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[K64]Killing Is My Business...and Business Is Good

by Ty Cohen, Ty

Many musicians or music industry entrepreneurs don't pay enough attention to the business aspect of their career and as a result end up broke or in bad deals. It is a good thing there are great musician resources out there to help.

Even if we are just talking about how to promote your CD it is crucial for a musician to take an aggressive look and active role in learning the daily business of their music career. In fact, some say that the music business aspect is where you should spend the majority of your energy in order to maintain a successful career. One of the best things you can do is protect your music and all music promotional ideas that come your way.

The music industry is littered with musicians and we all know who they are, who made it big but ended up with nothing. But how did this happen, you ask? Maybe they were too focused on being stars and just signed their life away. And when that happened, everything they made went to someone else. One of the best musician resources out there is the firm understanding of music contracts and all that go with them.

It is all fine and dandy if you know how to promote your CD or have an entourage of people coming up with music promotional ideas. But do you know if you will even make any money off the sale of the CD? If so, how much? If you can't answer these questions and you are in the music industry then you could be in serious trouble. So, before you even think about signing read your contract, have it reviewed and have a firm understanding of every single term.

So, take an active role in your music, the business of the industry and everything that goes along with it. For after all, this is your career and your life. You don't want the people all around you running it with no knowledge of what is going on. If you do nothing else for yourself, then at least do yourself this very favor from day one before you even begin to worry about how to promote your CD.

“Business is business, It's nothing personal”. How many times have you heard that statement? Is it truly possible to separate the personal quotient from the business equation? I think not. Even though some people write off the impact of a business decision on ones psyche as the cost of doing business, it is not healthy or advisable to separate the personal from the business . Like a skillful surgeon, some leaders believe they can separate these two symbiotic factors with out a drop of blood, or noticeable pain.

I was watching a television program this past week…one of those reality television shows where they place cameras in a work environment and film the theatrics of the staff as they move about applying their skillful trades. In this one particular episode the owner was letting go one of his tradesmen. On the way out the door the owner patted the newly unemployed man on the back and said…I kid you not…”this is a business decision, nothing personal.”

Sure it is. If we as leaders approach our people decisions with such callousness, then it won't be long before our reputation and effectiveness will be tarnished beyond the point of future trust and repair. I am not saying that during a time of reductions the relevant thing to do is hold everyone's hand singing the Coke song. However, I am stating that you should be realistic with the fragile emotional state of those who have become a casualty of the situation. It is business, and it is personal. Let's call a spade a spade, and deal with it in the proper context that it deserves.

When I make people decisions that impact my business or the businesses that I consult to, it is with a constitution that I have developed, enforced and swear to. In a nutshell it contains the following 10 tenants:

Treat Everyone with Respect
Evaluate Every Situation from the Individuals Perspective
Consider Every Option Before Acting
Create as Soft a Landing as Possible for the Individual Involved
Provide Guidance and Support
Be Available
Be Considerate
Be Understanding
Be Upfront and Truthful
Act With Integrity

These values are not just some words written on a tablet, they are my blueprint, my map and my conscience.

When in a position of leadership, you are empowered with certain responsibilities and challenges. My challenge to you is to remember to keep decisions that impact your people just that….people decisions, not business decisions. It really is a respect issue. Respect for the individual, and respect for you as a leader!

Article Source : Pg. 18

About Author

Both Ty Cohen & Keith Aubele are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Ty Cohen has sinced written about articles on various topics from Keyboard Synthesizer, Mens Health and Marriage. Online music industry's most recognizable voice-the former owner of an Indie label-current owner of Platinum Millennium Pub. & music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of 40+ best-selling music biz materials & other "How to" resources, that. Ty Cohen's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.

Keith Aubele has sinced written about articles on various topics from Keyboard Synthesizer. . Keith Aubele's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.