In 30 minutes, I'm going to mention a few things artists or talents should normalise to avoid stories that touch in their careers...
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Make friends with lawyers... These guys represent the first part of the team you need to build. and you will need them at EVERY point in your career... including managing an artist. Build relationships with as many as possible and pick one to rep you
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Sign contracts. It is in your favour to document things. Unless you are also a fraudulent person, contracts ensure clarity for all parties so no one takes advantage of the other. Also note, the contract is always in favour of the person who writes it. Argue!
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It is ok to have your friends and relatives manage you but set goals and push each other. It is your career and if they are not growing in ways that help your career, communicate it with and move on. Don't frustrate them to leave.
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ASK QUESTIONS! No matter how stupid it sounds. As long as you do not understand it, continue to ask. From contracts to performance requirements to marketing obligations. Ask questions. Tell them to do "bouncing ball-sing-along" level explanation.
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Brands and other businesses that require your services do not respect your manager because you do not respect your manager. The manager's job is to protect you but he/she can not do that if you treat him or her like a third wheel... unless thats what he/she is
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Basically, brands will treat your manager how they sense that you treat him or her. Even if you make decisions together, let the client know they have to speak to manager or management (more on that in a bit). As you grow, your manager can open more doors
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For you to grow... Your manager has to grow. If the growth is not happening across board, there is a problem. Do not stifle your manager's growth... Enough about managers for now... Lets talk about MANAGEMENT
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Your goal as an artist is to transition from just having a manager to having management... A Team. People who benefit from your success and therefore work together to ensure that it is a reality. Lawyer, Manager, Agent, PR, Content Distribution manager, etc
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The goal of this team is to ensure that all aspects of your business work seamlessly and professionally. Each aspect is a potential revenue stream or revenue management activity. They can all report to your manager who then does the "bouncy ball" thing for you
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Fulfil your contractual obligations. Especially when you work with brands. Yes, I know that you have gotten bigger since you signed but if it is no longer something you can do, offer a solution that is in line with your status and gives the client more value
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Alternatively, have your team review contract or approach brand or other party involved to discuss and find a solution. But make sure that you find a way to fulfil your obligation. DO not make working with you difficult. Not everyone gets away with it
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When you approach a distribution company to distribute your music, do some research. Can you do this thing yourself? If you can not then what will t he Distro offer you that makes the % they take worth it? Are they offering marketing? Be clear
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Then write a plan... Now about plans!
Thats the job of your manager or management. More the manager. He or she needs to lay out the plan for the entire team to run with. He also needs to make sure the team is working together to achieve the goals set out
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DO NOT OUTSOURCE OVERALL ARTIST PLAN TO SOMEONE HIRED TO FIX ONE PROBLEM!
Eg. PR persons job is not to develop an artist plan. It is to develop a Media Relations and PR plan which must be in line with your overall plan for the artist.
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As I was saying... Write a plan for each release when approaching the distribution company or even when you are doing it yourself. What role do friends and family play? What role will street team and core fans play. How will you utilise media platforms. All
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The share this plan with Distribution Company. Show them how you are planning to make the most of the release and then tell them what you need them to do. If they get you on carousels and playlists, then overall marketing across board will compliment that
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Learn to kill your ego indoors. Allow your team be honest with you. They can back you up and hail you in public but make sure they are telling you the truth with the world is away. Give the environment for that honesty to thrive!
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Fight for your team. Do not allow outsiders disrespect any member of your team. From time to time they can take one for the team but make sure it is to secure your bag.
Do not allow external forces cause division. na you go suffer am.
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To many, social media is a platform to share pictures and meet friends. Your social media is a place where you interact with potential customers. It is your customer Relations platform and the goal is conversions. But to truly sell, you must know your customers
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If you live in Lagos and have a massive fanbase in NYC which is hours behind you, you must fit your social media engagement schedule to fit not just their timing but their daily lifestyle so they relate to your content. You may be serving multiple bases
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Encourage your manager to network. Ask what you as the artist can do to help him or her. Especially when you are popular (even a little). A brand manager getting a message from you about a great idea is more likely to respond. Do it as a team. Here is how...
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Send a message saying "My manager has an amazing idea that I thing would work great for your brand. Can I ask him to contact you?" Work on the list of people together and use your power! Do not say "but its my contact" it is also your career. Quick Note!
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Discuss your pitch as a team and make sure you are prepared to push. If you start a conversation too early, you may lose the opportunity to be taken seriously when you actually have something to say.
Develop your plan. Clarify your targets and then
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As an indie artist, you and your manager should have action plans and to do lists. Your job as a musician is to create music... His or her job is to develop daily. Make sure you are BOTH doing something daily that aids your personal and collective growth.
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When you see other artist who are in a better situation that you, fight the urge to bash your manager. Even you never reach there, wetin you want make him do? Instead, discuss it. Why did they get that treatment and how can you do it cost effectively?
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Learn about publishing... Learn ONE thing every day. or every week. Just 1 aspect. Then ask your manager. If he or she does not know. teach him or her. That way you remember as well and now they know. then ask them to teach you something the next day. Watch!!!
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Let me give you an example... As you learn more about publishing you may gradually start realising how much BAG you are leaving on the table for others to take. eg as a performer who writes, producers and owns the masters of the songs you release... 4 Bags!
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Bag 1... composer as Beat Maker
Bag 2... composer as Writer or lyricist
Bag 3... Royalties from ownership of masters
Bag 4... Revenue generated from your brand as a result of a successful song!
Within these 4 bags are MULTIPLE BAGS
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AS A NEW ARTIST, THERE'S NOTHING COOL ABOUT IGNORING FANS WHO ENGAGE YOU!
If you keep talking to someone and they continue to ignore you, you will stop talking to them and move on.
Post. Engage. Sell and Engage again. As you blow, outsource. Dont stop!
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Thats it for now... digest and share
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