Personal Branding & Product Placement for Musicians

There are several divisions within the Market America UnFranchise business, each supporting very specific industries. For the most part, Conquer Entertainment is a highbred between our Non Profit Organization (NPO) and nutraMetrix divisions that provides unparalleled resources and opportunities for musicians everywhere however, it can sometimes be a challenge for artist’s to get their head around changes going in the music world.

One of the more common comments I hear from our Certified Artist Developers (C.A.D.) dedicated in helping musicians within our UnLabel Owner (ULO) program is “oh they just want to play music”. If that’s the case, then why would we even want to consider that person, group or band for our ULO program? Hard working people behind Market America, both at the corporate level and in the field, stood this division up in order to help and assist “serious” musicians develop a successful business and career in an industry they love. The operative word is “serious”; it was never intended for hobbyists.

Challenges

All too often it can be frustrating talking to artists about their future. When asked, many will answer they are willing to do whatever it takes in order to become successful only to stop short of making a commitment. Now in their defense I would chalk it up to a lack of knowledge and possibly even trust. There are just too many fly-by-night individuals and companies lurking in the shadows to prey upon unsuspecting musicians who are easy targets. It takes more than a promise, and musicians should be skeptical. They should vet all individuals or companies. It requires a successful track record and dedicated resources for artists and their band or group to believe and trust in before any commitment can be expected. But it doesn't stop there.

To be successful in any field it takes work not just a commitment, and it requires on the part of the artist a desire” to become successful. On the other side, it takes a team of dedicated people and resources from which to leverage in order to increase the possibility for success. But at the end of the day it’s the musician that makes the ultimate decision on his/her future.

Unfortunately, many musicians simply take the easy way out, just keeping it simple in having a hobby where they play weekend gigs, not worrying about anything else… and it’s OK if that is what they want. Simply put, they are just not interested in putting forth the "necessary" effort in developing a successful career within the music industry. We are not in the convincing business; we look "only" for those artists having the yearning, the strong desire and drive in becoming successful in the music industry which is why we spend the time to first interview the artist, their group, their band and even their manager. For me personally, should I find a group or band that doesn't have a manager and are looking for one, I will find one for them. It is important to know and understand all of their “goals” and provide a "customized" solution which will benefit them the most.

Education:

So, what are some pointers that may help a serious artist? What information is available that just might make a difference? I came across 2 articles How to Succeed at Product Placement without Celebrities and Personal Branding that could shed light in helping musicians understand the importance of branding, and not only in promoting their music but products they love and use which their fans will be interested in. Fans have always been great followers and do often buy what musicians buy, wear what the band wears, eat what the group eats. The problem is most artists do not realize they are promoting products each and every day, we all do in our every day lives. What's happening is that they are leaving money on the table... they are not being rewarded for promoting those items. Convention wisdom would tell artists the only way to get paid for product promotion is by having an endorsement agreement. If you want to know more about artist endorsements, their pitfalls and challenges not to mention having your head spin, check out Artist Endorsement Deals – dos and don’ts.

Up to now it was difficult, or impossible, to get endorsement opportunities from major corporations unless artists had celebrity status. That was a key component to the many challenges Market America and specifically Amanda Ridinger saw in the music industry which spawned the revolution where music and all forms entertainment is marketed, produced and ultimately delivered to the end consumer – thus the birth of Conquer Entertainment and the UnLabel Owner program.

These two articles brings to light changes taking place within the music industry as well as challenges for artists. It also brings to light just how companies look to market their products through this “sexy” industry.

Looking back through history at successful bands and groups, how many of today’s artists realize their success was as a result of having a successful “business” model, and a very profitable model it was back then. But who really profited the most from that model? Mostly labels! Today, musicians who are focusing on making it in today’s high tech world of music have come to realize they need to take charge in becoming their own label. But where can they turn, who can they trust for advice, support, and resources?

Grady Shuman, founder and president of the Association of Music Professionals (A.M.P.) and I recently discussed this very issue and it just so happens he was in the process of launching a program specifically designed to educate artists as well as understand and adjust to the changes taking place within the music industry. His pilot was released this week (June 10, 2014) and is now available for viewing. See if you recognize some of these leaders in the industry, and carefully listen to their message.

Solutions:

Between a duplicatable business model along with a stellar support system and infrastructure, Conquer Entertainment along with SHOP.COM provides everything needed by artists for successfully developing their own “Personal Branding” without knocking on doors and being turned away when searching for endorsement opportunities. Serious musicians now have everything necessary for developing a successful and very “profitable” music career and business.

If you are a musician, or you know any musicians serious about their music career, these two articles will be immensely valuable. They will help in providing a clearer understanding as to what is important, both through the business owner’s eye and that of the musician’s. And, there is a greater chance for the “serious” artists to appreciate and better understand the need for setting up their own UnLabel with all the resources available including an invaluable tool which is referred to as “Trend Shops” for professionally developing their own Personal Branding, a customizable endorsement tool musicians have total control over.

Personal Branding and Product Placement is the future for musicians serious about their future. Having the best tools and support resources and assets along with a solid goal makes it possible for any "serious" musician to profit from their love and passion for music.