Precious Green: Mastery Journal

Mastery Journal

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Two for the Books (continued)

As with all challenges this challenge was overcome with gratitude. I had learned a new way of writing a business plan and one that I have enjoyed more than creating a presentation. Though both are needed, I prefer attention to detail. As I near the end of this course I realized that this was the first of many courses that had completely checked off all expectations of this course and what I was prepared to learn. With a few minor adjustments of course. I expected to have a better understanding of the pro forma statement, my target market, branding, and digital marketing and distribution. I can not say that I have much of a handle on my target market as it pertains to gender in recording arts. But I have learned that there can be pros and cons to narrowing my focus. That is something that needs work. With the understanding of everything else and how effective storytelling can boost brand recognition, the pro forma statement is crucial to understand in order to run my business. This does not fall under the same umbrella as what I have previously quoted. We have to extensively plan the pro forma statement. Though there may be unpredictable pitfalls and unexpected expenses, we must be sure to have the funds to save us in a crisis. As with art, a business plan is never truly finished. Therefore, I will never truly be prepared. Those who wait, miss their opportunity. 

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Two for the Books (Ending of Final Business Plan)

There are so many words that I can say to describe this moment. The feeling of accomplishment, the feeling of completion, or more so the feeling of being prepared. But the truth is, no matter how much we prepare, we will never truly be prepared. This brings me back to one of my favorite quotes; “no one is ready to do anything, there is almost no such thing as ready. There is only now.” In preparation for PNG ENTERTAINMENT: Productions and Management, we were able to finalize our business plans while taking a closer look at the financials of our business plan. Here were able to understand what was needed for start-up costs, as well as creating budgets for employees, and daily operations. All of what was factored into available cash flow for the business. I was able to entirely understand how the pro forma statement works and what it meant to break even and have a healthy (positive) cash flow in order for the business to remain active or to stay afloat. In the previous business plan course that we have taken prior to the final business plan course, we were able to dive more into the elements that we have learned in earlier courses. These courses we brand development, storytelling, media publishing and distribution, law, and entertainment business finance. Coming from creating a business plan in my Bachelor’s Degree in Audio Production, we had taken a different approach back then when creating a business plan. Though I had my expectations of what I wanted to learn from both business plan courses in my Master’s, both had proven to be more challenging than expected. In my Bachelor’s we had just covered the basics which I had created a PowerPoint presentation. Here in my business plan, and final business plan we were instructed to write our business plan. That was challenging for me because I had to give more detail as opposed to creating a powerpoint that requires fewer words and more effective imagery. 

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If you want the best outcome it is best to do it yourself.

It is amazing to see that there are so many avenues and guidelines to follow when bringing creative content to the major public. It does not just end there. Though others may be inspired enough to purchase your work as a consumer, others may be inspired to replicate what was once an original piece from you. Both are common in the way that they are done but both require a certain level of protection. A level of protection that I have not considered before entering this entertainment media publishing and distribution course. As we become settled into the digital age of music as we have since 2000, more and more organizations and regulations are surfacing in the entertainment industry that allows an artist to profit from the licensed use of their works. As an independent artist and business owner, I wanted to grasp all that I could learn about publishing and distribution. And to be quite honest, I did not know that as an independent artist there were so many options at my disposal to create and distribute my own content, partnering with effective aggregators and PROs to assist me in promoting my music, distributing and collecting the royalties that are owed to me for the sale, and use of my work. As I grow my business, I will be able to offer and manage my artist's music and brand through these methods and organizations. I have never considered publishing and artists content before, but in the future, I may consider it because of the potential of experience and an extra stream of income that can be earned from publishing the work of a new and upcoming artist. There is still so much more for me to learn in my music journey, but the best way to truly learn is through experience in applying what I have learned.

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“You can’t handle the truth.”

3 months away. Technically. So much has been beneficial to the growth and development of my career as an entrepreneur. I can admit that I knew the basics of entertainment law as it pertained to protecting your business assets. Your brand is your identity. This identity can come as a host of intellectual properties such as a slogan, business name, and logo. This brand is a way that your audience and consumers can differentiate you from your competitors. Brand’s are constantly subjected to misuse and infringement. But what makes the world of entertainment so interesting is that there is a wide range of what is to be considered intellectual properties, and each has its own type of protection. To be successful in my field of music, it is essential for me to learn the laws and regulations of the business. Through case studies and implementation, I was able to build my knowledge of copywriting, trademarks, and contracts. The concepts of Industry Risks, Business, and Intellectual Property can apply to my personal and professional success in many ways. As an artist who produces original lyrics and music, obtaining the proper literary works and sound recording copyrights will lawfully protect me if my work is being infringed upon. I am grateful that we were able to dive deeper into this subject. Protecting my logo will protect my brand from being used in a negative light. This is exactly why I chose to attend Full Sail for my Master in Entertainment Business. I have watched many talented artists fight with labels because they were not receiving royalties. Most do not understand the business and get taken advantage of. I wanted to fully understand the business to protect myself, as well as my work. Looking back on my Project Mastery Timeline, I was able to meet all of my goals for the month of Advanced Entertainment Law. I was able to research and understand the laws of the entertainment industry and how to protect my property. The key concept that was listed on the Timeline was understanding the importance of contracts. Before this course, I learned the importance of contracts the hard way. After dealing with an artist that reneged on our agreements for music production, I lost out on so much money. If I knew what I have known know about the formation of contracts I would have created one. Contracts are needed in this business to provide legal action if the contract is breached. This knowledge will ensure success in the entertainment industry. With all of that, I have learned of the business and the law that protects it one thing is for certain... That no matter how much you try to prepare for the industry, you will never be truly prepared until you start. The truth is that we learn through experiences.

