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.

When Everything Goes Wrong! What do you do?

I do not know of a single person who can “honestly” say they have never suffered defeat or setbacks… struggled at some time or have had one of those days when they just wanted to give up. Ever had one of those days? Recently I was working with a group of fellow entrepreneurs in a workshop to help each other stay focused and on point in our business, to meet timelines and tasks each week for 6 weeks. On the 5th week I got sidetracked and lost not only focus, but momentum. I don’t believe I am the only one who has ever had this challenge… note, you will not often find me saying the “P” word. A “problem” is often seen as a “difficult situation” which many people struggle with to find a solution to, where as a “Challenge” can be seen as an invitation to compete, a contest or a dare to do something. Problem creates stagnation where Challenges stirs imagination… but it doesn't happen instantaneously. It takes honest evaluation of one’s self, their purpose, and a strong “WHY”. It IS an ongoing effort!

It is amazing just how one thing can lead to another… how a road block can often create new paths or answers; so as I was struggling trying to get back on track (although the time is up for this particular work group) I happened across an excellent post written by Marc Chernoff, “8 Things to Remember When Everything Goes Wrong” and thought it might help others who have had similar challenges.

 “The best way out is always through.”   ―Robert Frost

In the article, Marc writes about something his grandmother wrote in her journal which spawned an epiphany “Truth be told, happiness is not the absence of problems, but the ability to deal with them.  Imagine all the wondrous things your mind might embrace if it weren't wrapped so tightly around your struggles.  Always look at what you have, instead of what you have lost.  Because it’s not what the world takes away from you that counts; it’s what you do with what you have left.”

With that, he posted 8 ideas or reminders, as he puts it, that may help motivate us when we need it the most. I highly recommend reading his entire post - here were my takeaways:

1. Pain is part of Growing 
Two kinds of pain… Pain that Hurts and Pain that Changes You. Often times in our business we have to dig deep to find our reason WHY... why we are doing this business. We must have a STRONG WHY otherwise the pain may bring us to a halt… but “Sometimes life closes doors because it’s time to move forward. And that’s a good thing because we often won’t move unless circumstances force us to.” How many people are simply comfortably miserable in their everyday routine. Too often their WHY never becomes that strong. I know mine wasn't, but now with the economy the way it is the WHY has become stronger.

2. Everything in Life is Temporary
“Just because life isn’t easy at the moment, doesn't mean you can’t laugh.  Just because something is bothering you, doesn't mean you can’t smile.  Every moment gives you a new beginning and a new ending.  You get a second chance, every second.” Oh how I love how that saying about “The Gift”.

Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, but Today is a Gift! That’s why it’s called the Present. 

Each day we wake up is different, and new and fresh start. What we do with that new beginning is up to each one of us. We can take advantage of it or squander it. We are in charge of our destiny if we accept the challenges.

3. Worrying and Complaining Changes Nothing
Oh how I loved this one… Great words of wisdom here… simply put “… regardless of what happens in the long run, remember that true happiness begins to arrive only when you stop complaining about your problems and you start being grateful for all the problems you don’t have.” Like Marc writes, “Don’t let the shadows of the past darken the doorstep of your future.” How easy it is to complain! Very! And how often, when around complainers, does it bring you down? Ever been in that situation? It drains every bit of energy out of us, and often times I will simply get up and walk away.

4. Your Scars are Symbols of Your Strength
Each of us have battled it out in our lives… yes, even those who may have had everything given to them… don’t look down upon them for having a safe and secure life because they too have scars from their own personal battles. But as we struggle in life we will endure pain. That pain will go away and it will leave a scar… Marc’s point is spot on… “YES! I MADE IT!” Those scars are there to prove you did it, above all odds, and as a result you become even stronger.

5. Every little struggle is a step forward
Now this was an interesting twist… “…patience is not about waiting; it’s the ability to keep a good attitude while working hard on your dreams, knowing that the work is worth it.” How often do we stop short of reaching our goals, our dreams? The problem is we never know if we stop short… look up Three Feet from Gold. But it is more than that according to Marc “…if you’re going to try, put in the time and go all the way.  Otherwise, there’s no point in starting.  This could mean losing stability and comfort for a while, and maybe even your mind on occasion… And if you want it, you’ll do it, despite failure and rejection and the odds.  And every step will feel better than anything else you can imagine.”

