justanotherfrogsippingontea-blog

[justanotherfrogsippingontea-blog]

Reflection

I recently looked back at my very first entry in this blog and was impressed. My intentions were admirable, and I set my goals high. I am pleased to know that I have successfully accomplished my goals, and my future looks brighter than ever. I had an epiphany before I started this program, that time passes whether or not it is spent being productive. To think an entire year has passed is startling, but reflecting on how much I learned in such a short time is even more shocking.

From understanding what it means to master something, to developing my leadership skills through the teachings of Maxwell and Greene, this program started with a solid foundation which allowed me to advance my people skills. I excelled in the project and team management course, and my final assignment was selected as an example for all future students. This gave me an early incentive to fully apply myself to each assignment, knowing that my work could have an immediate impact on my fellow students. Understanding the importance of both a personal and business brand, allowed me to develop my own brands with the customer in mind. It was also a great reminder that a good reputation is crucial in the entertainment industry.

Beyond people skills, I learned a lot of details regarding finances and laws in the entertainment industry. I can now successfully fill out Pro Forma financial statements, and I fully comprehend legal matters surrounding the entertainment industry. This is a major feat considering I had no clue what these things even were before starting this program. I have already started implementing the things I learned regarding digital marketing, which is an ever-changing necessity in the entertainment industry. For years I have created music, but never successfully marketed it because I wasn’t sure where to start. I am now confidently pursuing my music career, now that I have all the missing tools in my figurative belt.

One of the most valuable things I learned throughout the program was how to write and present an entire business plan from scratch. This can be used in literally any industry, making me even more of an asset to any company or business. Over the last year I was forced to leave my comfort zone on several occasions, which helped me to grow on a personal level. One of the biggest lessons I learned aside from the ones the professors taught, was that it often takes a team of equally passionate individuals to bring an idea into fruition. For years I tried to do everything myself, but now that I am more comfortable with reaching out and networking, my possibilities are limitless. In conclusion, this program was very hard, but well worth the work. I would highly recommend it to anyone with a passion for the entertainment industry.

[justanotherfrogsippingontea-blog]

Business Plan Development

As I reflect on my journey so far, I am feeling quite relieved. Thinking back to when I started my mastery journal, I had great expectations, but also feelings of anxiety. I had no idea how to put together a business plan, let alone what it would take to run a commercially viable business. I had faith in myself, but wasn’t really sure what kind of content this particular course would contain. My original goal was to figure out what kind of business I wanted to start. Once I established that, I wanted to put together a business plan that would attract investors.

My previous courses helped me to determine that an artist management company in Oregon could be very successful if done correctly. This course has helped me solidify my business plan, and build my confidence as a soon to be business owner. The research required to accomplish my assignments was tedious, but was equally as enlightening. Throughout the last few weeks of this course, I realized I needed to adjust my figures from my previous financial class. Although I had a basic grasp on the financial aspect of starting a business, this course helped me focus on important details such as payroll deductions, and marketing budgets.

My instructor shared valuable information from his decades of experience, and gave excellent advice on what investors are looking for in a business plan. The discussion boards gave me great examples of successful business owners, and provided me with some inspiring insight regarding core values, the importance of first impressions, and creating a quality product.

Not only can I immediately use the information I learned in this course to start my artist management business, but I can use my newfound knowledge in all of my future business endeavors as well. Creating a business plan is one thing, but creating one that leads to a viable business is priceless. Furthermore, beyond personal gains, I can help my friends and family with their business plans as well.

[justanotherfrogsippingontea-blog]

Entertainment Media Publishing and Distribution

As with most of my classes here on my journey of mastery, I wasn’t really sure what to expect at first, but was eager to learn as much as I could. Entertainment Media Publishing and Distribution has proven to be an extremely useful course, as I have already been able to apply some of the things I have learned in real-world situations. I appreciated that I was able to focus the entire course on music specifically, which is my passion.

