Mobile Media and the Future

As the consumer changes, businesses must change as well. Business’s need to be where their consumers are. Consumers are driving the entertainment and mobile industry and without staying attend of the current and future trends, business will be lost in the sand. Music Entertainment and Mobile marketing is a small segment of the music business. As mobile applications continue to rise, studies are showing the music industry will be impacted as well. “According to Telecoms & Media, the global mobile music industry generated $14.4 billion in 2010” The breakdown is as follows:

What trends are going to, is the option for non-developers to build their own mobile applications. Most musicians do not have a m.website which will allow their information to be viewed on a mobile device including but not limited to iPhone, iPad, Andriod and more. There is a new service called Mobile Roadie, which allows bands and businesses to use templates through their websites to submit an application. The information shows musicians need to keep up on trends and be able to send their music, information and more to their audience in the most convenient manor.  Informa Telecoms & Media shows where Mobile Music Revenue will be in the future and companies like JM Productions will allow full track and streaming revenue to increase.

                                            

ShareSquare is an upcoming site to watch as musicians can turn their website into a mobile site in an instant. Their current plans offer many of the options business currently offer and when musicians feel they can do it themselves, they feel they don't need to pay a marketing agency.  As a marketing agency must continue to show how they are unique and beneficial to the client, including in-depth knowledge of the digital marketing industry; they must stay above the competition.  As Sharesquare says, “If a mobile visitor to your existing website is unable to quickly and easily engage your most important business objectives (for example: connect on Facebook & Twitter, watch your videos, listen to streaming audio, contact you for more info, or make a purchase via mCommerce) then a rapidly growing percentage of traffic to your website is being wasted.” This is prime information and all musicians need to keep abreast of a wide market they possibly good be missing.

As a college graduate with my Masters Degree I now have a full understanding of how quickly the industry is changing and understanding of online digital marketing is extremely important. I have had the opportunity to fully understand how SEO and SEM is managed and how much of an impact I can have in the industry with musicians.  As the saying goes, Knowledge is Power.

http://dottedmusic.com/2011/marketing/mobile-music-app-revenue-predictions/

http://getsharesquare.com/faq/

Where to Find Investors for a Start Up Business

Association for Enterprise offers several different types of financial services and lending. These include loans, checking accounts, savings accounts, individual development accounts as well as credit reporting. They even offer program focused areas and training for business and technical assistance. Through Association for Enterprises I located ACE; Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs.  ACE allows borrowers to apply for a small business loan of up to $50,000 with just a click of a button. The eligibility requirements is a credit score of at least 550, free of active bankruptcies for the last twelve months, mortgage and rents payments on time and all student loans to be in good standings. Additionally documents that are required include, business information, bank statements, pay stubs, business budget and debt information and of course a business plan, financial projections, start up budget and proof of equity. Association for Enterprise Opportunity offers “Find a Mentor” which I believe is a great added service to AEO. AS a new business owner, having someone to turn to for advice on an ever changing industry will be the key to a new business owner’s success. An advantage I see through their website is a new pilot program called, “Community Advantage. The program is intended to meet the needs of small business with their credit, management and technical needs. They focus on a $250,000 or less mission and help development their business. This type of program is a great opportunity for new business owners like me which will allow focus on the development of our business in a short amount of time.

Reviewing Opportunity Finance Network, allows an entrepreneur knowledge of their financing policies as well as news, innovations and results they have already received from other businesses. The website offers the criteria overview for loans and investments including what mandatory requirements are. Some requirements that are mentioned demonstrate at least two years of operating surpluses in the last three years as well as the capacity to use capital productively. The application details out what each business must submit in order to be considered allowing the new business to fully understand what each investor is looking for when investing in their business. Some of the requirements Opportunity Finance Network asks for in their application is organization information, primary lending Sector, as well as financing amount. They also require supporting documents which is included in a business plan such as pro forma balance sheet, three years of projections, organizational chart and a full business plan. A great advantage of Opportunity Finance Network allows the business developer the opportunity to search their specific area as well as organization type and type of lending that is needed. Extremely user friendly and straight forward which is fantastic. Reviewing the website I did find a disadvantage of alternative financing as I was not aware of the pay back structure and requirements. Their website does not list the full detailed information, which to myself as a borrower, would like to understand.

