No matter where you are in your career, it is important to know the basics. It helps to shape your perspective when approaching new opportunities and executing tasks. I am the Executive Director of Supreme Gospel Entertainment & Marketing in Philadelphia and our goal as a nonprofit promotions and outreach entity is to address the musical needs of our clients while meeting the social demands of the community we serve. Over 20 years of working with executives, artists, churches, organizations and businesses from all walks of life has prepared me to share tips for becoming a successful business owner.
The following six tips will help move forward your career in the music business. However, you must do the work.
Write the Vision
Write your vision and make it plain. Studies have shown that physically writing things down helps in retaining the information better. Handwritten goals can bring your vision into focus. You should be able to clearly articulate your goals and plans to achieve such so well that there no reason it can’t be executed by your team.
Network
I’ve said several times that a person’s net worth is connected to their network. What type of friends and business associates do you have? It is not always about what you know, but who you know that can help you achieve your goal. This business is a give and take and you as an executive or artist must know when to give something or to receive. Handing out flyers or business cards to every potential client or partner is not necessarily a good look. Make sure you have something unique to offer them. If you genuinely want to improve your network seek out ways to help others thrive first then they may reciprocate when you are in need of assistance.
Recognize That It’s About the Bottom Line
Whether it’s selling a service or a product, music professionals are all in the business of sales. How does your service or product increase the bottom line? What’s so diverse about what you’re offering? How does it compete with others offering something similar? If you are a singer ask yourself how your music will generate income. If you’re an executive ask yourself what type of artists will improve your bottom line. In order to maintain or upgrade your lifestyle you must be compensated for your time and effort. Doing things for free is fine but you must be selective when choosing to help others by giving a service or product away because it affects your bottom line.
Collaborate / Create Partnerships
Most who start off in this business do not have a ton of finances. Sometimes money isn’t what you need to gain what you seek. You might need to first team up with like minded individuals to exchange services and build relationships to help each other’s interest. If one is a singer and another a producer maybe they could work together to do a mini concert or recording to make money. Forge long lasting partnerships with people and find creative techniques to broaden your overall reach.
Collect and Surround Yourself with Winners
Surround yourself with people who support your goals and encourage you to move forward with guidance. You’ll always have naysayers (which you need to keep the fire burning in you to prove them wrong) that will criticize your every move. Connect with successful people that you admire and try to model their success by avoiding mistakes they made along the way. Finally, find a trusted mentor that will give you organic feedback and advice to help you grow professionally.
Take Risks
You may be an introvert by nature but when branching out on your own you must overcome fear and doubt. Know that you’re more than capable of excelling. It’s healthy to have some anxiety but take risks. Go beyond your comfort zone and watch how much you’ll grow as an artist or executive. Be very calculated with your risks. Evaluate the pros and cons of the risk and then go full steam ahead if the pros out way the cons. There may be times you may have to go it alone in order to effect positive change and make your mark. So don’t be afraid to take risks and even if you are hesitant, take a deep breath and do it afraid.
Keep in mind these are just a handful of tips that may help you navigate a tough music industry. Stay focused by writing your vision. Surround yourself with successful people. Take risks and be ready to soar high.
If you need help with your business or you are a singer in need of promotions and marketing, please contact us at 267-428-0116 or email promo@supremegospelentertainment.org. Facebook: Supreme Gospel Ent. & Sherri Y. Johnson | Instagram: @sherrisupremegospel | @sgemSherri