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Artist, Brand, Product. All of the above.

As my mind continues to expand with all of the valuable information that I have absorbed through each week of the course, I can only connect each concept looking backward. With each week giving knowledge and an understanding of my industry, I found myself missing key concepts and strategies in my business plan. There is so much more to an Artist, Brand, or Product as viewed by both consumer and management. Each can be separate its own entity but in all the same when combined still needing the necessary skill, knowledge, and leadership to effectively manage for success. For example, an Artist image is a Brand and Products that are sold could constitute of albums, merchandise and tickets all of which is dependent on the target markets success of all three factors that are bundled together. What I enjoyed the most each week was the review of Artist Management for the Music Business by Paul Allen. Here is where I learned that there is more to the industry that meets the eye from an entertainment managers point of view. This perspective had revealed the true nature of what it takes to successfully manage an artist through successes, strategies and failures of well know artist managers. This type of symbiotic relationship between the artist and manager has proven to be successful, the success of your talent directly affects the success of the manager. Being the person that I am, I have always been the type to help others reach a specific goal that will help them advance to the next level. I have learned through this course and through experience that It is best to establish a personal connection with those whom you share the same values and goals. Allen’s book had placed great emphasis on artist development and how successfully guiding the talent’s career given the manager's ability to align goals with projects that will encourage growth. Being Strategic is the key to success which is often neglected by most managers in the industry. I love to assist anyone in achieving their dreams. 

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There is not such thing as failure, only lessons learned.

During the final stages of Negotiating and Deal-Making, I reflect back on what I had hoped to learn during this course and what my expectations were before entering this course. My original goals for this course were to develop professional negotiation skills, how to read body language, and to understand the importance of the different types of negotiations. I can respectfully say that I was able to accomplish my original goals. In all honesty, it was a bit of a challenge trying to catch up to the reading for each week and correlate them to each assignment. The challenge came from my lack of energy entering the third week of this course even though I was able to retain most of the information. I can say that I have learned much about myself in the reenactment of the negotiation assignments. I loved the assignment that included the module of the print shop owner and Mr. Gile. This assignment fascinated me because it had confirmed two theories. One theory was that I am in fact extroverted and love interacting with individuals because I love stories and learning more about other individuals allows me to gain a new perspective and get a better understanding of what some ones underlying interests are. The second theory you can gather as much information out of someone as possible simply because people love to talk about themselves, often revealing details and information that they would have kept to themselves. It is at this moment that you are able to establish a win-win resolution by tying their needs and interests into your own. Finding out but not fully agreeing to my “Quiet Supporter” title only confirms that I am the type that always puts the interests and needs of others in the conclusion. I always seek to resolve each negotiation with a win-win approach. I don’t agree that “Quiet Supporters” avoid confrontation and are slow to make decisions because I love to address confrontation simply because I love feedback and know that the is a solution to every problem. I am looking forward to applying the method when referring to the correct and professional manner to present yourself (body language). I understand how important it is now to be transparent and engaging when reaching an agreement within a negotiation.

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Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.

In the final week of Digital Marketing, I have grown a new obsession. This obsession is with Marketing. In these four weeks, I have been able to research and understand the importance of getting to know your consumers in your target market. It is fascinating that we are given so many free tools that aid us in understanding who our consumers are, what they like, and where they come from. This has also given me a new perspective in regards to my goals and how I should operate my business. Opening up a productions and management company I used to think about producing a product (music) without considering who it would be intended for and what kind of value it would bring to the consumer. This way of thinking was in fact incorrect. The consumers at the end of the day are the ones who will purchase the product if it is a product that meets their needs. In the fast-paced music industry such as mine, the standard of music constantly changes which means that the customers need change just as fast. With proper preparation and given the right opportunity to give consumers what they ask for, success may appear as luck. In review of the first month of my Mastery course, I have set a few goals ahead of this Marketing course of objectives that I would have liked to master (take away) from this course. Those three objectives are:

Learn how to produce creative content that will reach consumers 

Learn the importance of SEO (optimize webpage traffic)

Understand and utilize effective imagery in a brands image

I believe that I have met these goals taking on the course this month and much more than I have expected. All that I have learned encompasses the proper way to establish a successful business with Marketing. I have learned how to incorporate storytelling into my brand to stand out from others in my field, the importance of creating an effective social media funnel, how to optimize website traffic utilizing SEO, different types content, the best social media platforms to use and integrated marketing. With this knowledge, I will be able to effectively target my audience and provide professional and engaging content to my audience to gain brand awareness. I am excited to begin my journey as an artist and entrepreneur. I have for seen struggles along the way and I look forward to them. Struggle nurtures growth. No great adventure comes to those who wait.