How to be Successful in Writing a Business Plan

Reid Hoffman is a great entrepreneur and mentions how to develop a business plan in a rapid growing market of technology. His questions of reaching a massive audience, a unique value proposition and is one’s capital efficient enough are questions I have now answered when drawing up my business plan. If I am able to solidly and confidently answer these questions within my business plan I believe investors will look to invest in a service for musicians that is not currently being maximized. Reid also mentions questions to ask oneself of will one have enough cash flow? No investor will want to invest in one’s business if there is no cash flow being produced.

http://www.360digitalartist.com/business-plans-experts/

The most important section to the investor when reviewing a business plan would be the financials. As investors, they want to know how the large amount of money being given to a start up business will be used and become profitable. Investors need to know they are making a good choice and not placing their time, money and knowledge into a product or service where their return on investment will not be in their favor. The idea of investing is to put ones money into something that will return a higher profit. If one’s business plan does not have good financials, then the investors will not want to risk spending their money. I believe a good set of financials also shows the investor, one has done a thorough job in researching the industry as well as the market. As stated in Allbusiness.com, “First businesses live or die with cash – not profits. Second, cash makes much more sense in a plan, laid out month by month, than in your head. Putting it down on paper will help you understand your cash flow projections and any problem will become immediately apparent.” http://www.allbusiness.com/business-planning-structures/business-plans/3505-1.html

Another important section of a business plan is the sales section. The sales section is directly connected to the marketing section. In my business plan, my marketing needs to reflect the sales JM Productions will be producing. “Marketing efforts should show an ongoing increase in sales. The marketing and sales sections together are of high importance to investors.” As one’s marketing grows the sales will begin to move in the upward direction.

http://www.360digitalartist.com/business-plans-experts-part-2/

Investors of the 21st Century

Reid Hoffman is an Entrepreneur, Product Strategist and Investor. He is currently the partner of Greylock, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Linked In as well as much more.  His focus ranges from product development, business operations to strong knowledge in young companies and their growth.  Reid’s expertise is something that continues to grow with the innovation of online marketing as companies find new innovated ideas to stop one step ahead of their competitors.  Greylock is a private equity firm, which Ried serves on the Zynga board. “James Slavet and I partner on Greylock's investments in Groupon and Coupons.com.” All of the companies we know so well and use in our every day life.

In an article Reid wrote for TechCrunch speaking how to develop a business plan.  With ever changing technology and more consumers wanting information now as well as the Internet being a place to search for anything, Reid asks several important questions.

       How will you reach a massive audience?

<!   What is your unique value proposition?

       Will your business be capital efficient?

All of these questions lead to keep a new business in a growing direction. Today’s audience is extremely large and being able to reach a large audience in the most effective manor is crucial. In addition, he asks what makes one’s new business stand out and have unique value? Why would one want to choose a new business over a long time standing business? In the end, will one have the cash flow? No business can survive without cash flow. One must ask themselves, will I make money?

I believe these are the top three questions a new business owner should think about. If all of these questions can be answered in a well thought out manor, then one’s business will be a success! Reid stays ahead of the curve and focuses on each ventures strengths individually, IE: Facebook, Linkin, keeping each audience separate, but yet open.

http://www.360digitalartist.com/business-plans-experts/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/reidhoffman

http://techcrunch.com/2010/09/27/greylock-gives-super-angel-turned-vc-reid-hoffman-a-20-million-seed-fund/

David Stock has started several companies, many which have gone public all before the age of 22 years old. He specializes in software technology and serves on numerous boards for a variety of companies. He has learned to stay in a company in when things are not looking on the bright side. David pushes through and with determination is an extremely successful investor.  