I always wondered what the appropriate path was to get my content into the hands of a publisher, and I now understand that I need an agent. I also know how to approach them now, and what to look for in a good agent. In the second week we were able to work on press kits, and I was able to update my EPK with the most relevant material and vital content. I never really understood all the different types of licenses, but I now have a much better grasp on what each one covers, and how to go about collecting royalties from each one. I also understand exactly what a PRO can do for me now.

A nice bonus from our class assignments was that I stumbled across a new digital aggregator while researching in week three. I plan to use the new aggregator called Amuse to release my next album, and if all goes well, I may even get my music placed in a TV show or film. Even outside of the realm of music, I have learned some great information regarding other forms of content. I have a good friend who has been writing a stellar novel, but I had no idea how to help him get exposure. In our case study assignment, one of the questions was an exact question my friend had regarding how to pitch his book, and I was happy to be able to help him.

[justanotherfrogsippingontea-blog]

Advanced Entertainment Law

When I first started my mastery journey, I was a bit apprehensive about this course. I was unfamiliar with many laws surrounding the entertainment industry, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I came ready to learn as much I could, and as this class comes to a close, I am more than happy with the results.

Not only was I able to learn how to properly protect my intellectual property as an artist, but I now know how to register my artist management business. Advanced Entertainment Law gave me real-world skills that I have already started using. I just secured my domain name today, which matches my business name perfectly. I plan to register my trademark at uspto.gov, as I have already searched in the TESS system and found my name is available. I also plan to file as an LLC with the Secretary of State in Oregon.

My next step is to protect my upcoming album release by filing for a registration with the Copyright Office. I used to think registration wasn’t important, but the benefits of filing are definitely advantageous. If someone wants to use my works, it will make it easier for them to find me. In addition, if someone uses my works without my permission, the enforcement tools that come with registration will ensure that I am compensated.

Evaluating an industry related podcast provided great information regarding licensing, and the growing relationship between music publishers and Facebook. It made me re-evaluate my social media approach, but also think of other revenue streams for my potential clients. This class provided me with several useful resources which I can start using now. I plan to return to entertainmentlawupdate.com in the future, I order to stay up to date with the industry.

Evaluating actual court cases was very enlightening. Just because a person thinks they know the law, doesn’t mean much in a courtroom. I now have a better understanding of many legal liabilities that would pertain to my business, but even more importantly, I now have access to another great resource for use in the near future. Overall, I am thrilled to have taken this course, and look forward to the rest of my journey at Full Sail.

[justanotherfrogsippingontea-blog]

Weekly Inspiration #11

I enjoyed watching this panel as it had a lot of great information in it for anyone in the music industry.

Reference:

Midem. (2014). Panel: Building An Artist’s Career. [Video file]. Retrieved April, 29 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Wy-e4hkK4

[justanotherfrogsippingontea-blog]

Project and Artist Management

This class has been my favorite so far, as the content most directly relates to my real-world ambitions beyond the role of student. As an artist with the goal of managing others in the near future, the artist management portion was extremely beneficial for a number of reasons. Learning about the show business in week 1 helped me understand that the goal of any business is to make a profit, and that I should always be working on the next project. The artist manger case study where I explored the relationship between Elvis Presley and Tom Parker shed a new light on what I consider success. More than just making money, being an artist manager is all about creating and maintaining relationships, both within your company and externally. These relationships should always be mutually beneficial if I expect them to last.

Week 2 allowed me to explore my fellow students and all the great projects they are working on. I am always shocked by how much talent is out there in the world, and it was a pleasant surprise to see my classmates creating such powerful content. The major player review was a lot of work, but very rewarding as I plan to one day own a talent agency of my own. I appreciated exploring the history of the United Talent Agency and the Paradigm Talent Agency. It helped me realize that most giant businesses evolved from smaller business merging overtime. My biggest takeaway from the assignment was that talent is everywhere, but only good talent managers keep their job at the end of the day.

