly payment options suited for service-based transactions. The recommended methods—PayPal, Stripe (for credit cards), Apple Pay, and Google Pay—cover a wide range of user preferences across desktop and mobile. A business bank account supports backend operations. Excluded methods like Affirm and Etsy were deemed unsuitable for HelpMate’s low-cost, service-oriented model. The strategy emphasizes fast processing, fraud protection, and user trust while ensuring PCI compliance and system integration.
| Method | Cost | Processing Time | Fraud Protection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Bank Account | $7.50/month + deposit fees | 3–5 business days | Bank protection | Used for backend financial operations |
| PayPal | 3.49% per transaction | 1–3 business days | Chargeback + Resolution Center | Trusted platform for service deposits |
| Credit Cards | 5.99% + $0.30 per transaction | 3–5 business days | Dispute center | Standard for recurring and one-time charges |
| Apple Pay | Integrated via Stripe/Square | Instant to 1 day | Biometric authentication | Ideal for iOS users on mobile/web |
| Google Pay | Integrated via Stripe/Square | Instant to 1 day | Tokenized + Authentication | Best for Android users on mobile/web |
Merchant Account Processing Vendor Information
HelpMate recommends using merchant account vendors that offer secure, cost-effective payment solutions tailored to its affordable, service-based model, based on a comparative evaluation of leading providers.
| Vendor | Pricing | Product Listing | Checkout Page Location | Support Offered | Currencies Accepted | Service Term | Security Feature | Encryption Strength | Fraud Protection / Chargeback Policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PayPal | 3.49% per transaction | Pay without leaving website | Checkout hosted on PayPal | 24/7 telephone support | International currencies | No contract | PCI compliant | 2048-bit SSL | Dispute resolution center, fraud detection |
| Stripe (via Square) | ~2.9% + $0.30/txn | Hosted on HelpMate site | Checkout embedded on website | Online support | All major currencies | No contract | PCI compliant | 256-bit SSL | Advanced fraud detection, chargeback handling |
| Apple Pay | Integrated via Stripe/Square | On HelpMate mobile/web checkout | On-site with iOS | Stripe/Square support | USD and other currencies | No contract | Tokenized biometric-secured transactions | 256-bit SSL | Strong device-level fraud protection |
| Google Pay | Integrated via Stripe/Square | On HelpMate mobile/web checkout | On-site with Android | Stripe/Square support | USD and other currencies | No contract | Tokenized and authenticated transactions | 256-bit SSL | Account-based fraud detection |
| Business Bank Account | $7.50/month + deposit fees | Backend operations only | Not customer-facing | Bank customer service | International currencies | Annual contract | Bank-grade transaction security | 1024-bit SSL | Bank chargeback policy |
MARKETING
Formulation & Innovation Strategy
HelpMate’s innovation strategy centers on delivering affordable, accessible, and community-trusted services through a mobile-first digital platform. By leveraging low-cost tools like WordPress and Elementor, integrating secure payment systems, and targeting underserved markets such as budget-conscious households and first-generation students, HelpMate aims to transform gig work into an inclusive, scalable, and socially impactful solution. The platform differentiates itself through transparent pricing, vetted service providers, and localized engagement, combining technology with community empowerment.
Marketing Strategy
Social Media
BCG Matrix
The HelpMate BCG Matrix highlights the current strategic position of its services. Tutoring and academic tools are identified as a Star, showing high growth and strong future potential. Pet sitting and dog walking is the platform’s Cash Cow, generating steady demand and reliability. Home improvement and miscellaneous services fall under Question Marks, needing further testing and promotion to determine viability. Lastly, the web scraping reports are categorized as a Dog, serving as an internal tool with limited market potential. This matrix guides where to invest, maintain, or reassess resources.
Social Media
PowerPoint Final Presentation
Final Presentation – Team Helpmate
Our Interns
Lecturus is a platform that offers training to individuals interested in developing or enhancing their computer skills, as well as a career change or advancement.
Get In Touch
147 Prince St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Email: lecturus@outlook.com
- Phone: 929-280-7710
- Hours: Mon-Fri 9 AM - 5 PM
Lecturus is a platform that offers training to individuals interested in developing or enhancing their computer skills, as well as a career change or advancement.
Get In Touch
147 Prince St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Email: lecturus@outlook.com
- Phone: 929-280-7710
- Hours: Mon-Fri 9 AM - 5 PM