Davids’s focuses on how investors value start up companies with eight key ideas.  Of the eight the top three are:

<!    Understanding how startups are valued

<!    Identify your specific risks
        Look for quick ways to Mitigate Risks before fundraising

David’s expertise is in lowering the risks as the value of one’s business increases. Set expectations that are realistic and obtainable. Many business ventures fail due to milestones not being met as they are set unrealistically.

“I have one final comment: success at raising money does not equal business success. I have generally found that it is far easier to raise money than it is to get paying customers. If you have just raised a round at a great valuation, don’t confuse this with real success in business. That only comes from selling your product to lots of customers!” David Stock http://www.360digitalartist.com/business-plans-experts/

http://www.360digitalartist.com/business-plans-experts/

http://www.matrixpartners.com/site/team_detail/david_skok/

Social Media Marketing in the Entertainment Industry

VERVE Management’s CEO of, Ryan Kristopher, is a powerful company focusing on the future of Social Media. Companies are not hiring Social Media Directors as there is more and more time being spent on Social Media Marketing. Whether one has an established company or a start up business, one can gain a large amount of exposure and understanding through Verve Management. Verve Management creates custom strategies for social media marketing and also leverages, blogs, Youtube, Facebook and Twitter. I believe the Verve Management is headed in the right direction to assist companies in taking on the social media buzz. It is not an easy task to measure social media or “soft metrics” and see the it affects a business’s bottom line.

Having creative and direct content in one’s website is extremely important and understanding how the relevant content can affect a business’s exposure. Verve Management includes the option for consulting on the one’s website’s content to ensure the best information is showcased. One must remember to engage, entertain and inform their audience while creating an increase in their bottom line. As many of us know, social media is not the easiest to see how it affects the bottom line. We as consumers do depend on social media for others thoughts and recommendations therefore it is the consumer’s duty to make sure their reputation is being monitored in the digital world.

I firmly believe Verve Management services offers the edge to business, which allow the entertainment industry to keep on the edge of technology. I would love to see them branch out into more mobile consulting. With statistics such as; consumers check their smart phone 40 times a day, 1 in 5 people purchase something on their smartphone, having an m.site (smartphone web version) is extremely important. More and more people are using Ipads, Iphones rather than laptops and computers. Mobile traffic is continuing to grow and will soon out reach everyday computers. In addition to social media marketing, mobile marketing is quickly growing to surpass social media. We as consumers and business owners need to be where the consumer is, ever changing as time changes. 

Contemporary Christian Female Musicians are shaping the Industry

Promoting Contemporary Christian Artists in today’s entertainment industry is not a straightforward undertaking. The Christian Community can be a narrow audience where artists are not paid a tremendous amount of money. Most artists receive exposure due to the free local events they cover. The industry is changing, many artists including, Francesca Battistelli, Collin Raye, Kutless and many others are evolving Christian Music to be spread among many genres of music.  The number of women only bands and solo female artists are on an upswing, truly moving the music market on the radio, concerts, and sales.

The most popular solo female Christian musician in 2011 was Francesca Battistelli. “Her combination of jazz, blues, and pop make her the perfect Christian alternative to a secular artist like Sara Bareilles, and the sheer classiness of her sound has won her a huge audience and shows her evident passion for music”. (Logan)

These trends are sticking around and rising as Christian Women are continuing to stay true to oneself, keeping their eyes and hear focused on God. They are staying grounded and not allowing the entertainment buzz of paparazzi and tabloids to show the artists in that light.  These artists are full of faith, worship and hope; with top tracks including lyrics about faith, life and the pain in the world.  All of these women are ambitious and nothing in their life allows them to stop what they enjoy most. Keep your eyes out for the top five female singers as they continue to rise.