In week 3 we got to create products, which is something I have been wanting to do as an artist for years now. I never even knew where to get started, but after week 4’s assignment, I am very confident that I can move forward based on facts and statistics instead of dreams and hopes. I also gained tremendous insight on who my actual customers are and how I can help improve their lives, which is a personal goal of mine beyond the business realm. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this class, but I can’t believe how much I learned in only one month.

The biggest thing that resonated with me throughout the whole course, was that knowing your audience is everything. You can throw a million dollars at something, but without the proper research, no amount of money will guarantee success. Even with research, success depends upon an ongoing evaluation of your business, and your audience. Things can literally change overnight, especially because the entertainment industry is directly related to the technology industry. Thankfully, there are plenty of free tools that allow me to analyze and track my customers, ensuring that I am in touch with reality when making business decisions of any kind.

[justanotherfrogsippingontea-blog]

Negotiation and Deal-Making

One of my concerns before starting my education at Full Sail University, was that I was horrible at negotiating, and often ended up on the losing end of most deals. I wanted to improve my skills, and become an effective negotiator. The negotiation and deal-making course helped me understand that there are many different ways to reach a desired outcome. Equally as important, I learned about what to avoid when negotiating.

As I mentioned in my discussion post this week, I have come to realize that most human interactions are actually a negotiation of some sort. This is because we carry underlying interests with us at all times. We are all motivated differently, but often times, a mutually beneficial outcome is more achievable when both parties take the time to understand the other side. Exploring different types of communicators helped me to realize that miscommunication is often just based on different approaches, as opposed to different ideas or interests.

While practicing a mock negotiation with my classmate, I came to realize that both sides can win, and that I don’t have to take the short end of the stick simply because I care about other people’s feelings. In fact, using compassion to care about the other party is the quickest way to understand their interests, and work towards a mutually beneficial outcome. Furthermore, when researching the negotiations surrounding the making of Straight Outta Compton, I found that money is not always everyone’s primary interest. Sometimes, intangible things such as power or control are what a party truly desires.

In the unfortunate event that negotiation fails, I learned about alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation and arbitration, which can save time and money when compared to litigation in a court room. Mediation allows both sides to win, as they have more control over the outcome, when compared to the finality of a judge or jury’s decision. I will definitely attempt a form of ADR before going to court, if the situation arises.

[justanotherfrogsippingontea-blog]

Weekly Inspiration #10

I chose this article because it touches on the subject of conquering yourself, particularly the inner voice we all have in our head. I have read about this concept in lengthy books, but this short article was a great reminder that we are our own worst enemies when it comes to hindering growth.

Reference:

Fabian, S. (2017, May 15). Yes You Can: How to Silence Your Inner Critic and Grow Stronger. Retrieved February 11, 2018, from https://www.goalcast.com/2017/05/15/yes-can-silence-inner-critic-grow-stronger/

[justanotherfrogsippingontea-blog]

Facebook Marketing

As an avid Facebook user, I wanted to educate myself on how to use the platform beyond the realm of personal relationships and entertainment. I chose to watch the course dealing with advertising, as I have seen sponsored ads, but wanted to understand how to use them effectively. When I use Facebook recreationally, sponsored ads usually seem annoying, but some are actually quite intriguing and almost inviting. Before watching this course, I knew that creating a powerful ad was important, based on my personal experience as a consumer. I was unsure of which type of ad to use for what purpose though, and what exactly to say.

I found the tips for writing a great ad section very useful. One tip was to make sure there is a clear and well defined call to action, which can be done with a button such as apply now, book now, contact us, learn more, and so on. When creating the campaign, Facebook makes it easy to choose your marketing objective, such as brand awareness, conversion, increased traffic, engagement, lead generation and more. In my case, I will redirect Facebook users to my official company website, which I can do by providing a link in the ad itself.

I also learned the importance of choosing an effective image for my ad. It is recommended that a simple, but eye-catching image be used. It is important not to use a stock image because it could be confusing, especially if another brand uses the same image. Also, it is important to use an image that doesn’t have small details, because a user might not be able to see certain things on cellphones. Furthermore, newsfeed ads cannot contain images with more than 20% text, so a logo might not work. I will keep this in mind when designing my ad.