6. Other people’s negativity is not your problem
Remember #3 above? Well not only do you not want to be the worrier or the complainer, you certainly don’t want to be around others who are; but if you are forced to be around them, be the positive one. “When other people treat you poorly, keep being you.  Don’t ever let someone else’s bitterness change the person you are.  You can’t take things too personally, even if it seems personal. Rarely do people do things because of you.  They do things because of them.” I know it can be difficult at times, but there is nothing we can do to help others when they are negative… and we certainly can’t change the fact that these same people will do whatever they can to bring you down with them. “… your life only comes around once.  This is IT.  So do what makes you happy and be with whoever makes you smile, often.”

My father was very wise in so many ways, and not so in others. But often he would say "don't take it personally" even though at the time I would. It wasn't until years later I realized what he was talking about and how spot on he was. Some of us take a little longer to learn things than others.

7. What’s meant to be will eventually, BE
Marc should have included “if you stay the course”, which in a way goes back to #5, but with a twist; “You can’t force things to happen.  You can only drive yourself crazy trying.  At some point you have to let go and let what’s meant to be, BE.” If you follow the above, honestly and be true to your core values, it is amazing as to what will happen.

I remember sitting on the front steps at a home I was staying at in Potomac, MD years ago when my family was 3,000 miles away in Sacramento, CA. I was working on a special Naval Reserve project and I began thinking, how am I going to get my family out to Maryland… how can I afford it… what job opportunity can I find… where will we live? This was back in 1989 and I had a choice to make… did I want to go back to the family business where I was unhappy working in a negative and dirty environment, or start fresh doing what I love… using my analytic skills in making a difference. It certainly wasn't appreciated back home. Every night I would sit outside, look up at the moon and focus my thoughts on the situation and think about solutions… I would talk to Cheryl, not physically, but out loud while looking up into the night sky - saying the same thing over and over, almost a mantra. This is what I want… this is what I will do… this is what is going to happen. Guess what? It came to be! Without going into details, what was meant to be came to be. The power of thought and focusing on my WHY was nothing short of amazing. I can’t explain it nor can I bottle it… if I could wow, would I be rich, but I stayed the course… and that brings up the final point in Marc’s post.

8. The best thing you can do is to keep going 
The 10 years in an environment that was difficult for me and my family turned out to be the best thing that happened to us… but it was devastating to my Mother and Father. Why? Because I made a change based on “hard lessons learned”.

Marc was spot on “Don’t be afraid to get back up – to try again, to love again, to live again, and to dream again.  Don’t let a hard lesson harden your heart.  Life’s best lessons are often learned at the worst times and from the worst mistakes.”

In the end, we all have choices don’t we. We can learn to be proactive and in command of our own destiny, or we can choose to be enslaved by the will of others who are in command of their own destiny and have the desire to both leverage off your “neediness” and have the power over your entire existence. Which do we want? Which do you want? 

And speaking of neediness, in a communication class years ago we would conduct different exercises in human conditions and conditioning. One such exercise was in how people reacted with people who are needy. Our class wasn't huge, but we had more than 30 if I recall. The instructor put on our forehead a sticker with a number between 0 and 10 where 0 was unattractive and 10 very attractive. We could not know what our number was nor was the other person to tell you what your number was. At the time the outcome was not known or understood, but after the exercise it became invaluable. Learn for yourself, check out this site for the answer to what we learned… it will certainly make a difference in not only how you act and interact with people, but how you will be able to know who you want to associate with. You may be surprised by the outcome of the exercise. Hint... attractiveness isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Everything we do and the people we work with, associate with, live and play with, impact our daily lives and are key to success or failure. The how and what we do to adjust to challenges is what makes up your character and how well others will "want" to be associated with you. So let me ask this question… when everything goes wrong, and often it will, what will you do? Or even more importantly, what will you change?