1.       Francesca Battistelli

2.       Britt Nicole

3.       Brooke Barrett Smith

4.       Krystal Meyers

5.       Stephanie Smith

As a faithful Christian who enjoys music and a large fan of Francesa Battistelli, JM Productions, LLC will focus on keeping these talented Christian based musicians in the right line of light. JM Productions will continue in growing their exposure and creative ability allowing the artists to shine through their music.  

http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=176

http://www.mademan.com/mm/top-5-young-female-contemporary-christian-singers.html

http://www.mademan.com/mm/top-5-young-female-contemporary-christian-singers.html

Leading Christian Agency in the South

AMTC, Actors, Models & Talent for Christ, an agency with an office in the Atlanta region. Carey Lewis, CSO, started the agency for children, teens and adults. The Actors, models and talent for Christ are a devoted Christian who walk in love with the Lord, Sing the truth of God and are a leader and an example of Christian excellence.  Carey has a great agency to keep the young and old generation growing in a positive direction. She quotes, “AMTC, offers stars light, with love and without discrimination” 

After reviewing the website and reading their Faith Statement and Mission Statement, the Actors, Models & Talent for Christ agency is exactly what I look to keep moving towards. Movies such as Fireproof and Courageous are great biblical movies, which offer opportunities to actors, models and other talent.  Why should actors, and models loose hope and direction from their faith to break into the entertainment industry? Who developed the industry of music and movies to only include non-faith based talent. Without the understanding and support of our God, not one actor would be where they are today.

The CSO, Carey, has done a tremendous job at networking and building connections with the top 50 to 100 agents.  Working with AMTC allows actors and musicians to be brought in front of the top agents who travel from Los Angeles, Chicago and New York to seek new talent.  Carey Lewis is delivering the message of God through her expertise and connections. As the Contemporary Christian Music trends continue to increase, I feel Carey’s business will boom with more Christian faith talent.

Carey also has the possibility to expand her agency to include dancers. I believe this is an area that can grow for Carey. There are numerous concerts and festivals in the Atlanta, southern region that could benefit from faith based dancers. What a better way to spread the good news of Jesus, but to tell everyone through their individual talents.

http://www.amtcworld.com/ 

Passion 2012 Will Return to Atlanta for 2013

The Georgia Dome; Atlanta Georgia; a 42,000 seat capacity, sold out arena! Passion 2012 a movement, a unique gathering for the college generation. Every fall new rushes of faces are scene among new colleges across the United States of America. Passion 2012 gives the college students a moment to engage in being a small part in the big story of the message of Jesus.  There was four filled days of community groups, live music, as well as renowned speakers. Musicians included David Crowder Band, Lecrae, Chris Tomlin, Hillsong United and Matt Redman, while John Piper, Beth Moore and Louie Giglio spoke to the sold out crowd.

This year’s Christian Conference focused on students collecting new towels and socks for Atlanta’s homeless. Not only collecting for the homeless but students prayed in a vigil candle light service for the freeing of enslaves not only in Atlanta, but around the world. "There's 27 million slaves in the world today, that's men women and children forced to work," said Bryson Vogeltanz with Passion 2012.  The goal of raising a million dollars was quickly exceeded by the student’s contribution and hit over 3 million before the conference had ended. College students, ones who can barely afford gas on a regular basis, was far scene this past week, students even wrote messages of hope and prayers to those still involved in sex trafficking. The most amazing feeling to see read and continue to hear about the students who flew to Atlanta to give through the hands and feet of Jesus. It is the most humbling experience, leaving volunteers with a heavy heart as they walked away from the conference.  Louie Giglio closed out the conference with a profound statement, “You don’t have to wait to participate fully in the plans and purposes of God. It’s now that God can use you.” (Hensch) When God shows up, he is in the house and everyone experiences a small piece. Spread the word, Passion 2013 will return to the Atlanta Georgia Dome! Pick up your 2013 tickets before it sells out!

Hensch, Passion 2012 Closes with Spiritual Call to Arms for College Youths., Jan 5, 2012 Retrieved on Jan 6, 2012 from http://www.christianpost.com/news/passion-2012-closes-with-call-to-arms-for-college-youths-66525/