When the goal is to convert Facebook users into clients, it is very important that the landing page on my website is easy to use, and just as effective as the ad itself. Facebook actually requires that the landing page is relevant to the ad itself. Lastly, if ads seem to be less effective overtime, it could be due to ad fatigue. As a user myself, I ignore ads that I’ve seen too many times. I would prefer that they changed something about it, even if the message remains the same. I plan to implement this concept in my own ad campaigns. In conclusion, this course was very informative, and I plan on watching other ones as well in my spare time.

Reference:

Adams, M. (2017, November 07). Retrieved February 05, 2018, from https://www.lynda.com/Facebook-tutorials/Facebook-Advertising-Fundamentals-2016/466185-2.html

[justanotherfrogsippingontea-blog]

Business Finance

As a person who has never fully grasped the way finances work on any level, I was apprehensive to take this class. As I come to the conclusion of this course, I am glad that it was a requirement. I had no clue how many formulas can be used to analyze the financial state of a business, let alone predict its future stability. Furthermore, I feel empowered knowing what investors and banks will be looking for when I start my own business. After conducting intensive research for my Pro Forma assignment, I feel much more informed about what I will need to actually succeed.

Before starting this class, I was expecting to get a basic understanding of how to budget business finances. I was surprised to find that some of the things I learned can actually help with my personal finances as well. When investing opportunities arise, I can now accurately assess whether they will be profitable or not. I can also utilize Opportunity Cost within multiple aspects of my personal and professional life. I had never understood how stocks and bonds work before this course, but I now comprehend the benefits and flaws of a variety of investment vehicles, from T-Bills to Money Market Accounts.

Another aspect I was happy to learn about, was the power of Depreciation and other tax related factors of Assets and Capital Budgeting. I see now how a business can fail from a simple lack of proper research. I have a healthy respect for accountants now, and will most definitely be hiring one when I start my business. What I have learned will help me make sound business decisions for myself, but also help me to advise my clients in the role of talent manager. On a personal level, I now have multiple resources which I can draw from when faced with any sort of financial crisis.

[justanotherfrogsippingontea-blog]

Business Storytelling and Brand Development

I can’t believe how quickly time passes when you are having fun. I am now a third of the way done with my schooling, and I am thoroughly enjoying all this new knowledge I have acquired. Before starting this course, I was very unfamiliar with business storytelling, and only had a slight grasp on the importance of branding. I was hoping to learn more about both, and am happy to say that I have done just that.

Branding has always been a business term to me, but in this class I learned about personal branding, and how to create a brand I can be proud of. Through the creation of a brand identity prism and a business model canvas, I now fully understand the elements of a brand, and how it can affect the way others view my company. Reading Marty Neumeier’s Brand Gap (2006) helped me understand that a brand is not what You say it is, but what They say it is. It also helped me differentiate my brand so I can stand out.

I was excited to work on my personal brand, and even create a website on Wix. I think this will be a tremendous asset in my both my personal and professional life. I have always struggled with how to present myself to the world, but everything I have learned about branding has clarified this concept for me. Once I finish the website, I will definitely be using it to network with future business partners and clients.

When it comes to making a solid connection with business partners or clients, I have also learned the role that storytelling plays in this process. When I can bond with people through a story that explains my purpose, it is much more likely that they will share my vision, and feel as if we share the same cause. This is important to me on a personal level, because I only want to do business with like-minded individuals who share the same moral and ethical views. I believe that telling my story will allow others who resonate with my ideology, to connect with me on a deeper basis.

I have already implemented some of what I learned this month in the real world. I updated all of my social media accounts, and cleaned up my LinkedIn profile, which will be one of the main tools I use to network professionally. Through market research I found things out about my region that I hadn’t previously considered. For instance, I found a gap in artist management representation in Oregon, and plan to fill that void in the near future. I also updated my knowledge of the current state of the music industry, and how technology continues to shape the entire industry. I can’t wait to continue my journey!

