"If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail"

I am sure when Harvey Mackay said this he was not specifically speaking of planning or project control, but it definitely fits the subject matter. In Jean Scheid’s article The Need For Project Control: Why Bother? She says, “The project with no set monitoring or control will fail…the need for project control is essential for project success.”

Any project whether large or small needs some type of control or managing to ensure that the planning phase, transition, and execution phase is on schedule and organized to a “t.” I cannot tell you how many times I have been to an event and the actual event was phenomenal, but it is not until I actually speak with the coordinator that I find out just how “stressful” planning the event was. My initial thoughts are, one: Did you implement project controls? And two: Did you delegate tasks to your team members so you could actually supervise and oversee?

Jean goes on to say that “The importance and need for project controls can be measured by the project plan.” She then gives what monitoring and controls should be based upon.
• Creating the Project Scope
• Team & Task Structure
• Associated Risk & Risk Management Plan
• Change Control Plan
• Status Monitoring
• Effective Communication Plans
• Budgets & Deadlines
• Evaluation & Analysis
• Corrective Plans
• Presentation Plans

With all of these controls set in place you can be sure to produce successful results on any project at hand. Project Control is not just about being a manager or leader with no boundaries; it is simply working with a team to ensure that the highest potential is reached on the project. Jean says, “The need for project control in every task or challenge given to you grows ever important, especially in the competitive world of project management.”

• Scheid, Jean, (2010, April 20). The Need for Project Control: Why Bother?
http://www.brighthub.com/office/project-management/articles/69114.aspx

Who needs a T.E.A.M.?

With the advancement of digital technology, especially in the music industry, it makes it difficult for the individual artist to make their brand marketable. It takes a team of like minded individuals to make the record sales and increase profitability within that particular market.

A team, comprised of business minded people are necessary to change the atmosphere in the music arena. Every artist, leader, or businessman or woman did not make it to the top by themselves. They had a team in place to help build their brand in areas where they may have needed strengthening.

It is important to surround yourself with people that are going to help you write the vision, have a positive outlook on every situation, and those that can adapt and adjust at a moment's notice.

In the article How to build a Strong Music Team, Author and Marketing Coach of Campaign You Strategy Group Angela Carter gives three keys to building a strong team:

1. Recruit the Right People. "You must mobilize and recruit the right people for your street team for your marketing plans and promotional efforts to be successful."

2. Establish an Organized Structure. "A well-managed team provides more organization and structure. You should also provide training for your team that will help them do their work."

3. Motivate Your Members. "If you want a street team that will be excited to promote for you, who will work hard, who will be energized and motivated, you have to give them a mission. You should let your members know how their work supports a broader mission that you are trying to accomplish."

-Carter, Angela. (2010) How to Build a Strong Music Street Team to Promote Your Music. http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_M_Carter

Success is the key, but Smart work is the answer

I was not sure of the exact path of music business i wanted to pursue. I prayed about it. I thought about and prayed about it some more. What am i good at? What could I love doing so much that I would even do it for free? Sing. But I wanted to make more of an impact than just through my music. Consulting was the first thing that came to my mind. And A.Taylor was the name that came to mind. She has worked as an independent music business consultant for over 20 years and surprisingly enough, has had a lot of clients that have had successful careers in and out of the spotlight. I had the opportunity to ask Ms. Taylor a couple of questions regarding her career and her success. "What is your definition of success, i asked?" "My definition of success is achieving a goal that you set to accomplish . Reaching for a goal whether big or small can be defined as success. To me, it does not always have to be a doctor, lawyer, or the President of the United States. It ca simply be making an A on a term paper after you done the research, drafted, proofread, and completed it." What advice do you have for anyone who desires a career in your chosen career field?" "I would advise them to learn how to effectively communicate with all groups of people in all situations. Communication is key. Be diverse. Be creative. And have a clear understanding of where you're going and who you are. Individualism is contagious and i wanted to catch it, so here I am 20 successful years later." It was not until after this interview/conversation that I had a full understanding of where I want to be and what it is I want to do. So as I press forward to my goal, I understand that my labor and effort will not go unrewarded.

Go Hard or Go Home

There are some swift changes being made in the music industry. With the increasing trend of online music distribution, artists find it difficult to make a profitable name for themselves. Trevor Fisher, a music business consultant has been involved with helping artists define their image for nearly 20 years. He poses a simple question, “What do you have to offer?” In order for an artist to successfully make it in the music industry, they must know and understand what works with the flow of the industry. On Fisher’s site he goes through specifics on how an aspiring artist can be more than successful in their career. We have all heard the saying, “It’s no what you know, but who you know”. This has a lot to do with the music industry. If I, an aspiring music business consultant wish to grow and build my business to attract clients on a global level, it would help to know someone already in that field that could give me insight on how to do so. Now, that is not to say I will not maximize my potential if I do not know anyone in that field. Fisher offers what he calls The Artist Routemap. This system is designed to enhance the marketability of an artist in areas of image, branding, and individuality. It is imperative that an artist develops and maintains an image that not only speaks of their ability to be successful, but the ability to stand out in a crowd. The industry is looking for what works and is going to generate revenue. The fans will come. The money will come. The opportunity to grow will come. It is up to you, the artist to increase your marketability to be transformed into a full-fledged artist. Master your craft, exhausting all resources and the ultimate star inside will be unleashed. For more information on Trevor Fisher and his growing business, visit www.TrevorFisher.com.

About Me

26 years old and loving life the way it is. I desire to be and do more. Singing is my passion, but composing is a hobby. I am a leader by nature. I take pleasure in reading, learning new things, cooking, event planning and coordinating. I am an aspiring entrepreneur with hopes of owning and operating my own art and music academy.

I am the Black Sheep

I sit back. I observe. I am quiet. I am in my zone. Why? Because I am not sure of where to fit in or what to do so I just evade into the background with hopes of no one noticing I am there. The Word says, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven" Matthew 5:16. Well sometimes I have to ask what if your world is so clouded with smoke and darkness from other people that your light cannot shine. How can I as a child, a servant, a woman of God do so? I continue to seek First His Kingdom and all of its righteousness and those things which I desire shall and will be added unto me. I sing because I am happy I sing because I am free, if God's eye is on the sparrow then I know he watches me.

Nobody Knows

In Everybody knows, John Legend sings that "Everybody knows that nodoby knows just how to make it work or how to ease the hurt". These past couple of months have been very trying and exhausting to my spirit but "Greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world". I can't stop. I can't quit. I have people that are depending on me. There is a greater reward in the journey that I have yet to discover. My thoughts are starting to emerge as ideas and my ideas as words and my words as actions. All good of course! This whole blog situation is new to me but I needed some hard proof of my thoughts being that paper can be destroyed. Bear with me as I unleash my creative side. Stay tuned for more....