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10 tips for success in the Music Business<\/strong>. \u00a0Making music and making a living out of your music are two very different things. \u00a0My six year old son makes music by banging two pots together and although from time to time I give him $1 to shut the f*ck up, I doubt anybody would want to pay to hear a six year old bang to two pots together. \u00a0If you’re serious about a career as a rapper, check out these tips!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Surround yourself with\u00a0firelighters<\/em>\u00a0<\/em>\u2013 people who recognize your passion (your flame) and encourage you to move forward, and try to avoid the\u00a0firefighters<\/em>\u00a0<\/em>\u2013 people who diminish your spirits by trying to bring you down – intentionally or unintentionally. You\u2019re known by the company you keep, so affiliate and associate yourself wisely. Do some research on successful people and try to model\u00a0their<\/em>\u00a0success. Also, if you haven\u2019t had a mentor yet, consider seeking one out. Personalized and experienced professional guidance can work wonders for your career.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cut loose the people who are continuously bringing you down. It\u2019s a tough space we\u2019re in, and pessimism will only make it tougher. This touches upon my earlier point of surrounding yourself with winners, because winners tend to be optimistic people. It\u2019s always the losers that tell you that it can\u2019t be done.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n1.\u00a0Have a Plan<\/h2>\n
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And write it down – on a piece of paper. \u00a0Every plan starts with a goal and the plan is usual a map of how you’re going to achieve that goal. \u00a0A goal of being a Platinum Recording artist is great, but you’re better off taking it one track at a time. \u00a0Set a goal for each track you’re working on – a tangible goal that you have the skills and resources to achieve. \u00a0i.e. 500 track sales, 10,000 video views, Radio play, etc..<\/p>\n2. If You’re Not Selling, Stop! \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Even though music\u00a0is<\/em>\u00a0an art form – a transcendental language that breaks down language barriers across the world, it\u2019s also a form of\u00a0entertainment,<\/em>\u00a0it is a Music Business<\/strong>.\u00a0In short, it’s about sales. \u00a0In order to sustain ourselves as artists – as entertainers – we\u00a0must\u00a0be compensated for our time and effort. At the very least, the art needs to sustain itself. You must learn, understand, appreciate, execute, and learn to love sales. This applies whether you\u2019re on stage, at a conference, or online – consider yourself always on the sales floor.<\/p>\n3.\u00a0(Social)\u00a0Network<\/h2>\n
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\u201cIt\u2019s not about\u00a0what\u00a0you know, but\u00a0who<\/em>\u00a0you know.\u201d Don’t just hand\u00a0out business cards to every potential ally you encounter, ensure that you have something of value to offer\u00a0them<\/em>. Remember there are unwritten laws of the universe which even artists have to abide by, “You must give before you get”. \u00a0In the world of Social Networking, it’s easy to think that spamming is going to get you views. \u00a0Rather think about what you’re going to give your audience, something of value to them. \u00a0It’s better to build an army of influencers than an army of spammers.<\/p>\n4. Mutually Benefitial Partnerships<\/h2>\n
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If you can\u2019t exchange dollars, exchange services. Either way, you\u2019re building relationships and displaying a genuine desire to help the other person out. \u00a0Everyone has goals, help someone achieve theirs and they will help you achieve yours.<\/p>\n5. You Are As Smart As The Average of Your 5 Closest Friends<\/h2>\n
6. Fear is For Loosers – Take Risks<\/h2>\n
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Overcome shyness, fear and doubt, and don\u2019t be afraid to venture outside your comfort zone. Experiencing discomfort or anxiety really means that you\u2019re entering areas that you’re unfamiliar with \u2013 which means you’re growing! Don\u2019t be afraid to do a little traveling, either. Not every opportunity is going to present itself conveniently in your backyard.<\/p>\n7. Be Forever Optimistic<\/h2>\n
8. You’re Not A Thug, You’re a Professional<\/h2>\n
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Present yourself professionally in every medium that you exchange conversation or information with other professionals. From proper sounding voicemails, to practicing good email etiquette (well thought-out subject lines, following up, etc.), to wearing the proper attire to networking situations, it\u2019s important to brand yourself as a professional in every situation you place yourself in. This also pertains on and offstage, as well.<\/p>\n\u00a09. Be a Constant Learner<\/h2>\n
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This is where most of you readers already have the leg up. By keeping up on your music industry news, you place yourself ahead of the curve of other would-be professionals in this business, and you position yourself amongst a crowd of legitimate industry professionals. By being informed, you not only are more likely to execute better business strategies, but you\u2019ll always have proper and appropriate conversation to ignite in a networking situation – for instance, \u201cWhat do you think about RootMusic\u2019s new\u00a0Social Touring<\/a>\u00a0integration\u00a0for the BandPage app?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/h2>\n
10. Make A Dent In The Universe<\/h2>\n
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At the end of the day, it\u2019s all about being memorable. Personal branding is all about the mental associations people have of you. In order to stand out or move ahead, you must become remarkable at what you do. This also means being authentic – which shouldn’t be too difficult if you’re truly passionate about what you do. \u00a0Leaders didn’t become leaders by following others…dare to be different!<\/p>\n