Giving Less, Demanding More

Giving Less, Demanding More

After reading the article Giving Increases But So Does Demand I found out that just as many businesses, small and large, corporations, and the human race in general are struggling to make ends meet so are non-profit organizations. Now you may be thinking just as I was, how so? When non-profit organizations do not operate on public funding? But the fact of the matter is that non-profits do have expenditures, whether it is a staff or service. According to the Non-Profit Times, “more then 23 percent nonprofits reported increases donations during the first nine months of this year than in 2009.”

Now can you see why I am a little apprehensive about starting the groundwork for my nonprofit? About 37 percent of charities reported a decrease in donations this year, down from 51 percent in 2009. Now, it is easier for one to just walk away and not go forward with the nonprofit, but if you have a steadfast and consistent spirit as I do, then you will find it easier to persevere. Yes, the economy is in a rut right now and the recession is growing intense by the day, hour it seems, but I am determined to establish a nonprofit, generating a profit.

It is all about you manage and effectively use your finances. That is why it is essential to have a financial team in order to determine whether or not the nonprofit will survive, and at what rate. There is a way to successfully run a business in this harsh economy. “About on in five organizations anticipate reduced budgets next year compared with about a third that expect to maintain their current level.” I am definitely aiming to be in that third that thrives off the saying, “Without struggle there is no Progress.” So with that being said, I think I will take my chances and proceed with my nonprofit to be an example for those that are having second thoughts.

www.nptimes.com/10nov/112910.html Giving Increases But So Does Demand

Music is Nourishment to the Soul

We all know that non-profit organizations are just that, NON-PROFIT. There are no hidden costs or fee requirements to be apart of the organization. So it is difficult in finding an organization that you can relate to without getting frustrated and feeling there are no resources to help fund the organization. Just when I was about to give up and switch over to my back up industry, I found the Music Performance Fund. Music Performance Fund (MPF) is the largest sponsor of live admission-free, professional musical programs. Like my company, it is a non-profit organization contributing knowledge and appreciation of music and to making live music a part of “every child’s life experience.”

The North American recording company and the American Federation of Musicians established Music Performance Fund (MPF) in 1948. Over the years, MPF has sponsored and continue to sponsor 23 music programs in schools, communities, and 7 national programs. The objective of MPF is to fuse together the music connoisseur and the amateur in contributing to the public’s knowledge and appreciation of music. Their main focus though, is to make music a part of every child’s life experience. And they make this possible thorough their 10 school programs, which is in 5 states, and Canada. The thing that I like about MPF is that they enlist co-sponsorship by other organizations. These organizations range from major corporations, like American Express to school boards.

As I sit and ponder what it would be like to earn status as reputable as theirs, two words come to mind: Patience and Consistency. Like HMS, Inc. MPF started small, but grew into this massive sponsor that brings together music and education and impart it to the world for FREE! In my company I feel that instead of doing things the traditional way of educating the youth through music, we can expand to schools and other notable venues to share with the community as well. It greatly affects my industry because with the steady decline of music programs in schools, children are not exposed to music, but most of all the history and culture of music. HMS, Incorporated will use its resources to be seen and not heard. By showing others what we do and why we do it, it will allow potential sponsors and the general public to understand how we operate and that we seek to transform lives through music as well. I was particularly drawn to the fact the MPF not only has an agenda to preserve music as part as a child’s educational growth, but they do it all for free. What that tells me is, that they are truly moved by the thought of the program truly “enriching lives through music.”

Music Performance Fund. http://www.musicpf.org/index.php

Being a Girl ROCKS!

At some point in our lives we all come go through a transition phase. Both male and female experience this phase, which is why we are individuals. The term individual simply means “distinct” or “original”. And being a girl is no different, because it defines who I am on the inside. After listening to Eve Ensler’s TED talk Embrace your inner girl, I understand why females are considered emotional “creatures”. Ensler is the creator of Vagina Monologues and also founded V-Day- “a movement to end violence against women and girls everywhere.” She goes on to say that “there is a girl cell in us all.” Now, that is not to say that we all act feminine or have feminine ways, it is way of showing compassion, empathy, passion, openness, vulnerability, and emotion. Most men have been brought up to “bite the bullet” and never to show emotion, but Ensler insists that embracing our girl cell will allow us all to overcome some sense of violence and suppression.

This really hit home with me because from the ages of 11 to 13 I was molested by mother’s boyfriend. I was afraid, alone, and confused. Who was I going to run and tell? Who would believe me? Listening to Ensler tell the stories of the young women that have overcome harsh adversities and mustering up enough strength and courage to stand tall to declare IAM A GIRL, was powerful. She goes on to say that, “Being a girl is so powerful that we’ve had to train everyone not to be one.” Most people think being a girl is all about emotions and feelings, but I beg to differ. Being a girl is about educating, activating, confronting, engaging, and defying. Educating others on what it means to be a girl, activating our courage to stand tall in the midst of adversities, confronting all things that try and come against this movement, engaging in bringing awareness to the issues that affects girls worldwide, and defying all odds.

“If we teach girls to change the verb we will actually enforce the girl inside us and the girl inside them.” The verb Ensler is referring to is please. She says that as girls, we are looked to as to please everybody. We are expected by nature to satisfy everybody’s needs and neglecting our own. We are expected to take care of the house, the kids, and the family putting behind us our well-being, our education and so forth. So as I embrace the girl cell within, I somehow embrace the hope of becoming the woman that I am destined to be.

www.ted.com/talks/eve_ensler_embrace_your_inner_girl.html

"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.