Innovate or Perish
[RANT] I am sick and tired of reading articles and blogposts that scream out “… doomsday – the sky is falling, the music industry is dead – it was killed by the internet. Blah, blah, frikkin’ blah!” Enough already! It’s just so much crap! The music industry isn’t dead. IT’S CHANGED! What’s dead are the […]
How to Manage Your Marketing – The Contact Management System
Marketing is creating an environment in which people feel comfortable enough to buy from you, over and over again. Sounds like a great idea, right? But what exactly does that mean in terms of day to day actions? And how do you systematize creating that environment? Does this sound familiar? You’ve got a pile of […]
Copyright and Trademark Basics an Interview with Jeff Fabian
Trademark and copyright protection are fundamental components of a sound business strategy for all artists and professionals in the Music Business, Visual Arts or Film and Television Industry. But do we have to be lawyers to understand the basics? Jeff Fabian says “NO!” and he is going to going to prove it to us in […]
How to Write the Dreaded Business Plan
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Benjamin Franklin We’ve all heard this quote, and yet, we struggle and resist against writing a business plan. For most artists and creatives, there’s the myth that the plan will cramp your creativity. But what my private clients discover over and over again, is that the […]
Systems Creation – Work Smarter, Not Harder
Ever feel like a rat on a wheel, spinning and spinning and not getting where you want to go? A great way to get off the wheel is to set up systems that automate your business. Anything you do more than twice in your business will be easier, faster, and simpler to delegate if you systematize it.
Venues and Artists – A Complex Relationship
Last week, an interesting conversation erupted on a music list-serve that I participate in. I think there is much to be learned from this both by the Venue Owners/Bookers and the Performing Artists who depend on those bookers for their gigs. I have removed all of the names/locations because the real issues here are applicable across locations, genre and venue size. If you are a performing artist looking to book gigs – I strongly recommend you read on – don’t make these mistakes yourself! And if you are a venue owner or booker – you may also find this informative.
Transitioning to Full-time With Your Art/Music Business
Whether you’re working a day job in the corporate world or teaching within your craft to sustain yourself, many artists and musicians dream someday they will earn enough to go full-time with their art.
And just as many have given up on that dream, because it seems out of reach. Or because they tried to go full-time but ended up having to return to the day job, because they just weren’t earning enough to sustain themselves and their family. I’ve worked with many private clients in different lines of work to make that leap from part-time to full-time in their businesses. And I’ve found that the process for success through this transition is similar no matter what business you’re in.
Taylor Swift – Is Her Career Over?
I wrote this to Bob Lefsetz in response to his rallying cry for Taylor Swift and against the almost universal online and mainstream media bashing.
Debra Recommends John Braheny
John Braheny is in demand as a top consultant for songwriters, performers and industry entrepreneurs.
Debra Recommends Music XRay
I have recently been listed as an expert – under career coaching for Music Xray. Music Xray is a resource for both musicians, composers and the buyers of music to connect in a professional and transparent environment. Music industry professionals use Music Xray as the preferred, direct and transparent method for interacting with artists. Music […]