The Evolution of a Hybrid Business Model

Differentiate: What does that word mean? According to Bing Dictionary here are 3:

1. See differences between things: to see or show the differences between two or more things
2. Be difference: to establish a difference between two things or among several things
3. Make or become different: to make something different or specialized by modifying it, or become different or specialized by being modified

What differentiates one business from another? Probably the best way is by proving through a successful track record just how one is better than another. According to award winning management consultant Joan Magretta, “A competitive strategy explains how you will do better than your rivals. And doing better, by definition, means being different. Organizations achieve superior performance when they are unique, when they do something no other business does in ways that no other business can duplicate.” That statement perfectly describes the UnFranchise business model.

In 1992, one person set out to make drastic changes to an out dated business model which seemed to be stagnant, a model where at one time it was possible for someone to start a business with less capital than a conventional business however, it still was not a business model that leveled the playing field where “any average” person could reasonably duplicate efforts of others.

Back in the early 60’s Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) companies were a breath of fresh air for someone who wanted to supplement their income and eventually even replace it, but only if they had the will to stay with it. However, over the year’s things changed. Advanced technology created better ways to track information, the Internet made it easier to market oneself, their products and/or services, Social Media brought people from around the globe closer; information now traveled at the speed of light. Everything was advancing except the MLM business model and industry.

JR Ridinger decided to break out of the pack and created Market America, the Mall without Walls, and the UnFranchise business model; a Product Brokerage and Internet Marketing Company specializing in One-to-One Marketing & Social Shopping. It became the business model that changed the way people shop, and leveled the playing field by changing the economic paradigm so anyone could become financially independent by creating their own economy.

Open or Closed Thinking

There is always a huge challenge with anything new such as an idea or belief… some people will have doubts… it's human nature, even going back to the days where everyone thought the Earth was flat. It is believed that Pythagoras, sometime before 500 B.C., may have been the first to propose that the Earth was round. But in our history books it was Columbus who during his time believed the Earth was round and in 1492 set out to prove it. However Columbus had to fight what today we know were “foolish beliefs” in order to get men to sail with him. And so is it true today, some people continue to doubt unless proven otherwise, but only if they have an open mind. Someone once said, the mind is like a parachute... it only works when it's open.

“You don’t want to be crippled by obsolete thinking.” 

In this 6 ½ minute video, JR briefly recalls the original genesis of his idea and how it all started, but also touches on the “Mind Set”; the challenge of having “pre conceived notions” and jumping to conclusions before getting facts. But how can anyone evaluate anything if their mind is closed before receiving information? The one question that may need to be honestly answered is: Are you Obsolete?

Only yesterday in a conversation with a woman, she admitted telling her husband when the computer first came out that the fad would not last. Now she cannot live without here computer. JR compares similarities between typewriter and the iPad or computer, the 8 track tape player and an iPod, a world map and a GPS tracking system, the Library vs Google, and the old MLM model vs the Binomial model.

So how does the Binomial Model differentiate from the old MLM models? Well there is now a great site that explains it all in great detail, but first it requires having an open mind in order to look and evaluate it. It takes someone who is not going to shut the door just because of another person’s perspective… after all, how many times has someone told you they don’t like the very same thing you like… ice cream, coffee, a movie, a car… get the point? What’s good for one may not be good for another. The Evolution of a Hybrid Business Model, the Binomial UnFranchise business has changed it all, and for anyone willing to to take the time to do their do-diligence just may create a new economy for themselves and their family.

After watching the video, you may be ready for the rest of the story... The UnFranchise Manifesto.

Tale of Two Mindsets... Which One are You?

Checking my email today I received an email from Robin Sharma, author and speaker in the field of leadership development. As with most emails from people like Robin, he was promoting a 2 day seminar entitled "The 48 Hour Transformation"... but that's not the reason for today's post. It was his message, the tale of two mindsets. Robin covers the mindset of two types of people and in his video below, Robin provides 4 ideas for people to become the best of the best in their field.

To give you the perspective of why I thought of sharing his video, allow me to share part of his email:

Yesterday I saw a woman lose hope. She was standing in front of me. In line at a store. She opened up her purse to pay for her purchase. And then asked for a lottery ticket. She scratched the numbers while the cashier waited, two humans holding their breath in hot anticipation for one of life's great surprises to come their way. But the numbers were losers and the tickets were useless. And so the woman's life remained the same; she looked visibly disappointed. The cashier, a teenager who cared more than usual, gave her a "I'm so very sorry your life didn't transform today" sort of a look. It made me think about The Tale of 2 Mindsets.