  Reference:

Neumeier, M. (2006). The brand gap: how to bridge the distance between business strategy and design; a whiteboard overview. Indianapolis, IN: New Riders.

[justanotherfrogsippingontea-blog]

Weekly Inspiration #9:

This video is a great reminder that we still have the creative individuality we were born with. We just need to pay attention to it.

Reference:

Be Inspired. (2014). When we were kids. [Video file]. Retrieved December 2, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlqrj0gmhjM

[justanotherfrogsippingontea-blog]

Project and Team Management

It’s hard to believe that it has already been 3 months, and I am now a quarter of the way closer to earning my degree. In my personal life, I’ve had to adjust to the lack of sleep caused by the never-ending school assignments. If it sounds like I’m complaining though, please forgive me. I am actually feeling blessed to be able to wake up every day, and turn my dreams into reality. Looking back and thinking about my intentions and expectations for this school term, I am happy to say I have already learned a great deal, and every second of missed sleep has been worth it.

I mentioned in my previous posts, that earning a degree is just one step towards my ultimate goal of changing the world for the better. In my most recent course, Project and Team Management, I was able to interact with several other like-minded students, and come up with a project plan for an album that will further my cause, helping to build the legacy I have started. One of the most important things I have learned in this class, is that it takes a team of diverse talent to accomplish a goal efficiently and effectively (Verzuh, 2016). When in a kayak, one person can go somewhere by themselves, but not very far, and not very quickly. In order to travel where I’ve never gone before, I need a fully manned sailboat, with a crew of equally competent individuals who excel in their respective roles. The only negative side of diversity, is that everyone has a different personality and work style, and some may clash with others. Fortunately, I have learned all about different personality types, leadership styles, and even different ways to resolve conflicts when they arise. I finally feel like a captain, ready to embark on my voyage around the world.

Another major key I was previously missing, was how to manage a project successfully. I have started numerous projects in the past, but lacked so many of the elements needed to complete them. This class has thoroughly prepared me for any type of project, from defining it and breaking down the work structure, to assessing risk and financial responsibilities. I even learned how to guide a team and help them maintain quality throughout the duration of the project. Without these skills, my maiden voyage aboard my figurative sailboat would be a disaster. In any industry, careful planning and realistic expectations are imperative to a project’s success (Verzuh, 2016). They say a team is only as good as its weakest link, but as a project manager, or captain of a ship, it all comes back to who’s in charge. I am much more confident that I can now explore the globe, regardless of who I work with, or what we are working on.

As I continue my mastery journey at Full Sail, I am proud to say that my real-world journey has also been developing well. I have been able to instantly put to use the wide variety of skills I have acquired in the last 3 months. I can’t wait to continue with the project that I started this month, and if all goes according to plan, I will finish it before I graduate next year. To be honest though, the hardest part of this class was deciding what I wanted to do for a project. Once I finally decided, it was difficult to put in to words at first. This critical thinking forced me to really assess what my goals were, and make sure it was actually a feasible idea. As with most humans, leaving my comfort zone was terrifying, but so incredibly rewarding in the end.

I encourage anyone on a similar mission, to spend as much time preparing and planning for your voyage as possible. When it comes to quality, prevention is always better than reaction (Verzuh, 2016). Furthermore, experience comes from trying, and even in failure, there is always a lesson to be learned. Whether leading a team, or just playing a vital role on a project, always remember that differences are the spice of life. Variety and diversity are important when it comes to creating a product, or fulfilling a service that the world needs (Verzuh, 2016). Embrace differences with an open mind, and you are sure to find success on your project!

 Reference:

Verzuh, E. (2016). The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management (FIFTH ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

[justanotherfrogsippingontea-blog]

Weekly Motivation #8

This quote is a great reminder that passion fuels the desire to practice, and only with practice can we truly perform at our best.