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Turning the Page (ending the EBF course)

Before beginning Entertainment Business Finance I was very excited to start this course. I have always been interested in business and how it is backed financially. I was in for a rude awakening when it came to gathering information about much needed contracted services that will aid in the functioning of a business. As a leader, I was prepared to take many tasks and do whatever it takes to make my business successful. When digging more into the time-coat value of every factor of business, I see that it is not wise to take on more than I can handle just to save money. My health is the biggest factor in the success of my business, without that it can easily crumble. Hiring contracted individuals that possess skills that I don't is not a bad thing. Being a person that does not usually ask for help, I am growing to learn that it is okay. Closing this course with the Pro Forma statement has proven this theory a dozen times over. Teamwork truly does make the dream work, and I have to remember that I am only human. I used to be a former night auditor and the auditing process was fairly simple being that I have gained efficient workflow over time that allowed me to speed through it each night. Owning your own business and gathering this information is complex. I am grateful that I have learned more on budgeting, financing, and important information on calculating interest and loan options. I will be able to use these skills to properly forecast, budget, and finance my future business. I am extremely excited to begin knowing that I most likely will not produce a profit for the first 2-3 years. I am not as concerned about the money aspect of the business in the beginning but more so focused on brand development, brand recognition, and growth. I believe that PNG will be able to break even in 2020.

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The Ending of Beginning my Personal Brand

I cannot say that it is over. Just like music, personal development and mastery in ones journey is constantly changing as it grows and evolves. Towards the beginning of this month in Storytelling and Brand Development I was not sure what to expect because I was heading through the next phase blindly. I had lost my balance before this and began to stand back up to regain my order. The first time was difficult but standing up again and again each time is harder than the last. But this had taught me a lesson, I saw it differently than I had previously. I had thought that this course was going to be a challenge for me simply because I have been struggling for a while to figure out who I am and what it is that I have to say as an artist. I am great at telling stories but I seem to fall short in my own words. Even though this course has taught me valuable ideas to consider when trying to formulate the answer to this question. The only story I could think of is my own but to my knowledge there was not much to share. But does there ever really have to be something extravagant or prodigious about it? Going through each week little by little I learned a few things about my brand as I took the archetype assessment. I was no surprise that I fell into certain categories (creator/magician) because of my need to create and design. I look up to Richard Branson because of in need to constantly grow and expand his brand. I aspire to become a mogul and grow into the same mindset of growth and expansion. My only challenge is truly going back to dig deep and find my true story and develop a better mission and brand statement that backs my story. With all things, skills, brands and mindset it is going to take a while to truly develop. I will continue to be labeled as work in progress even when I reach new heights in my career.

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Feedly. Best way to stay in touch with the latest news and tips for my industry and entrepreneurship. 

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Linked In profile. Personal and Professional Development is what I look forward to growing as I expand my experience as an audio professional in my industry. I am looking forward to the continuing my journey.

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Over the years I have developed my brand and logo. It is still a working progress as with any business. Music is my art. “Art is never finished, only abandoned.” - Leonard Da Vinci

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As a child we are mesmerized by the lives of our role models, and celebrities that we become blindly unaware of the climb. Unconventional, naive, or single-minded so to speak as we grow keeping our eyes on our feet instead of the stars (the top), believing that there is only one step instead of seeing the big picture of multiple steps. Now as an adult who aspires to become a media mogul, I see beyond that one step that has held me back for many years. Through experience I have grown and learned to love the process through every phase. In the initial spark (idea), the education (research), the implementation (work), the failures (struggle), and the comebacks (experimentation). In my experience, the process has awarded me many useful skills that will help me become successful. Leadership, discipline, and grit were some of my greatest achievements in personal development. The process have awarded me with the greatest gift of all and that was patience. Trust the process.

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I often doubt when I am going through the process, but somehow that doubt motivates me to prove myself wrong. I still need to eliminate this doubt because I have accomplished so much so far, I can do anything.

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Be patient, be strong, be resilient. Everything happens for a reason. Trust the process.

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Growth's highest reward is not what we get from it, but what we become because of it.

John C. Maxwell

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Every level of growth calls for a new level of change.

Gerald Brooks