1. The first and by far the most common is The Lottery Mindset. It's the default way of thinking of people resigned to being average. They believe that the only way to a life they love is to get lucky. To win the lottery. To have fortune fall into their laps one sunny Friday morning. 
2. The second--and much more rare--mindset is The Mindset of Mastery. The people who run this mental story get that you don't get lucky. You create lucky. These ultra-performers get that success and prosperity and vitality and service to humanity isn't an act of coincidence, but a clearly constructed result. 

You see, we all can achieve amazing things in our lives but sadly, most of us haven't learned the strategies, tools, daily habits and tactics to rise to the personal greatness that is our truest nature:

• You truly have been built to win and designed to wow. 
• You truly are meant to be happy, fit, grateful, passionate, excellent and influential. 
• You truly can achieve awesome things and make your mark on this big, brave and beautiful world we are blessed to find ourselves in. 

But far too many among us are caught in The Lottery Mindset, giving away their power to luck versus strategy, and hoping things will change versus knowing exactly what to do to make it all happen then starting their process of mastery and success. 

Please remember that life's just too short to play small with your talents, gifts and purest potential. 

Make today the day you throw off all chains, release all excuses and make a decision that will change the game for you. This is my LARGEST hope for you.

The take away is an obvious one, especially for anyone fortunate enough to be involved with successful people and entrepreneurs having a sincere desire for helping other's to succeed. Robin's message was spot on and I will bet his 2 day seminar will be sold out. He knows how to hit all the right buttons; unfortunately in today's economy, those who could probably benefit the most are likely the least able to afford the $1,497 which is the "Early Bird" price of a seat normally $5,000, and then there are hotel and transportation costs.

The message in this video is most valuable; it's to the point and without any doubt, can be exceptionally helpful for anyone wanting to know what they "should be doing" to become "super successful" in anything they do by changing their mindset. There is just one additional point I would like to share.

Everything Robin shares is true, however most people may not believe they have what it takes to have "The Mindset of Mastery". So where can they turn? Who can they get the confidence from or talk to for advice, support, or even more important, mentor-ship? It has to come from a team effort. Why do you think the old Army saying, "an army of one" never really took off like they had hoped? It really doesn't support the reality that it takes teamwork to survive, not only in the military, but in the civilian world as well. And business is no different.

So the question is... which one are you, and will the information help you?

Do something positive for yourself today and link up with someone who can mentor you if that is what it will take.

Obstacles are only Obstacles if you think they’re Obstacles... otherwise they are Opportunities.

When you think of Amazon.com, you think of an internet shopping magnate… and you would be correct, however something very interesting happened in the past couple of years… SHOP.COM and Market America.

I just finished watching Jeff Bezos’ Biography, a 40 minute documentary on the man who created Amazon.com. When you watch this very interesting story of a visionary you begin to really understand and appreciate what JR Ridinger envisioned way back in the very early days of Market America, “The Mall without Walls”. And over the years, what did he wind up owning… actually, where did we wind up owning? “The Mall without Walls”! Ever wonder where genius comes from? How about sheer determination in doing something out of the ordinary. Jeff Bezos has it and JR Ridinger has it, and because of JR Ridinger many of us have a gift to build upon the opportunity that came along as a result of Amazon.com, Bill Gates, Yahoo.com and Oak Investment giving up SHOP.COM.

There has never been a documentary done about JR Ridinger, and there should be, but watching Jeff Bezos’ biography followed by reading up others who sold SHOP.COM such as Bill Gates, Yahoo.com and Oak Investment Partners, it really hits home to what we have at our finger tips.
I came across a very interesting statement on Google.com/Finance: “SHOP.COM lets Web browsers do it till they drop. The company pulls together products from more than 2,000 merchants (including Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Gap, and Macy's), making them available to consumers in a single, convenient online location. It operates e-commerce sites in Canada, the UK, and the US. SHOP.COM's precursor firm Altura International, a builder, developer, and manager of e-commerce sites for catalog and mail order retailers, was founded by Lee Lorenzen in 1997. Investors in SHOP.COM have included Bill Gates, Amazon.com, and venture capital firm Oak Investment Partners. Internet marketing firm Market America acquired SHOP.COM in late 2010.”