Reference:

Passion. (2016). [Picture]. Retrieved November 17, 2017, from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/502221795928706871/

[justanotherfrogsippingontea-blog]

Weekly Motivation #7

If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you. -Fred DeVito

I chose this simple yet effective quote because it s a great reminder that the positive outcome is worth the negative pain.

Reference

DeVito, F. (2017). Fred Devito Quote. In Quotefancy. Retrieved October 19, 2017, from https://quotefancy.com/quote/117385/Fred-DeVito-If-it-doesn-t-challenge-you-it-doesn-t-change-you

[justanotherfrogsippingontea-blog]

Weekly Motivation #6

I chose this video from Alan Watts because it is a very powerful reminder of the power of your mindset, and it’s importance in success.

Reference:

Tragedy & Hope. (2014). The Mind - Alan Watts [Video file]. Retrieved October 14, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emHAoQGoQic

[justanotherfrogsippingontea-blog]

Greene vs. Maxwell

This month’s Executive Leadership class has been both informative and inspirational. I appreciated having two books to learn from, particularly because they were nearly polar opposites of each other. This contrast was a great representation of the real world, where effective leaders can utilize multiple tactics to achieve success in the entertainment industry. The two styles were presented by John Maxwell and Robert Greene.

Maxwell’s book outlined traits that embody servant leadership, a concept that involves leaders putting their people first (Adkins, 2016). Greene’s book was all about how to gain power, and ultimately use that power to influence others (Greene, 1998). The easiest way to sum up the gist of these two styles, is to say that Maxwell’s is about generating love from your followers through emotional intelligence (Maxwell, 1993), while Greene’s is about invoking fear from your followers through logic based political maneuvering (Greene, 1998). Both are ways that could earn respect, but neither book seemed to be based on actual research of proven effectiveness. Not to insinuate that they are ineffective methods, just that they are more of opinions and observations of their respective authors than facts.

If knowledge was a weapon, and the entertainment industry was a war zone, both books would serve as worthy tools in battle. Greene’s style is merciless and aggressive, while Maxwell’s is compassionate and fluid. Honestly, I feel that Maxwell’s style is more aligned with the vision I have of my personal brand as a community unifier. However, I feel that Greene’s style is a guaranteed way to ensure that I, and only I can be my downfall. His relentless style of acquiring and maintaining power at all costs seems like it would be great in a business environment. After all, business is about making a profit, not friends.

Realistically though, even as a business degree student, making money is not my ultimate goal. That is why I would have to say that I am more of a Maxwell style leader. I genuinely care about others, and feel that winning every single battle is not a necessary requisite to accomplish my business goals. I am a firm believer that if you treat others with respect, and offer them an opportunity to reciprocate the notion, most people will oblige whether or not they intended to. The idea of winning people over through transparency is much more exciting to me than conquering others through devious tactics and false contexts. With that said, I feel that the only time I would utilize what I learned from Greene, is in a defensive strategy where I had no other option but to figuratively kill my competition. In other words, I now have a John Maxwell arsenal, with a secret doomsday weapon from Robert Greene.

Although I relate more to Maxwell’s style of cultivating positive change through personal integrity and self-discipline (Maxwell, 1993), Greene’s laws have opened my eyes as to what I can expect in the real world as I further my journey of Mastery. Fortunately, I was able to gain knowledge from both authors, and I am glad that I read both books. In conclusion, I feel that I am a Maxwell style leader, using influence to help develop others, while maintaining a focused vision and positive attitude, all while prioritizing my time (Maxwell, 1993). As (Maxwell, 1993, p. 201) states in his epilogue, “This world needs leaders who inspire and motivate rather than intimidate and manipulate.”

References

Adkins, S. (2016). Executive Leadership Week 1 Goto Meeting [Video]. Retrieved October 10, 2017, from https://youtu.be/iJnsj0lpZTw

Greene, R. (1998). The 48 Laws Of Power. New York, NY: Penguin Group.

Maxwell, J. (1993). Developing the Leader Within You. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.