Did you know:

• SHOP.COM developed and created dozens of shopping portals including Yahoo Shopping, Excite, Quixtar / Amway, Shaklee, GM, Visa, Verizon, Sears?
• In 2010, Zscaler Research firm reported that SHOP.COM was America’s 4th Largest Online Shopping Site. The graph on the right were the top 10 shopping sites.

Today, thousands of UnFranchise owners have taken up where Jeff left off in what everyone at Amazon.com focused on in the being “Customer Centric”, and added several unique and critical elements to making SHOP.COM even more competitive with other sites including “Comparison Shopping”, Personal “Shopping Consultants” along with many high tech tools making it easier for consumers to find, save and earn cashback on millions of products and services.

One of the takeaways from Jeff Bezo’s biography was when his mother said her father, Lawrence Preston Gise, would tell Jeff over and over:

“Obstacles are only obstacles if you think they’re obstacles, otherwise they are opportunities”. 

Market America epitomizes that very declaration by turning obstacles into opportunities at every level.

Elsi Pacheco - Director of Events with Conquer Entertainment

What do you get when you take a beautiful and talented event producer, filled with emotion and timeless sense of wonder, along with a head for numbers, design and staging, mixed in with tenacious research and evaluation skills? You get the vivacious Elsi Pacheco, Conquer Entertainment's Director of Events. 

Sure Conquer Entertainment provides the music, the services, the parties and the whole shabang but without the the invaluable members of the staff, much would be left unfinished. These dedicated members are like the unsung heroes of the music industry. Without Kirk Aidoo with his rocking personality and welcoming service, April Benson's insightful training for bettering the industry, and Jorgen Bailey's IT vision to mention a few, where would Conquer Entertainment be? These are all professionals from the music industry providing the backbone of this division within Market America and the glue for all Certified Artist Developers (C.A.D.) and UnLabel Owners (ULO).

This week Conquer Entertainment thought it necessary to celebrate one of their "diversified" members who is often the hero, the villain and the Jackie of all trades. Executing memorable events, managing operations and more, Elsi is "the" foundation that keeps the Conquer Division rock solid and the fuel that keeps the Conquer engine running. Elsi and our Conquer staff keeps "the" playlist rocking!

With 10+ years of experience, Elsi has got the eye for planning, love for music and the passion for new talent which helps us to get artists going. She is the lady spinning the tracks at many Conquer Entertainment events. Conquer Entertainment sat down with Elsi for an impromptu interview:

Tell us about your music related skills and experiences. I’ve always been surrounded by music. As a little girl my father taught me Salsa and how to play some instruments, it was then that I fell in love with music. At a young age I started working the hospitality industry in New York City. My experiences range from the opening of restaurants to running some of the major New York City venues, and because of this I met some of the top people in the music industry. From there I started working directly in events within the music industry.

Tell us about how you came to discover Conquer Entertainment. I was introduced to Conquer through a friend who is also a DJ and had worked some of my events at the time. He told me that Conquer was looking for an event planner. I thought to myself, ‘Ok, great! A new client’, little did I know this was not for just one event, they wanted to develop an entire events department and touring system in the US and eventually go Global!

What impact does music have on you? I listen to music all day long. I cannot do a chore or run an errand without music. No matter what mood I’m in, I can find a song that matches it and gets me through the day. Even when I’m down, I can pick a song for my melancholic mood and by the end of it I always feel better. I also tend to sing at the top of my lungs no matter what song it is, as long as no ones around.

If you could choose one song to describe your personality, what would that be and why?
LOL right now it would have to be (a tad embarrassed to admit it) Work B*$#H by Britney Spears… “You wanna hot body, You wanna Bugatti, You wanna Maserati, You better work! You wanna Lamborghini, Sip Martinis, Look hot in a bikini,You better work! You wanna live fancy, Live in a big mansion, Party in France, you better work!” You get my drift? I like to work.

Do you have any talents of your own? Do share!
Well if you must know, I went to a performing arts school from Junior High through High School. I traveled, competed and performed with the school choir. I was also in dance. During High School I stuck to dance and only sang around the house. Every once in a while people would catch me singing and due to my extreme shyness I would stop. So if you ever catch me singing, let me know what you think.

We are highlighting Stevi Leigh who this week on the top of the charts this week with her song One Voice. Her poetic lyrics derive from overcoming life experiences, transforming tragedy into strength. Stevi, has been developing her talents of dance and music for over a decade. Presently taking control of her music career she is a bright light in a dark industry. Aside from her involvement in the entertainment industry, Stevi Leigh is a full time student of Complimentary and Alternative Health as well as a practicing Health Coach. Through her success in the music industry she plans to open up facilities and create universal mentoring programs for the lost, broken, addicted, depressed, autistic, fostered etc.

Below is the promo to Atlanta's first the 30 minute Conquer Entertainment Night... an event dedicated in highlighting unknown artists working their way into the music industry.

For more information about Conquer, go and Explore Conquer Entertainment.

Does Everyone Seem to Prey off Musicians?

Recently, a great deal of articles, posts, and YouTube videos are hitting the internet talking about the future of the music industry. Everyone agrees the music industry of yesterday is not the same today or ever will be. It is hard to sell records, albums or even CDs given all the various online platforms available today. There are so many and as easy it is to mention them, why bother since anyone can Google them themselves. And that is exactly where the problem comes in for today's musician... where do they go to showcase their music, who do they talk to that will help them, inspire them, support them, or better yet, who can they trust? And who really believes only selling music will help someone become rich, or even make a living?

One self-proclaimed pundit made the statement, in referencing musicians who are “avoiding these labels”,

“…there are all these different companies trying to help them, but in our case today that we’re going to be talking about, actually take advantage of them.”

So what does he do? Reads off what anyone can find on the internet that he believes supports his claims to be a scam, without any actual research through interviews with musicians or anyone within the company... it's only his “humble” opinion.

I have no problem with someone investigating companies and/or individuals participating in scrupleless activities - that is what makes a free marketplace work. But when someone begins to go down the road smearing or defaming anyone or company, based on their own perception or bias, without any definitive facts supporting the claims, that person leaves themselves open to being brought to account for their motive(s). In most cases, if not all, when someone takes on the act of slandering anyone or company, they usually have an ulterior motive which is to sell their own product or services; and the best way to do that is to have people think they are the good guy by making others look bad. A pretty good article was written by Michael Pascoe in 2012 titled “Bad news sells, good news buried”. He should know, he has written thousands.

“Feeling a little guilty about all those scary headlines, I now try to devote a greater percentage of my time to trying to keep perspective about what’s really the state of play, as opposed to what sounds the most sensational.” 

It is not the intent of this piece to pick anyone apart, but hopefully impart a bit of wisdom for those who truly are looking for solutions but have found themselves coming to an abrupt halt after viewing or reading something negative on the internet about the company they are investigating or evaluating.

Now that word “evaluate”... it is an exceptionally important word. No matter who you are, or industry of interest, never pursue anything by yourself! Anyone who has ever succeeded in anything never did it by themselves, plus they fully and completely investigated the company and all aspects of their activities before engaging into a relationship with them.

A little additional help for musicians, I thought the article "20 Tips on Networking in Music Industry" written by Vinny Ribas, author of "CEO Secrets", to actually be a very good educational piece that certainly could be applied in other businesses besides the music industry. His first paragraph sets the tone:

“There is no denying that whether you are a band, singer or an individual musician, you need the help of other people to have a successful music career. It doesn't matter if you can play every instrument, sing all of the vocal parts and make great recordings all by yourself in your own studio. You still need fans to buy your music, people to book you, people to show up at your gigs, and maybe people to help with the business and legal sides of your business.”

Perhaps his book "CEO Secrets" may be a good book everyone should have as part of their arsenal and educational library. Musicians can certainly benefit from experiences of others... and isn't that what a partnership should be all about?

So, does everyone seem to prey off of musicians? I don’t believe so! But there certainly are despicable individuals out there preying off people gullible enough to believe in their skewed observations. I would certainly be wary if not fully distrustful of anyone claiming themselves as being “A Scam Buster”, especially if their site could be filled with “scam” programs being sold by a master scammer themselves. Always ask… what's the ulterior motive? I am all for cleaning up business, but not by someone who may be the very culprit they are supposedly exposing.